Heater assembly for aerosol generation device and aerosol generation device comprising same

Abstract

This heater assembly for an aerosol generation device comprises: a heater for heating an aerosol-generating product; a heat-generating body that is disposed so as to surround the heater and generates heat as the heater heats up; and an insulating body disposed so as to surround the heat-generating body. The heater includes a first pattern disposed in a first region of the heat-generating body, and a second pattern that is disposed in a second region of the heat-generating body and connected to the first pattern and has a resistance value different from a resistance value of the first pattern.

Description

Heater assembly for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device including the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device capable of implementing a multi-stage heating system with a compact structure, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or 'aerosol generating article') using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] An aerosol generating article according to one example may include a plurality of aerosol generating rods. The aerosol generating materials contained in the plurality of aerosol generating rods may be different from each other. In this case, it is necessary to heat the plurality of aerosol generating rods to different temperatures in order to generate aerosols from different aerosol generating materials.

[0004] Conventionally, a structure was required to heat multiple aerosol generating rods to different temperatures by arranging multiple heaters at positions corresponding to multiple aerosol generating rods, or to heat the aerosol generating rods with multiple temperature profiles by arranging heaters that move to correspond to multiple aerosol generating rods.

[0005] Consequently, as the structure of the heater became complex and a complex temperature profile was required to heat the aerosol generation rod, there was a problem with the design of the aerosol generation device becoming complicated.

[0006] The technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device including a multi-stage heating system structure with a compact structure, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a heater for heating an aerosol generating article; a heating element disposed to surround the heater and radiating heat as the heater is heated; and an insulating body disposed to surround the heating element. The heater may include a first pattern disposed on a first region of the heating element, and a second pattern disposed on a second region of the heating element, connected to the first pattern, and having a resistance value different from the resistance value of the first pattern.

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device; a power source that supplies power to the heater; and a control unit that controls the operation of the power source.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device including a multi-stage heating system structure with a compact structure and an aerosol generating device including the same can be provided, thereby reducing the difficulty of designing an aerosol generating device.

[0011] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the versatility of use of the heater assembly can be improved through a multi-stage heating system structure.

[0012] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the first pattern and second pattern of the heater.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment of the first pattern and second pattern of the heater.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the first pattern of a heater.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment of the first pattern of the heater.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0025] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0026] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0027] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0028] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in 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 instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0030] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an 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).

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply (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, CH). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0033] 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 motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0034] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, CH) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18, CH), or the heater (18, CH) itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of 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 induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0035] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, CH). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, CH) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0036] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, CH). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, CH), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, CH) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (11). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the protection circuit module.

[0038] 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).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0040] 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 the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0041] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, CH), etc. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0042] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the 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.

[0043] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or a flow of aerosol may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0044] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0046] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant 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 dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0047] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. 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 alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0048] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is 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 change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the control unit (12) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0052] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0053] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0054] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0055] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may 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 may 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 the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating state of the heater (18, CH), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit (15) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) may include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18, CH) can be heated. Additionally, the power source (11) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), memory (17), etc. The power source (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a heater (18, CH) can heat an aerosol generating article and / or a medium and / or aerosol generating material within a cartridge by receiving power from a power source (11). An aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (CH) for heating a cartridge (i.e., a solid and / or liquid medium).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, CH) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric 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 electric resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electric conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, CH) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the induction heating type 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 penetrates the heater, and eddy currents may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained within an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0065] The heater (18, CH) is not limited to the examples described above and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0067] 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 by the control unit (12) and data to be processed. 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.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., 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., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0069] 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) may include at least one processor. The control unit (12) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, CH) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, CH). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, CH) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) based on the temperature of the heater (18, CH) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, CH) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, CH) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, CH) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, CH), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., 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, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, CH). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply (11).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) by 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 the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater (18, CH) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, CH) 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.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on a power profile. The control unit (12) may also control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, CH). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, CH) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, CH), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, CH) 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) or stop the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, CH) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the 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)). The control unit (12) can cut off the charging of the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a first limit temperature. The control unit (12) can stop the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a second limit temperature. 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 the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) when it is determined that an 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, CH) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (18, CH) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18, CH) is above a set slope.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, CH) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the heater (18, CH) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, CH).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18, CH) can be stopped or the power supply to the heater (18, CH) can be controlled so that power is not supplied to the heater (18, CH).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the heater (18, CH) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, CH) (i.e., during the preheating period). If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, CH).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in the memory (17), the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heater (18, CH) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, CH) 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, CH) or control it so that power is not supplied to the heater (18, CH).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred 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, CH) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) when a puff is detected.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, CH). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, CH). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, CH) differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, CH) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, CH) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0087] 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 provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heater (18, CH).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18, CH), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, CH), 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. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of a heater (18, CH), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, CH), the voltage applied to the heater (18, CH), the current flowing through the heater (18, CH), etc.

[0089] 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.

[0090] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (12) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (11), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0092] According to one embodiment, when a control unit (12) receives a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) 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 vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0095] Although not illustrated 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 over-discharging 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.

[0096] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. A heater (18) may be positioned to correspond to 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 include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. 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 whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic 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. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0097] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as 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 containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater (CH) may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (CH) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0098] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power supply (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 this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is open upward to allow an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upward may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). 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 take the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the internal heating element may extend upward in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internal heating element 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 internal heating element may be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0105] For example, an electric resistive heater may contain an electric resistive material on the inside (e.g., inner hollow or inner surface) or on the outside (e.g., outer surface) and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0106] 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 an internal heating type heater (e.g., is placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include 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 disposed so as to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multiple heater. The multiple heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into an 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 electric resistive heaters and / or induction heating heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if 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 placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single heater (182). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0108] According to one embodiment, a susceptor may be placed (or included) inside an aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., a medium part), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0110] According to one embodiment, an external heating type heater may extend upwardly around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the external heating type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the external heating type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) containing a hollow inside. The external heating type heater may also include a shape containing a hollow inside and surrounding said hollow. In this case, the external heating type 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 type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating type heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and a description redundant with FIG. 2 is omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating type heater implemented as a tube-shaped susceptor and may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating type heater is an electric resistive heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted because heat generation is possible through the flow of current on the tube-shaped electric resistive heater (e.g., film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10).

[0112] 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 each surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater (183) 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 arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first portion and the second portion of a single heater (183).

[0113] Unlike as depicted in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0114] 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 from the outside can be introduced into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the bottom (i.e., 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 mouth through the top (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0115] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol-generating article (2) according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating article (2) may include an aerosol generating rod (21) and a filter rod (22). Additionally, the aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24).

[0117] The aerosol generating rod (21) may include a first aerosol generating rod (211) and a second aerosol generating rod (212). The first aerosol generating rod (211) and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may be arranged in order along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2). However, this is not limited thereto, and the arrangement order of the first aerosol generating rod (211) and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may be changed.

[0118] The first aerosol generating rod (211) can be heated to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated from the first aerosol generating rod (211) may or may not contain nicotine. The first aerosol generating rod (211) may contain an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the first aerosol generating rod (211) may include other additive materials such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0119] The first aerosol generating rod (211) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may have a sheet shape. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be wound to have wrinkles. The aerosol generating substrate in the shape of a wrinkled sheet may be included in the first aerosol generating rod (211) in a wound state. The aerosol generating substrate may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2), but is not limited thereto.

[0120] The aerosol generating substrate may include a polymer material. The polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be a paper sheet that does not produce an off-odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature.

[0121] The second aerosol generating rod (212) can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine vapor. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) may contain tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. Tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have various shapes. For example, tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have at least one form among sheet, citric acid, strand, particle, bead, granule, powder, and extract, but are not limited thereto.

[0122] Tobacco materials may be manufactured using at least one of leaf tobacco raw materials and reconstituted tobacco raw materials. Leaf tobacco raw materials may include at least one of yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco, but are not limited thereto. Reconstituted tobacco raw materials may refer to tobacco raw materials regenerated by utilizing tobacco by-products. For example, reconstituted tobacco raw materials may include leaf-shaped leaves.

[0123] Non-tobacco substances may be substances manufactured without using tobacco raw materials. For example, non-tobacco substances may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine, organic acids, etc. Furthermore, non-tobacco substances may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine salts, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0124] Tobacco substances and non-tobacco substances may include aerosol-generating substances. For example, aerosol-generating substances may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, tobacco substances may include other additive substances such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0125] For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include a plurality of tobacco leaves. The tobacco leaves may be manufactured according to a manufacturing method comprising the steps of: mixing tobacco leaf raw materials; flavoring the mixed tobacco leaf raw materials; and cutting the flavored tobacco leaf raw materials to produce tobacco leaves.

[0126] The step of blending tobacco leaf raw materials may involve mixing different types of tobacco leaf raw materials according to a predetermined ratio. For example, the step of blending tobacco leaf raw materials may involve blending yellow tobacco and Burley tobacco. However, this is not limited to this, and a single type of tobacco leaf raw material may also be used.

[0127] The flavoring treatment step can suppress the expression of irritation, unpleasant taste, etc., when smoking, and impart moisturizing properties, flavor retention properties, etc. to the tobacco sticks. The flavoring treatment may include the step of spraying a flavoring liquid onto the tobacco leaf raw material. The flavoring liquid may contain sugars (e.g., sugar, etc.), organic acids (e.g., citric acid, tartaric acid, etc.), aerosol-generating substances (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), flavoring agents (licorice extract, cocoa, etc.).

[0128] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include at least one plate leaf sheet. The plate leaf sheet may include at least one of a slurry-type plate leaf and a paper-type plate leaf. Slurry-type plate leaves and paper-type plate leaves may be distinguished according to the manufacturing method. At least one plate leaf sheet may be arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second aerosol generating rod (212). However, it is not limited thereto, and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include a plurality of plate leaf strips manufactured by cutting or slicing the plate leaf sheet. Additionally, the plate leaf sheet may be crimped to include wrinkles, and the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include a crimped plate leaf sheet or a plurality of plate leaf strips manufactured from the crimped plate leaf sheet.

[0129] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include at least one of puffed leaf and puffed main vein. The puffed leaf and puffed main vein may be manufactured by puffing leaf tobacco raw material and main vein, which is a byproduct of leaf tobacco raw material.

[0130] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. For example, the tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm.

[0131] Tobacco granules can be manufactured by introducing a granule core into a fluidized bed reactor and injecting a tobacco mixture into the fluidized bed reactor. In the fluidized bed reactor, the tobacco mixture adheres to and aggregates on the surface of the granule core, and as the granule core grows in size, tobacco granules can be manufactured. The granule core may contain tobacco fines produced by crushing tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, etc. Here, the tobacco fines may be particles having a diameter of about 10 μm to about 80 μm. In addition, the tobacco mixture may be a mixture of tobacco raw materials and a solvent (e.g., water).

[0132] As another example, tobacco granules may be manufactured by wet-extruding a tobacco mixture of tobacco raw materials and a solvent, and then sphericalizing it. Here, water, alcohol (e.g., ethanol) may be used as the solvent, and additives such as flavoring agents, organic acids, and pH adjusters may be added.

[0133] A plurality of tobacco granules may be positioned between the filter material. The filter material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (212) may include fibers of the filter material, and a plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly dispersed between the fibers of the filter material.

[0134] Additionally, the filter material may include a sheet-like material. For example, the filter material may include a paper sheet. The paper sheet may be included in the second aerosol generating rod (212) in a wound state. The paper sheet may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2), but is not limited thereto. A plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly dispersed within the wound paper sheet. The paper sheet may be a wound sheet with wrinkles.

[0135] The second aerosol generating rod (212) may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a nicotine liquid composition. The aerosol generating substrate may be applied in the same or similar manner as described above with respect to the first aerosol generating rod (211).

[0136] A nicotine liquid composition may contain nicotine. Nicotine may include freebase nicotine and nicotine salt. Freebase nicotine may refer to neutral nicotine to which no protons have been added. For example, if a base is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the base is converted into a cation, and the nicotine salt can become freebase nicotine in a neutral state.

[0137] Nicotinic salts may contain acids. For example, nicotine salts may include at least one of acetic acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, carbonic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, lauric acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxalic acid, oxaloacetic acid, palmitic acid, pyruvate, phosphoric acid, salicylan, sorbic acid, stearic acid, and tartaric acid.

[0138] The nicotine liquid composition may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The nicotine liquid composition may include other additive substances such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0139] The nicotine liquid composition may contain about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight of nicotine based on the total weight of the nicotine liquid composition. For example, the nicotine liquid composition may contain about 0.5% by weight to about 3% by weight of nicotine based on the total weight of the nicotine liquid composition.

[0140] The nicotine liquid composition may be impregnated in an amount of about 0.05 g to about 5.0 g per 1 g of aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the nicotine liquid composition may be impregnated in an amount of about 0.1 g to about 2.0 g per 1 g of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0141] The filter rod (22) may include a plurality of segments. Referring to FIG. 4, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment (221) and a second segment (222). The first segment (221) and the second segment (222) may be arranged in order along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0142] The first segment (221) can cool the aerosol. The high-temperature aerosol generated in the aerosol generating rod (21) can be cooled as it passes through the first segment (221).

[0143] The first segment (221) may include a filter material. For example, the first segment (221) may include at least one filter material selected from paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. The first segment (221) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod containing an internal hollow, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] The first segment (221) may include a cooling material. For example, the cooling material may include a polymer material having a cooling function. The polymer material having a cooling function may come into contact with a high-temperature aerosol and absorb heat from the aerosol. The polymer material having a cooling function may include polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the first segment (221) is a tube-shaped rod including an internal hollow, and a polymer material having a cooling function may be applied to the surface of the internal hollow.

[0145] The first segment (221) may include at least one perforation (221P). The perforation (221P) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the first segment (221) to form one or more rows. External air may be introduced into the interior of the first segment (221) through the perforation (221P). The external air introduced into the interior of the first segment (221) may be mixed with the high-temperature aerosol generated from the aerosol generating rod (21) to cool the aerosol. The perforation (221P) may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0146] The second segment (222) can filter some components contained in the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). The second segment (222) may include a filter material. For example, the second segment (222) may include at least one filter material among paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the second segment (222) may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow.

[0147] The second segment (222) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod including an internal hollow, but the shape of the second segment (222) is not limited thereto. For example, the second segment (222) may include a hollow with an open downstream end.

[0148] The second segment (222) may add flavor to the aerosol passing through the second segment (222). For example, the second segment (222) may include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be sprayed into the second segment (222) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the flavoring agent may include botanical flavorings such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, kudzu, sweet potato, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa. As another example, the flavoring agent may include animal flavorings such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castrium.

[0150] Flavoring agents may be alcohol compounds such as geraniol, linalol, anethole, eugenol, etc. Flavoring agents may be aldehyde compounds such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc. Flavoring agents may be ester compounds such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linalyl butyrate, etc.

[0151] The second segment (222) may include at least one capsule (23). At least one capsule (23) may be embedded inside the filter material. The capsule (23) may generate flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is surrounded by a film. The film of the capsule (23) may rupture due to external pressure to release the liquid contained within the film. The liquid released from the capsule (23) may be absorbed by the filter material of the second segment (222). The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The second segment (222) may include an adsorbent. The adsorbent may adsorb a specific substance in the gaseous phase. For example, the adsorbent may include at least one of activated carbon, zeolite, alumina, silica gel, and bentonite. The adsorbent may have the shape of particles, and a plurality of adsorbent particles may be uniformly dispersed over the entire area of ​​the filter material, but are not limited thereto.

[0153] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a wrapper (24) that surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol generating rod (21) and at least a portion of the filter rod (22). The wrapper (24) may be composed of a single wrapper, or may be composed of a combination of multiple wrappers, such as a first wrapper (241), a second wrapper (242), a third wrapper (243), a fourth wrapper (244), a final wrapper (24F), and a tip paper (24T).

[0154] The wrapper (24) may include paper. For example, the wrapper (24) has a thickness of about 10 μm to about 150 μm and a weight of about 20 g / m² 2 Up to about 100g / m² 2 It may include paper having a basis weight, but is not limited thereto. If the wrapper (24) is a combination of multiple wrappers, the thickness and basis weight of the paper included in the multiple wrappers may be the same or different.

[0155] The aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped in multiple layers by two or more wrappers. For example, the first aerosol generating rod (211) may be wrapped in a first wrapper (241), the second aerosol generating rod (212) may be wrapped in a second wrapper (242), the first segment (221) may be wrapped in a third wrapper (243), the second segment (222) may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper (244), and the first aerosol generating rod (211), the second aerosol generating rod (212), the first segment (221), and the second segment (222) may all be re-wrapped in a final wrapper (24F).

[0156] The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may surround the aerosol generating rod (21). For example, the first wrapper (241) may surround the first aerosol generating rod (211), and the second wrapper (242) may surround the second aerosol generating rod (212).

[0157] The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may include a thermal conductivity enhancing material. The thermal conductivity enhancing material may include, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. By enhancing the thermal conductivity of the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242), the thermal conductivity enhancing material can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the first aerosol generating rod (211) and the second aerosol generating rod (212). For example, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be laminated sheets in which paper and metal foil are laminated. The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be laminated sheets in which paper is placed on one side of the metal foil, or laminated sheets in which paper is placed on both sides of the metal foil.

[0158] The third wrapper (243) and the fourth wrapper (244) may surround the filter load (22). For example, the third wrapper (243) may surround the first segment (221), and the fourth wrapper (244) may surround the second segment (222).

[0159] The third wrapper (243) may include at least one perforation. For example, the third wrapper (243) may surround the first segment (221), and the perforation of the third wrapper (243) may be located at a position corresponding to the perforation (221P) of the first segment (221).

[0160] The fourth wrapper (244) may be oil-resistant. As the fourth wrapper (244) is oil-resistant, the flavoring agent contained in the second segment (222) and / or capsule (23) may be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol-generating article (2). For example, the fourth wrapper (244) may include at least one oil-resistant material among polyvinyl alcohol and silicone. The surface of the fourth wrapper (244) may be coated with an oil-resistant material.

[0161] The final wrapper (24F) can wrap the first aerosol generating rod (211), the second aerosol generating rod (212), the first segment (221), and the second segment (222) collectively. The final wrapper (24F) can protect the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) can be smoothly inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0162] The final wrapper (24F) may include at least one perforation (24FP). For example, the final wrapper (24F) may surround the first segment (221), and the perforation (24FP) of the final wrapper (24F) may be located at a position corresponding to the perforation (221P) of the first segment (221).

[0163] The wrapper (24) may include a tip paper (24T). The tip paper (24T) may surround a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2) from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the tip paper (24T) may surround an area corresponding to the entirety of the second segment (222) and a portion of the first segment (221). The tip paper (24T) may come into contact with the user's bend during use of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0164] The tip paper (24T) may include at least one perforation (24TP). For example, the tip paper (24T) may surround the first segment (221), and the perforation (24TP) of the tip paper (24T) may be located at a position corresponding to the perforation (221P) of the first segment (221).

[0165] The outer surface of the tip paper (24T) may be coated with a substance such as a sweetener and a lip release agent. The sweetener may provide a sweet taste to the user. For example, the sweetener may include sucralose, citric acid, etc., but is not limited thereto. The lip release agent may allow the user's bulb to be easily separated after contact with the tip paper (24T). For example, the lip release agent may include at least one of nitrocellulose, ethyl acetate, polyamide, and isopropyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto.

[0166] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heater assembly (100) for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly (100) for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a heater assembly (100) for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater (110), a heating element (120), an insulating element (130), an upper cover (140), and a lower cover (150). However, the components of the heater assembly (100) for an aerosol generating device are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and at least one component may be added or at least one component (e.g., the upper cover (140)) may be omitted.

[0168] Hereinafter, the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device will be referred to as the heater assembly.

[0169] The heater (110) may be the same or similar as the heater (18) of FIG. 1. Since the description of the heater (18) of FIG. 1 can be applied equally to the heater (110) of FIG. 5 or lower unless implementation is impossible, redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0170] The heater (110) can heat an aerosol-generating article (e.g., 2 in FIG. 4) inserted into the heater assembly (100). The heater (110) may be positioned to surround the aerosol-generating article, and a receiving space for receiving the aerosol-generating article may be formed inside the heater (18).

[0171] The heater (110) can come into contact with the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the heat generated by the heater (110) can be directly transferred to the aerosol-generating article, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating article.

[0172] The heater (110) can be in contact with the heating element (120).

[0173] For example, the heater (110) may be included in the heater assembly (100) as a separate component from the heating element (120). In this case, the heater (110) may be detachably coupled to the heating element (120).

[0174] As another example, the heater (110) may be formed thinly in a pattern on the heating element (120). In this case, the heater (110) and the heating element (120) may be formed integrally. In the present disclosure, being formed integrally may mean that two components are combined into one component so as not to be separated.

[0175] The heater (110) may include copper or aluminum material. However, the material of the heater (110) is not limited to these.

[0176] A heating element (120) may be positioned to surround the heater (110). The heating element (120) may generate heat as the heater (110) is heated. The heating element (120) may be positioned between the heater (110) and the insulator (130).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the heating element (120) can improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article. This is because the heat generated as the heater (110) is heated is transferred to the heating element (120), and the heating element (120) can heat the entire area of ​​the aerosol generating rod (21 in FIG. 4) of the aerosol generating article placed inside the heater (110).

[0178] The heating element (120) may include an electrically conductive material (e.g., aluminum). The heating element (120) may include a cylindrical shape that is hollow throughout, but the shape of the heating element (120) is not limited thereto.

[0179] The insulating body (130) may be arranged to surround the heating element (120). The insulating body (130) can prevent heat from at least one of the heater (110) or the heating element (120) from being released to the outside of the heater assembly (100). Accordingly, the insulation efficiency of the heater assembly (100) can be improved.

[0180] Although not shown, the insulating body (130) may include an inner tube surrounding the heating element (120) and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. At this time, a vacuum gap in which a vacuum is formed may be formed between the inner tube and the outer tube. Accordingly, through a triple structure consisting of an inner tube, a vacuum gap, and an outer tube, the insulation efficiency of the heater assembly (100) can be further improved.

[0181] For example, the insulating material (130) may include a plastic material (e.g., Polyetheretherketone, Polyphenylsulfone) that does not deform at high temperatures (e.g., 300°C or higher).

[0182] As another example, the insulator (130) may include a ceramic material or a metal material (e.g., stainless steel).

[0183] For example, if the insulating body (130) includes the triple structure described above, the inner tube may include a ceramic or metal material, and the outer tube may include a plastic material.

[0184] The insulating body (130) may include a cylindrical shape that is hollow throughout, but the shape of the insulating body (130) is not limited thereto.

[0185] An upper cover (140) may be placed on top of a heater (110), a heating element (120), and an insulating element (130). The upper cover (140) may include an opening into which an aerosol-generating article may be inserted. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the opening, the upper cover (140) may include a passage through which external air may flow into the interior of the heater assembly (100). Multiple passages may be formed along the circumferential direction of the opening.

[0186] The lower cover (150) can be placed below the heater (110), the heating element (120), and the insulating element (130). That is, the lower cover (150) can be located on the opposite side of the upper cover (140). The lower cover (150) can seal the lower part of the heater assembly (100).

[0187] Each of the lower cover (150) and the upper cover (140) may include the material of the insulation body (130) described above.

[0188] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the first pattern (111) and second pattern (112) of the heater (110).

[0189] Referring to FIG. 7, the heater (110) may include a first pattern (111) and a second pattern (112). The heater (110) of FIG. 7 or lower may be the heater (110) of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, and the heating element (120) of FIG. 7 or lower may be the heating element (120) of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0190] The first pattern (111) can be placed in the first region (A1) of the heating element (120). The first pattern (111) can heat the first region (A1). A first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) of an aerosol generating article (2 in FIG. 4) can be correspondingly placed in the first region (A1).

[0191] The second pattern (112) can be placed in the second region (A2) of the heating element (120). The second pattern (112) can heat the second region (A2). A second aerosol generating rod (212 in FIG. 4) of an aerosol generating article (2 in FIG. 4) can be correspondingly placed in the second region (A2).

[0192] In the present disclosure, the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) are intended to distinguish two regions and do not refer to regions located in a specific direction. That is, although the first region (A1) is depicted as being located below the second region (A2) in the present disclosure, the first region (A1) may be located above the second region (A2). In this case, the second aerosol generating rod (212 in FIG. 4) of the aerosol generating article (2 in FIG. 4) may be correspondingly arranged in the first region (A1), and the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) of the aerosol generating article (2 in FIG. 4) may be correspondingly arranged in the second region (A2).

[0193] In addition, the shape of the first pattern (111) and the shape of the second pattern (112) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, in the present disclosure, the first pattern (111) generally includes a '-' or 'C' shape and the second pattern (112) generally includes a 'C' shape, but is not limited thereto. That is, as long as the multi-stage heating system described below can be implemented, the first pattern (111) and the second pattern (112) may include shapes other than the '-' or 'C' shape.

[0194] In one embodiment, the first pattern (111) and the second pattern (112) can be connected to each other. That is, the first pattern (111) and the second pattern (112) can be formed integrally as a single pattern. Accordingly, the first pattern (111) and the second pattern (112) can generate heat by receiving power through a single wire, rather than being connected to individual wires to receive power.

[0195] Although not illustrated, for example, a wire may be connected to the first pattern (111), and as current flows through the first pattern (111), current may sequentially flow through the second pattern (112). For another example, a wire may be connected to the second pattern (112), and as current flows through the second pattern (112), current may sequentially flow through the first pattern (111).

[0196] In one embodiment, the resistance value of the first pattern (111) and the resistance value of the second pattern (112) may be different from each other. Accordingly, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first pattern (111) and the magnitude of the current flowing through the second pattern (112) may be different from each other, and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first pattern (111) and the amount of heat generated by the second pattern (112) may be different from each other.

[0197] Generally, since the material contained in the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) and the material contained in the second aerosol generating rod (212 in FIG. 4) are different, the temperature for heating the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) and the temperature for heating the second aerosol generating rod (212 in FIG. 4) may be different from each other. Conventionally, in order to heat these two segments (211, 212) to different temperatures, a structure was required in which two heaters were placed at positions corresponding to the two segments (211, 212) to heat the two segments (211, 212) to different temperatures, or a heater that moves to correspond to the two segments (211, 212) was placed to heat the two segments (211, 212) with two temperature profiles.

[0198] According to one embodiment, since the aerosol generating rod (21 in FIG. 4) can be heated to two segments (211, 212) at different temperatures through a single heater (110), a multi-stage heating system can be implemented within a heater assembly (100) of a compact structure.

[0199] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the first pattern (111) and the second pattern (112) for implementing a multi-stage heating system will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0200] In one embodiment, the thickness (111T) of the first pattern (111) may be greater than the thickness (112T) of the second pattern (112). In the present disclosure, the thickness may be the size of the component based on the direction across which the component extends, and the thickness (A) may be the cross-sectional area of ​​the component.

[0201] Accordingly, as can be seen from the resistance value formula (R=ρL / A, where ρ is resistivity, A is thickness, and L is length), the resistance value of the first pattern (111) may be smaller than the resistance value of the second pattern (112). Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first pattern (111) may be greater than the magnitude of the current flowing through the second pattern (112), and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first pattern (111) may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the second pattern (112). That is, the heater (110) can heat the first region (A1) to a higher temperature than the second region (A2).

[0202] However, the thickness (111T) of the first pattern (111) and the thickness (112T) of the second pattern (112) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, according to the embodiment, the thickness (112T) of the second pattern (112) may be greater than the thickness (111T) of the first pattern (111), and as a result, the resistance value of the second pattern (112) may be smaller than the resistance value of the first pattern (111). Accordingly, the heater (110) can heat the second region (A2) to a higher temperature than the first region (A1).

[0203] In one embodiment, the first pattern (111) may be arranged with a first gap (111D), and the second pattern (112) may be arranged with a second gap (112D). In the present disclosure, the gap may mean the distance between the first pattern (111) or the distance between the second pattern (112), and the heat generated from the first pattern (111) and the second pattern (112) may be dissipated through the gap. That is, a narrow gap between the patterns may mean that the generated heat cannot be further dissipated to the outside and remains in the area where the heat is generated, and as a result, the temperature of the pattern may increase relatively.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the first gap (111D) of the first pattern (111) is set narrower than the second gap (112D) of the second pattern (112), so that the amount of heat generated in the second pattern (112) is less than the amount of heat generated in the first pattern (111). Accordingly, the heat generated in the first pattern (111) cannot be emitted and may remain in the first region (A1) for a longer period, and as a result, the first region (A1) may be heated to a higher temperature than the second region (A2).

[0205] However, the first gap (111D) of the first pattern (111) and the second gap (112D) of the second pattern (112) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, according to an embodiment, the second gap (112D) of the second pattern (112) may be narrower than the first gap (111D) of the first pattern (111), and as a result, heat generated in the second pattern (112) may not be dissipated and may remain in the second region (A2) for a longer period. Accordingly, the second region (A2) may be heated to a higher temperature than the first region (A1).

[0206] In one embodiment, the resistivity of the first pattern (111) may be smaller than the resistivity of the second pattern (112). In the present disclosure, resistivity (Ω·m) is a value indicating how much the flow of current is hindered, and it means that the larger the resistivity, the lower the flow of current may be. In order for the resistivity of the first pattern (111) and the resistivity of the second pattern (112) to be different, the first pattern (111) may include a material having a lower resistivity value than the second pattern (112).

[0207] Accordingly, as can be seen from the resistance value formula (R=ρL / A, where ρ is resistivity, A is thickness, and L is length), the resistance value of the first pattern (111) may be smaller than the resistance value of the second pattern (112). Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first pattern (111) may be greater than the magnitude of the current flowing through the second pattern (112), and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first pattern (111) may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the second pattern (112). That is, the heater (110) can heat the first region (A1) to a higher temperature than the second region (A2).

[0208] However, the magnitude of the resistivity of the first pattern (111) and the magnitude of the resistivity of the second pattern (112) are not limited to the present disclosure. That is, according to the embodiment, the magnitude of the resistivity of the first pattern (111) may be greater than the magnitude of the resistivity of the second pattern (112), and as a result, the resistance value of the second pattern (112) may be smaller than the resistance value of the first pattern (111). Accordingly, the heater (110) can heat the second region (A2) to a higher temperature than the first region (A1).

[0209] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment of the first pattern (111) and second pattern (112) of the heater (110).

[0210] Referring to FIG. 8, the length of the first pattern (111) may be smaller than the length of the second pattern (112). In the present disclosure, the length may be the size of the component based on the direction in which the component is extended. Based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the length of the first pattern (111) may be (6 x 111L1 + 2 x 111L2) and the length of the second pattern (112) may be (6 x 112L1 + 3 x 112L2).

[0211] Accordingly, as can be seen from the resistance value formula (R=ρL / A, where ρ is resistivity, A is thickness, and L is length), the resistance value of the first pattern (111) may be smaller than the resistance value of the second pattern (112). Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first pattern (111) may be greater than the magnitude of the current flowing through the second pattern (112), and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first pattern (111) may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the second pattern (112). That is, the heater (110) can heat the first region (A1) to a higher temperature than the second region (A2).

[0212] However, the length of the first pattern (111) and the length of the second pattern (112) are not limited to those shown in the present disclosure. That is, according to the embodiment, the length of the second pattern (112) may be smaller than the length of the first pattern (111), and as a result, the resistance value of the second pattern (112) may be smaller than the resistance value of the first pattern (111). Accordingly, the heater (110) can heat the second region (A2) to a higher temperature than the first region (A1).

[0213] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the first pattern (111) of the heater. In FIG. 9, a portion of the first region (A1) of the heating element (120) is shown in enlargement, so that the upper and lower parts of the first pattern (111) are partially omitted, and the second region (A2) of the heating element (120) is omitted.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 9, the first pattern (111) may include a first partial pattern (111a) and a second partial pattern (111b).

[0215] The first part pattern (111a) may be placed on the first part (A1a) on the first region (A1). The first part pattern (111a) may heat the first part (A1a). A corresponding region (e.g., upper region) of the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) may be placed on the first part (A1a).

[0216] The second part pattern (111b) may be placed on the second part (A1b) on the first region (A1). The second part pattern (111b) may heat the second part (A1b). A different region (e.g., the lower region) of the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) may be correspondingly placed on the second part (A1b).

[0217] In the present disclosure, the first part (A1a) and the second part (A1b) are intended to divide a single first region (A1) into two parts, and do not refer to parts located in a specific direction. That is, although the first part (A1a) is depicted in the present disclosure as being located above the second part (A1b), the first part (A1a) may be located below the second part (A2b). In this case, another region of the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) may be correspondingly disposed in the first part (A1a), and one region of the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) may be correspondingly disposed in the second part (A1b).

[0218] In one embodiment, the first portion (A1a) may be located at the edge of the first region (A1). Accordingly, the first pattern (111) may heat the edge portion of the first region (A1) and the other portion to different temperatures.

[0219] Additionally, the shape of the first partial pattern (111a) and the shape of the second partial pattern (111b) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, as long as the multi-stage heating system described below can be implemented, the shape of the first partial pattern (111a) and the second partial pattern (111b) may include shapes other than a '-' shape.

[0220] In one embodiment, the first partial pattern (111a) and the second partial pattern (111b) may be connected to each other. That is, the first partial pattern (111a) and the second partial pattern (111b) may be integrally formed as a single pattern. Although not illustrated, a wire may be connected to the second partial pattern (111b), and as current flows through the second partial pattern (111b), current may sequentially flow through the first partial pattern (111a).

[0221] In one embodiment, the resistance value of the first partial pattern (111a) and the resistance value of the second partial pattern (111b) may be different from each other. Accordingly, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first partial pattern (111a) and the magnitude of the current flowing through the second partial pattern (111b) may be different from each other, and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first partial pattern (111a) and the amount of heat generated by the second partial pattern (111b) may be different from each other.

[0222] In a heating environment of various aerosol generating rods (21 in FIG. 4), it is necessary to heat some regions of the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) to different temperatures. Conventionally, there has not been a structure for heating one segment of an aerosol generating rod (21 in FIG. 4) to two or more different temperatures.

[0223] According to one embodiment, since parts of the first aerosol generating rod (211 in FIG. 4) can be heated to different temperatures through one first pattern (111), a multi-stage heating system can be implemented within a heater assembly (100) of a compact structure.

[0224] Hereinafter, various embodiments for implementing a multi-stage heating system in one area of ​​a heating element (120) will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0225] In one embodiment, the thickness (111aT) of the first partial pattern (111a) may be greater than the thickness (111bT) of the second partial pattern (111b).

[0226] Accordingly, as can be seen from the resistance value formula (R=ρL / A, where ρ is resistivity, A is thickness, and L is length), the resistance value of the first part pattern (111a) may be smaller than the resistance value of the second part pattern (111b). Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first part pattern (111a) may be greater than the magnitude of the current flowing through the second part pattern (111b), and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first part pattern (111a) may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the second part pattern (111b). That is, the first pattern (111) can heat the first part (A1a) to a higher temperature than the second part (A1b).

[0227] However, the thickness (111aT) of the first partial pattern (111a) and the thickness (111bT) of the second partial pattern (111b) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, according to an embodiment, the thickness (111bT) of the second partial pattern (111b) may be greater than the thickness (111aT) of the first partial pattern (111a), and as a result, the resistance value of the second partial pattern (111b) may be smaller than the resistance value of the first partial pattern (111a). Accordingly, the first pattern (111) can heat the second part (A1b) to a higher temperature than the first part (A1a).

[0228] In one embodiment, the first partial pattern (111a) may be arranged with a first gap (111aD), and the second partial pattern (111b) may be arranged with a second gap (111bD).

[0229] According to one embodiment, the first gap (111aD) of the first partial pattern (111a) is set to be narrower than the second gap (111bD) of the second partial pattern (111b), so that the amount of heat generated in the second partial pattern (111b) may be less than the amount of heat generated in the first partial pattern (111a). Accordingly, the heat generated in the first partial pattern (111a) may not be emitted and may remain in the first part (A1a) for a longer period, and as a result, the first part (A1a) may be heated to a higher temperature than the second part (A1b).

[0230] However, the first gap (111aD) of the first partial pattern (111a) and the second gap (111bD) of the second partial pattern (111b) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, according to an embodiment, the second gap (111bD) of the second partial pattern (111b) may be narrower than the first gap (111aD) of the first partial pattern (111a), and as a result, heat generated in the second partial pattern (111b) may not be dissipated and may remain in the second part (A1b) for a longer period. Accordingly, the second part (A1b) may be heated to a higher temperature than the first part (A1a).

[0231] In one embodiment, the resistivity of the first partial pattern (111a) may be smaller than the resistivity of the second partial pattern (111b). In order for the resistivity of the first partial pattern (111a) and the resistivity of the second partial pattern (111b) to be different, the first partial pattern (111a) may include a material having a lower resistivity value than the second partial pattern (111b).

[0232] Accordingly, as can be seen from the resistance value formula (R=ρL / A, where ρ is resistivity, A is thickness, and L is length), the resistance value of the first part pattern (111a) may be smaller than the resistance value of the second part pattern (111b). Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first part pattern (111a) may be greater than the magnitude of the current flowing through the second part pattern (111b), and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first part pattern (111a) may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the second part pattern (111b). That is, the first pattern (111) can heat the first part (A1a) to a higher temperature than the second part (A1b).

[0233] However, the magnitude of the resistivity of the first partial pattern (111a) and the magnitude of the resistivity of the second partial pattern (111b) are not limited to the present disclosure. That is, according to the embodiment, the magnitude of the resistivity of the second partial pattern (111b) may be smaller than the magnitude of the resistivity of the first partial pattern (111a), and as a result, the resistance value of the second partial pattern (111b) may be smaller than the resistance value of the first partial pattern (111a). Accordingly, the first pattern (111) can heat the second part (A1b) to a higher temperature than the first part (A1a).

[0234] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating another embodiment of the first pattern (111) of the heater. In FIG. 10, a portion of the first region (A1) of the heating element (120) is shown in enlargement, so that the upper and lower parts of the first pattern (111) are partially omitted, and the second region (A2) of the heating element (120) is omitted.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 10, the length of the first partial pattern (111a) may be shorter than the length of the second partial pattern (111b). Based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the length of the first partial pattern (111a) may be (6 x 111aL) and the length of the second partial pattern (111b) may be (6 x 111bL).

[0236] Accordingly, as can be seen from the resistance value formula (R=ρL / A, where ρ is resistivity, A is thickness, and L is length), the resistance value of the first part pattern (111a) may be smaller than the resistance value of the second part pattern (111b). Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first part pattern (111a) may be greater than the magnitude of the current flowing through the second part pattern (111b), and as a result, the amount of heat generated by the first part pattern (111a) may be greater than the amount of heat generated by the second part pattern (111b). That is, the first pattern (111) can heat the first part (A1a) to a higher temperature than the second part (A1b).

[0237] However, the length of the first partial pattern (111a) and the length of the second partial pattern (111b) are not limited to those depicted in the present disclosure. That is, according to an embodiment, the length of the second partial pattern (111b) may be smaller than the length of the first partial pattern (111a), and as a result, the resistance value of the second partial pattern (111b) may be smaller than the resistance value of the first partial pattern (111a). Accordingly, the first pattern (111) can heat the second part (A1b) to a higher temperature than the first part (A1a).

[0238] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the second pattern (112) may also include a first partial pattern and a second partial pattern. Since the embodiments described in FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 can be applied as they are to the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern of the second pattern (112), redundant descriptions below will be omitted. Accordingly, a multi-stage heating system can be implemented in the second region (A2) of the heating element (120), and as a result, the versatility of use of the heater assembly (100) can be improved.

[0239] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0240] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0241] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A heater for heating an aerosol-generating article; A heating element disposed to surround the heater and generating heat as the heater is heated; and Including an insulating body arranged to surround the heating element; The heater assembly for an aerosol generating device comprises a first pattern disposed on a first region of the heating element, and a second pattern disposed on a second region of the heating element, connected to the first pattern, and having a resistance value different from the resistance value of the first pattern.

2. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the heat generation amount of the first pattern and the heat generation amount of the second pattern are different from each other.

3. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the thickness of the first pattern is greater than the thickness of the second pattern.

4. In Paragraph 3, The resistance value of the first pattern is smaller than the resistance value of the second pattern, and A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the heat generation amount of the first pattern is greater than the heat generation amount of the second pattern.

5. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the resistivity of the first pattern is smaller than the resistivity of the second pattern.

6. In Paragraph 5, The resistance value of the first pattern is smaller than the resistance value of the second pattern, and A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the heat generation amount of the first pattern is greater than the heat generation amount of the second pattern.

7. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the length of the first pattern is smaller than the length of the second pattern.

8. In Paragraph 7, The resistance value of the first pattern is smaller than the resistance value of the second pattern, and A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the heat generation amount of the first pattern is greater than the heat generation amount of the second pattern.

9. In Paragraph 1, The first pattern comprises a first part pattern disposed on a first part of the first region of the heating element, and a second part pattern disposed on a second part of the first region of the heating element. A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the resistance value of the first partial pattern and the resistance value of the second partial pattern are different.

10. In Paragraph 9, The first partial pattern and the second partial pattern are a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein at least one of thickness, resistivity, or length is different.

11. In Paragraph 10, The resistance value of the first partial pattern is smaller than the resistance value of the second partial pattern, and A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the heat output of the first part is greater than the heat output of the second part.

12. In Paragraph 9, The first part is a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device located at the edge of the first region.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above first pattern is arranged to have a first interval, and The above second pattern is a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device arranged to have a second gap wider than the above first gap.

14. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are integrally formed.

15. Heater assembly for the aerosol generating device of claim 1; A power source that supplies power to the above heater; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the above-mentioned power source.

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