Heater provided in aerosol generating device, method for manufacturing same, and aerosol generating device including same

Abstract

A heater provided in an aerosol generating device comprises: a hollow pipe extending in one direction; and a fixed pipe surrounding at least a portion of the hollow pipe, wherein the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe are coupled through an insulating adhesive.

Description

A heater provided in an aerosol generating device, a method for manufacturing the same, and an aerosol generating device including the same

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a heater provided in an aerosol generating device, a method for manufacturing the same, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a technology that heats a liquid or solid aerosol generating material to convert it into vapor, which can then be inhaled by a user, and is utilized in various application fields such as electronic cigarettes and heating devices. Existing aerosol generating devices require improvement in terms of heating efficiency and uniformity, energy consumption, and device lifespan, and there is an increasing demand for new structures and manufacturing methods to solve these problems. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0103858 discloses an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system.

[0003] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0004] An objective according to one embodiment is to provide a heater equipped in an aerosol generating device that is bonded by an insulating adhesive.

[0005] An objective according to one embodiment is to provide a method for manufacturing a heater equipped in an aerosol generating device that is bonded by an insulating adhesive.

[0006] An objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device comprising a heater bonded by an insulating adhesive.

[0007] A heater provided in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a hollow pipe extending in one direction and a fixed pipe surrounding at least a portion of the hollow pipe, and the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe can be joined through an insulating adhesive.

[0008] In one embodiment, the insulating adhesive may include a ceramic-based material.

[0009] In one embodiment, the hollow pipe may include a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, a body on which the plurality of slits are arranged, and a protrusion extending from the body in at least one of the first direction and the other direction opposite to the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pipe further includes a conductor connected to the hollow pipe, the fixed pipe includes an opening, and the conductor can pass through the opening and be connected to the hollow pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, an insulating pipe may be further included that surrounds at least a portion of the fixed pipe and is spaced apart from the fixed pipe by a gap.

[0012] In one embodiment, the insulating pipe may include a vacuum space.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fixed pipe may include an electrically resistive material.

[0014] A method for manufacturing a heater provided in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the steps of providing a hollow pipe extending in one direction, applying an insulating adhesive to the hollow pipe, processing the hollow pipe, and assembling a fixed pipe to the hollow pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment, at the step of providing the hollow pipe, the hollow pipe is provided to include a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, a body on which the plurality of slits are arranged, and a protrusion extending from the body in at least one of the first direction and the other direction opposite to the first direction, and the method may further include the step of removing at least a portion of the protrusion of the hollow pipe after the step of assembling a fixed pipe to the hollow pipe.

[0016] In one embodiment, at the step of providing the hollow pipe, the hollow pipe may be cut and provided to include a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, and a protrusion extending from a body on which the plurality of slits are arranged in at least one direction among the first direction and the other direction opposite to the first direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, in the step of processing the hollow pipe, the hollow pipe may be heat-treated between 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the step of applying an insulating adhesive to the hollow pipe, the insulating adhesive is applied to a portion of the hollow pipe to form an uncoated area, and the fixed pipe includes an opening, and when the fixed pipe is assembled to the hollow pipe, the uncoated area and the opening are positioned in a corresponding manner, and after the step of assembling the fixed pipe to the hollow pipe, the method may further include the step of connecting a wire to the uncoated area of ​​the hollow pipe through the opening of the fixed pipe.

[0019] In one embodiment, after the step of assembling a fixed pipe to the hollow pipe, the method may further include the step of applying an insulating adhesive to the fixed pipe and the step of processing the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe.

[0020] In one embodiment, in the step of processing the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe, the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe may be heat-treated between 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius.

[0021] A heater provided in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can be insulated by an insulating adhesive and bonded.

[0022] A method for manufacturing a heater provided in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can be used to manufacture a heater bonded by an insulating adhesive.

[0023] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater that is insulated by an insulating adhesive and bonded.

[0024] However, the effects of the heater provided in the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and the method for manufacturing the same are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a heater according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a heater according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIGS. 5A, FIGS. 5B, FIGS. 5C, and FIGS. 5D illustrate a method for manufacturing a heater according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a heater according to one embodiment.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0041] 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, 24). 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) 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.

[0044] 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, 24). 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, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0045] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 article is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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, 24), 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.

[0070] 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, 24) 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.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) can heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) 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.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) 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.

[0074] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), 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).

[0081] 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, 24). 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).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0083] 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, 24) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control of the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0086] 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).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24) 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, 24) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is above a set slope.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, 24) 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, 24) 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)).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, 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, 24) is stopped or the power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (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, 24).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has 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, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for more than a preset time. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24). 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, 24). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) 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, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0096] 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, 24).

[0097] 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, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. 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, 24), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), etc.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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. The cartridge heater (24) 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 (24) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0107] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a heater according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a heater according to one embodiment. FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 5c, and FIG. 5d illustrate a method for manufacturing a heater according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a heater according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (100), a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and a heater (130) (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, and 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 '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.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the housing (100) may provide a space that is opened in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) to allow an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space opened in one direction may be referred to as an insertion space (110). The insertion space (110) may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (100) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space (110) may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). The bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (100), and the top of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (100). A user may take the top of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the heater (130) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the heater (130) may be an external heating type heater. The heater (130) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space (110).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the heater (130) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the 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).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the heater (130) may be placed inside the housing (100). The heater (130) may extend in one direction around the space (i.e., the insertion space (110)) inside the housing (100) where the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (130) may be placed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space (110).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel (not shown) through which air flows. For example, the housing (100) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air from the outside can be introduced into the housing (100). The air introduced into the housing (100) 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] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a heater (130) according to one embodiment may include a hollow pipe (131), a fixed pipe (133), and an insulating pipe (135).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the hollow pipe (131) may extend in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction). For example, the hollow pipe (131) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space (110). The hollow pipe (131) may surround at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the inner diameter of the hollow pipe (131) may be larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the hollow pipe (131) may include an electrically resistant 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. In particular, the hollow pipe (131) may include an electrically resistant material including stainless steel.

[0119] According to one embodiment, as described above, the heater (130) may be an electric resistive heater, and the hollow pipe (131) may function as a heating element such as a metal heating plate on which a metal heating wire or an electric conductive track of such an electric resistive heater is placed.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the fixed pipe (133) may extend in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction) and may be a hollow cylindrical pipe. For example, the fixed pipe (133) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the hollow pipe (131) outside the outer circumference of the hollow pipe (131). For example, the fixed pipe (133) may be positioned to surround the remaining portion of the hollow pipe (131) excluding the upper and lower portions. Although not illustrated, the fixed pipe (133) may be positioned to surround the remaining portion of the hollow pipe (131), excluding only one of the upper and lower portions.

[0121] According to one embodiment, a hollow pipe (131) may be fitted into a fixed pipe (133), and the inner diameter of the fixed pipe (133) may be larger than the outer diameter of the hollow pipe (131).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the fixed pipe (133) may surround at least a portion of the body (1313) and the protrusion (1315) of the hollow pipe. The body (1313) and the protrusion (1315) will be described later with reference to FIG. 5a.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the fixed pipe (133) may include an opening (1331). The opening (1331) may be formed on the side surface of the fixed pipe (133). Here, the side surface of the fixed pipe (133) may refer to the surface between the lower surface as one end of the fixed pipe (133) and the upper surface as the other end.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the fixed pipe (133) may include an electrically resistant 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. In particular, the fixed pipe (133) may include an electrically resistant material including stainless steel.

[0125] According to one embodiment, a fixed pipe (133) can be joined to a hollow pipe (131). The fixed pipe (133) and the hollow pipe (131) can be joined while being insulated from each other by an insulating adhesive containing a ceramic-based material. Even if the fixed pipe (133) contains an electrically resistive material (e.g., a metallic material including stainless steel), since the fixed pipe (133) and the hollow pipe (131) are insulated from each other, unwanted current may not flow from the hollow pipe (131) to the fixed pipe (133).

[0126] Ceramic-based materials that can be used as insulating adhesives have excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance, and can simultaneously perform mechanical bonding and electrical insulation between a hollow pipe (131) and a fixed pipe (133) by acquiring physical and chemical stability through heat treatment. Generally, such adhesives contain ceramic powder (e.g., alumina, zirconia, silica, etc.) and a binder that is stable even at high temperatures (e.g., silicate, aluminum phosphate, etc.). The combination of these forms a strong bonding layer during the heat treatment process and can maintain stability even in high-temperature environments such as heating elements.

[0127] Alumina is widely used as an insulating adhesive because it can maintain structural stability even at high temperatures along with excellent electrical insulation properties. Zirconia possesses excellent heat resistance and thermal shock stability, which can further enhance stability under high temperature and thermal shock conditions. In addition, silica has excellent heat resistance and insulation properties and contributes to strengthening bonding strength together with silicates or phosphates used as binders.

[0128] Through heat treatment, this adhesive undergoes a gelation or sintering process to be converted into a hard ceramic layer, providing excellent insulation performance and mechanical durability at the joint between the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133). Additionally, the ceramic-based insulating adhesive can prevent current leakage between the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) and minimize losses due to heat transfer.

[0129] A method for manufacturing a heater equipped in an aerosol generating device will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the heater (130) may further include a conductor (139). The conductor (139) may pass through an opening (1331) of a fixed pipe and be connected to a hollow pipe (131). Power (e.g., power (11) of FIG. 2) may supply power to the hollow pipe (131) through the conductor (139). The conductor (139) connected to the hollow pipe (131) through the opening (1331) may maintain a connection to the hollow pipe (131) without being easily separated even by physical impact. Although not illustrated, the heater (130) may further include another conductor connected to the hollow pipe (131) without passing through the opening (1331).

[0131] According to one embodiment, an insulating pipe (135) may surround at least a portion of a hollow pipe (131). For example, the insulating pipe (135) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the hollow pipe (131) outside the outer circumference of the hollow pipe (131). For example, the insulating pipe (135) may be positioned to surround the remaining portion of the hollow pipe (131), excluding the top and bottom portions. Although not illustrated, the insulating pipe (135) may be positioned to surround the remaining portion of the hollow pipe (131), excluding only one of the top and bottom portions.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the insulating pipe (135) may surround at least a portion of the fixed pipe (133). In this case, the fixed pipe (133) may be positioned between the insulating pipe (135) and the hollow pipe (131). For example, the insulating pipe (135) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the fixed pipe (133) outside the outer circumference of the fixed pipe (133). For example, the insulating pipe (135) may be positioned to surround the entire circumference of the fixed pipe (133).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the inner diameter of the insulating pipe (135) may be larger than the outer diameter of the fixed pipe (133).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the insulating pipe (135) may be spaced apart from the fixed pipe (133) by a gap (134). The gap (134) may be an air gap. The gap (134) may reduce heat transfer from the hollow pipe (131) functioning as a heating element or from the fixed pipe (133) to the insulating pipe (135).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the heater (130) may further include an upper cover (137) and a lower cover (138). The upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138) may include a hollow that allows for the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2). The inner diameter of the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138) may be defined by the hollow. The upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138) may surround at least a portion of the insertion space (110). The gap (134) between the insulating pipe (135) and the fixed pipe (133) may be structurally maintained by the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138). For example, a hollow pipe (131) combined with the fixed pipe (133) may be fitted into the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138).

[0136] According to one embodiment, a fixed pipe (133) may be positioned between an upper cover (137) and a lower cover (138). The upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138) may allow the insertion of a hollow pipe (131) but not the insertion of a fixed pipe (133). The inner diameter of the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138), the outer diameter of the fixed pipe (133), or the outer diameter of the hollow pipe (131) may be set such that the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138) allow the insertion of a hollow pipe (131) but not the insertion of a fixed pipe (133). For example, the inner diameter of the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138) may be larger than the outer diameter of the hollow pipe (131) and smaller than the outer diameter of the fixed pipe (133) surrounding the hollow pipe (131).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the insulating pipe (135) may surround at least a portion of the fixed pipe (133). For example, the insulating pipe (135) may surround the entire lateral direction (e.g., directions perpendicular to the + / -Z direction) of the fixed pipe (133).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the insulating pipe (135) may include a vacuum space (1351) inside the insulating pipe (135). The pressure in the vacuum space (1351) may be vacuum pressure. Here, vacuum pressure means a pressure of atmospheric pressure (760 Torr) or less. The vacuum space (1351) may be low vacuum, medium vacuum, or high vacuum. Here, low vacuum means a pressure in the range of greater than 10 Torr and less than or equal to 760 Torr, medium vacuum means a pressure in the range of greater than 0.001 Torr and less than or equal to 10 Torr, and high vacuum means a pressure in the range of greater than 0.0000001 Torr and less than or equal to 0.001 Torr. The vacuum space (1351) may increase the insulating effect of the insulating pipe (135). The vacuum space (1351) can reduce heat transfer from the hollow pipe (131) functioning as a heating element or from the fixed pipe (133) to the insulating pipe (135).

[0139] According to one embodiment, an upper cover (137) and a lower cover (138) may be fitted onto an insulating pipe (135). Although not illustrated, an insulating pipe (135) may be fitted onto the upper cover (137) and the lower cover (138).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 5a, the hollow pipe (131) may include a slit (1311), a body (1313), and a protrusion (1315).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the slit (1311) may extend in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) or in another direction opposite to the one direction (e.g., +Z direction). The slit (1311) may increase the path of current flowing through the hollow pipe (131) and allow the hollow pipe (131) to perform its function as a heating element better.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the hollow pipe (131) may include a plurality of slits (1311). The plurality of slits (1311) may be arranged in parallel. For example, a slit extending in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction) and a slit extending in the other direction may be arranged alternately. In FIG. 5a, the slit indicated by reference numeral 1311 is a slit extending in one direction, and the two slits immediately adjacent to this slit are slits extending in the other direction. The slit (1311) may be placed in the end portion of the body (1313) where the protrusion (1315), which will be described later, does not extend.

[0143] According to one embodiment, a plurality of slits (1311) may be arranged in the body (1313). The slits (1311) may be formed extending in one direction or the other from the end of the body (1313).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the protrusion (1315) may extend from the body (1313) in at least one direction and in another direction opposite to the one direction. In FIG. 5a, the boundary between the protrusion (1315) and the body (1313) is indicated by lines A1 and A2.

[0145] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d, a method for manufacturing a heater provided in an aerosol generating device will be described in detail.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 5a, according to one embodiment, a hollow pipe (131) extending in one direction may be provided.

[0147] According to one embodiment, a hollow pipe (131) may be provided to include a plurality of slits (1311) arranged in parallel, a body (1313) on which the plurality of slits are arranged, and a protrusion (1315) extending from the body in at least one direction (e.g., -Z direction) and another direction opposite to the one direction (e.g., +Z direction).

[0148] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of slits (1311) and protrusions (1315) of the hollow pipe (131) may be provided by cutting (e.g., laser cutting). For example, a hollow cylindrical pipe may be laser-cut to remove a portion of the cylindrical pipe to form the plurality of slits (1311) and protrusions (1315).

[0149] According to one embodiment, an insulating adhesive may be applied to the provided hollow pipe (131). The insulating adhesive may include a ceramic-based material.

[0150] According to one embodiment, an insulating adhesive may be applied to a portion of the hollow pipe (131) to form an uncoated area (1317). This uncoated area (1317) may be created by masking a specific area of ​​the hollow pipe (131) prior to the application of the insulating adhesive. For example, the uncoated area (1317) may be created by taping a specific area of ​​the hollow pipe (131) with masking tape.

[0151] According to one embodiment, a hollow pipe (131) coated with an insulating adhesive can be processed. For example, the processing may be heat treatment. The heat treatment may be performed at a temperature between, for example, 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius. The heat treatment may be performed at various temperatures with varying temperatures. Through heat treatment, the insulating adhesive may be deformed or hardened so as to insulate the outer surface of the hollow pipe from other external elements.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 5b, a fixed pipe (133) can be assembled to a hollow pipe (131).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the opening (1331) of the fixed pipe may correspond to an uncoated area (1317) of the hollow pipe (131). That is, through the opening (1331), the wire (139) can access the uncoated area (1317) of the hollow pipe (131).

[0154] Referring to FIG. 5c, according to one embodiment, a conductor (139) can pass through an opening (1331) of a fixed pipe and be connected to an uncoated area (1317) of a hollow pipe. Since the uncoated area (1317) remains uninsulated even after processing, the conductor can be connected. For example, the conductor can be connected to the uncoated area (1317) of the hollow pipe through spot welding. The conductor (139) can be electrically connected to the hollow pipe (131).

[0155] According to one embodiment, after connecting a wire (139) to an uncoated area (1317) of a hollow pipe, an insulating adhesive may be applied to a fixed pipe (133). The insulating adhesive may be reapplied to both the fixed pipe (133) and the hollow pipe (131), or the insulating adhesive may be selectively applied only to the fixed pipe (133) excluding the hollow pipe (131).

[0156] According to one embodiment, after an insulating adhesive is applied to the fixed pipe (133), the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) can be processed. For example, the processing may be heat treatment. The heat treatment may be performed at a temperature between, for example, 100 degrees and 1000 degrees. The heat treatment may be performed at various temperatures with varying temperatures. As the insulating adhesive is deformed or hardened by the heat treatment, the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) can be insulated from each other. Additionally, the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) can be joined together. The outer surface of the fixed pipe (133) can be insulated from other external elements. The hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) can be insulated from other external elements, except for the wire (139) connected to the hollow pipe (131).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 5d, after the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) are processed, at least a portion of the protrusion (1315) of the hollow pipe may be removed. For example, one end portion of the protrusion in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) and the other end portion of the protrusion in the other direction (e.g., +Z direction) may be removed. The removal of at least a portion of the protrusion (1315) may be performed using laser cutting. FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, and FIG. 5c illustrate a portion of the protrusion (1315) to be removed. In FIG. 5c and FIG. 5d, the boundaries of the protrusion (1315) to be removed are indicated by lines B1 and B2. In FIG. 5c, the portion of the protrusion (1315) to be removed is indicated by reference numeral 13151. On the other hand, in FIG. 5d, it can be seen that the removed portion is not illustrated.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 6, a method for manufacturing a heater provided in an aerosol generating device may include the steps of: providing a hollow pipe (131) extending in one direction (S100); applying an insulating adhesive to the hollow pipe (131) (S200); processing the hollow pipe (131) (S300); assembling a fixed pipe (133) to the hollow pipe (131) (S400); connecting a wire (139) to an uncoated area (1317) of the hollow pipe through the opening (1331) of the fixed pipe (S500); applying an insulating adhesive to the fixed pipe (133) (S600); processing the hollow pipe (131) and the fixed pipe (133) (S700); and removing at least a portion of the protrusion (1315) of the hollow pipe (S800).

[0159] According to one embodiment, in the step (S100) of providing a hollow pipe, the hollow pipe (131) may be provided to include a plurality of slits (1311) arranged in parallel, a body (1313) on which the plurality of slits are arranged, and a protrusion (1315) extending from the body in at least one direction among the first direction and the other direction opposite to the first direction.

[0160] According to one embodiment, in the step (S100) of providing a hollow pipe, the hollow pipe (131) may be cut and provided to include a plurality of slits (1311) arranged in parallel, and a protrusion (1315) extending in at least one direction among the one direction and the other direction opposite to the one direction from a body (1313) on which the plurality of slits are arranged.

[0161] According to one embodiment, in the step (S200) of applying an insulating adhesive to a hollow pipe (131), the insulating adhesive is applied to a portion of the hollow pipe (131) to form an unapplied area (1317), and the fixed pipe (133) includes an opening (1331), and when the fixed pipe (133) is assembled, the unapplied area (1317) and the opening (1331) may be positioned in a corresponding manner.

[0162] According to one embodiment, in the step (S300) of processing the hollow pipe, the hollow pipe (131) may be heat-treated between 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius.

[0163] According to one embodiment, in the step (S400) of assembling a fixed pipe to a hollow pipe, the opening (1331) of the fixed pipe may correspond to an uncoated area (1317) of the hollow pipe (131).

[0164] According to one embodiment, in the step (S500) of connecting a wire to an uncoated area of ​​a hollow pipe through an opening of a fixed pipe, the wire (139) can be connected to an uncoated area (1317) of the hollow pipe through spot welding.

[0165] According to one embodiment, in the step (S600) of applying an insulating adhesive to a fixed pipe, the insulating adhesive may be applied again to both the fixed pipe (133) and the hollow pipe (131), or the insulating adhesive may be selectively applied only to the fixed pipe (133) excluding the hollow pipe (131).

[0166] According to one embodiment, in the step (S700) of processing the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe, the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe may be heat-treated between 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius.

[0167] According to one embodiment, in the step (S800) of removing at least a portion of a protrusion of a hollow pipe, one end portion of the protrusion in one direction (e.g., -Z direction) and the other end portion of the protrusion in the other direction (e.g., +Z direction) may be removed. The removal of at least a portion of the protrusion (1315) may be performed using laser cutting.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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

In a heater provided in an aerosol generating device, A hollow pipe extending in one direction; and It includes a fixed pipe surrounding at least a portion of the above-mentioned hollow pipe, and A heater in which the above hollow pipe and the above fixed pipe are joined through insulating adhesive. In Article 1, The above insulating adhesive is a heater comprising a ceramic-based material. In Article 1, The above hollow pipe comprises a plurality of slits arranged in parallel; A body having the above plurality of slits arranged therein; and A heater comprising a protrusion extending from the body in at least one of the one direction and the other direction opposite to the one direction. In Article 1, It further includes a conductor connected to the above-mentioned hollow pipe, and The above fixed pipe includes an opening, A heater, the above wire passes through the above opening and is connected to the above hollow pipe. In Article 1, A heater comprising an insulating pipe that surrounds at least a portion of the fixed pipe and is spaced apart from the fixed pipe by a gap. In Article 5, The above-mentioned insulating pipe is a heater containing a vacuum space. In Article 1, The above fixed pipe is a heater containing an electrically resistant material. A method for manufacturing a heater provided in an aerosol generating device, A step of providing a hollow pipe extending in one direction; A step of applying insulating adhesive to the above hollow pipe; Step of processing the above hollow pipe; and A method comprising the step of assembling a fixed pipe to the above-mentioned hollow pipe. In Article 8, In the step of providing the hollow pipe, the hollow pipe is provided to include a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, a body on which the plurality of slits are arranged, and a protrusion extending from the body in at least one of the first direction and the other direction opposite to the first direction. After the step of assembling a fixed pipe to the above hollow pipe, A method comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the protrusion of the above-mentioned hollow pipe. In Article 8, In the step where the above hollow pipe is provided, A method wherein the above-described hollow pipe is cut to include a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, and a protrusion extending from a body in which the plurality of slits are arranged in at least one direction among the one direction and the other direction opposite to the one direction. In Article 8, A method in which, in the step of processing the hollow pipe, the hollow pipe is heat-treated at a temperature between 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius. In Article 8, In the step of applying insulating adhesive to the above hollow pipe, The above insulating adhesive is applied to a portion of the hollow pipe to form an unapplied area, and The above fixed pipe includes an opening, and when the fixed pipe is assembled to the above hollow pipe, the above uncoated area and the opening are positioned in a corresponding manner, After the step of assembling a fixed pipe to the above hollow pipe, A method comprising the step of connecting a wire to an uncoated area of ​​the hollow pipe through the opening of the fixed pipe. In Article 8, After the step of assembling a fixed pipe to the above hollow pipe, A step of applying insulating adhesive to the fixed pipe; and A method further comprising the step of processing the above hollow pipe and the above fixed pipe. In Article 13, A method in which, in the step of processing the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe, the hollow pipe and the fixed pipe are heat-treated at a temperature between 100 degrees Celsius and 1000 degrees Celsius. In an aerosol generating device, Housing including an insertion space opened in one direction; A heater according to claim 1; and A control unit for controlling the operation of the above heater; and An aerosol generating device comprising a power source that supplies power to the heater and control unit.

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