Heater assembly and aerosol-generating device comprising same

Abstract

This heater assembly for an aerosol-generating device comprises: a cover housing; and a coil assembly inserted into the cover housing, wherein the coil assembly comprises: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field as power is supplied; a first bracket including an accommodation space for accommodating the coil and supporting the coil accommodated in the accommodation space; a second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and a shielding member which is disposed to surround the side surfaces of the first bracket and the coil and shields a magnetic field radiated from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket may fix the shielding member.

Description

Heater assembly and aerosol generating device including the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device including the same, which modularizes components for heating an aerosol by an induction heating method to increase the convenience of combination and stably support the components.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette itself.

[0003] Conventional aerosol generating devices have generally generated aerosols by using a resistance heating method in which a heater formed of an electric resistor is placed inside or outside a cigarette and electricity is supplied to the heater to heat the cigarette. However, recently, various heating methods different from the resistance heating method have been proposed.

[0004] For example, an inductively heated aerosol generator has been proposed that heats cigarettes using a susceptor that generates heat through an alternating magnetic field. Inductively heated aerosol generators require additional components, such as a coil to generate the magnetic field and a shielding member to prevent the magnetic field from leaking out. This increased number of components, compared to conventional aerosol generators, necessitates a method for simplifying the manufacturing process while firmly joining the components.

[0005] Induction heating aerosol generators require additional components such as coils and shielding members compared to conventional resistance heating aerosol generators. As a result, assembly of the components takes a lot of time during the manufacturing process, and heating performance may be degraded due to deviations (or 'assembly deviations') that occur during the assembly process.

[0006] For example, if the coil deviates from the designed position due to a deviation occurring during the assembly process, the magnetic field may not be radiated as intended, which may reduce the overall heating efficiency of the aerosol generator, resulting in a situation where the amount of aerosol generated and the user's smoking sensation may be reduced. In addition, if the shielding member deviates from the designed position due to a deviation occurring during the assembly process, the magnetic field generated by the coil may leak outside the aerosol generator, which may cause interference between the aerosol generator and external electronic devices.

[0007] Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heater assembly that modularizes components such as a coil and a shielding member for heating a cigarette by induction heating, and an aerosol generating device including the same, thereby simplifying the assembly process of the aerosol generating device and strengthening the bonding of the components to prevent deterioration of induction heating performance due to assembly deviation.

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

[0009] A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a cover housing and a coil assembly inserted into the cover housing, the coil assembly comprising: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field when power is supplied; a first bracket including a receiving space for receiving the coil and supporting the coil received in the receiving space; a second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and a shielding member arranged to surround a side surface of the first bracket and the coil and for shielding a magnetic field radiated from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket can fix the shielding member.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a heater assembly including a cover housing and a coil assembly inserted into the cover housing, and a housing for accommodating the heater assembly, wherein the coil assembly comprises: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field when power is supplied; a first bracket including an accommodation space for accommodating the coil and supporting the coil accommodated in the accommodation space; a second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and a shielding member arranged to surround a side surface of the first bracket and the coil and for shielding a magnetic field radiated from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly, wherein the cover housing comprises: a receiving portion into which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is inserted; and a susceptor arranged to be insertable into an aerosol generating article within the receiving portion and for heating the aerosol generating article by generating heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil; wherein the first bracket and the second bracket can fix the shielding member.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the convenience of assembly by simplifying the manufacturing process of an aerosol generating device through a modularized heater assembly of components.

[0012] Additionally, various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent heating efficiency from being reduced due to deviations occurring during the assembly process by strengthening the bonding of components through a modularized heater assembly.

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

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 3.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coil assembly of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coil assembly of Figure 5.

[0021] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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).

[0030] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0098] 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. 2A or FIG. 2B, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be referred to as an 'internal heating type / nb aerosol generating device' that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2B 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 2a, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0102] 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).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 2b, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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. 2A 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 outer radial direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) may be reduced.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Unlike as shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, the heater (182) of FIG. 2a and the heater (183) of FIG. 2b 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).

[0113] 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.

[0114] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2a to FIG. 2b) may include a housing (100) (e.g., the housing (10) of FIG. 2a to FIG. 2b) capable of accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (S) (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2a to FIG. 2b).

[0116] The housing (100) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1), and components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged in the internal space of the housing (100). For example, a heater assembly, a power source, and / or a control unit for heating an aerosol generating article (S) can be arranged in the internal space of the housing (100), but the components of the aerosol generating device (1) arranged in the internal space of the housing (100) are not limited thereto.

[0117] Although the overall external shape of the aerosol generating device (1) is shown in the drawing only for an embodiment in which the cross-section is formed into a columnar shape with an elliptical shape, the shape of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In another embodiment (not shown), the aerosol generating device (1) may be formed into an overall cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape (e.g., a triangular column or a square column).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the housing (100) may include a first housing (110) and a second housing (120) detachably coupled to the first housing (110). The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) when coupled to each other, and components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged in the space between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). For example, the first housing (110) may form at least a portion of a side surface and a bottom surface of the aerosol generating device (1), and the second housing (120) may form the remaining portion of a side surface and a top surface of the aerosol generating device (1), but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The second housing (120) may include an insertion hole (120h) into which an aerosol generating article (S) may be inserted, and at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) may pass through the insertion hole (120h) and be accommodated in a heater assembly (not shown) disposed in a space between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). Although the drawing only illustrates an embodiment in which the insertion hole (120h) is disposed in an upper region (e.g., a region in the z direction) of the second housing (120), the position of the insertion hole (120h) is not limited thereto.

[0120] After passing through the insertion hole (120h), the aerosol-generating article (S) accommodated in the heater assembly can be heated inside the heater assembly, and as the aerosol-generating article (S) is heated, an aerosol can be generated inside the heater assembly. For example, the aerosol-generating article (S) can be accommodated in the receiving portion of the heater assembly, and the heater can heat the aerosol-generating article (S) accommodated in the receiving portion to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the heater assembly can be provided to a user when the user makes contact with the aerosol-generating article (S) and inhales it.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cover (101) movably arranged in the second housing (120) for opening or closing the insertion hole (120h).

[0122] In one example, the cover (101) may be positioned to cover the insertion hole (120h) in the first position (or 'closed position') so that the insertion hole (120h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). By preventing the insertion hole (120h) from being exposed to the outside in the first position, the cover (101) may prevent external foreign substances from entering the interior of the housing (100) through the insertion hole (120h).

[0123] In another example, the cover (101) may be moved from a first position to a second position (or 'open position') such that the insertion hole (120h) is exposed to the outside. When the cover (101) is in the second position, the insertion hole (120h) is exposed, allowing the aerosol generating article (S) to be inserted into the interior of the housing (100) through the insertion hole (120h).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the cover (101) can slide between a first position and a second position along a groove formed in an area (e.g., an area facing the z direction) of the second housing (120), but the movement method of the cover (101) is not limited thereto. In addition, the cover (101) that has moved from the first position to the second position can return to the first position by elastic force (or 'restoring force') even without a separate operation by the user, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] Below, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) will be specifically examined with reference to FIG. 4.

[0126] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 3.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 3) may include a housing (100) (e.g., the housing (100) of FIG. 3) and a heater assembly (200). Components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be substantially identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 3, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0128] The housing (100) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 3) and a second housing (120) (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 3) that can be detachably coupled to the first housing (110).

[0129] The first housing (110) may form part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), accommodate components of the aerosol generating device (1), and protect the accommodated components. For example, a heater assembly (200) may be accommodated in the interior space of the first housing (110), and the first housing (110) may protect the heater assembly (200) from external impact or the ingress of external foreign substances.

[0130] The second housing (120) can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) together with the first housing (110), and can remove residues of an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article (S) of FIG. 3) remaining inside the heater assembly (200) when detached from the first housing (110).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) may include a support portion (122) (or 'extractor') inserted into the interior of the receiving portion (220a) (or 'aerosol generating article receiving portion') of the base (121) and the heater assembly (200) to support the aerosol generating article received in the receiving portion (220a).

[0132] The base (121) can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) together with the first housing (110) when the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are combined. For example, the base (121) can form a portion of the top surface and a side surface of the aerosol generating device (1), and the first housing (110) can form another portion of the side surface and a bottom surface of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0133] The base (121) may include an insertion hole (120h) into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, and the aerosol generating article can be accommodated inside the receiving portion (220a) of the heater assembly (200) after passing through the insertion hole (120h).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the cover (101) (e.g., the cover (101) of FIG. 3) can be movably positioned on the base (121) to open or close the insertion hole (120h). For example, the cover (101) can open the insertion hole (120h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) in a first position, and close the insertion hole (120h) so that the insertion hole (120h) is not exposed to the outside in a second position.

[0135] The support portion (122) may extend in a direction (e.g., -z direction) toward the heater assembly (200) in an area adjacent to the insertion hole (120h) of the base (121), and may be inserted into the interior of the receiving portion (220a) to surround the aerosol generating article received in the receiving portion (220a).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the support portion (122) may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article inserted through the insertion hole (120h) and an opening (122o) formed on a side of the support portion (122) to open at least a portion of the cavity.

[0137] When an aerosol generating article is inserted through the insertion hole (120h) while the support part (122) of the second housing (120) is inserted into the interior of the receiving part (220a) of the heater assembly (200),

[0138] The inserted aerosol-generating article can be accommodated within the cavity of the support portion (122), and external air can be introduced into the cavity through the opening (122o). At this time, the air introduced into the cavity through the opening (122o) can be mixed with vapor generated as the aerosol-generating article is heated to generate an aerosol. As illustrated in the drawing, the opening (122o) may be an opening extending along the length direction of the support portion (122) on at least a portion of a side surface of the support portion (122), but the shape of the opening (122o) is not limited thereto.

[0139] The support portion (122) can allow the residue of the aerosol generating article remaining in the receiving portion (220a) to be discharged to the outside when the second housing (120) is detached from the first housing (110) through the above-described arrangement structure.

[0140] For example, during the use of the aerosol generating device (1), a part of the aerosol generating article may break, or a residue generated after the aerosol generating article is heated may remain inside the receiving portion (220a). In this case, since the support portion (122) is arranged to surround the aerosol generating article inside the receiving portion (220a), it can surround even the residue generated during the use of the aerosol generating substance, and as a result, when the support portion (122) is detached from the receiving portion (220a) by detachment of the second housing (120), the residue of the aerosol generating substance may also be discharged to the outside of the receiving portion (220a) together with the support portion (122).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the support portion (122) may further include a through hole (122h) formed in the lower surface of the support portion (122). When the second housing (120) is coupled to the first housing (110), the susceptor (222) of the heater assembly (200) (e.g., the heater (182) of FIG. 2A) may pass through the through hole (122h) and be positioned inside the cavity of the support portion (122), and the susceptor (222) positioned inside the cavity may be inserted into an aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity of the support portion (122). In other words, the susceptor (222) of the heater assembly (200) may be positioned inside the cavity through the through hole (122h) and may be inserted into an aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0142] The heater assembly (200) can be accommodated inside the first housing (110) and can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the heater assembly (200) through an insertion hole (120h) of the second housing (120).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (200) may include a coil assembly (210) and a cover housing (220) coupled with the coil assembly (210).

[0144] The coil assembly (210) may include a coil (C), a shielding member (213), and a sensor (240), and the coil (C), the shielding member (213), and the sensor (240) may be components of a modular aerosol generating device (1). That is, the coil assembly (210) may be components of an aerosol generating device (1) in which the coil (C), the shielding member (213), and the sensor (240) are integrated.

[0145] The coil (C) may be arranged to surround the susceptor (222) of the cover housing (220), and may generate an alternating magnetic field as power is supplied. For example, the coil (C) may be arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the receiving portion (220a) when the coil assembly (210) is inserted into the cover housing (220) and the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing (220) are coupled, thereby surrounding the susceptor (222) located inside the receiving portion (220a). At this time, the susceptor (222) may generate heat in response to the alternating magnetic field generated from the coil (C), thereby heating the aerosol generating article.

[0146] The shielding member (213) can shield the magnetic field from leaking out of the coil assembly (210). For example, the shielding member (213) can be arranged to surround the coil (C) so that the magnetic field generated from the coil (C) does not leak out of the coil assembly (210).

[0147] The sensor (240) can obtain information necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the sensor (240) can obtain information for detecting whether the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are attached or detached, or whether an aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving portion (220a).

[0148] In the case of individually assembling the coil (C), shielding member (213), and sensor (240) during the manufacturing of the aerosol generating device (1), a situation may arise where the positions of the coil (C), shielding member (213), and / or sensor (240) deviate from the designed positions due to deviations (or 'assembly deviations') occurring during the assembly process, and as a result, the overall performance of the aerosol generating device (1) may deteriorate.

[0149] In one example, if the coil (C) deviates from the designed position, the magnetic field may not be radiated in the intended direction, which may reduce the heating efficiency of the susceptor (222). In another example, if the shielding member (213) deviates from the designed position, a portion of the magnetic field generated from the coil (C) may leak out of the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, if the sensor (240) deviates from the designed position, the detection accuracy of whether an aerosol generating article is inserted or whether the second housing (120) is attached or detached may deteriorate.

[0150] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can simplify the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating device (1) through a coil assembly (210) in which a coil (C), a shielding member (213), and a sensor (240) are modularized, and can stably maintain the performance of the aerosol generating device (1) by preventing deviations that may occur during the assembling process of components of the aerosol generating device (1). The specific configuration of the coil assembly (210) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0151] The cover housing (220) can be coupled with the coil assembly (210) to protect the coil assembly (210), and can include a receiving portion (220a) into which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is inserted, and a susceptor (222) positioned so as to be insertable into the aerosol generating article within the receiving portion (220a).

[0152] In a state where the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are combined, the support portion (122) of the second housing (120) can be positioned inside the receiving portion (220a) and can be arranged to surround an aerosol generating article that passes through the insertion hole (120h) and is received into the receiving portion (220a).

[0153] The susceptor (222) can be inserted into an aerosol generating article accommodated in the receiving portion (220a), and can heat the aerosol generating article by generating heat through an alternating magnetic field generated from the coil (C). As the aerosol generating article is heated, the vapor generated can be mixed with external air introduced into the receiving portion (220a) through the opening (122o) of the support portion (122) to generate an aerosol.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing (220) can be coupled to each other in such a way that the coil assembly (210) is inserted into the cover housing (220). The cover housing (220) can include a coupling hole (224) and the coil assembly (210) can include a rib (210p) that can be inserted into the coupling hole (224). For example, the rib (210p) can be positioned to protrude from a portion of the first bracket (211) and can be inserted into a coupling hole (224) that is positioned corresponding to the rib (210p) when the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing (220) are coupled. The coil assembly (210) can be fixed in a state where it is inserted into the cover housing (220) by hook-joining the rib (210p) of the coil assembly (210) into the joining hole (224) of the cover housing (220), but the manner in which the rib (210p) is joined to the joining hole (224) is not limited thereto.

[0155] As the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing (220) are combined, the assembly of the heater assembly (200) can be completed, and when the second housing (120) is combined with the first housing (110) while the assembled heater assembly (200) is accommodated in the first housing (110), the assembly of the aerosol generating device (1) can be finally completed.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can simplify the assembly process of the heater assembly (200) through the modularized coil assembly (210) as described above, and as a result, can reduce the overall assembly time of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0157] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the coil assembly (210) in which the components are modularized will be specifically examined.

[0158] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a coil assembly of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coil assembly of Fig. 5. At this time, the coil assembly (210) of Figs. 5 and 6 may be an embodiment of the coil assembly (210) of Fig. 4, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a coil assembly (210) according to one embodiment may include a coil (C), a first bracket (211), a second bracket (212), a shielding member (213), and sensors (230, 240). The components of the coil assembly (210) are not limited thereto, and at least one of the above-described components (e.g., sensor (230, 240)) may be omitted depending on the embodiment, or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0160] The first bracket (211) (or 'bottom bracket') can form the outer appearance of the coil assembly (210) and can serve to support components of the coil assembly (210). According to one embodiment, the first bracket (211) can include a receiving space (211a) for receiving a coil (C) and can support the coil (C) received in the receiving space (211a). For example, the first bracket (211) can be arranged to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the coil (C) received in the receiving space (211a) and a lower region (e.g., a region in the -z direction) of the coil (C) to fix the position of the coil (C).

[0161] The second bracket (212) (or 'upper bracket') can be coupled to one end (e.g., the end facing the z direction) of the first bracket (211) and can support or fix the coil (C) together with the first bracket (211). For example, the second bracket (212) can be positioned so as to contact the upper region (e.g., the region facing the z direction) of the coil (C) while being coupled to the first bracket (211) and can fix the position of the coil (C) together with the first bracket (211).

[0162] According to one embodiment, a coil assembly (210) can prevent the coil (C) from moving during the operation of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 3 and 4) through a structure in which the coil (C) is firmly supported by the first bracket (211) and the second bracket (212) between the first bracket (211) and the second bracket (212). As a result, a decrease in the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device due to the movement of the coil (C) can be prevented.

[0163] The shielding member (213) can be fixed by the first bracket (211) and the second bracket (212), and can block or shield the magnetic field generated from the coil (C) from being radiated to the outside. For example, the shielding member (213) can be arranged to surround the side of the first bracket (211) and the coil (C), and can block the magnetic field from being radiated to the outside of the heater assembly or the coil assembly (210). In the present disclosure, when the 'side' is defined as the side facing the z direction as the top side and the side facing the -z direction as the bottom side, it can mean a side surrounding the space between the top side and the bottom side (e.g., a side facing the x direction or the y direction), and the expression can be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the shielding member (213) may include a first shielding member (213a) and a second shielding member (213b).

[0165] The first shielding member (213a) may be arranged to surround a portion of the side of the coil (C) and the side of the first bracket (211) to block the magnetic field from leaking out of the heater assembly or the coil assembly (210). For example, the first shielding member (213a) may be coupled to the first bracket (211) in such a way that at least a portion thereof is adhered to the coil (C) and / or the first bracket (211) via an adhesive member (not shown), but is not limited thereto.

[0166] The second shielding member (213b) is arranged to surround the remaining area of ​​the side of the first bracket (211) except for an area covered by the first shielding member (213a), thereby blocking the magnetic field from leaking out of the heater assembly or coil assembly (210). For example, the second shielding member (213b) may be coupled to the first bracket (211) in such a way that at least a portion of the second shielding member (213b) is adhered to the first bracket (211) via an adhesive member, but is not limited thereto.

[0167] According to one embodiment, a region (213o) (or 'overlapping region') of the second shielding member (213b) may be positioned on the first shielding member (213a) and may be arranged to overlap with the first shielding member (213a). In other words, a region (213o) of the second shielding member (213b) may be arranged to cover the first shielding member (213a).

[0168] In the case where the shielding member (213) is formed integrally, the position of the shielding member (213) must be aligned, so assembling the coil assembly (210) may not be easy. On the other hand, in the case where the shielding member (213) is divided into a first shielding member (213a) and a second shielding member (213b), while the convenience of assembly is improved, a situation may occur where a portion of the magnetic field generated from the coil (C) leaks to the outside through the space between the first shielding member (213a) and the second shielding member (213b) generated during the assembly process.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the coil assembly (210) can prevent a magnetic field from leaking out of the coil assembly (210) by completely shielding the side of the first bracket (211) and the coil (C) through a structure in which one area (213o) of the second shielding member (213b) is arranged to overlap with the first shielding member (213a).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the first bracket (211) may include a first fixing member (211g) protruding from a side surface of the first bracket (211) to fix the position of the shielding member (213). For example, the first fixing member (211g) may be positioned to penetrate an area where the first shielding member (213a) and the second shielding member (213b) overlap, thereby fixing the positions of the first shielding member (213a) and the second shielding member (213b), but is not limited thereto.

[0171] According to another embodiment, the second bracket (212) may include a second fixing member (212r) protruding from the second bracket (212) in a direction (e.g., -z direction) toward the coil (C) to fix the shielding member (213). For example, the second fixing member (212r) may be arranged to surround a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shielding member (213) to fix the position of the shielding member (213), but is not limited thereto.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the coil assembly (210) can prevent a magnetic field from leaking to the outside as the shielding member (213) moves during the operation of the aerosol generating device by fixing the position of the shielding member (213) through the first fixing member (211g) and / or the second fixing member (212r).

[0173] The sensor (230, 240) is arranged to be supported by the first bracket (211) and / or the second bracket (212) and can acquire data necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the sensors (230, 240) may include a first sensor (230) for detecting whether an aerosol generating article is received inside a receiving portion (e.g., receiving portion (220a) of FIG. 5) and a second sensor (240) for detecting whether a second housing (e.g., second housing (120) of FIG. 5) has been detached from a first housing (e.g., first housing (110) of FIG. 5).

[0175] The first sensor (230) may include a capacitance sensor for detecting a change in a capacitance value, and may be placed inside the coil (C) to detect a change in the capacitance value inside the receiving portion when the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing are combined.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (230) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the receiving portion between the coil (C) and the receiving portion when the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing are combined, and may detect a change in the capacitance value inside the receiving portion depending on whether an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0177] In one embodiment, the coil assembly (210) may further include a tube (214) for securing the first sensor (230). The tube (214) may be arranged to surround the first sensor (230) and the receiving portion when the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing are coupled, and may secure the first sensor (230) in a position adjacent to the receiving portion by pressing the first sensor (230) toward the receiving portion. For example, the tube (214) may be, but is not limited to, a heat shrink tube that shrinks in response to heat.

[0178] The coil assembly (210) can more precisely detect changes in the capacitance value inside the receiving portion depending on whether an aerosol generating article is inserted by allowing the first sensor (230) to be positioned adjacent to the receiving portion through the above-described tube (214).

[0179] The second sensor (240) may include an inductive sensor for detecting a change in inductance value, and may detect a change in inductance value around the coil assembly (210) depending on whether an external object approaches.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (240) may be disposed on the second bracket (212) and may detect a change in the inductance value depending on whether an external object (e.g., the second housing (120)) approaches the periphery of the coil assembly (210). For example, the second sensor (240) may be positioned between the second bracket (212) and the cover housing when the coil assembly (210) and the cover housing are coupled. At this time, the position of the second sensor (240) may be fixed by the second bracket (212) and the cover housing. The aerosol generating device may detect whether the second housing (120) is detached from the first housing (110) through the second sensor (240), and a detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (240) may be positioned to be connected to one end of the first sensor (230), so that the first sensor (230) and the second sensor (240) may be formed integrally. For example, the first sensor (230) and the second sensor (240) may each be implemented in a pattern shape on a single flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the coil assembly (210) can simplify the assembly process of the coil assembly (210) through a structure in which the first sensor (230) and the second sensor (240) are formed integrally, and as a result, the overall assembly process of the aerosol generating device can be simplified, thereby improving the convenience of assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0183] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the process in which the aerosol generating device operates through the components of the coil assembly (210) will be specifically examined.

[0184] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. At this time, Fig. 7 may be a drawing that briefly illustrates a cross-section of the aerosol generating device (1) of Fig. 3, and the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include other components (e.g., the tube (214) of Fig. 6).

[0185] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4) may include a housing (100) (e.g., the housing (100) of FIG. 4) and a heater assembly (200) (e.g., the heater assembly (200) of FIG. 4). Components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 3 and 4, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0186] The housing (100) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 3 or 4) and a base (121) (e.g., the base (121) of FIG. 5) and a support portion (122) (e.g., the support portion (122) of FIG. 5) and may include a second housing (120) (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 3 or 4) that can be detachably coupled to the first housing (110).

[0187] A space may be formed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) in which components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be accommodated. For example, a power source (150) (e.g., the power source (11) of FIG. 1), a control unit (160) (e.g., the control unit (12) of FIG. 1), and a heater assembly (200) may be accommodated in the space between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), but the components accommodated in the space between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are not limited thereto.

[0188] The heater assembly (200) may include a coil assembly (210) and a cover housing (220), and may heat an aerosol-generating article (S) to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article (S) may pass through an insertion hole (120h) of the second housing (120) and be received in a receiving portion (220a) of the cover housing (220), and the susceptor (222) may be arranged so that the aerosol-generating article (S) can be inserted into the receiving portion (220a). The coil (C) of the heater assembly (200) may generate an alternating magnetic field in response to a power supply, and the susceptor (222) may generate heat in response to the alternating magnetic field to heat the aerosol-generating article (S).

[0189] The power source (150) can supply power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power source (150) can include at least one rechargeable or disposable battery, and can supply power through the battery operatively connected to the components of the aerosol generating device (1). The expression "operatively connected" in the present disclosure can mean a state in which the components are connected so as to be able to exchange signals via wireless communication, or to exchange optical signals and / or magnetic signals, and the expression can be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0190] In one example, the power source (150) can supply power necessary for operation to the coil (C) of the heater assembly (200), and the coil (C) can generate an alternating magnetic field based on the power supplied from the power source (150) to heat the susceptor (222). In another example, the power source (150) can also supply power necessary for operation of the control unit (160), the first sensor (230), and / or the second sensor (240).

[0191] The control unit (160) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (160) can include at least one processor and be operatively connected to components of the aerosol generating device (1) to control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the control unit (160) may be operatively connected to the first sensor (230) and may detect whether an aerosol generating article is inserted into the interior of the receiving portion (220a) of the heater assembly (200) based on data transmitted from the first sensor (230). For example, the first sensor (230) may include a capacitance sensor arranged to surround the receiving portion (220a) and may detect a change in a capacitance value of the receiving portion (220a). Depending on whether an aerosol generating article (S) is received in the receiving portion (220a), the dielectric constant of the interior of the receiving portion (220a) may change, thereby varying the capacitance, and the first sensor (230) may transmit data on the varying capacitance value of the receiving portion (220a) to the control unit (160).

[0193] The control unit (160) can detect whether an aerosol generating article (S) has been inserted into the receiving portion (220a) based on data on the capacitance value transmitted from the first sensor (230). For example, the control unit (160) can determine that an aerosol generating article (S) has been inserted into the receiving portion (220a) if the amount of change in the capacitance value transmitted from the first sensor (230) is greater than a specified value.

[0194] In addition, the control unit (160) can heat the susceptor (222) through the coil (C) if it is determined that an aerosol generating article (S) has been inserted into the receiving portion (220a). That is, the control unit (160) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (S) has been inserted into the receiving portion (220a) through the first sensor (230), and preheat or heat the susceptor (222) based on the determination result.

[0195] According to another embodiment, the control unit (160) may be operatively connected to the second sensor (240) and may detect whether the second housing (120) has been detached from the first housing (110) based on data transmitted from the second sensor (240). For example, the second sensor (240) may include an inductive sensor disposed in an area adjacent to the second housing (120) between an area of ​​the coil assembly (210) (e.g., the second bracket (212) of FIG. 6) and the cover housing (220), and may detect a change in an inductance value according to movement of the second housing (120).

[0196] When the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are coupled, the second sensor (240) and the second housing (120) may be disposed adjacent to each other. However, when the second housing (120) is detached from the first housing (110), the second sensor (240) and the second housing (120) may be spaced apart from each other. At least one conductor (not shown) may be disposed in an area of ​​the second housing (120) facing the second sensor (240), and accordingly, the inductance value detected by the second sensor (240) may vary depending on whether the second housing (120) is attached or detached. At this time, the second sensor (240) may transmit data on the varying inductance value to the control unit (160).

[0197] The control unit (160) can detect whether the second housing (120) has been detached from the first housing (110) based on data on the inductance value transmitted from the second sensor (240). For example, the control unit (160) can determine that the second housing (120) has been detached from the first housing (110) if the amount of change in the inductance value detected by the second sensor (240) is greater than a specified value.

[0198] Additionally, if the control unit (160) determines that the second housing (120) has been detached from the first housing (110), it can cut off the power supplied from the power source (150) to the coil (C) to prevent the susceptor (222) from generating heat.

[0199]

[0200] A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a cover housing and a coil assembly inserted into the cover housing, the coil assembly comprising: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field when power is supplied; a first bracket including a receiving space for receiving the coil and supporting the coil received in the receiving space; a second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and a shielding member arranged to surround a side surface of the first bracket and the coil and for shielding a magnetic field radiated from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket can fix the shielding member.

[0201] In one example, the first bracket may include a first fixing member protruding from a side of the first bracket to fix the position of the shielding member.

[0202] In another example, the second bracket may include a second fixing member protruding in a direction toward the coil to fix the shielding member.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the shielding member may include a first shielding member arranged to surround a side surface of the coil and an area of ​​a side surface of the first bracket; and a second shielding member arranged to surround a remaining area of ​​the side surface of the first bracket except for the area of ​​the side surface of the first bracket.

[0204] In one example, a region of the second shielding member may be positioned on the first shielding member so as to overlap the first shielding member.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the cover housing may include a receiving portion into which at least a portion of the aerosol generating article is inserted; and a susceptor positioned so as to be insertable into the aerosol generating article within the receiving portion, the susceptor generating heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0206] For example, the coil may be arranged to surround the receiving portion when the coil assembly is inserted into the cover housing.

[0207] In one embodiment, the heater assembly may further include a first sensor disposed between the coil and the receptacle to surround the receptacle, the first sensor being configured to detect whether an aerosol generating article has been inserted into the receptacle.

[0208] Additionally, the heater assembly may further include a tube arranged to surround the first sensor and the receiving portion, and for fixing the first sensor by pressing the first sensor in a direction toward the receiving portion.

[0209] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly may further include a second sensor positioned between the second bracket and the cover housing, the second sensor being configured to detect a change in an inductance value around the heater assembly.

[0210] For example, the second sensor may be connected to one end of the first sensor and formed integrally with the first sensor.

[0211] In one example, the cover housing may include a coupling hole, and the coil assembly may further include a rib inserted into the coupling hole, and the coil assembly may be coupled to the cover housing as the rib is hooked into the coupling hole.

[0212] At this time, the rib may be positioned to protrude from one area of ​​the first bracket.

[0213] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a heater assembly including a cover housing and a coil assembly inserted into the cover housing, and a housing for accommodating the heater assembly, wherein the coil assembly comprises: a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field when power is supplied; a first bracket including an accommodation space for accommodating the coil and supporting the coil accommodated in the accommodation space; a second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and a shielding member arranged to surround a side surface of the first bracket and the coil and for shielding a magnetic field radiated from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly, wherein the cover housing comprises: a receiving portion into which at least a portion of an aerosol generating article is inserted; and a susceptor arranged to be insertable into an aerosol generating article within the receiving portion and for heating the aerosol generating article by generating heat by an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil; wherein the first bracket and the second bracket can fix the shielding member.

[0214] In one embodiment, the housing may include a first housing for accommodating the heater assembly; and a second housing removably coupled to the first housing, the second housing including an insertion hole into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, and a support portion that is inserted into the interior of the receiving portion when coupled with the first housing and surrounds the aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving portion.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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. In a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, cover housing; and A coil assembly inserted into the cover housing; The above coil assembly, A coil for generating an alternating magnetic field as power is supplied; A first bracket including a receiving space for receiving the coil, and supporting the coil received in the receiving space; A second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and A shielding member is disposed to surround the side of the first bracket and the coil, and is configured to shield a magnetic field radiating from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly. A heater assembly, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket fix the shielding member.

2. In paragraph 1, A heater assembly, wherein the first bracket includes a first fixing member protruding from a side of the first bracket to fix the position of the shielding member.

3. In paragraph 1, A heater assembly, wherein the second bracket includes a second fixing member protruding in a direction toward the coil to fix the shielding member.

4. In paragraph 1, The above shielding member is, A first shielding member arranged to surround an area of ​​a side of the coil and a side of the first bracket; and A heater assembly comprising a second shielding member arranged to surround the remaining area except for the above-described area on the side of the first bracket.

5. In paragraph 4, A heater assembly, wherein one area of ​​the second shielding member is positioned on the first shielding member and is arranged to overlap the first shielding member.

6. In paragraph 1, The above cover housing, a receiving portion into which at least a portion of the aerosol generating article is inserted; and A heater assembly comprising a susceptor positioned so as to be insertable into an aerosol generating article within the receiving portion, and configured to heat the aerosol generating article by generating heat through an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil.

7. In paragraph 6, A heater assembly wherein the coil is arranged to surround the receiving portion when the coil assembly is inserted into the cover housing.

8. In paragraph 7, A heater assembly further comprising a first sensor disposed between the coil and the receiving portion to surround the receiving portion, the first sensor detecting whether an aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving portion.

9. In paragraph 8, A heater assembly further comprising a tube arranged to surround the first sensor and the receiving portion, and for fixing the first sensor by pressing the first sensor in a direction toward the receiving portion.

10. In paragraph 8, A heater assembly further comprising a second sensor positioned between the second bracket and the cover housing, the second sensor being configured to detect a change in an inductance value around the heater assembly.

11. In paragraph 10, A heater assembly wherein the second sensor is connected to one end of the first sensor and is formed integrally with the first sensor.

12. In paragraph 1, The above cover housing includes a joining hole, The above coil assembly further includes a rib inserted into the above coupling hole, A heater assembly wherein the coil assembly is coupled to the cover housing by the rib being hooked into the coupling hole.

13. In paragraph 12, A heater assembly wherein the rib is positioned to protrude from one area of ​​the first bracket.

14. A heater assembly including a cover housing and a coil assembly inserted into the cover housing; and comprising a housing for accommodating the above heater assembly; The above coil assembly, A coil for generating an alternating magnetic field as power is supplied; A first bracket including a receiving space for receiving the coil, and supporting the coil received in the receiving space; A second bracket coupled to one end of the first bracket and supporting the coil; and A shielding member is disposed to surround the side of the first bracket and the coil, and is configured to shield a magnetic field radiating from the coil to the outside of the heater assembly. The above cover housing, a receiving portion into which at least a portion of the aerosol generating article is inserted; and A susceptor is disposed so as to be insertable into an aerosol generating article inside the receiving portion, and is configured to heat the aerosol generating article by generating heat through an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil; An aerosol generating device wherein the first bracket and the second bracket fix the shielding member.

15. In paragraph 14, The above housing, a first housing for accommodating the heater assembly; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second housing, which is detachably connected to the first housing and includes an insertion hole into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted, and a support portion that is inserted into the interior of the receiving portion when connected to the first housing and surrounds the aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving portion.

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