Heater assembly and aerosol generating device comprising same

Abstract

This heater assembly for an aerosol generating device comprises: a support including an insertion space for accommodating an aerosol generating article; a heater disposed on an inner surface of the support surrounding the insertion space; an insulator including an inner wall disposed to surround the support and spaced apart from an outer surface of the support by a predetermined distance, an outer wall having at least a portion spaced apart from the inner wall, and a vacuum insulation space formed between the inner wall and the outer wall; and a pair of connectors electrically connected to the heater to supply power to the heater, wherein the support includes a through-hole in at least one region thereof and opening toward the insertion space, such that the pair of connectors are exposed to the outside of the support.

Description

Heater assembly and aerosol generating device including the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more specifically, to a heater assembly having an improved 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 a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosols. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] In a heated aerosol generating device, the heater that heats the cigarette can be considered the most important component. Accordingly, research on the heater is being conducted in various aspects, such as its structure and control.

[0004] The design of the heater and surrounding components that heat an aerosol-generating item (which can be used interchangeably with 'cigarette') can be of great significance to an aerosol-generating device.

[0005] For example, the design of the heater and surrounding components can affect the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the design of the heater and surrounding components can determine the extent to which heat generated by the heater is transferred to the hand of a user holding the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] According to this, the heater and its surrounding components need to have a more appropriate structure and arrangement. This can be equally applied to the connection that supplies power to the heater to heat it.

[0007] The embodiments provide a heater assembly having an improved structure and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0008] The problems to be solved through the embodiments 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 this specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] A heater assembly according to one embodiment may include a support member comprising an insertion space for receiving an aerosol-generating article, a heater disposed on an inner surface of the support member surrounding the insertion space, an inner wall disposed to surround the support member at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the support member, an outer wall spaced at least one portion from the inner wall, an insulating body comprising a vacuum insulating space formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a pair of connecting members electrically connected to the heater to supply power to the heater, and the support member may include a through hole open to face the insertion space in at least one area so as to expose the pair of connecting members to the outside of the support member.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater assembly according to one embodiment, an output unit for outputting information about the state of the aerosol generating device, and a control unit electrically connected to the output unit, and the control unit may determine whether the support unit and the heater are electrically connected based on a change in the electrical characteristics of the heater, and if it is determined that the support unit and the heater are electrically connected, it may provide a notification to the user through the output unit.

[0011] A heater assembly according to another embodiment may include a support member having an insertion space for receiving an aerosol-generating article, a heater disposed on an inner surface of the support member surrounding the insertion space, an insulating body including an inner wall disposed to surround the support member at a predetermined distance from the outer side of the support member, an outer wall spaced at least a portion from the inner wall, and a vacuum insulating space formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a pair of connecting members electrically connected to the heater to supply power to the heater, and the pair of connecting members may be drawn out between the support member and the inner wall.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the gap between the support member and the inner wall of the insulation member can be filled with air.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the gap between the support member and the inner wall of the insulation member may be a passage for air movement.

[0014] A heater assembly according to another embodiment may further include an upper cover coupled to the upper side of the insulating body and including an air inlet passage, and a lower cover coupled to the lower side of the insulating body and including an air transfer passage, and air from outside the heater assembly may sequentially pass through the inlet passage, the spaced-out space, and the transfer passage to one end of an aerosol generating article contained in the insertion space.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the lower cover may further include a groove for receiving one end of an aerosol-generating article and a support disposed on the bottom surface of the groove to support the end surface of the aerosol-generating article, and the end surface of the aerosol-generating article received in the groove and the bottom surface of the groove may be spaced apart from each other.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the heater may include a pattern in which one end and the other end are distinguished, the one end of the heater may be connected to one of the pair of connecting parts, and the other end of the heater may be connected to the other of the pair of connecting parts.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, and the one end of the heater and the other end of the heater may be positioned adjacent to each other and extend parallel toward the upper side of the heater.

[0018] According to another embodiment, each of the pair of connecting parts may include a portion extending in a direction across the length direction of the insertion space.

[0019] A heater assembly according to another embodiment may further include an upper cover coupled to the upper side of the insulating body, and the pair of connecting parts may be drawn out between the support part and the inner wall through the clearance space between the support part and the upper cover.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the support member may include a through hole that is opened to face the insertion space in at least one area so that the pair of connecting members are exposed to the outside of the support member.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the through hole may be positioned in the upper region of the support.

[0022] According to another embodiment, one of the pair of connecting parts may extend in a first direction surrounding the support between the support and the inner wall, and the other of the pair of connecting parts may extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0023] According to another embodiment, at least one of the pair of connecting parts may include a helical structure.

[0024] According to another embodiment, at least one of the pair of connecting parts may be arranged to wrap around the outer side of the support part along the spiral structure.

[0025] An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may include a heater assembly according to one embodiment, a housing including an internal space in which the heater assembly is disposed, a power source for supplying power to the heater assembly, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the heater assembly.

[0026] According to the heater assembly and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiments, the heating performance or heating efficiency of the heater can be maintained in an optimal state without degradation.

[0027] In addition, according to the heater assembly and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiments, heat generated inside the heater assembly can be efficiently utilized without escaping from the interior of the aerosol generating device.

[0028] In addition, according to the heater assembly and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiments, the limited space inside the aerosol generating device can be used efficiently.

[0029] 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.

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

[0031] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the interior of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 5a.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 5a, cut along the A-A' cross-sectional line.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a heater assembly with an internal structure shown in FIG. 7 and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of the internal structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly with the internal structure shown in FIG. 9 applied.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view of another example of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 12b is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the heater assembly illustrated in FIG. 12a.

[0045] FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 13b is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the heater assembly illustrated in FIG. 13a.

[0047] FIGS. 14a and FIGS. 14b are perspective views showing different examples of the internal structure of a heater assembly according to another embodiment, respectively.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] 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).

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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)).

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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).

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0124] 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., 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. 2a or FIG. 2b, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2a 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. 2b 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0127] Referring to FIG. 2a, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0128] 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).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 2b, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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. 2a 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 tubular 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 tubular 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).

[0137] 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).

[0138] Unlike as depicted in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, the heater (182) of FIG. 2a and the heater (183) of FIG. 2b may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0139] 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.

[0140] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0141] 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 (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) 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. 3, and some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added. In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space (hereinafter, insertion space) that is open upward so that an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. 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 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 to the exterior of the housing (10).

[0143] Unlike what is described, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for receiving an aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a certain depth toward the interior of the cartridge (19) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the top of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Also, in this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0144] According to one embodiment, 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). A user may put the top of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale air.

[0145] According to one embodiment, a heater (183) can heat an aerosol generating article (2). The heater (183) may extend upward around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (183) may be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylinder) containing a hollow inside. The heater (183) may include a form that contains a hollow inside and surrounds said hollow. In this case, the heater (183) may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0147] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material 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).

[0148] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183)). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) 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 an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, 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 (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 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 (183). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0150] Unlike what is described, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be heated substantially. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol as the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirectly heated) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may contain additives such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's mouth along with the aerosol flowing from the cartridge (19) described later into the aerosol generating article (2).

[0151] Unlike what is described, the heater (183) may include an internal heating type heater. For example, the internal heating type heater may include various heating elements such as a rod type, a tubular type heating element, a plate type heating element, or a needle type heating element. The internal heating type heater may be inserted through the bottom of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be set to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be integrally formed with the housing (10).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure that allows air from the outside to flow into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The incoming air may pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or to facilitate airflow.

[0154] In FIG. 3, the cartridge (19) is shown positioned on the side of the aerosol generating article (2) and the airflow channel (CN) is shown formed from the side of the aerosol generating article (2) to the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2), in which case the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape to connect the cartridge (19) and the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat an aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0157] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. For another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or wraps around) the liquid delivery means and / or in a shape that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (e.g., a pattern shape).

[0158] Unlike what is described, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0159] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on the heat generated by the cartridge heater (24). For example, as the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means is heated by the cartridge heater (24), vapor may be generated from the aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge (19), an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the airflow channel (CN). While the aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article (2), tobacco or flavoring material may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with added tobacco or flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0160] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the interior of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (1100) and a heater assembly (2000).

[0162] The housing (1100) corresponds to the same configuration as the housing (10) described in FIG. 2a and can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1). The housing (1100) may include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be placed.

[0163] For example, in the internal space of the housing (1100), a heater assembly (2000) for heating an aerosol generating article (2), a power source (e.g., power source (11) of FIG. 1) for supplying power to the heater assembly (2000), and a control unit (e.g., control unit (12) of FIG. 1) for controlling the power supplied to the heater assembly (2000) may be disposed.

[0164] The housing (1100) may include an opening (1100h) through which an aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted into the interior of the housing (1100). At least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted or received into the interior of the housing (1100) through the opening (1100h).

[0165] The housing (1100) may include an insertion space (1100i) that accommodates an aerosol-generating article (2) inside. The insertion space (1100i) may be formed at the top of the housing (1100). The insertion space (1100i) may be opened upward and connected to an opening (1100h).

[0166] The insertion space (1100i) may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated vertically. Through the opening (1100h) above the insertion space (1100i), at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be accommodated inside the housing (1100). At this time, the depth of the insertion space (1100i) may correspond to the length of the area containing the aerosol-generating material or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0167] The heater assembly (2000) is configured to heat an aerosol generating article (2) contained in the housing (1100). That is, the heater assembly (2000) is positioned in the internal space of the housing (1100) and can heat the aerosol generating article (2) inserted or contained inside the housing (1100) through the opening (1100h).

[0168] The heater assembly (2000) may include an insertion space (1100i) for receiving an aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space (1100i) may correspond to the same configuration as the insertion space (1100i) inside the previously mentioned housing (1100). When the aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (1100) is received in the insertion space (1100i) of the heater assembly (2000), the heater assembly (2000) is positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (2) so as to heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (2000) may include an inner assembly (2100) disposed inside and an outer assembly (2200) disposed outside thereof. The inner assembly (2100) may include a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article (2) and an insulating structure disposed around it. The outer assembly (2200) may be composed of covers that support the inner assembly (2100) and protect it from the external environment.

[0170] As described, an insertion space (1100i) is formed inside the inner assembly (2100). An aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted into the interior of the heater assembly (2000) through an open area of ​​the outer assembly (2200) aligned with the opening (1100h) and accommodated in the insertion space (1100i). The aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by a heater which is a component of the inner assembly (2100), thereby generating an aerosol.

[0171] Below, the specific structure of the heater assembly (2000) will be described in detail.

[0172] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 5a. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 5b shows only some components of the heater assembly exploded, rather than all components.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment may include an inner assembly (2100) and an outer assembly (2200). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the foregoing details will be omitted.

[0174] The inner assembly (2100) may include a heater for heating the aerosol generating article (2) as previously described, along with an insulating structure placed around it. The inner assembly (2100) is surrounded by an outer assembly (2200) and may be supported by a part of the outer assembly (2200). The configuration of the inner assembly (2100) will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0175] The outer assembly (2200) may include a side cover (2210) that surrounds the outer surface of the inner assembly (2100), and an upper cover (2220) and a lower cover (2230) that surround the upper and lower parts of the inner assembly (2100).

[0176] As described, the heater assembly (2000) can be assembled in such a manner that after the internal assembly (2100) is inserted into the interior of the side cover (2210), the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) are attached to the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the side cover (2210). Accordingly, the internal assembly (2100) can be placed in a space surrounded by the side cover (2210), the upper cover (2220), and the lower cover (2230).

[0177] The side cover (2210) may include a hollow cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape). In this case, the side cover (2210) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the inner assembly (2100) by a predetermined distance. Specifically, the inner surface of the side cover (2210) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the outer surface of the inner assembly (2100) without contacting each other.

[0178] The longitudinal center axis of the side cover (2210) may be the same as the longitudinal center axis of the inner assembly (2100). Therefore, the distance between the inner surface of the side cover (2210) and the outer surface of the inner assembly (2100) may be the same at all points.

[0179] The empty space between the side cover (2210) and the inner assembly (2100) may be filled with air or be in a vacuum state. If the empty space between the two components is filled with air, the air may remain stationary without moving, such as flowing into the empty space from the outside or flowing out from the empty space to the outside. This structure can prevent heat emitted from the inner assembly (2100) from being transferred to the outside of the outer assembly (2200) through the side cover (2210). In addition, the side cover (2210) may include an insulating material that does not transfer heat well.

[0180] Generally, a user can use the aerosol generating device (1) by holding the side portion of the housing (e.g., the housing (1100) of FIG. 4). At this time, the side cover (2210) may be positioned parallel to the side portion of the housing (1100). As described above, the presence of the side cover (2210) blocks heat generated inside the heater assembly (2000) from being transferred to the side portion of the housing (1100), thereby protecting the user's hand holding the housing (1100) from the heat.

[0181] The upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) can be attached to the upper and lower sides of the side cover (2210), respectively. For example, a part of the upper cover (2220) and a part of the lower cover (2230) can be inserted into the interior of the side cover (2210) through the open ends of the side cover (2210).

[0182] Accordingly, the upper cover (2220) may be positioned on the upper part of the internal assembly (2100), and the lower cover (2230) may be positioned on the lower part of the internal assembly (2100). At this time, the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may each support the internal assembly (2100) by engaging with the internal assembly (2100) through a portion thereof.

[0183] As illustrated, the upper cover (2220) may be open so that an aerosol generating article (2) can pass through. An open area of ​​the upper cover (2220) may be aligned with an opening (1100h) of the housing (1100) in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the heater assembly (2000) to the aerosol generating device (1).

[0184] The aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted into the interior of the internal assembly (2100) by penetrating an open portion of the upper cover (2220). At this time, the open portion of the upper cover (2220) can be connected to the interior space of the internal assembly (2100) (e.g., the insertion space (1100i) of FIG. 4). Thus, the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted into the insertion space (1100i) formed in the internal assembly (2100) by penetrating an open portion of the upper cover (2220).

[0185] The upper cover (2220) can support the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) passing through an open area of ​​the upper cover (2220). Accordingly, the aerosol generating article (2) does not move inside the heater assembly (2000), and the user can stably inhale the aerosol through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may include a material that conducts heat relatively well compared to the side cover (2210). Accordingly, heat released from the internal assembly (2100) can be released to the outside of the heater assembly (2000) through the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230). That is, heat generated inside the heater assembly (2000) can be discharged mainly through the upper and lower parts rather than the side parts of the heater assembly (2000).

[0187] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may include a passage through which air can move. The airflow passages placed in each of the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may be fluidly connected to a specific space formed inside the internal assembly (2100). In this case, 'fluid connection' may mean that the elements are connected so that a fluid, such as air, can pass through and flow. The movement of air inside the heater assembly (2000) will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0188] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 5a, cut along the A-A' cross-sectional line.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 6, a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment may include an inner assembly (2100) and an outer assembly (2200). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the above descriptions will be omitted.

[0190] The internal assembly (2100) may include a support member (2110), a heater (2120), and an insulator (2130). As illustrated, the heater (2120) may be placed inside the support member (2110), and the insulator (2130) may be placed outside the support member (2110).

[0191] The support member (2110) is configured to surround the aerosol-generating article (2) and support the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (2). The support member (2110) may include a hollow cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape). In this case, the space surrounded by the support member (2110) may correspond to an insertion space (e.g., the insertion space (1100i) of FIG. 4). That is, the support member (2110) may include an insertion space (1100i) for accommodating the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0192] According to one embodiment, both ends of the support member (2110) may be open depending on the tube shape of the support member (2110). An upper cover (2220) of an external assembly (2200) may be disposed on the upper side of the support member (2110), and a lower cover (2230) of an external assembly (2200) may be disposed on the lower side of the support member (2110). Accordingly, the two open ends of the support member (2110) may face the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively.

[0193] The upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may include empty spaces connected to both open ends of the support member (2110). The insertion space (1100i) surrounded by the support member (2110) may be connected to the empty spaces formed in the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230).

[0194] At this time, the empty space of the upper cover (2220) connected to the insertion space (1100i) may refer to an open area of ​​the upper cover (2220) described through FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b. The empty space of the lower cover (2230) connected to the insertion space (1100i) may refer to a groove of the lower cover (2230) to be described later.

[0195] The aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the heater assembly (2000) penetrates the insertion space (1100i) and may occupy at least a portion of the empty space formed in the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230).

[0196] The heater (2120) can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article (2) by heating the aerosol-generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (1100i). The heater (2120) may correspond to the same configuration as the heater (18) described in FIG. 2a. The heater (2120) may extend vertically along the insertion space (1100i).

[0197] At least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (1100i) can be heated by a heater (2120), and vaporized particles generated by the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) can be mixed with air that travels along the airflow passage and enters the insertion space (1100i) to generate an aerosol.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the heater (2120) may be disposed on the inner surface of the support member (2110) and may surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the heater (2120) may have a thin film form. Thus, the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (1100i) may come into contact with the heater (2120) at the same time as it comes into contact with the inner surface of the support member (2110).

[0199] The heater (2120) is an 'external heating type heater' placed outside the aerosol generating article (2), and can directly heat the aerosol generating article (2) by contacting the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0200] Compared to an 'indirect heating method' in which a heater is placed on the outer surface of a support member (2110) to heat the support member (2110) and thereby heat the aerosol generating article (2) in contact with the support member (2110), the heater (2120) of the heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment directly heats the aerosol generating article (2), so the heating efficiency for the aerosol generating article (2) can be improved.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the heater (2120) may have a specific pattern. In this case, the heater (2120) is an electric resistive heater made of an electric resistor, and when power is supplied to the heater (2120), heat may be generated along the pattern. A portion of the aerosol generating article (2) in contact with the pattern may be directly heated by the heater (2120).

[0202] As illustrated, the heater (2120) may include a folded or curved pattern arranged continuously in one direction (e.g., a direction surrounding the insertion space (1100i)). In this case, the two ends of the pattern forming the heater (2120) may not be connected to each other. That is, the heater (2120) may not be a closed loop pattern, but may include a pattern in which one end (2120a) and the other end (2120b) are distinguished. However, the pattern determining the external shape of the heater (2120) is not limited to the illustrated form.

[0203] Meanwhile, the heater (2120) may have a specific pattern and an overall hollow cylindrical shape (e.g., tube shape). Accordingly, the heater (2120) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space (1100i). At this time, the heater (2120) may extend past the open ends of the support member (2110). The upper and lower ends of the heater (2120) may be inserted into the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively. For example, the upper and lower ends of the heater (2120) may be inserted into the empty spaces formed in the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively.

[0204] According to this structure, the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated not only within the support (2110) but also over a wider area. In other words, the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated over a wider area beyond the region enclosed by the support (2110). However, the shape of the heater (2120) is not limited to that depicted.

[0205] The insulating body (2130) is configured to block heat generated from the heater (2120) from being transferred to the outside of the heater assembly (2000). The insulating body (2130) may be positioned to surround the support member (2110) from the outside of the support member (2110).

[0206] The insulating body (2130) may be positioned spaced apart from the outer surface of the support member (2110). The spaced-apart space (2125) between the support member (2110) and the insulating body (2130) may function as an insulating space (2125). For example, the spaced-apart space (2125) between the support member (2110) and the inner wall (2131) of the insulating body (2130) may function as an air gap filled with air, thereby preventing heat from being transferred from the support member (2110) to the insulating body (2130). In this case, the spaced-apart space (2125) may function not only as a space filled with air but also as a passage for air movement.

[0207] The insulating body (2130) may include a double-wall structure to increase the efficiency of insulation. Specifically, the insulating body (2130) may include an inner wall (2131) facing the support member (2110) and an outer wall (2132) spaced apart from at least one part of the inner wall (2131).

[0208] The inner wall (2131) includes a hollow cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape) and may be positioned to surround the support member (2110) at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the support member (2110). Similarly, the outer wall (2132) also includes a hollow cylindrical shape (e.g., a tube shape) and may be positioned to surround the inner wall (2131) at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the inner wall (2131). At this time, both ends of the outer wall (2132) may extend toward the outer surface of the inner wall (2131) and be joined to the inner wall (2131). Accordingly, a closed empty space may exist between the inner wall (2131) and the outer wall (2132).

[0209] The space (2133) between the inner wall (2131) and the outer wall (2132) can function as an insulating space (2133). For example, the space (2133) between the inner wall (2131) and the outer wall (2132) can be placed in a vacuum state. Here, 'vacuum state' does not mean only a state where there is absolutely no air, but may also include a state of pressure lower than the surrounding atmospheric pressure.

[0210] In summary, the insulating body (2130) includes a vacuum insulating space (2133) formed between the inner wall (2131) and the outer wall (2132), and the vacuum insulating space (2133) can minimize heat transfer to the outside of the heater assembly (2000).

[0211] According to one embodiment, at least one of the support member (2110), heater (2120), and insulation member (2130) constituting the internal assembly (2100) may be supported by the upper cover (2220) and lower cover (2230) constituting the external assembly (2200).

[0212] The upper and lower portions of the support member (2110) may be supported by an upper cover (2220) and a lower cover (2230), respectively. As illustrated, the upper portion (e.g., upper side) and the lower portion (e.g., lower side) of the support member (2110) are in contact with the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively, but the embodiment is not limited to that illustrated.

[0213] The upper and lower portions of the heater (2120) may also be supported by the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively. As illustrated, the upper and lower portions of the outer surface of the heater (2120) are in contact with the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively, but the embodiment is not limited to that illustrated.

[0214] Likewise, the upper and lower parts of the insulation body (2130) can be supported by the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), respectively. As illustrated, the inner wall (2131) of the insulation body (2130) can come into contact with the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) through the upper and lower parts. At this time, the upper and lower parts of the inner wall (2131) may include not only the upper and lower ends of the inner wall (2131) but also the upper and lower regions of the inner surface.

[0215] The upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may each have a suitable shape to support the upper and lower portions of the inner wall (2131). For example, the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230) may have a step formed to engage with the inner wall (2131), or there may be an extended portion or a protruding portion extending away from the insertion space (1100i).

[0216] Meanwhile, the lower cover (2230) may include a groove capable of receiving one end of an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the heater assembly (2000) may pass through an insertion space (1100i) formed in the inner assembly (2100) and be seated in the groove formed in the lower cover (2230).

[0217] The lower cover (2230) can support one end of the aerosol generating article (2) received in the groove. At this time, the lower cover (2230) can support not only the lower surface of the aerosol generating article (2) but also the adjacent outer surface. By double-supporting the aerosol generating article (2) by the upper cover (2220) and the lower cover (2230), the aerosol generating article (2) can remain stationary inside the heater assembly (2000).

[0218] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 7, a partial configuration of an internal assembly (2100) forming a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment is illustrated. As illustrated, the internal assembly (2100) may include a support member (2110), a heater (2120), and a pair of connecting members (2140). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the above descriptions are omitted.

[0220] A pair of connecting parts (2140) is configured to be electrically connected to the heater (2120) to supply power to the heater (2120). For example, a pair of connecting parts (2140) may be two wires.

[0221] The heater (2120) can be connected to the power supply (e.g., the power supply (11) of FIG. 1) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 4) through a pair of connecting parts (2140). For example, one end (2120a) of the heater (2120) can be connected to one (2141) of the pair of connecting parts (2140), and the other end (2120b) of the heater (2120) can be connected to the other (2142) of the pair of connecting parts (2140).

[0222] For convenience of explanation, one (2141) of a pair of connecting parts (2140) may be referred to as the first connecting part (2141), and the other (2142) of a pair of connecting parts (2140) may be referred to as the second connecting part (2142).

[0223] A pair of connecting parts (2140), a heater (2120), and a power source can form an electrically closed loop. Current can flow from the power source to the heater (2120) through the first connecting part (2141), and after flowing along the pattern of the heater (2120), it can flow back to the power source through the second connecting part (2142). Accordingly, the heater (2120), which is an electric resistor, can heat the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (e.g., the insertion space (1100i) of FIG. 4) by generating heat as current flows.

[0224] According to one embodiment, as the heater (2120) has a specific pattern, one end (2120a) and the other end (2120b) of the heater (2120) may be arranged adjacent to each other and extended parallel to each other. For example, one end (2120a) and the other end (2120b) of the heater (2120) may extend downwards of the heater (2120).

[0225] Generally, if the heater (2120) has the above structure, a pair of connecting parts (2140) connected to one end (2120a) and the other end (2120b) of the heater (2120) can also be arranged adjacent to each other and extended side by side.

[0226] At this time, since the heater assembly (2000) is positioned adjacent to an opening (e.g., the opening (1100h) in FIG. 4) inside the housing (e.g., the housing (1100) in FIG. 4), the heater assembly (2000) is positioned on the upper side of the housing (1100), and a power source for supplying power to the heater assembly (2000) can be positioned on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000). Accordingly, a pair of connecting parts (2140) can also extend to the lower side of the heater (2120) to the heater assembly (2000).

[0227] According to this structure, during the use of the heater assembly (2000) or the aerosol generating device (1), a short circuit may occur between the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) due to reasons such as the pair of connecting parts (2140) becoming tangled or twisted together. This may cause a decrease in the heating performance of the heater (2120).

[0228] At this time, since the two ends (2120a, 2120b) of the heater (2120) are located adjacent to each other, a pair of connecting parts (2140) connected to the two ends (2120a, 2120b) of the heater (2120) may be arranged adjacent to each other at least in the part connected to the heater (2120). However, as long as the pair of connecting parts (2140) connected to the heater (2120) are connected to both electrodes of the power source, the arrangement of the pair of connecting parts (2140) in other parts may not significantly affect the power supply to the heater (2120). Accordingly, the pair of connecting parts (2140) do not need to extend parallel to each other in the same direction while maintaining an adjacent state from the part connected to the heater (2120).

[0229] According to one embodiment, the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) may be extended in different directions so as to be far apart from each other. With this arrangement, the phenomenon of a pair of connecting parts (2140) getting tangled or twisted together can be prevented. Therefore, the heating performance or heating efficiency of the heater (2120) can be maintained in an optimal state without being degraded.

[0230] However, if there is no separate configuration to support the first connecting part (2141) or the second connecting part (2142), there is still a possibility that a pair of connecting parts (2140) may become entangled or twisted. For example, when the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) are each connected to a region of one end (2120a) and a region of the other end (2120b) of a heater (2120) protruding downward from the support part (2110), since there is no configuration to support the two connecting parts (2141, 2142) other than the heater (2120) and the power source, the pair of connecting parts (2140) may be placed in a state where they can move freely in the air. Accordingly, the aforementioned problem may still occur.

[0231] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, a support member (2110) of a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment may include a through hole (2111) that is open to face an insertion space (1100i) in at least one area. In this case, the through hole (2111) may refer to a hole that penetrates the structure itself, called the support member (2110), in the radial direction of the support member (2110), separate from both ends of the support member (2110) that are open due to the tube shape.

[0232] Since the heater (2120) is positioned on the inner side of the support member (2110), one area of ​​the heater (2120) may be exposed to the outside of the support member (2110) through a through hole (2111). At this time, a pair of connecting parts (2140) connected to one end (2120a) and the other end (2120b) of the heater (2120), respectively, may also be exposed to the outside of the support member (2110) through the through hole (2111).

[0233] According to one embodiment, a pair of connecting portions (2140) may extend to the outside of the support portion (2110) through a through hole (2111). A first connecting portion (2141) and a second connecting portion (2142) located outside the support portion (2110) may come into contact with the outer surface of the support portion (2110) while extending in different directions so as to be far apart from each other. Accordingly, the first connecting portion (2141) and the second connecting portion (2142) may be supported by the support portion (2110).

[0234] As the portion supported by other components in a pair of connecting parts (2140) increases, the portion that can move freely in the air may decrease. Accordingly, the pair of connecting parts (2140) may be prevented from getting tangled or twisted with each other.

[0235] At least one of the pair of connecting parts (2140) may surround the outer side of the support part (2110) through a portion. Specifically, at least one of the pair of connecting parts (2140) may include a portion extending in the perimeter direction of the support part (2110) to surround the outer side of the support part (2110).

[0236] As illustrated, the first connecting portion (2141) can be connected to a power source located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000) by passing through a through hole (2111) and extending along the length of the support portion (2110) toward one electrode of the power source. Alternatively, the second connecting portion (2142) can be extended along the circumference of the support portion (2110) by passing through the through hole (2111). For example, the second connecting portion (2142) can be extended to wrap around half of the outer circumference of the support portion (2110). Accordingly, the second connecting portion (2142) extended along the circumference of the support portion (2110) can be extended along the length of the support portion (2110) on the opposite side from the first connecting portion (2141) with the support portion (2110) in between, toward the other electrode of the power source.

[0237] Even if a pair of connecting parts (2140) are arranged adjacent to each other in the part connected to the heater (2120), the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) extend toward the power source located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000) at a position far apart from each other, so that the pair of connecting parts (2140) can be prevented from getting tangled or twisted together.

[0238] Meanwhile, the through hole (2111) may be positioned in the lower region of the support member (2110). In other words, the through hole (2111) may be positioned adjacent to the bottom (2110b) of the support member (2110). By positioning the through hole (2111) as close as possible to the power source located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000), the length of the pair of connecting parts (2140) required to connect the heater (2120) and the power source can be shortened. Accordingly, the phenomenon of the pair of connecting parts (2140) getting tangled or twisted with each other can be prevented as much as possible. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the through hole (2111) may also be positioned adjacent to the top (2110a) of the support member (2110).

[0239] Referring to FIG. 7, an internal assembly (2100) forming a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment may further include a fixing part (2150) for connecting at least one of a pair of connecting parts (2140) to a supporting part (2110).

[0240] For example, if a pair of connecting parts (2140) have high rigidity and do not deform easily, the pair of connecting parts (2140) can maintain a specific shape and remain in contact with the outer surface of the supporting part (2110) without a separate fixing part (2150).

[0241] However, if the pair of connecting parts (2140) are easily deformed, it may be difficult for the pair of connecting parts (2140) to maintain contact with the outer surface of the support part (2110). In this case, the fixing part (2150) can connect at least one of the pair of connecting parts (2140) to the outer surface of the support part (2110). As a part of the pair of connecting parts (2140) is fixed to the support part (2110) through the fixing part (2150), the part that can move freely in the pair of connecting parts (2140) is reduced, and the phenomenon of the pair of connecting parts (2140) getting tangled or twisted together can be reliably prevented.

[0242] As illustrated, the fixing part (2150) can be attached to or connected to a portion of the second connecting part (2142) extending in the circumferential direction of the supporting part (2110) on the outside of the supporting part (2110). Although not illustrated, the fixing part (2150) can also be applied to the first connecting part (2141) extending in the longitudinal direction of the supporting part (2110).

[0243] Additionally, the method by which the fixing part (2150) connects at least one of the pair of connecting parts (2140) to the supporting part (2110) may vary and may include, for example, screw connection. According to an embodiment, the supporting part (2110) may include a structure capable of connecting to the pair of connecting parts (2140). In this case, the pair of connecting parts (2140) can maintain contact with the outer surface of the supporting part (2110) without a separate fixing part (2150).

[0244] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, at least one of a pair of connecting parts (2140) connected to the heater (2120) (e.g., a second connecting part (2142)) may be extended only to the portion connected to the fixed part (2150). In this case, the fixed part (2150) may include an electrically conductive material, and a separate connecting part may be connected to the fixed part (2150) and extend toward the power source. According to this structure, the heater (2120) and the power source may be electrically connected through the second connecting part (2142), the fixed part (2150), and the separate connecting part. However, even in this case, the second connecting part (2142) and the separate connecting part may be coupled to the support part (2110) through the fixed part (2150), and a portion of each connecting part may be fixed to the support part (2110).

[0245] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a heater assembly with an internal structure shown in FIG. 7 and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0246] Referring to FIG. 8, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (1100), a control unit (1200), a power source (1300), an output unit (1400), and a heater assembly (2000). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device (1), detailed descriptions that overlap with the above descriptions will be omitted.

[0247] The control unit (1200) has the same configuration as the control unit (12) described in FIG. 1 and can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (1200) can monitor the temperature of the heater (2120) and control the temperature of the heater (2120) to a preset temperature.

[0248] The power source (1300) corresponds to the same configuration as the power source (11) described in FIG. 1 and can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power source (1300) can supply power to the heater (2120) through a pair of connecting parts (2140).

[0249] The output unit (1400) has the same configuration as the output unit (14) described in FIG. 1 and can output information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the output unit (1400) can provide information about the state of the heater (2120) to the user. The output unit (1400) is electrically connected to the control unit (1200) and can operate by the command of the control unit (1200).

[0250] The support member (2110) may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the support member (2110) may be made of stainless steel. In this case, since the heater (2120) placed on the inner surface of the support member (2110) is also made of an electrical resistor, if the support member (2110) and the heater (2120) come into contact, a problem may occur in which they become electrically connected to each other.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the support member (2110) may be insulated so that the space between the support member (2110) and the heater (2120) can be electrically insulated. For example, an insulating material may be applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the support member (2110), or a glaze containing an insulating material may be coated.

[0252] At this time, since the heater (2120) is placed on the inner surface of the already insulated support (2110), no current may flow between the heater (2120) and the support (2110). Likewise, since a pair of connecting parts (2140) are also placed on the outer surface of the already insulated support (2110), no current may flow between the pair of connecting parts (2140) and the support (2110).

[0253] However, as the heater assembly (2000) or the aerosol generating device (1) is used, a problem of insulation breakdown may occur. For example, the coating of the insulating material applied to the inner surface of the support member (2110) may peel off. As a result, a problem may occur in which current flows between the heater (2120) and the support member (2110). This problem may lead to a decrease in the performance of the heater (2120) in terms of heat generation, and consequently, the aerosol generating article (2) may not be heated sufficiently.

[0254] At this time, if the user can recognize the situation where the insulation has been broken, measures such as replacing the heater assembly (2000) or repairing internal components can be taken. That is, if the aerosol generating device (1) can provide the user with a notification regarding the situation where the insulation has been broken, the aerosol generating device (1) can prevent the user from continuing to use the aerosol generating device (1) while the performance of the heater (2120) has deteriorated.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the support unit (2110) and the heater (2120) are electrically connected based on a change in the electrical characteristics or electrical state of the heater (2120).

[0256] For example, current may flow along a closed loop consisting of a power source (1300), a pair of connecting parts (2140), and a heater (2120). In this case, if the insulation between the support part (2110) and the heater (2120) is broken and the two components are electrically connected, some of the current flowing along the closed loop may also flow through the electrically conductive support part (2110).

[0257] This phenomenon can be seen as an electrical resistance connected in parallel to the heater (2120). Accordingly, the voltage applied to the heater (2120) may change, and the amount of current flowing through the heater (2120) may change. The control unit (1200) detects changes in the voltage applied to the heater (2120) or the current flowing through the heater (2120), and based on this, can determine whether the support unit (2110) and the heater (2120) are electrically connected.

[0258] When the control unit (1200) determines that the support unit (2110) and the heater (2120) are electrically connected, it can control the output unit (1400) to provide a notification to the user regarding insulation breakdown through the output unit (1400). Through the notification, the user can recognize that the insulation between the support unit (2110) and the heater (2120) has been broken and take appropriate measures in response.

[0259] Meanwhile, the control unit (1200) may control the temperature of the heater (2120) based on a change in the electrical characteristics of the heater (2120). For example, the heater (2120) may be formed of a material having a TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance). Accordingly, the resistance value of the heater (2120) may vary depending on the temperature change of the heater (2120).

[0260] At this time, the control unit (1200) can measure the voltage applied to the heater (2120) or the current flowing through the heater (2120) to calculate the resistance value of the heater (2120) and indirectly determine the temperature of the heater (2120) through this. That is, the control unit (1200) can track the temperature of the heater (2120) through the resistance value of the heater (2120).

[0261] According to this, the control unit (1200) can determine the temperature of the heater (2120) by monitoring changes in the electrical characteristics of the heater (2120), and can also determine whether the support unit (2110) and the heater (2120) are maintained in an electrically insulated state.

[0262] According to an embodiment, a sensor unit (e.g., sensor unit (13) of FIG. 1) can monitor changes in the electrical characteristics of the heater (2120). In this case, the control unit (1200) can determine the current situation based on the results detected through the sensor unit.

[0263] For example, the control unit (1200) can determine the temperature of the heater (2120). Additionally, the control unit (1200) can determine whether insulation breakdown has occurred between the support unit (2110) and the heater (2120). Based on the determination result, the control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the heater (2120) or provide a notification to the user through the output unit (1400).

[0264] Meanwhile, one of the pair of connecting parts (2140) exposed to the outside of the support part (2110) through the through hole (2111) can be electrically connected to ground from the outside of the support part (2110). As illustrated, a second connecting part (2142) extending along the circumferential direction of the support part (2110) is electrically connected to ground.

[0265] Generally, when alternating current flows through the heater (2120), the heater (2120) may unintentionally act as an antenna that emits or receives electromagnetic waves. However, as the second connection part (2142) connected to the heater (2120) is grounded, the flow of current is shorted, and the emission of electromagnetic waves can be suppressed.

[0266] Accordingly, the heater (2120) can no longer function as an antenna and can prevent interference with communication between other components. That is, by utilizing grounding, the heater (2120) or a pair of connecting parts (2140), which originally functioned as an unintended antenna, can act as an electromagnetic shield to reduce signal interference from other components.

[0267] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of the internal structure of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 9, a partial configuration of an internal assembly (2100) forming a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment is illustrated. As illustrated, the internal assembly (2100) may include a support member (2110), a heater (2120), and a pair of connecting members (2140). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the above descriptions are omitted.

[0269] According to one embodiment, at least one of a pair of connecting parts (2140) may surround the outer side of a support member (2110) through a portion. However, unlike what is shown in FIG. 7, the portion of the pair of connecting parts (2140) surrounding the outer side of the support member (2110) may include a curved shape that surrounds the outer surface of the support member (2110). Hereinafter, the portion of the pair of connecting parts (2140) having a curved shape may be referred to as the ‘curved portion (2160) of the pair of connecting parts (2140).’

[0270] As illustrated, as the second connecting part (2142) includes a curved portion (2160), the second connecting part (2142) can cover a wide area of ​​the support part (2110). Specifically, compared to the second connecting part (2142) illustrated in FIG. 7 which had a simple linear structure, the second connecting part (2142) illustrated in FIG. 9 has a planar structure and can therefore cover a wide area of ​​the support part (2110). For example, in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the support part (2110), the length of the curved portion (2160) of the second connecting part (2142) may be 30% to 100% of the length of the support part (2110).

[0271] As the second connecting part (2142) has a planar structure, the electrical resistance of the second connecting part (2142) can be significantly reduced. Accordingly, more current can flow through the heater (2120) connected to the second connecting part (2142), so the temperature of the heater (2120) can rise rapidly. That is, the preheating time of the heater (2120) is shortened, and the time the user has to wait to use the aerosol generating device (1) can be shortened.

[0272] According to an embodiment, a curved portion (2160) covering the outer surface of a support member (2110) may correspond to a separate conductor (2160). In this case, at least one of a pair of connecting portions (2140) may be electrically connected to the conductor (2160). At this time, at least one of the pair of connecting portions (2140) and the conductor (2160) may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an electrically conductive fixing portion (2150). When the fixing portion (2150) is positioned, the fixing portion (2150) may connect at least one of the pair of connecting portions (2140) and the conductor (2160) to the support member (2110).

[0273] Meanwhile, the curved portion (2160) or the conductor (2160) of the second connecting portion (2142) extends along the outer circumference direction of the support portion (2110) and can cover most of the area of ​​the support portion (2110), excluding the area where the through hole (2111) is formed. The advantages of this structure will be explained below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0274] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly with the internal structure shown in FIG. 9 applied. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly cut along the same cross-sectional line as the A-A' cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 5a.

[0275] Referring to FIG. 10, a heater assembly (2000) according to one embodiment may include an inner assembly (2100) and an outer assembly (2200). The inner assembly (2100) may include a support member (2110), a heater (2120), an insulator (2130), and a conductor (2160). The outer assembly (2200) may include a side cover (2210), an upper cover (2220), and a lower cover (2230). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the foregoing content will be omitted.

[0276] According to one embodiment, air may be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (2000). The introduced air may travel along an airflow passage formed inside the heater assembly (2000) and, as a result, may be introduced into one end of an aerosol generating article (2) contained in an insertion space (e.g., the insertion space (1100i) of FIG. 4).

[0277] Specifically, the upper cover (2220) coupled to the upper side of the insulation body (2130) may include an air inlet passage (2000h). Air from outside the heater assembly (2000) may be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (2000) through the inlet passage (2000h). Air passing through the inlet passage (2000h) may be introduced into the gap space (2125) between the support member (2110) and the inner wall (2131) of the insulation body (2130).

[0278] A lower cover (2230) coupled to the lower side of the insulation body (2130) may include an air delivery passage (2000p). Air passing through the gap space (2125) may reach the delivery passage (2000p). Air passing through the delivery passage (2000p) may flow into one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0279] To summarize, the airflow passage may consist of an inlet passage (2000h) formed in the upper cover (2220), a gap space (2125) between the support member (2110) and the inner wall (2131) of the insulation body (2130), and a transfer passage (2000p) formed in the lower cover (2230).

[0280] The inlet passage (2000h), the separation space (2125), and the transfer passage (2000p) can be fluidly connected, and each of these can be fluidly connected to one end of the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (1100i). Accordingly, air outside the heater assembly (2000) can sequentially pass through the inlet passage (2000h), the separation space (2125), and the transfer passage (2000p) to be introduced into one end of the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (1100i).

[0281] Meanwhile, the air passing through the delivery passage (2000p) can reach the bottom surface (2230b) of the groove (2230g) formed in the lower cover (2230) before flowing into one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0282] At this time, the lower cover (2230) may include a support member positioned on the bottom surface (2230b) of the groove (2230g) to support at least one of the outer surface and the end surface of the aerosol generating article (2). Since the end surface of the aerosol generating article (2) received in the groove (2230g) is supported by the support member positioned on the bottom surface (2230b), the end surface of the aerosol generating article (2) and the bottom surface (2230b) of the groove (2230g) may be spaced apart from each other by the length of the support member.

[0283] Accordingly, air passing through the delivery passage (2000p) can be introduced into one end of the aerosol-generating article (2) through the spaced-apart space between the end surface of the aerosol-generating article (2) and the bottom surface (2230b) of the groove (2230g).

[0284] The arrangement and shape of the inlet passage (2000h) and the transfer passage (2000p) are not limited to those depicted. For example, the inlet passage (2000h) may correspond to the space between multiple supports of the upper cover (2220) that supports the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (2). The transfer passage (2000p) may correspond to the space between multiple supports of the lower cover (2230) that supports the outer surface or end surface of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0285] Meanwhile, as the conductor (2160) is positioned on the outer surface of the support member (2110), air passing through the gap space (2125) between the support member (2110) and the insulating body (2130) can come into contact with the conductor (2160).

[0286] At this time, since the conductor (2160) is an electrically conductive material and an electrically resistive material, when power is supplied to the heater (2120), current flows through the conductor (2160) and heat can be generated in the conductor (2160). The air passing through the gap space (2125) can be heated by the heat generated in the conductor (2160).

[0287] Heated air can be introduced into one end of the aerosol generating article (2) to heat the interior of the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by a heater (2120), and the interior of the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by air. As the medium of the aerosol generating article (2) is heated evenly, the amount of aerosol generated can be increased, and accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) can provide a large amount of vapor to the user.

[0288] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a heater assembly according to another embodiment, cut along the same cross-sectional line as the A-A' cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 5a.

[0289] Referring to FIG. 11, a heater assembly (2000) according to another embodiment may include an inner assembly (2100) and an outer assembly (2200). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the above descriptions will be omitted.

[0290] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly (2000) is positioned on the upper side of the housing (1100), and the power source may be located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000). Accordingly, a pair of connecting parts (2140) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing (1100).

[0291] As previously mentioned, a pair of connecting parts (2140), a heater (2120), and a power source can form an electrically closed loop. The heater (2120), which is an electric resistor, can heat the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (1100i) by generating heat as current flows.

[0292] At this time, a pair of connecting parts (2140) may be an electrically conductive material and an electrical resistor. Accordingly, when current flows through a pair of connecting parts (2140) to supply power to a heater (2120), heat may be unintentionally generated in the pair of connecting parts (2140). The heat generated in the pair of connecting parts (2140) may cause problems such as deforming the surrounding structure. Therefore, proper heat management for the pair of connecting parts (2140), such as releasing heat or cooling, is required.

[0293] According to another embodiment, a pair of connecting parts (2140) can be drawn out between the support part (2110) and the inner wall (2131) of the insulation (2130). Since the pair of connecting parts (2140) start from a heater (2120) placed on the inner side of the support part (2110), each of the pair of connecting parts (2140) may include a portion extending in a direction (e.g., y-axis direction) across the length of the insertion space (1100i) so that it can be drawn out to the outside of the support part (2110).

[0294] At least a portion of a pair of connecting parts (2140) may be placed in the gap space (2125) between the support part (2110) and the inner wall (2131) of the insulation body (2130). As previously described, since the gap space (2125) is simply filled with air or is a passage through which air can move, the pair of connecting parts (2140) may be naturally cooled by the air present in the gap space (2125). However, the following description will focus on an embodiment in which the gap space (2125) is utilized as a passage for air movement.

[0295] At this time, the heat released from a pair of connecting parts (2140) may escape to the outside of the heater assembly (2000) through an upper cover (2220) or a lower cover (2230) that transfers heat relatively well compared to the surrounding components, or it may escape to the outside of the heater assembly (2000) through an aerosol generating item (2) according to the movement of air.

[0296] In addition, for a pair of connecting parts (2140) to be placed in the spaced-apart space (2125), sufficient space must be secured between the supporting part (2110) and the insulating body (2130). At this time, if the part of the pair of connecting parts (2140) that extends in the direction traversing the length of the insertion space (1100i) is designed to be longer, the distance between the supporting part (2110) and the insulating body (2130) can be increased as a result.

[0297] As the distance between the support member (2110) and the insulation member (2130) increases, a larger amount of air can be filled into the gap space (2125), thereby improving the insulation performance. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for heat to be transferred to the side parts of the housing (1100).

[0298] Meanwhile, a pair of connecting parts (2140) can be drawn out into a spaced-out space (2125) from the upper side of the support part (2110). Specifically, a pair of connecting parts (2140) can be drawn out into the spaced-out space (2125) through the clearance space between the support part (2110) and the upper cover (2220) beyond the top of the support part (2110). At this time, the upper cover (2220) may include a groove carved in a direction toward the support part (2110), and the groove may serve as the clearance space between the support part (2110) and the upper cover (2220).

[0299] When a pair of connecting parts (2140) are extended toward the lower side of the heater assembly (2000) so as to be connected to a power source located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000), the pair of connecting parts (2140) drawn out through the upper side of the support part (2110) can be extended along the gap space (2125). At this time, since the power source is located outside the heater assembly (2000), the pair of connecting parts (2140) can be extended through the lower cover (2230) to the part where the power source is placed.

[0300] Compared to the case where a pair of connecting parts (2140) are drawn out through the lower side of the support part (2110), a pair of connecting parts (2140) can occupy a larger area in the spacing space (2125) when drawn out through the upper side of the support part (2110). With this arrangement, the spacing space (2125) can be utilized to the maximum extent in terms of dissipating heat generated from the pair of connecting parts (2140).

[0301] FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view of another example of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 12b is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 12a.

[0302] At this time, FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly cut along the same cross-sectional line as the A-A' cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 5a, just like FIG. 11, and for the sake of simplification of the drawing, the inflow passage of the upper cover (2220) and the transfer passage of the lower cover (2230) have been omitted.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b, a heater assembly (2000) according to another embodiment may include an inner assembly (2100) and an outer assembly (2200). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the foregoing details will be omitted.

[0304] As described above, the heater (2120) may have a specific pattern in which one end (2120a) and the other end (2120b) are distinguished. Referring to FIG. 12b, both ends (2120a, 2120b) of the heater (2120) may each be connected to one of a pair of connecting parts (2140). For example, one end (2120a) of the heater (2120) may be connected to the first connecting part (2141), and the other end (2120b) of the heater (2120) may be connected to the second connecting part (2142). Accordingly, current may flow from the power source to the heater (2120) through the first connecting part (2141), and after flowing along the pattern of the heater (2120), may flow back to the power source through the second connecting part (2142).

[0305] According to another embodiment, a pair of connecting portions (2140) may extend to the outside of the support portion (2110) through a through hole (2111). Specifically, the pair of connecting portions (2140) may include a first portion (2140r) that extends through the support portion (2110) and a second portion (2140e) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the support portion (2110). In this case, the second portion (2140e) may pass through the through hole (2111) and extend along the longitudinal direction of the support portion (2110) toward both electrodes of the power source so as to be connected to a power source located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000).

[0306] The through hole (2111) may be positioned in the upper region of the support member (2110). In other words, the through hole (2111) may be positioned adjacent to the top (2110a) of the support member (2110). In terms of dissipating heat generated from a pair of connecting members (2140), when the through hole (2111) is positioned adjacent to the top (2110a) rather than the bottom (2110b) of the support member (2110), the spacing space (2125) can be fully utilized.

[0307] However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the through hole (2111) may be positioned adjacent to the bottom (2110b) of the support member (2110). In this case as well, the spacing space (2125) can be fully utilized depending on the direction in which the pair of connecting members (2140) extend.

[0308] In addition, even if a pair of connecting parts (2140) are not pulled out through the open upper side of the support part (2110), they can be pulled out through the through hole (2111) located in the upper region of the support part (2110), so the gap space (2125) can still be fully utilized in terms of relieving heat generated from a pair of connecting parts (2140).

[0309] FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 13b is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 13a.

[0310] At this time, FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly cut along the same cross-sectional line as the A-A' cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 5a, just like FIG. 11, and for the sake of simplification of the drawing, the inflow passage of the upper cover (2220) and the transfer passage of the lower cover (2230) have been omitted.

[0311] Referring to FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b, a heater assembly (2000) according to another embodiment may include an inner assembly (2100) and an outer assembly (2200). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the foregoing details will be omitted.

[0312] As described in FIG. 7, the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) located outside the support part (2110) may be extended in different directions so as to be far apart from each other. For example, at least one of the pair of connecting parts (2140) may surround the outside of the support part (2110) through a portion.

[0313] At this time, the portion extending in the circumferential direction of the support portion (2110) to surround the outer side of the support portion (2110) from a pair of connecting portions (2140) can be referred to as a third portion (2140c). That is, a pair of connecting portions (2140) may include a third portion (2140c) together with the first portion (2140r) and the second portion (2140e) described above.

[0314] Both ends of the third part (2140c) are connected to the first part (2140r) and the second part (2140e), respectively, so that the third part (2140c) can connect between the first part (2140r) and the second part (2140e).

[0315] Meanwhile, the extension direction of the first connecting part (2141) and the extension direction of the second connecting part (2142) may vary depending on the embodiment. As illustrated, unlike the structure shown in FIG. 7, the first connecting part (2141) may extend in a first direction surrounding the supporting part (2110) in the spaced-apart space (2125) between the supporting part (2110) and the inner wall (2131) of the insulating body (2130), and the second connecting part (2142) may extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0316] At this time, the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) can be extended to wrap about 1 / 4 of the outer circumference of the support part (2110) through the third part (2140c). Accordingly, the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the support part (2110) from opposite sides with the support part (2110) in between, and directed toward the other electrode of the power source.

[0317] Even if a pair of connecting parts (2140) are arranged adjacent to each other in the part connected to the heater (2120), the first connecting part (2141) and the second connecting part (2142) extend toward the power source located on the lower side of the heater assembly (2000) at a position far apart from each other, so that the pair of connecting parts (2140) can be prevented from getting tangled or twisted together.

[0318] Meanwhile, even if a pair of connecting parts (2140) are extended to the extent of a third part (2140c), since the third part (2140c) is positioned inside the gap space (2125), the area in contact between the pair of connecting parts (2140) and the air filled in the gap space (2125) increases. Therefore, the pair of connecting parts (2140) can actually be cooled more quickly.

[0319] According to another embodiment, a fixing part (2150) may be used to connect at least one of a pair of connecting parts (2140) to a supporting part (2110).

[0320] As illustrated, the fixing part (2150) can be attached to or connected to a part (e.g., a third part (2140c)) of a first connecting part (2141) and a second connecting part (2142) extending in the circumferential direction of the supporting part (2110) on the outside of the supporting part (2110). Although not illustrated, the fixing part (2150) can also be applied to a second part (2140e) extending in the longitudinal direction of the supporting part (2110).

[0321] According to an embodiment, the support member (2110) may include a structure capable of being coupled with a pair of connecting members (2140). In this case, the pair of connecting members (2140) can remain coupled to the support member (2110) without a separate fixing member (2150).

[0322] FIGS. 14a and FIGS. 14b are perspective views showing different examples of the internal structure of a heater assembly according to another embodiment, respectively.

[0323] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, a portion of the internal assembly (2100) forming a heater assembly (2000) according to another embodiment is illustrated. As illustrated, the internal assembly (2100) may include a support member (2110), a heater (2120), and a pair of connecting members (2140a, 2140b). Regarding the configuration and effects of the heater assembly (2000), detailed descriptions that overlap with the foregoing content are omitted.

[0324] According to another embodiment, a pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) may include a shape with a relatively large heat dissipation area. For example, at least one of the pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) may include a helical structure.

[0325] Referring to FIG. 14a, the first connecting part (2141a) and the second connecting part (2142a) may each include a helical structure. In this case, the first connecting part (2141a) and the second connecting part (2142a) may include a spring-shaped helical structure extending in one direction.

[0326] Referring to FIG. 14b, the first connecting part (2141b) and the second connecting part (2142b) may each include a helical structure. In this case, the first connecting part (2141b) and the second connecting part (2142b) may be arranged to wrap around the outer side of the support part (2110) along the helical structure.

[0327] According to the structure described above, the pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) are difficult to entangle or twist with each other, so the heating performance or heating efficiency of the heater (2120) can be maintained in an optimal state. In addition, according to the structure described above, the pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) can maintain a state of not contacting each other and occupy a larger space between them. As the heat dissipation area of ​​the pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) increases, the contact area between the pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) and air can increase in the space formed on the outside of the support part (2110) (e.g., the space (2125) in FIG. 11), and as a result, the pair of connecting parts (2140a, 2140b) can be cooled more quickly.

[0328] According to the heater assembly (2000) and the aerosol generating device (1) including the same according to the embodiments, the heating performance or heating efficiency of the heater (2120) can be maintained in an optimal state without degradation.

[0329] In addition, according to the heater assembly (2000) and the aerosol generating device (1) including the same according to the embodiments, the internal components of the heater assembly (2000) can be protected from high heat. Specifically, a pair of heat-generating connecting parts (2140) can be drawn out into a spaced-apartment (2125) and cooled by air filling the spaced-apartment (2125), so that the internal components of the heater assembly (2000) can be protected from high heat emitted by the pair of connecting parts (2140).

[0330] In addition, according to the heater assembly (2000) and the aerosol generating device (1) including the same according to the embodiments, due to the various configurations forming the heater assembly (2000), heat generated inside the heater assembly (2000) can be efficiently utilized without escaping inside the aerosol generating device (1).

[0331] In addition, according to the heater assembly (2000) and the aerosol generating device (1) including the same according to the embodiments, due to the compact structure of the heater assembly (2000), the limited space inside the aerosol generating device (1) can be used efficiently.

[0332] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinguishable 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.

[0333] 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, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0334] 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 assembly for an aerosol generating device, A support member including an insertion space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; A heater disposed on the inner surface of the support member surrounding the insertion space; An insulating body comprising an inner wall disposed to surround the support member at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the support member, an outer wall spaced at least a portion apart from the inner wall, and a vacuum insulating space formed between the inner wall and the outer wall; and A pair of connecting parts electrically connected to the heater to supply power to the heater; including A heater assembly comprising a support member having a through hole open to face the insertion space in at least one area so that the pair of connecting members are exposed to the outside of the support member. In paragraph 1, The above heater includes a pattern in which one end and the other end are distinguished, and A heater assembly in which one end of the heater is connected to one of the pair of connecting parts, and the other end of the heater is connected to the other of the pair of connecting parts. In paragraph 2, The heater is positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space, and A heater assembly in which one end of the heater and the other end of the heater are arranged adjacent to each other and extend parallel to each other. In paragraph 3, The one end of the heater and the other end of the heater extend toward the lower side of the heater, and The above through hole is a heater assembly disposed in the lower region of the support member. In paragraph 1, The above pair of connecting parts extend to the outside of the support part through the through hole, and A heater assembly in which one of the pair of connecting parts and the other of the pair of connecting parts extend in different directions so as to be apart from each other. In paragraph 5, A heater assembly in which at least one of the above pair of connecting parts surrounds the outer side of the support part through one part. In paragraph 6, A heater assembly in which the portion surrounding the outer side of the support member includes a curved shape that surrounds the outer surface of the support member. In Paragraph 7, A heater assembly in which the length of the portion in the longitudinal direction of the support member is 30% to 100% of the length of the support member. In paragraph 1, A heater assembly, one of the above pair of connecting parts being electrically connected to ground outside the support part. In paragraph 1, A heater assembly further comprising: a fixing part for connecting at least one of the above pair of connecting parts to the outside of the support part. In paragraph 1, A heater assembly further comprising: a conductor electrically connected to at least one of the pair of connecting parts and covering the outer surface of the support part. In paragraph 1, The above support member comprises an electrically conductive material, and A heater assembly in which the support member is insulated and the space between the support member and the heater is electrically insulated. In paragraph 1, A heater assembly in which the gap between the support member and the inner wall of the insulation member is fluidly connected to one end of an aerosol-generating article accommodated in the insertion space. The heater assembly of claim 1; An output unit for outputting information regarding the state of the above-mentioned aerosol generating device; and A control unit electrically connected to the above output unit; including The above control unit determines whether the support unit and the heater are electrically connected based on a change in the electrical characteristics of the heater, and if it determines that the support unit and the heater are electrically connected, provides a notification to the user through the output unit. In Paragraph 14, The above control unit controls the temperature of the heater based on a change in the electrical characteristics of the heater, an aerosol generating device.

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