Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol-generating device. An aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a body, one side of which is open and which provides an insertion space extending in one direction; a heating element which surrounds the insertion space and faces an aerosol-generating article accommodated in the insertion space; a support part which surrounds the outside of the heating element and supports same; and an insulation part which surrounds the outside of the support part, wherein the insulation part may be spaced apart from the support part in the radial direction of the insertion space, and an air gap may be formed between the support part and the insulation part.

Description

Aerosol generator

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

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

[0003] An aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating material using an external heating method has a SUS tube placed inside a hollow heater track, and heat generated from the heater is transferred to the aerosol generating material through the SUS tube to heat the aerosol generating material. The heating method using the SUS tube has the problem of reduced thermal efficiency because the heat generated from the heater is transferred to the aerosol generating material through the SUS tube.

[0004] To solve the problem of reduced thermal efficiency caused by SUS tubes, a structure in which the heater comes into direct contact with the aerosol generating material can be considered. According to this direct contact structure, the heat generated by the heater does not pass through the SUS tube, so the reduction in thermal efficiency can be suppressed. However, there is a problem in that the heat generated by the heater may be emitted radially outward, and the heater may be bent radially outward by the aerosol generating material.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0006] Another objective may be to provide an aerosol generating device having a support member and an insulating member surrounding the outer side of a heating element, and an air gap formed between the support member and the insulating member.

[0007] Another objective may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the thickness of the heating element and the thickness of the support part have values ​​within a predetermined range.

[0008] Another objective may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the insulating part is equipped with a vacuum layer, and the vacuum layer surrounds the heating track of the heating element.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, an aerosol generating device is provided comprising: a body having one side open and extending in one direction, the body providing an insertion space; a heating element surrounding the insertion space and facing an aerosol product contained in the insertion space; a support member surrounding the outer side of the heating element and supporting the heating element; and an insulating member surrounding the outer side of the support member, wherein the insulating member is spaced apart from the support member in the radial direction of the insertion space and an air gap is formed between the support member and the insulating member.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a support member and an insulating member are provided to surround the outer side of a heating element, and an air gap is formed between the support member and the insulating member, so that the heating element can be stably supported by the support member and heat can be suppressed from being emitted to the outside of the heating element.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by having the thickness of the heating element and the thickness of the support member within a predetermined range, deformation of the heating element or the support member can be prevented during the process of manufacturing the heater, a decrease in heating efficiency can be prevented during the process of heating the aerosol product, and the aerosol product cannot be sufficiently heated or the preheating time can be prolonged.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating member is provided with a vacuum layer and has a structure in which the vacuum layer surrounds the heating track of the heating element, so that heat can be suppressed from being emitted to the outside of the heating element and the size of the insulating member can be minimized.

[0013] Further scopes of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates the unfolded state of a heating element of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which a heating element and a support member of a heater are combined according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a heater according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged arrangement of a heating element, a support member, an air gap, and an insulation member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are graphs illustrating the temperature change of an insertion space when a heating element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is preheated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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)).

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099]

[0100] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'internal heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the inside of an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0103] 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.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0106] 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).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0113] 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.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and a description redundant with FIG. 2 is omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating type heater implemented as a 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] Unlike as depicted in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the heater (182) of FIG. 2 and the heater (183) of FIG. 3 may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0117] 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.

[0118]

[0119] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 4, the heater (30) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIG. 1 and 2) may be an assembly having a heating element (31) inside. The heater (30) may be referred to as a heater assembly (30). The heater (30) may be in the shape of a tube or cylinder containing a hollow inside. The heater (30) may be placed within the body (10) (e.g., the housing (10) of FIG. 2 and 3) of an aerosol generating device (1) having an insertion space (43) (e.g., the insertion space (43) of FIG. 2 and 3). The heater (30) may surround the insertion space (43). The heater (30) may provide the insertion space (43). The insertion space (43) and / or the aerosol product (2) inserted into the insertion space (43) (e.g., the aerosol product (2) of FIG. 2 and 3) can be heated by a heater (30). The heater (30) may include a heating element (31) surrounding the insertion space (43). The heating element (31) may generate heat by power (11) (e.g., the power (11) of FIG. 1 to 3) or power applied from the outside. The heater (30) may include an upper case (34), a lower case (35, 36), and an insulating part (33). The upper case (34), the lower case (35, 36), and the insulating part (33) may form at least a part of the exterior of the heater (30). The upper case (34), lower case (35, 36) and insulation part (33) can each surround the upper, lower, and side parts of the heating element (31).

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a heater (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 5, the heater (30) may include a heating element (31), a support member (32), an insulating member (33), an upper case (34), and lower cases (35, 36).

[0124] The support member (32) may be in the shape of a cylinder with a hollow interior. The support member (32) may surround the outside of the heating element (31). At least a portion of the heating element (31) may be inserted into the support member (32). The inner surface of the support member (32) may support the heating element (31) inserted into the support member (32) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43).

[0125] The insulating part (33) may be in the shape of a cylinder with a hollow interior. The insulating part (33) may surround the outside of the supporting part (32). At least a portion of the supporting part (32) may be inserted into the insulating part (33). At least a portion of the supporting part (32) and the heating element (31) may be accommodated inside the insulating part (33). The insulating part (33) may be provided with a vacuum space (33V, see FIG. 8 and 9) inside. The vacuum space (33V) may be referred to as an insulating layer. The insulating part (33) surrounds the outside of the heating element (31) and the supporting part (32) and can prevent heat generated from the heating element (31) from being transferred to the radially outer side of the insertion space (43).

[0126] The support member (32) and the insulation member (33) may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy, but the material forming the support member (32) and the insulation member (33) is not limited thereto.

[0127] The upper case (34) may be combined with at least one of the support member (32) and the insulation member (33). The upper case (34) may surround the upper part of the heating element (31). An insertion opening (34H) may be formed in the upper case (34). The insertion opening (34H) may be in communication with the insertion space (43).

[0128] The lower case (35, 36) may be combined with at least one of the support member (32) and the insulation member (33). The lower case (35, 36) may surround the lower part of the heating element (31). The lower case (35, 36) may include a first lower case (35) combined with at least one of the support member (32) and the insulation member (33), and a second lower case (36) combined to the lower part of the first lower case (35). An insertion opening (35H) may be formed in the first lower case (35). An insertion groove (36H) may be formed in the second lower case (36). The insertion opening (35H) and the insertion groove (36H) may be in communication with the insertion space (43). The insertion opening (35H) and the insertion groove (36H) may form a part of the insertion space (43).

[0129] The upper case (34) and lower case (35, 36) may be formed from a material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), but the material forming the upper case (34) and lower case (35, 36) is not limited thereto.

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 6 illustrates the unfolded state of the heating element (31) of the heater (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, the heating element (31) may include an electrically conductive track (311). The electrically conductive track (311) may be referred to as a heating track (311). The heating track (311) may generate heat by receiving power from a power source (11) or from an external source. The heat generated in the heating track (311) heats the medium and / or moisturizer of the aerosol product (2) inserted into the insertion space (43), thereby generating an aerosol. The heating track (311) may be made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] The heating track (311) may have a shape in which a single track extending long is bent at least once. The heating track (311) may have a shape that extends long along one direction but is wavy. When unfolded, the heating track (311) may be rectangular overall.

[0134] The heating track (311) may include a main track (3111), a first connecting track (3112), and a second connecting track (3113). The main track (3111), the first connecting track (3112), and the second connecting track (3113) may be formed integrally. The main track (3111), the first connecting track (3112), and the second connecting track (3113) may form a single track that is long and has a shape that is bent at least once.

[0135] The main track (3111) may include a plurality of tracks that extend in one direction or along the length of the insertion space (43). The plurality of tracks may be arranged parallel to each other along the length of the insertion space (43).

[0136] The first connecting track (3112) can connect one side or the lower end of adjacent main tracks (3111). The second connecting track (3113) can connect the other side or the upper end of adjacent main tracks (3111). The first connecting track (3112) and the second connecting track (3113) can form a bent portion of the heating track (311).

[0137] The protrusion (312) may protrude from one side or the other side of the heating track (311). The protrusion (312) may be formed integrally with the heating track (311). The protrusion (312) may include at least one of a first protrusion (3121) and a second protrusion (3122). When the heating track (311) heats up due to power input from the power source (11) or an external source, the protrusion (312) may also heat up.

[0138] Accordingly, the heating area of ​​the heating element (31) can be expanded by the protrusion (312).

[0139] The first protrusion (3121) may protrude from one side or the lower side of the heating track (311). The first protrusion (3121) may protrude from the lower end or the upstream end (311a) of the heating track (311). The first protrusion (3121) may protrude from a bent portion of the heating track (311). The first protrusion (3121) may protrude from the first connecting track (3112) of the heating track (311). The direction in which the first protrusion (3121) protrudes may correspond to the direction in which the main track (3111) extends, the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the direction in which the aerosol product (2) moves from outside to inside the insertion space (43), or the direction facing upstream.

[0140] The second protrusion (3122) may protrude from the other side or the upper side of the heating track (311). The second protrusion (3122) may protrude from the upper end or the downstream end (311b) of the heating track (311). The second protrusion (3122) may protrude from the bent portion of the heating track (311). The second protrusion (3122) may protrude from the second connecting track (3113) of the heating track (311). The direction in which the second protrusion (3122) protrudes may correspond to the direction in which the main track (3111) extends, the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), the direction in which the aerosol product (2) moves from inside to outside the insertion space (43), or the direction toward downstream.

[0141] The connecting portion (313) of the heating track (311) may include a first connecting portion (3131) and a second connecting portion (3132). The first connecting portion (3131) may be one end of a single track that is extended in a winding manner. The second connecting portion (3132) may be the other end of a single track that is extended in a winding manner. The connecting portion (313) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the first protrusion (3121) or the second protrusion (3122). For example, the connecting portion (313) of the heating track (311) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the first protrusion (3121). In the hollow heating body (31), the first connecting portion (3131) and the second connecting portion (3132) may be adjacent to each other and positioned at the other end or bottom of the heating body (31).

[0142] The length (Lb) of the first protrusion (3121) and the length (Lc) of the second protrusion (3122), defined in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), may be shorter than the length (La) of the main track (3111). The length (Lb) of the first protrusion (3121) and the length (Lc) of the second protrusion (3122) may be equal to each other. The width (Wb) of the first protrusion (3121) and the width (Wc) of the second protrusion (3122), defined in the periphery direction of the insertion space (43), may be constant. The width (Wb) of the first protrusion (3121) and the width (Wc) of the second protrusion (3122) may be smaller than the width (Wa) of the bent portion of the heating track (311) or the connecting track (3112, 3113).

[0143] When power is applied to the heating element (31) from the power source (11) or from the outside, the magnitude of the current flowing through the first protrusion (3121) and the second protrusion (3122) may be smaller than the magnitude of the current flowing through the main track (3111). Some of the heat generated in the main track (3111) may be conducted to the first protrusion (3121) and / or the second protrusion (3122).

[0144] The lengths of the first protrusion (3121) and the second protrusion (3122) are formed to be shorter than the length of the main track (3111), and the widths of the first protrusion (3121) and the second protrusion (3122) are formed to be narrower than the width of the bent portion of the heating track (311), thereby minimizing the change in the heating characteristics of the heating track (311) due to the protrusion structure.

[0145] Additionally, the amount of heat generated at the protrusion (312) or the amount of heat transferred from the protrusion (312) to the aerosol product (2) may be relatively smaller than the amount of heat generated at the heating track (311) or the amount of heat transferred from the heating track (311) to the aerosol product (2).

[0146] Accordingly, the heat transferred to the aerosol product (2) from the upstream and downstream ends of the heating element (31) is gradually reduced, thereby increasing the persistence of the nicotine vapor or humectant vapor generated from the aerosol product (2).

[0147]

[0148] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which the heating element (31) and the support member (32) of a heater (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are combined.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 7, at least a portion of the heating element (31) may be inserted into the support member (32). The support member (32) may surround the outside of the heating element (31). The top and bottom portions of the heating element (31) may be exposed to the outside of the support member (32). For example, at least a portion of the first protrusion (3121) of the heating element (31) may be exposed to the outside or lower side of the support member (32). For example, at least a portion of the second protrusion (3122) of the heating element (31) may be exposed to the outside or upper side of the support member (32). For example, at least a portion of the connecting portion (313) of the heating element (31) may be exposed to the outside or lower side of the support member (32).

[0150] The first protrusion (3121) and the second protrusion (3122) may have a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the heating element (31) or the circumference of the insertion space (43).

[0151] The heating track (311) of the heating element (31) may be placed inside the support member (32). The inner surface of the heating track (311) may be exposed to the insertion space (43). The inner surface of the heating track (311) may form the perimeter of the insertion space (43). When an aerosol product (2) is received in the insertion space (43), the inner surface of the heating track (311) may come into contact with the outer surface of the aerosol product (2). A coating layer (37) may be placed between the inner surface of the support member (32) and the heating track (311) (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The inner surface of the support member (32) may support the heating track (311) inserted into the support member (32) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43).

[0152] Accordingly, the heating track (311) can be prevented from bending outward in the radial direction of the insertion space (43) by the support member (32), and the heating track (311) can be in direct contact with the aerosol product, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency.

[0153] A connection hole (32H) may be formed on one side of the support member (32). At least a portion of the heating track (311) of the heating element (31) may be exposed to the outside of the support member (32) through the connection hole (32H). Among the plurality of main tracks (3111) forming the heating track (311), two main tracks (3111) equipped with a connection member (313) may be exposed to the outside of the support member (32) through the connection hole (32H). A wire or PCB pattern (not shown) may be connected to a power source (11) and / or a power conversion circuit connected to the power source (11). The wire or PCB pattern may be electrically connected to the main track (3111) through the connection hole (32H). Accordingly, by means of two main tracks (3111) equipped with a connecting part (313), the heating element (31) is connected to a power source (11) and / or a power conversion circuit, so that power can be supplied from the power source (11).

[0154]

[0155] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a heater (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 8, in the heater (30), the heating element (31), the support member (32), and the insulation member (33) may be arranged in order outwardly in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). A coating layer (37) may be placed between the support member (32) and the heating element (31). The insulation member (33) may surround the outside of the support member (32) and be spaced apart from the support member (32) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). An air gap (G3) may be formed between the insulation member (33) and the support member (32).

[0157] An insulating layer (33V) may be formed inside the insulating part (33). The insulating layer (33V) may be a vacuum space formed between an inner wall (331) in which a hollow is formed and an outer wall (332) surrounding the outer side of the inner wall (331). A coating layer (37) and an insulating part (33) may be disposed on the outer side of the heating element (31) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). By the insulating layer (33V) inside the insulating part (33), heat generated from the heating element (31) may be prevented from being transferred to the radial outer side of the insertion space (43).

[0158] The insulation layer (33V) and the air gap (G3) may surround the outer side of the insertion space (43) and extend long in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43). The insulation layer (33V) and the air gap (G3) may surround the heating element (31) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The insulation layer (33V) and the air gap (G3) may surround the outer side of the heating track (311) of the heating element (31). The air gap (G3) and the insulation layer (33V) may extend to a height equal to or higher than the upper end (311b) of the heating track (311) and may extend to a height equal to or lower than the lower end (311a) of the heating track (311).

[0159] At least a portion of the first protrusion (3121) or the second protrusion (3122) of the heating track (311) may protrude downward or upward from the insulation layer (33V) or the air gap (G3) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43).

[0160] Accordingly, the outer side of the heating track (311) where most of the heat is generated is surrounded by an insulating layer (33V) and an air gap (G3), thereby preventing the heat generated in the heating track (311) from being transferred to the radial outer side of the insertion space (43).

[0161] Additionally, at least a portion of the protrusion (312) protrudes beyond the insulation layer (33V) or air gap (G3) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), thereby reducing the size of the insulation layer (33V) or air gap (G3) and reducing the size of the heater (30).

[0162] The coating layer (37) can be bonded to the heating element (31) and the support member (32). The support member (32) and the heating element (31) can be electrically separated by the coating layer (37).

[0163] The insulation part (33) and the support part (32) are each combined with the upper case (34) and the first lower case (35), so that their positions can be fixed.

[0164] The upper end of the support member (32) can be combined with the upper case (34). The upper end of the support member (32) can be combined with the second part (342) of the upper case (34). The second part (342) of the upper case (34) can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and can be extended along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The upper end of the support member (32) can be inserted into the second part (342) of the upper case (34) and fixed to the upper case (34).

[0165] The lower end of the support member (32) can be coupled to the first lower case (35). The lower end of the support member (32) can be coupled to the second part (352) of the first lower case (35). The second part (352) of the first lower case (35) can be extended in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) and can be extended along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The lower end of the support member (32) can be inserted into the second part (352) of the first lower case (35) and fixed to the first lower case (35).

[0166] The upper end of the insulation portion (33) can be combined with the upper case (34). The upper end of the insulation portion (33) can be combined with the first part (341) of the upper case (34). The first part (341) of the upper case (34) extends radially outward from the insertion space (43) and can extend along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The first part (341) can be formed integrally with the second part (342).

[0167] The lower end of the insulation portion (33) can be combined with the first lower case (35). The lower end of the insulation portion (33) can be combined with the first part (351) of the first lower case (35). The first part (351) of the first lower case (35) extends radially outward from the insertion space (43) and can extend along the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The first part (351) can be formed integrally with the second part (352).

[0168] The second lower case (36) can be coupled to the lower part of the first lower case (35). The insertion opening (35H) of the first lower case (35) and the insertion groove (36H) of the second lower case (36) can be in communication with the insertion space (43). The insertion opening (35H) and the insertion groove (36H) can form a part of the insertion space (43). The diameter of the insertion opening (35H) of the first lower case (35) and the diameter of the insertion groove (36H) of the second lower case (36) can be the same as each other.

[0169] A support projection (363) may be provided between the inner surface (361) and the bottom (362) of the second lower case (36). The support projection (363) may include a plurality of projections spaced apart along the perimeter of the inner surface (361) of the second lower case (36). The support projection (363) may have a flat upper surface. The upper surface of the support projection (363) may come into contact with the lower end of the aerosol product (2) contained in the insertion space (43). The surface connecting the upper surfaces of the plurality of support projections (363) may be a surface that supports the lower end of the aerosol product (2) contained in the insertion space (43).

[0170] A communication hole (363H) may be formed by penetrating the support projection (363). A communication hole (363H) may be provided for each support projection. The communication hole (363H) may be formed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43). The communication hole (363H) may connect the insertion space (43) with the outside of the heater (30). External air may flow into the insertion space (43) through the communication hole (363H).

[0171] A connecting hole (351H) may be formed by penetrating the first lower case (35). The connecting hole (351H) may be formed in the first part (351) of the first lower case (35). The connecting hole (351H) may be formed along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43).

[0172] A connecting groove (364) may be formed on the upper side of the second lower case (36). The connecting groove (364) may be formed by a portion of the upper side of the hollow second lower case (36) being recessed downward. The connecting groove (364) may be positioned in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43) to correspond to the connecting hole (351H) of the first lower case (35). A wire or PCB pattern, etc., connected to a power source (11) and / or a power conversion circuit connected to the power source (11) may be electrically connected to the heating track (311) through the connecting groove (364), the connecting hole (351H) of the first lower case (35), and the connecting hole (32H) of the support member (32).

[0173] The insertion opening (34H) of the upper case (34) may be positioned above the second protrusion (3122). The upper portion of the inner surface (34S) of the insertion opening (34H) may be inclined in the radial direction of the insertion space (43). The lower portion of the inner surface (34S) of the insertion opening (34H) may be positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43).

[0174] The second protrusion (3122) may be positioned on the lower side of the insertion opening (34H). The inner surface of the second protrusion (3122) may be aligned with the lower part of the inner surface (34S) of the insertion opening (34H) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), or may be positioned radially outward from the lower part of the inner surface (34S) of the insertion opening (34H).

[0175] A first recess (347) may be formed on the lower side of the insertion opening (34H) of the upper case (34) and recessed radially outward. At least a portion of the second protrusion (3122) may be received in the first recess (347). The second protrusion (3122) may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first recess (347). The second protrusion (3122) may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the first recess (347). The second protrusion (3122) may be spaced radially inward from the inner surface of the first recess (347). The second protrusion (3122) may be spaced downward from the upper surface of the first recess (347).

[0176] Accordingly, the insertion or removal of the aerosol product (2) can be guided by the second protrusion (3122) and the inner surface (34S) of the insertion opening (34H). Additionally, damage to the aerosol product (2) during the insertion or removal process can be prevented.

[0177] The insertion opening (35H) of the first lower case (35) may surround the outer side of the first protrusion (3121). A second recess (358) that is recessed radially outwardly may be formed on the upper side of the insertion opening (35H) of the first lower case (35). The second recess (358) may form a portion of the upper side of the insertion opening (35H). The second recess (358) may be formed in the second part (352) of the first lower case (35). At least a portion of the first protrusion (3121) may be received in the second recess (358). The first protrusion (3121) may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the second recess (358). The first protrusion (3121) may be spaced radially inwardly from the inner surface of the second recess (358).

[0178] Accordingly, the insertion or removal of the aerosol product (2) can be guided by the inner surface of the first protrusion (3121) and the insertion opening (35H). Additionally, damage to the aerosol product (2) during the insertion or removal process can be prevented.

[0179]

[0180] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a heating element (31), a support member (32), an air gap (G3), and an insulation member (33) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the AA region of FIG. 8.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 9, the inner surface of the heating element (31) may form the perimeter of the insertion space (43). The aerosol product (2) received in the insertion space (43) may come into contact with the heating element (31). The outer surface of the aerosol product (2) and the inner surface of the heating element (31) may come into contact with each other.

[0182] An air gap (G3) can be formed between the insulation part (33) and the support part (32). The air gap (G3) can surround the outer side of the support part (32). The thickness (Th3) of the air gap (G3) can be equal to or greater than the thickness (Th4) of the vacuum space (33V) of the insulation part (33). As the thickness (Th3) of the air gap (G3) increases, the thickness (Th4) of the vacuum space (33V) can decrease.

[0183] By forming the thickness (Th3) of the air gap (G3) to be equal to or greater than the thickness (Th4) of the vacuum space (33V), the thickness or size of the insulation part (33) can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the heater (30) can also be lowered.

[0184] The heating element (31) can be adhered to the support member (32) by a coating layer (37). The coating layer (37) can be applied to the outer surface of the heating element (31) or the inner surface of the support member (32).

[0185] The coating layer (37) may include at least one of a ceramic coating agent and a chrome coating agent. The ceramic coating agent may include at least one of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and yttria (Y2O3). The chrome coating agent may include at least one of chrome (Cr) or copper chrome black (CuCr2O4). For example, the coating layer (37) may include copper chrome black, glass powder, and other mediating materials. These ceramic coating agents and chrome coating agents can form a stable sintered coating even in a high-temperature environment.

[0186] By a high-temperature treatment process, the coating layer (37) can be bonded to the heating element (31) and the support member (32). The high-temperature treatment process may be referred to as a bonding process.

[0187] For example, a coating agent may be applied to the outer surface of the heating element (31) or the inner surface of the support member (32). With the coating agent applied to the outer surface of the heating element (31) or the inner surface of the support member (32), the heating element (31) may be inserted into the interior of the support member (32) and heated to a predetermined temperature (T1). During the process of heating to the predetermined temperature (T1), the heating element (31) and the support member (32) may be bonded to each other by the coating agent.

[0188] For example, the heating element (31) may be subjected to a first high-temperature treatment at a predetermined temperature while the coating agent is applied to the heating element (31), and then subjected to a second high-temperature treatment at a predetermined temperature (T1) after the coating agent is additionally applied while the heating element (31) is inserted into the support member (32). During the first high-temperature treatment process and the second high-temperature treatment process, the heating element (31) and the support member (32) may be bonded to each other by the coating agent.

[0189] The predetermined temperature (T1) at which the heating element (31) and the support member (32) are heated may be approximately 600 to 700 degrees Celsius. By a high-temperature treatment process, a coating layer (37) formed by a coating agent may be formed between the heating element (31) and the support member (32). The coating layer (37) may be referred to as an insulating layer or an adhesive layer.

[0190] The heating element (31) may be formed to have a thickness (Th1) within a certain numerical range. The support member (32) may be formed to have a thickness (Th2) within a certain numerical range. The thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be equal to or smaller than the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32). For example, the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be 0.05 to 0.15 mm. Preferably, the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be 0.08 to 0.12 mm. The thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be about 0.1 mm. For example, the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) may be 0.10 to 0.20 mm. Preferably, the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) may be 0.13 to 0.17 mm. The thickness (Th2) of the support portion (32) may be about 0.15 mm.

[0191] Table 1 below shows the results of measuring the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) according to the thickness of the heating element (31) and the support member (32). In Table 1 below, the heating temperature was measured at the center or an adjacent part in the longitudinal and radial directions of the insertion space (43), and was measured after 20 seconds had elapsed when 15W of power was applied to the heating element (31) in an ambient temperature (25 degrees Celsius) environment. The unit of thickness is mm, and the unit of temperature is ℃.

[0192] Th1 Th20.100.150.200.250.054524003432770.104013693262840.153513082612050.20290265230190

[0193] Referring to Table 1, as the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) increases from 0.05 mm to 0.20 mm, the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) decreases. Also, as the thickness (Th1) of the support member (32) increases from 0.10 mm to 0.25 mm, the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) decreases. As the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) increases, the heat capacity of the heating element (31) increases, so the amount of heat transferred to the insertion space (43) can be reduced when the same amount of power is applied. As the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) increases, the heat capacity of the support member (32) increases, so when the same amount of power is applied, the amount of heat generated from the heating element (31) conducted to the support member (32) increases, and the amount of heat transferred to the insertion space (43) can be reduced.

[0194] In Table 1, when the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is greater than 0.15 mm, the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) does not exceed 300 degrees. Also, when the thickness (Th2) of the support part (20) is greater than 0.20 mm, the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) does not exceed 300 degrees.

[0195] When a user uses the aerosol generating device (1), if an aerosol product (2) is inserted into the insertion space (43), the heating element (31) generates heat to preheat the aerosol product (2). The length of the preheating section or the preheating time can be set to approximately 20 seconds. Accordingly, when the heating element (31) generates heat for 20 seconds in a room temperature environment, the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) must be above the minimum temperature at which aerosol can be generated by heating the medium and / or humectant. According to repeated experimental measurements, if the heating temperature of the insertion space (43) is less than 300 degrees, the aerosol product (2) is not heated enough to generate aerosol within the preheating section. Therefore, based on the results of Table 1, it can be confirmed that if the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is greater than 0.15 mm or the thickness (Th2) of the support part (20) is greater than 0.20 mm, the aerosol product (2) will not be sufficiently heated in the preheating section.

[0196]

[0197] Tables 2 and 3 below show the results of verifying whether deformation occurred in the heating element (31) and the support member (32) during the bonding process according to the thickness of the heating element (31) and the support member (32). In Tables 2 and 3 below, whether deformation occurred was measured during the process in which the heating element (31) and the support member (32) were subjected to high-temperature treatment in a chamber set to approximately 650 degrees while the coating agent was applied. The unit of thickness is mm.

[0198] Whether Th1 deformation occurs 0.03O 0.05X 0.10X

[0199] Referring to Table 2, as the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) decreases, deformation occurs at a thickness below a certain level. As the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) decreases, the likelihood of the heating element (31) bending or its shape deforming increases due to minute differences in the degree of thermal expansion of the heating element (31), coating agent, and support member (32) in a high-temperature environment of 600 degrees or higher. In Table 2, if the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is less than 0.05 mm, deformation occurs in the heating element (31) during the bonding process. Based on the results of Table 2, it can be confirmed that if the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is less than 0.10 mm, the heating element (31) and the support member (32) cannot be bonded or combined normally.

[0200] Whether Th2 deformation occurs 0.08O 0.10X 0.15X

[0201] Referring to Table 3, as the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) decreases, deformation occurs at a thickness below a certain level. As the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) decreases, the likelihood of the support member (32) bending or undergoing deformation in shape increases due to minute differences in the degree of thermal expansion of the heating element (31), coating agent, and support member (32) in a high-temperature environment of 600 degrees or higher. In Table 3, if the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) is less than 0.10 mm, deformation occurs in the support member (32) during the bonding process. Based on the results of Table 3, it can be confirmed that if the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) is less than 0.10 mm, the heating element (31) and the support member (32) cannot be bonded or combined normally.

[0202]

[0203] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are graphs illustrating the temperature change of the insertion space (43) when the heating element (31) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is preheated.

[0204] FIG. 10 illustrates the temperature change of the insertion space (43) in the preheating section according to the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) when the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is 0.10 mm, as a result measured under the same conditions as Table 1. FIG. 11 illustrates the temperature change of the insertion space (43) in the preheating section according to the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) when the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) is 0.15 mm, as a result measured under the same conditions as Table 1.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 10, in the preheating section, the heating element (31) can be preheated for a predetermined time (P1). The control unit (12, see FIG. 1 to 3) can control the heating element (31) to be preheated by applying power to the heating element (31) based on the insertion of an aerosol product (2) into the insertion space (43) or input from a user. The control unit (12) can control the heating element (31) to be preheated for a preset predetermined time.

[0206] For example, the predetermined time or the length of the preheating period (P1) may be 20 sec. During the preheating period, a predetermined power may be applied to the heating element (31). The heating element (31) may be preheated to a predetermined temperature (T2) or higher during the preheating period. For example, the predetermined temperature (T2) may be 300 degrees.

[0207] When the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) is 0.10 mm, 0.15 mm, or 0.20 mm, respectively, the insertion space (43) is heated to 401 degrees, 369 degrees, and 326 degrees, respectively, at the end of the preheating section (1040, 1030, 1020 in FIG. 10). Meanwhile, when the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) is 0.25 mm, the insertion space (43) is heated to 284 degrees at the end of the preheating section (1010 in FIG. 10).

[0208] Referring to FIG. 11, when the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is 0.05 mm, 0.10 mm, or 0.15 mm, respectively, the insertion space (43) is heated to 400 degrees, 369 degrees, and 308 degrees, respectively, at the end of the preheating section (1140, 1130, and 1120 in FIG. 11). Meanwhile, when the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is 0.20 mm, the insertion space (43) is heated to 265 degrees at the end of the preheating section (1110 in FIG. 11).

[0209] In other words, if the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) is greater than 0.20 mm or the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) is greater than 0.15 mm, the insertion space (43) cannot be heated above a predetermined temperature (T2) during the preheating section. In this case, the aerosol product (2) cannot be heated to a sufficient temperature during the preheating section, so a sufficient amount of aerosol may not be supplied to the user after the preheating section, and user satisfaction may decrease. Alternatively, the length of the preheating section must be longer to heat the aerosol product (2) to a sufficient temperature, and the user's waiting time for inhalation may be longer, which may decrease user satisfaction.

[0210]

[0211] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a support member and an insulating member are provided to surround the outer side of a heating element, and an air gap is formed between the support member and the insulating member, so that the heating element can be stably supported by the support member and heat can be suppressed from being emitted to the outside of the heating element.

[0212] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, by having the thickness of the heating element and the thickness of the support member within a predetermined range, deformation of the heating element or the support member can be prevented during the process of manufacturing the heater, a decrease in heating efficiency can be prevented during the process of heating the aerosol product, and the aerosol product cannot be sufficiently heated or the preheating time can be prolonged.

[0213] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulating member is provided with a vacuum layer and has a structure in which the vacuum layer surrounds the heating track of the heating element, so that heat can be suppressed from being emitted to the outside of the heating element and the size of the insulating member can be minimized.

[0214]

[0215] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a body (10) having an insertion space (43) that is open on one side and extends in one direction; a heating element (31) surrounding the insertion space (43) and facing an aerosol product (2) contained in the insertion space (43); a support member (32) surrounding the outside of the heating element (31) and supporting the heating element (31); and an insulating member (33) surrounding the outside of the support member (32), wherein the insulating member (33) is spaced apart from the support member (32) in the radial direction of the insertion space (43), and an air gap (G3) may be formed between the support member (32) and the insulating member (33).

[0216] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (31) may have an inner surface that forms the perimeter of the insertion space (43) and may come into contact with the outer surface of the aerosol product (2) that is accommodated in the insertion space (43).

[0217] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be less than or equal to the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32).

[0218] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

[0219] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness (Th1) of the heating element (31) may be 0.08 to 0.12 mm.

[0220] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) may be 0.10 to 0.20 mm.

[0221] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness (Th2) of the support member (32) may be 0.13 to 0.17 mm.

[0222] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a coating layer (37) disposed between the heating element (31) and the support member (32) is included, and the heating element (31) and the support member (32) can be heated to a predetermined temperature (T1) and bonded to each other by the coating layer (37).

[0223] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined temperature (T1) may be 600 to 700 degrees.

[0224] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the coating layer (37) may include at least one of a ceramic coating agent or a chrome coating agent.

[0225] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (31) is preheated for a predetermined time (P1), and the insertion space (43) can be heated to a temperature above a predetermined temperature (T2) while the heating element (31) is preheated.

[0226] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined time (P1) may be 15 sec to 25 sec, and the predetermined temperature (T2) may be 290 degrees to 310 degrees.

[0227] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the insulating member (33) comprises an inner wall (331) having a hollow formed therein; and an outer wall (332) surrounding the outer side of the inner wall (331), and a vacuum space (33V) may be formed between the outer wall (332) and the inner wall (331).

[0228] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness (Th3) of the air gap (G3) may be greater than the thickness (Th4) of the vacuum space (33V).

[0229] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element (31) comprises: a heating track (311) surrounding the insertion space (43); and at least one protrusion (312) protruding from the heating track (311) in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space (43), and the air gap (G3) and the vacuum space (33V) may surround the outside of the heating track (311).

[0230]

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A body having one side open and providing an insertion space extending in one direction; A heating element surrounding the insertion space and facing the aerosol product contained in the insertion space; A support member surrounding the outer side of the heating element and supporting the heating element; and It includes an insulating member surrounding the outer side of the above-mentioned support member, and An aerosol generating device in which the insulation portion is spaced apart from the support portion in the radial direction of the insertion space, and an air gap is formed between the support portion and the insulation portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above heating element is, The inner surface forms the perimeter of the insertion space, and An aerosol generating device that contacts the outer surface of an aerosol product contained in the above-mentioned insertion space.

3. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the above heating element is, Aerosol generating device having a thickness less than or equal to that of the above-mentioned support member.

4. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the above heating element is, Aerosol generating device having a diameter of 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

5. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the above heating element is, Aerosol generating device having a diameter of 0.08 to 0.12 mm.

6. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the above support is, Aerosol generating device having a diameter of 0.10 to 0.20 mm.

7. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the above support is, Aerosol generating device having a diameter of 0.13 to 0.17 mm.

8. In Paragraph 1, It includes a coating layer disposed between the heating element and the support member, and An aerosol generating device in which the heating element and the support member are heated to a predetermined temperature and bonded to each other by the coating layer.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above predetermined temperature is, Aerosol generating device at 600 to 700 degrees.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above coating layer is, An aerosol generating device comprising at least one of a ceramic coating agent or a chrome coating agent.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above heating element is, Preheated for a set amount of time, and The above insertion space is an aerosol generating device that is heated above a predetermined temperature while the heating element is preheated.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above predetermined time is, It is 15 to 25 seconds, and The above predetermined temperature is, Aerosol generating device with a temperature of 290 to 310 degrees.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above insulation part is, An inner wall in which a hollow is formed inside; and It includes an outer wall surrounding the outer side of the inner wall mentioned above, and An aerosol generating device in which a vacuum space is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall.

14. In Paragraph 13, The thickness of the above air gap is, Aerosol generating device having a thickness greater than that of the above vacuum space.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above heating element is: A heating track surrounding the above insertion space; and In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space, it includes at least one protrusion protruding from the heating track, and The air gap and the vacuum space are an aerosol generating device surrounding the outer side of the heating track.

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