Aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol-generating apparatus. An aerosol-generating apparatus of the present disclosure comprises: a body providing an elongated insertion space; and a heater having an electrically conductive track in which a plurality of tracks are connected in parallel, and heating the insertion space, wherein the plurality of tracks comprise: an inner track; and at least one outer track of which both ends are connected to both ends of the inner track, respectively, and which surrounds the outside or the inside of the inner track, and the width of the inner track may be 0.40-0.44 mm.

Description

Aerosol generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] An aerosol generator is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may include various flavoring substances. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generators.

[0003] An aerosol generator may employ a heater having multiple heating tracks. Even when the same power is applied to the heater, tracks positioned inside the heater may be heated to a higher temperature than other tracks. In this case, hot spots may occur on these tracks. Consequently, areas of the aerosol generator adjacent to the hot spots are heated to a higher temperature than other areas, resulting in uneven heating of the aerosol generator.

[0004] Additionally, in the support structure that supports the heater, there is a problem that deformation occurs in some areas of the support structure because the area adjacent to the hot spot is heated to a higher temperature than other areas.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which an inner track among a plurality of tracks provided on an electrically conductive track has a width within a specific range.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the width of the outer track of the electrically conductive track is wider than the width of the inner track.

[0008] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which a support tube supporting the outer side of the electrically conductive track has a thickness within a certain range.

[0009] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having an insulation and a heat sink surrounding the outside of the heater.

[0010] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device having an air gap formed between a heater and an insulation surrounding the outside of the heater.

[0011] Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which an inlet passage through which outside air is introduced is positioned within the insulation.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a body providing an elongated insertion space; and a heater having an electrically conductive track in which a plurality of tracks are connected in parallel and which heats the insertion space; wherein the plurality of tracks include an inner track; and at least one outer track having both ends respectively connected to both ends of the inner track and surrounding an outer side or an inner side of the inner track, wherein the inner track has a width of 0.40 mm to 0.44 mm.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an inner track among a plurality of tracks provided in an electrically conductive track has a width within a specific range, thereby reducing a heating temperature deviation of the plurality of tracks and preventing the occurrence of a hot spot.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the outer track of the electrically conductive track is wider than the width of the inner track, so that the current value flowing in the inner track can be made smaller than the current value flowing in the outer track, and the temperature difference between the inner track and the outer track at which they are heated can be reduced.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a support tube supporting the outer side of an electrically conductive track has a thickness within a specific range, thereby spreading heat generated in the track, preventing the occurrence of hot spots, and reducing heat generated in the track from being dissipated to the outside of the track.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insulator and a heat radiator surrounding the outside of the heater are provided, so that heat dissipated to the outside of the heater is reduced and the dissipated heat is prevented from being concentrated in a specific area.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air gap is formed between the heater and the insulation surrounding the outside of the heater, thereby reducing heat dissipation to the outside of the heater and preventing the dissipated heat from being concentrated in a specific area.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet passage is arranged within the insulation, so that outside air flowing into the insertion space can be heated.

[0019] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an electrically conductive track of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 6 illustrates a coupling structure of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the side.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above.

[0027] 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 will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0034] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0035]

[0036] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0039] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0040] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0041] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0042] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0044] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0045] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0046] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0047] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0048] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0049] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0050] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0051] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0052] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0053] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0054] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0056] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0057] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0058] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0059] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0060] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or 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.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0068] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as 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. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0069] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0070] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, the memory (17) 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. For example, the memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0081] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0086] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0091] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations 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 (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0097] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0100] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0101] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0102] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0103]

[0104] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is opened upwardly to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be longer than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating material and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater may extend upwardly in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internally heated heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internally heated heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0111] For example, an electric resistance heater may include an electric resistance material on the inside (e.g., an inner hollow portion or inner surface) or the outside (e.g., an outer surface), and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistance material. In this case, the electric resistance heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11), and may directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11). In addition, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0112] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the internal heating type heater (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (182). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed (or included) within the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the medium portion), and the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0116] In one embodiment, the external heating heater may extend upwardly around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. For example, the external heating heater may have a tubular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The external heating heater may also have a shape having a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the external heating heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the external heating heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating heater implemented as a tubular susceptor, and may include an induction coil (181) surrounding at least a portion of the external heating heater (e.g., disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, when the external heating heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted since heat generation is possible through current flow on a tubular electric resistance heater (e.g., a film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be disposed on the outside of the external heating heater. Through this, heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, respectively. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of one heater (183), respectively.

[0119] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air can be introduced from the outside into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the upper end (i.e., the downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Referring to Fig. 4, the body (10) (e.g., housing (10)) may include elongated side walls (101, 102), a cover (103) forming one end, a base (104) forming the other end, and a door (110) for opening and closing the insertion space (43). The body (10) may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated in one direction.

[0124] The body (10) may include side walls (101, 102) forming an outer surface. The side walls (101, 102) may include curved surfaces extending along the circumferential direction of the body (10).

[0125] The side walls (101, 102) may include a first side wall (101). The first side wall (101) may extend in the circumferential direction of the body (10). The first side wall (101) may be bent in the circumferential direction of the body (10) and form a space therein. One side of the first side wall (101) may be open. The cross section of the first side wall (101) may have a loop shape with one side open.

[0126] The side walls (101, 102) may include a second side wall (102). The second side wall (102) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body (10). The second side wall (102) may be joined to the first side wall (101). The second side wall (102) may be positioned between both ends of the first side wall (101) in the circumferential direction and may form a surface continuous with the first side wall (101). The second side wall (102) may cover one side of the first side wall (101) that is opened in the lateral direction.

[0127] The body (10) may include a cover (103) forming one end in the longitudinal direction. The cover (103) may be coupled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the first side wall (101) and one end in the longitudinal direction of the second side wall (102).

[0128] The body (10) may include a door (110). The door (110) may be coupled to a cover (103). The door (110) may open and close the insertion space (43, see FIGS. 2 and 3) in a sliding manner. A rail (105) may be formed on the cover (103). The door (110) may slide along the rail (105).

[0129] The body (10) may include a base (104) forming a longitudinal end. The base (104) may be coupled to the longitudinal end of the first side wall (101) and the longitudinal end of the second side wall (102).

[0130] A button (106) (e.g., input unit (15) of Fig. 1) may be provided on the body (10). The button (106) may be inserted into a hole formed on one side of the second side wall (102).

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 5 illustrates an electrically conductive track (220) of a heater (18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 5, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track (220). The electrically conductive track (220) may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track (220) may receive power from a power source (11) and generate heat. The electrically conductive track (220) may be referred to as a heating element. The heat generated from the electrically conductive track (220) may heat the medium and / or moisturizer of the stick (2, see FIGS. 2 and 3) inserted into the insertion space (43), thereby generating an aerosol. The electrically conductive track (220) may be formed by etching a metal thin film with a laser. The electrically conductive track (220) may be made of, but is not limited to, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy.

[0134] The electrically conductive track (220) may include a heating track (221) and a connecting portion (222). The heating track (221) may include at least one track (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) that are connected in parallel to each other. The heating track (221) may be divided into an inner track (221b, 221c) and an outer track (221a, 221d).

[0135] The inner track (221b, 221c) may include at least one of the second track (221b) and the third track (221c). The outer track (221a, 221d) may include at least one of the first track (221a) and the fourth track (221d).

[0136] The first track (221a) may be arranged at the outermost end of the electrically conductive track (220) and may be rectangular overall. The first track (221a) may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the second track (221b). The second track (221b) may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the third track (221c). The third track (221c) may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the fourth track (221d).

[0137] The first track (221a) can surround at least a portion of the outer side of the second track (221b). The fourth track (221d) can surround at least a portion of the inner side of the third track (221d). In other words, the outer tracks (221a, 221d) can surround the outer or inner side of the inner tracks (221b, 221c).

[0138] The first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) may include at least one bent portion and may have a winding shape. The first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) may be spaced apart from each other. The first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) may have one end connected to each other and the other end connected to each other. In other words, the first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) may be connected in parallel to each other.

[0139] The width (Wa) of the first track (221a) may be substantially the same as the width (Wd) of the fourth track (221d). At least one of the width (Wb) of the second track (221a) and the width (Wc) of the third track (221c) may be smaller than the width (Wa) of the first track (221a). In other words, the width of at least one outer track (221a, 221d) may be wider than the width of at least one inner track (221b, 221c).

[0140] The width of the first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) may be greater than the spacing between adjacent tracks among the first to fourth tracks. Accordingly, the heating area of ​​the electrically conductive track (220) may be increased, and the insertion space (43) or the stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43) may be evenly heated by the electrically conductive track (220).

[0141] The connecting portion (222) may protrude outward from one side of the heating track (221). The connecting portion (222) may be formed integrally with the heating track (221). The connecting portion (222) may be exposed from an insulator (not shown) covering the electrically conductive track (220). The connecting portion (222) may include a first connecting portion (222a) and a second connecting portion (222b). The first connecting portion (222a) may be connected to one end of the first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d), and the second connecting portion (222b) may be connected to the other end of the first to fourth tracks (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d).

[0142] The lead (223) can be connected to the electrically conductive track (220). The lead (223) can be connected to the connecting portion (222). The lead (223) can be extended in a long direction in which the connecting portion (222) protrudes. The lead (223) can electrically connect the electrically conductive track (220) to the power source (11). The lead (223) can include a first lead (223a) in contact with the first connecting portion (222a) and a second lead (223b) in contact with the second connecting portion (222b). Power can be supplied to the electrically conductive track (220) through the first lead (223a) and the second lead (223b). The lead (223) can be attached to the connecting portion (222) by welding. However, the method of attaching the lead (223) to the connecting portion (222) is not limited thereto.

[0143] At least one inner track (221b, 221c) may have a width within a specific range. For example, at least one of the width (Wb) of the second track (221a) and the width (Wc) of the third track (221c) may be between 0.40 mm and 0.44 mm. For example, at least one of the width (Wb) of the second track (221a) and the width (Wc) of the third track (221c) may be between 0.41 mm and 0.43 mm. For example, at least one of the width (Wb) of the second track (221a) and the width (Wc) of the third track (221c) may be about 0.42 mm.

[0144] At least one outer track (221a, 221d) may have a width within a specific range. For example, at least one of the width (Wa) of the first track (221a) and the width (Wd) of the fourth track (221d) may be between 0.43 mm and 0.47 mm. For example, at least one of the width (Wa) of the first track (221a) and the width (Wd) of the fourth track (221d) may be between 0.44 mm and 0.46 mm. For example, at least one of the width (Wa) of the first track (221a) and the width (Wd) of the fourth track (221d) may be about 0.45 mm.

[0145] The width of at least one outer track (221a, 221d) may be wider than the width of at least one inner track (221b, 221c). The resistance value of at least one outer track (221a, 221d) may be smaller than the resistance value of at least one inner track (221b, 221c). When the same power is applied to both ends of the tracks, the current value flowing in a track with a larger resistance value among the multiple tracks connected in parallel may be smaller than the current value flowing in a track with a smaller resistance value. The current value flowing in the inner track may become smaller than the current value flowing in the outer track, and the temperature difference between the inner track and the outer track in which the inner track and the outer track are heated may be reduced.

[0146] Table 1 below shows the results of comparing the maximum temperature of the electrically conductive track according to the width of the inner track.

[0147] In Table 1, the maximum temperature represents the highest temperature among multiple points of the inner track and the highest temperature among multiple points of the outer track when a constant power is applied to the electrically conductive track.

[0148] Width (mm)Maximum temperature (degrees)Inner trackOuter trackInner trackOuter track0.420.453002750.450.45357276

[0149] In a heater where both the inner track and the outer track have a width of 0.45 mm, the maximum temperature of the inner track was measured to be 357 degrees and the maximum temperature of the outer track was measured to be 276 degrees, and the difference between the maximum temperatures of the inner track and the outer track was measured to be 81 degrees. In contrast, in a heater where the inner track has a width of 0.42 mm and the outer track has a width of 0.45 mm, the maximum temperature of the inner track was measured to be 300 degrees and the maximum temperature of the outer track was measured to be 276 degrees, and the difference between the maximum temperatures of the inner track and the outer track was measured to be 25 degrees.

[0150] Thus, when the inner track has a narrower width than the outer track, but the inner track has a specific width range, the maximum temperature of the outer track is maintained at substantially the same level, and the maximum temperature of the inner track is reduced by more than 50 degrees. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the inner and outer tracks is also significantly reduced from 81 degrees to 25 degrees.

[0151] In this way, according to the electrically conductive track according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the occurrence of hot spots can be suppressed, and the heating temperature deviation of a plurality of tracks can be reduced, so that the aerosol product can be heated more uniformly by the heater.

[0152]

[0153] Fig. 6 illustrates a coupling structure of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 6, the heater (18) may include a susceptor (210), an electrically conductive track (220), and a support tube (230). The heater (18) may be referred to as a heater assembly.

[0155] The susceptor (210) may have a cylindrical shape. The susceptor (210) may be located at the innermost side of the hollow heater (18). The susceptor (210) may be arranged on the inner side of the electrically conductive track (220). The susceptor (210) may surround at least a portion of the insertion space (43). At least a portion of the inner surface of the susceptor (210) may be in contact with the outer surface of the stick (2) inserted into the insertion space (43). The susceptor (210) may be referred to as a heat transfer body, a heat conductive portion, a heat spreading portion, or a pipe. The susceptor (210) may be made of, but is not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy.

[0156] In the longitudinal direction of the susceptor (210) or the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the upper end or one end (211) and the lower end or the other end (212) of the susceptor (210) may be bent outward. The one end (211) and the other end (212) of the susceptor (210) may each have a flange shape that is bent radially outward of the susceptor (210).

[0157] Accordingly, flange shapes are provided at both ends of the susceptor (210), so that the strength of the susceptor (210) can be increased, and deformation of the susceptor (210) can be prevented during the process of heating or cooling the susceptor (210).

[0158] The electrically conductive track (220) may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track (220) may be arranged on the outside of the susceptor (210). The electrically conductive track (220) may surround at least a portion of the susceptor (210). In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the electrically conductive track (220) may be aligned with the upper end (211) of the susceptor (210). For example, the upper end of the electrically conductive track (220) may be in contact with the upper end (211) of the susceptor (210) that protrudes in a flange shape. The length of the electrically conductive track (220) may be shorter than the length of the susceptor (210). The lower end of the electrically conductive track (220) may be spaced upward from the lower end (212) of the susceptor (210).

[0159] An insulator (not shown) may be placed on one side of the electrically conductive track (220). The insulator may be placed on the inside and / or outside of the electrically conductive track (220) and may have a cylindrical shape. The insulator may cover the electrically conductive track. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the insulator may extend further upward and downward than the electrically conductive track (220). In the radial direction of the insertion space (43), the insulator may be placed between the susceptor (210) and the electrically conductive track (220).

[0160] The insulator may be formed of a material having flexibility and heat resistance. The insulator may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties.

[0161] The support tube (230) may have a cylindrical shape. The support tube (230) may be arranged on the outside of the electrically conductive track (220). The support tube (230) may surround at least a portion of the outside of the electrically conductive track (220). In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the support tube (230) may be arranged between both ends of the electrically conductive track (220). The length of the support tube (230) may be shorter than the lengths of the susceptor (210) and the electrically conductive track (220).

[0162] The support tube (230) may be formed of a material having flexibility and heat resistance. The support tube (230) may include at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0163] The support tube (230) may have a thickness within a specific range. For example, the thickness (T1) of the support tube (230) may be between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. For example, the thickness (T1) of the support tube (230) may be between 0.175 mm and 0.225 mm. For example, the thickness (T1) of the support tube (230) may be about 0.2 mm.

[0164] The support tube (230) may include a plurality of layers (231, 232) surrounding the outer side of the electrically conductive track (220). For example, the support tube (230) may include a first layer (231) that contacts the outer side of the electrically conductive track (220) and a second layer (232) that contacts the first layer (231) and surrounds the outer side of the first layer (231). The first layer (231) and the second layer (232) may have approximately the same thickness.

[0165] The support tube (230) may include a heat shrinkable material. The support tube (230) may be arranged to surround the outer side of the electrically conductive track (200) during the manufacturing process of the heater (18), and may shrink when heated to a set temperature, thereby coming into close contact with the outer side of the electrically conductive track (200).

[0166] Even if the support tube (230) has the same thickness in a contracted state, the support tube (230) formed in multiple layers can be compressed more uniformly on the outside of the electrically conductive track (220) than the support tube (230) formed in a single layer. In addition, heat shrinking multiple layers having relatively thin thicknesses can be easier to process than heat shrinking a single layer having a thick thickness.

[0167] Table 2 below shows the results of comparing the deformation temperature of the support tube (230) according to the thickness and material of the support tube (230). The support tube (23) having a thickness of 0.2 mm is formed by stacking two layers each having a thickness of 0.1 mm.

[0168] In Table 2, the deformation temperature represents the temperature at which at least a portion of the support tube (230) begins to deform as the electrically conductive track (220) heats up.

[0169] Tube Material Thickness (mm) Deflection Temperature (degrees) PEEK0.1280 PEEK0.2315

[0170] In the support tube (230) made of polyetheretherketone, when the thickness is 0.1 mm, deformation occurs in the support tube (230) at around 280 degrees. In contrast, when the thickness of the support tube (230) is 0.2 mm, deformation occurs in the support tube (230) at around 315 degrees. In this way, when the support tube (230) has a thickness of 0.2 mm or within a certain range thereof, it can be confirmed that deformation occurs at a temperature approximately 35 degrees higher.

[0171] As shown in Table 1 above, the maximum temperature of the electrically conductive track (220) can rise to 300 degrees. Therefore, when the support tube (230) has a thickness of 0.2 mm or a certain range thereof, even if some tracks of the electrically conductive track (220) rise to a high temperature, the support tube (230) is not deformed, and the heat generated in the electrically conductive track (220) can be effectively spread or insulated by the support tube (230).

[0172]

[0173] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the side, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above. Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a body along line AA of Fig. 4, and Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-section of a body along line BB of Fig. 4.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the heater (18) may surround the insertion space (43). The heater (18) may have a cylindrical shape having a hollow interior. At least a portion of the insertion space (43) may be formed within the heater (18).

[0175] The body casing (111) can be placed inside the body (10). The body casing (111) can support the body (10) inside the body (10). At least a portion of the body casing (111) can be coupled to or in contact with the inner surface of the body (10). The body casing (111) can accommodate a heater (18) therein.

[0176] The heater (18) can be combined with a heater casing (241, 242). The heater (18) and the heater casing (241, 242) can be accommodated in the internal space of the body casing (111). The heater casing (241, 242) can surround the exterior of the heater (18). The heater casing (241, 242) can include a first heater casing (241) and a second heater casing (242). The first heater casing (241) can surround a portion of a side surface of the heater (18). The second heater casing (242) can surround the remaining portion of the side surface of the heater (18). For example, the first heater casing (241) can surround an upper surface of the heater (18), and the second heater casing (242) can surround a lower surface of the heater (18).

[0177] The aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of an insulator (400) and a heat sink (300). The insulator (400) may be disposed inside the body (10). The insulator (400) may surround the exterior of the heater (18) inside the body (10). The insulator (400) may thermally insulate the heater (18). The insulator (400) may have an open top. The insulator (400) may have a bottom formed at the bottom, and a hole formed in a portion of the bottom. The insulator (400) may be disposed to surround the side and bottom of the heater (18). The insulator (400) may include two layers. The inner layer and the outer layer may be spaced apart from each other and form a space (VS) therein. The space (VS) formed by the layer of the insulator (400) can be sealed from the outside. The space (VS) formed by the layer of the insulator (400) can be in a vacuum state. The insulator (400) can be referred to as a vacuum tube.

[0178] Accordingly, the heat generated from the heater (18) can be minimized from being transferred to the outer surface of the body (10) by the insulator (400). Even when the heater (18) generates heat and rises to a high temperature, the high temperature heat can be prevented from being transferred to the body of the user holding the body (10) by the insulator (400).

[0179] The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be formed inside the body casing (111). The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be connected to the outside of the body (10) and the insertion space (43). The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be connected to the insertion space (43) through the inflow hole (2424) formed in the second heater casing (242).

[0180] The inlet passages (P1, P2) may include a first passage (P1) and a second passage (P2). The second passage (P2) may be in communication with the insertion space (43). The second passage (P2) may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) from the lower side of the insertion space (43). The first passage (P1) may be in communication with the second passage (P2). The first passage (P1) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) from one end of the second passage (P2). The first passage (P1) may be in communication with the outside of the body casing (111). External air of the aerosol generator (1) can be introduced into the body (10) through a gap provided in the body (10), pass through the first flow path (P1) and the second flow path (P2), and flow into the insertion space (43) through the inlet hole (2424).

[0181] The puff sensor (132) may be arranged on one side of the inflow path (P1, P2). The puff sensor (132) may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure or internal pressure change of the inflow path (P1, P2). The puff sensor (132) may output a signal corresponding to the user's puff. The puff sensor (132) may be communicated with the inflow path (P1, P2) and the insertion space (43). The puff sensor (132) may be arranged to face the inflow path (P1, P2). In the radial direction of the insertion space (43), the puff sensor (312) may be arranged on the outside of the insulator (400).

[0182] The inflow paths (P1, P2) may be arranged adjacent to the heater (18) inside the body casing (111). The first inflow path (P1) may be arranged adjacent to the heater casing (241, 242). At least a portion of the inflow paths (P1, P2) may be arranged inside the insulator (400). The insulator (400) may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the inflow paths (P1, P2).

[0183] The outside air flowing in through the inflow paths (P1, P2) can be heated by the heat generated from the heater (18). The outside air heated within the inflow paths (P1, P2) can flow into the insertion space (43) and into the inside of the stick (2) through one end of the stick (2) accommodated in the insertion space (43).

[0184] In this way, the inflow paths (P1, P2) are arranged within the insulator (400), so that the outside air flowing into the insertion space (43) can be effectively heated.

[0185] In addition, since the puff sensor (132) is placed outside the insulator (400), heating of the puff sensor (132) by heat generated from the heater (18) can be minimized.

[0186] In the radial direction of the insertion space (43), an air gap (G1) may be formed between the heater casing (241, 242) and the insulator (400). This gap may be referred to as a first gap. The first gap (G1) may extend along the perimeter of the heater (18) on the outside of the heater (18).

[0187] Accordingly, the heat generated from the heater (18) can be minimized from being dissipated outside the heater (18).

[0188] The heat sink (300) may include a first heat sink (310). The first heat sink (310) may be disposed inside the body (10). The first heat sink (310) may surround the exterior of a body casing (111) coupled with the body (10) inside the body (10). The body casing (111) may be provided with a receiving portion formed by recessing a portion of an outer surface along an outer perimeter. The first heat sink (310) may be received in the receiving portion of the body casing (111) and surround the exterior of the body casing (111).

[0189] The first heat radiator (310) may be disposed outside the heater (18) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The first heat radiator (310) may surround at least a portion of the outside of the heater (18). The first heat radiator (310) may be disposed spaced apart from the heater (18) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The first heat radiator (310) may extend longer than the heater (18) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43). In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the upper end of the first heat radiator (310) may be disposed higher than the upper end of the insulator (400), and the lower end of the first heat radiator (310) may be disposed lower than the lower end of the insulator (400). The first heat radiator (310) may be disposed outside the insulator (400). In the radial direction of the insertion space (43), an insulator (400) can be placed between the heater (18) and the first heat radiator (310).

[0190] The first heat dissipator (310) may include a material having excellent heat absorption and heat diffusion capabilities. For example, the first heat dissipator (310) may include at least one of graphite, a metal compound, and an aerogel.

[0191] Accordingly, the heat generated from the heater (18) is minimized from being transferred to the outer surface of the body (10) by the insulator (400) and the air gap (G1), and even if some of the heat is transferred to the body (10), the transferred heat can be evenly spread to a wide area of ​​the body (10) by the first heat radiator (310).

[0192] The heat sink (300) may include a second heat sink (320). The second heat sink (320) may be placed inside the body casing (111). The second heat sink (320) may be placed in a space formed inside the body casing (111). The second heat sink (320) may be placed between the insulator (400) and the first heat sink (310) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43).

[0193] The second heat radiator (320) can surround at least a portion of the exterior of the heater (18). The second heat radiator (320) can surround at least a portion of the exterior of the insulator (400). At least a portion of the second heat radiator (320) can be in contact with the exterior surface of the insulator (400).

[0194] The heat sink (300) may include a third heat sink (330). The third heat sink (330) may be disposed inside the first heat sink (310). The third heat sink (330) may surround the exterior of the body casing (111). At least a portion of the third heat sink (330) may be in contact with the first heat sink (310). The third heat sink (300) may surround the exterior of the heater (18).

[0195] The second heat dissipator (320) and the third heat dissipator (330) may include a material having excellent heat absorption and heat diffusion capabilities. For example, the second heat dissipator (320) and the third heat dissipator (330) may include at least one of graphite, a metal compound, and an aerogel.

[0196] An air gap (G2) may be formed between the second radiator (320) and the insulator (400). This gap may be referred to as a second gap. The second gap (G2) may be located outside the first gap (G1).

[0197] An air gap (G3) may be formed between the first radiator (310) and the third radiator (330). This gap may be referred to as a third gap. The third gap (G3) may be located outside the first gap (G1).

[0198] In the radial direction of the insertion space (43), the second gap (G2) and the third gap (G3) may be positioned on opposite sides. The second gap (G2) may be positioned opposite the third gap (G3) with respect to the insertion space (43). For example, the second gap (G2) may be positioned on the left side of the body (10) within the body (10), and the third gap (G3) may be positioned on the right side of the body (10) within the body (10). An insulator (400) and a first gap (G1) may be positioned between the second gap (G2) and the third gap (G3).

[0199] In this way, by arranging the first gap (G1), the insulator (400), the first to third heat radiators (310, 320, 330), the second gap (G2), and the third gap (G3) on the outside of the heater (18), the heat generated from the heater (18) can be minimized from being dissipated to the outside of the heater (18), and the heat can be prevented from being concentrated in a specific area of ​​the body (10).

[0200]

[0201] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the inner track among the plurality of tracks provided in the electrically conductive track has a width within a specific range, the heating temperature deviation of the plurality of tracks can be reduced, and the occurrence of hot spots can be prevented.

[0202] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the outer track of the electrically conductive track is wider than the width of the inner track, so that the current value flowing in the inner track can be made smaller than the current value flowing in the outer track, and the temperature difference between the inner track and the outer track at which they are heated can be reduced.

[0203] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a support tube supporting the outer side of an electrically conductive track has a thickness within a specific range, thereby spreading heat generated in the track, preventing the occurrence of hot spots, and reducing heat generated in the track from being dissipated to the outside of the track.

[0204] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an insulator and a heat radiator surrounding the outside of the heater are provided, so that heat dissipated to the outside of the heater is reduced and the dissipated heat is prevented from being concentrated in a specific area.

[0205] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air gap is formed between the heater and the insulation surrounding the outside of the heater, thereby reducing heat dissipation to the outside of the heater and preventing the dissipated heat from being concentrated in a specific area.

[0206] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet passage is arranged within the insulation, so that outside air flowing into the insertion space can be heated.

[0207]

[0208] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body (10) providing an elongated insertion space (43); and an electrically conductive track (220) having a plurality of tracks connected in parallel, and a heater (18) for heating the insertion space (43); wherein the plurality of tracks include at least one inner track (221b, 221c); and at least one outer track (221a, 221d) having both ends respectively connected to both ends of the inner track (221b, 221c) and surrounding the outer or inner side of the inner track (221b, 221c), and wherein the width of the at least one inner track (221b, 221c) may be 0.40 mm to 0.44 mm.

[0209] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the width of the at least one inner track (221b, 221c) may be 0.41 mm to 0.43 mm.

[0210] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the width of the at least one outer track (221a, 221d) may be wider than the width of the at least one inner track (221b, 221c).

[0211] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the width of the outer track (221a, 221d) may be 0.43 mm to 0.47 mm.

[0212] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the resistance value of at least one outer track (221a, 221d) may be smaller than the resistance value of at least one inner track (221b, 221c).

[0213] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a support tube (230) is further included that surrounds the outer side of the electrically conductive track (220), and the thickness of the support tube (230) may be 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm.

[0214] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support tube (230) may include a plurality of layers (231, 232) surrounding the outer side of the electrically conductive track (220).

[0215] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support tube (230) may include polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0216] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first heat dissipation body (310) is disposed on the body (10) and surrounds the heater (18), and in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the first heat dissipation body (310) can extend longer than the heater (18).

[0217] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an insulator (400) surrounding the heater (18) is included, and in the radial direction of the insertion space (43), the insulator (400) can be placed between the heater (18) and the first heat dissipator (310).

[0218] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second heat dissipation body (320) is provided between the insulator (400) and the first heat dissipation body (310) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43), wherein the second heat dissipation body (320) surrounds at least a portion of the outer side of the insulator (400), and at least a portion of the second heat dissipation body (320) can be in contact with the outer surface of the insulator (400).

[0219] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heater casing (241, 242) is disposed within the body (10) and surrounds the outside of the heater (18), and an air gap (G1) can be formed between the heater casing (241, 242) and the insulator (400) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43).

[0220] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body (10) includes an inflow path (P) that communicates with the outside and the insertion space (43), and the inflow path (P) can be arranged on the inside of the insulator (400).

[0221] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first heat dissipator (310) may include at least one of aerogel, graphite, and a metal compound.

[0222]

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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.

[0225] 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 body that provides a long insertion space; and A heater comprising an electrically conductive track having a plurality of tracks connected in parallel and heating the insertion space; The above multiple tracks are, At least one inner track; and At least one outer track is connected to both ends of the inner track and surrounds the outer or inner side of the inner track, An aerosol generating device wherein the width of at least one inner track is 0.40 mm to 0.44 mm.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the width of at least one inner track is 0.41 mm to 0.43 mm.

3. In paragraph 1, The width of at least one outer track is: An aerosol generating device wider than the width of at least one inner track.

4. In paragraph 3, An aerosol generating device wherein the width of the outer track is 0.43 mm to 0.47 mm.

5. In paragraph 1, The resistance value of at least one outer track is: An aerosol generating device having a resistance value smaller than that of at least one inner track.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a support tube surrounding the outer side of the electrically conductive track; An aerosol generating device wherein the thickness of the above support tube is 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm.

7. In paragraph 6, The above support tube, An aerosol generating device comprising a plurality of layers surrounding the outer side of the electrically conductive track.

8. In paragraph 6, The above support tube, An aerosol generating device comprising polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

9. In paragraph 1, A first heat radiator disposed on the body and surrounding the heater, An aerosol generating device in which the first radiator extends longer than the heater in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

10. In paragraph 9, Including an insulating material surrounding the above heater, An aerosol generating device in which the insulation is disposed between the heater and the first heat radiator in the radial direction of the above insertion space.

11. In paragraph 10, In the radial direction of the above insertion space, a second heat radiator is included that is arranged between the insulation and the first heat radiator, The above second radiator, An aerosol generating device surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the insulation, and at least a portion of the aerosol generating device being in contact with the outer surface of the insulation.

12. In paragraph 10, A heater casing is disposed within the body and surrounds the outside of the heater, An aerosol generating device in which an air gap is formed between the heater casing and the insulator in the radial direction of the above insertion space.

13. In paragraph 10, Including an inlet passage communicating with the outside of the above body and the above insertion space, The above inflow path is: An aerosol generating device disposed on the inside of the above insulation.

14. In paragraph 9, The above first radiator, An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of an aerogel, graphite and a metal compound.

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