Heater assembly and aerosol generation device having same

Abstract

This heater assembly comprises: a heater having a hollow tubular shape and including first elongated openings open to the outside at one edge and second elongated openings open to the outside at the other edge; a heat insulation tube including a vacuum space therein and positioned on the outside of the heater; a first support coupled between the one edge of the heater and one end of the heat insulation tube; and a second support coupled between the other edge of the heater and the other end of the heat insulation tube.

Description

Heater assembly and aerosol generating device equipped with the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to a heater assembly with improved durability and heating performance and an aerosol generating device equipped with the same.

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

[0003] An aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article is equipped with a heater assembly that generates heat by electricity. Generally, the heater assembly includes a heating element that generates heat by electricity and an electrode that supplies electricity; however, if the electrodes come into contact with each other or parts of the heating element at different locations come into contact with each other, a short circuit may occur in the electrical circuit. When designing and assembling the heater assembly, care must be taken to ensure that the heating element and other areas of the electrode surrounding the cigarette do not come into contact with each other in order to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit in the circuit.

[0004] If parts of the heating elements surrounding the aerosol-generating article are not to come into contact with each other, some areas of the aerosol-generating article are not surrounded by the heating elements, so the heating elements cannot sufficiently heat the aerosol-generating article, and thus the aerosol generation action is not effective.

[0005] A heating element utilizing a circuit pattern disposed on the surface of an insulating substrate is considered as a structure for a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device. In a heating element utilizing a circuit pattern, the circuit pattern generates heat when electricity is applied to it. Even within the circuit pattern, sufficient spacing must be ensured between the circuit patterns to prevent short circuits in the electrical circuit. Consequently, when the circuit pattern surrounding the aerosol generating article heats the aerosol generating article, sufficient heat is not transferred to a portion of the aerosol generating article corresponding to the spacing between the circuit patterns, resulting in ineffective aerosol generation.

[0006] The heater in the heater assembly of the aerosol generator generates high-temperature heat. To ensure safety, this high-temperature heat must be blocked from being transferred to the user. Additionally, to enhance the durability of the aerosol generator, it is desirable that the heat from the heater not be transferred to other parts.

[0007] By-products may be generated from the aerosol-generating material while it is heated by the heater assembly. For example, if by-products from the side-stream smoke of the aerosol-generating material are transferred to other parts of the aerosol-generating device, component failure may occur. Therefore, structural improvements to the heater assembly are necessary to prevent by-products from the aerosol-generating material from entering other parts.

[0008] The embodiments provide a heater assembly with improved heating performance for heating an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device equipped with the same.

[0009] The embodiments also provide a heater assembly with improved stability and durability and an aerosol generating device equipped with the same, which can prevent damage to parts of an aerosol generating device caused by the penetration of heat and by-products from the heater assembly.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] A heater assembly according to one aspect is,

[0012] A heater having a hollow tubular shape and including a first elongated hole open to the outside at one edge and a second elongated hole open to the outside at the other edge;

[0013] An insulating tube containing a vacuum space inside and located outside the heater;

[0014] It includes a first support member coupled between one edge of the heater and one end of the insulation tube; and a second support member coupled between the other edge of the heater and the other end of the insulation tube.

[0015] An aerosol generating device according to another aspect,

[0016] Heater assembly;

[0017] A housing for accommodating a heater assembly; and

[0018] It is placed in a housing and includes a power source for supplying power to a heater assembly.

[0019] According to one aspect of the heater assembly and aerosol generating device, a high-temperature atmosphere capable of effectively heating an aerosol generating article is formed by the heater assembly, so high-quality aerosol can be generated.

[0020] In addition, the transfer of heat from the heater assembly to the user and to other parts is minimized, which can improve the reliability and durability of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] In addition, since the space between the heater and the insulation tube is sufficiently sealed, by-products or condensed liquid inside the heater assembly can be prevented from flowing into other parts of the aerosol generating device.

[0022] In addition, since the space between the heater and the insulation tube is sealed, external air from the aerosol generating device can be delivered to the aerosol generating item only through a predetermined passage, thereby enabling the generation of aerosols with uniform characteristics and the realization of an inhalation pressure that allows the user to feel comfortable.

[0023] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of Figure 3.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the parts of the heater assembly of FIG. 3 separated.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating some parts of the heater assembly of FIG. 3.

[0030] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram for schematically explaining the operation of the heater assembly of Figure 3.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0045] 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). 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18), or the heater (18) 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.

[0048] 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). 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 of the heater (18) and / or a temperature change based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0049] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature of the heater (18) and / or a change in temperature based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0053] 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.

[0054] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18), 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0058] According to one embodiment, an 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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), 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.

[0074] 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) 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.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) may heat an aerosol generating article and / or a medium and / or aerosol generating material within a cartridge by receiving power from a power source (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater for heating a cartridge (i.e., a solid and / or liquid medium).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) 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.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the heater (18) 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.

[0078] The heater (18) 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on the temperature of the heater (18) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in a memory (17).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18) 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), 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).

[0085] 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). 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).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) 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) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) 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) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method through the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) 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.

[0087] 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) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) 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), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18) 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18) 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) or stop the power supply to the heater (18) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0090] 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).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) 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) 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 determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is above a set slope.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18) 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) 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)).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) based on whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18) can be stopped or the power supply to the heater (18) can be controlled so that power is not supplied to the heater (18).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18) (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18) 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) or control it so that power is not supplied to the heater (18).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18) when a puff is detected.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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). 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). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18) 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) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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 by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18), termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, 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 the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the heater (18), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18), the voltage applied to the heater (18), the current flowing through the heater (18), etc.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater 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 may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0111] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.

[0112] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, 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 (18) (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 illustrated in FIG. 2, and some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an 'external heating type' aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The heater (18) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 2, the heater (18) may be an external heating type heater.

[0116] An external heating type heater may extend upward 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.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0118] The heater (18) 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 electric resistive heaters and / or induction heating heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0119] 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.

[0120] The aerosol-generating article (2) can be heated by a heater (18) to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article (2) can be referred to as a cigarette or a stick.

[0121] 'Aerosol' may refer to a gas produced by mixing air with steam generated when an aerosol-generating substance is heated, or by mixing air with fine liquid particles atomized from an aerosol-generating substance.

[0122] A heater assembly (18a) is disposed in the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). The heater assembly (18a) may include a tubular heater (18) forming an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and a vacuum insulation tube (20) located outside the heater (18). A tubular metal tube (30) may be disposed between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). At least one tubular cross-section of the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0123] The insulating tube (20) may contain a vacuum space inside. The insulating tube (20) prevents heat from the heater (18) from being released to the outside. As a result, a high-temperature atmosphere can be formed inside the heater assembly (18a) to effectively heat the aerosol generating article (2). Additionally, since the heat generated from the heater (18) is prevented from being released to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) by the insulating tube (20), the heat delivered to the user can be minimized.

[0124] The metal tube (30) can support the heater (18). Additionally, the metal tube (30) may include a material capable of transferring heat. The metal tube (30) may be in contact with the heater (18), or the metal tube (30) may be located adjacent to the heater (18). When power is applied to the heater (18), the heater (18) can generate heat. The metal tube (30) can absorb at least a portion of the heat generated by the heater (18). Thus, the metal tube (30) can create a high-temperature atmosphere on the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the heater (18).

[0125] A first support member (40) can be connected between one edge of the heater (18) and one end of the insulation tube (20). Additionally, a second support member (50) can be connected between the other edge of the heater (18) and the other end of the insulation tube (20).

[0126] The second support (50) includes an air chamber (50c) for supplying external air toward the end of the aerosol generating article (2), and an inlet (50i) for introducing external air into the air chamber (50c).

[0127] The first support (40) and the second support (50) function to seal the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). While the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the heater assembly (18a), foreign matter may be generated inside the heater assembly (18a) from the sidestream smoke generated from the aerosol generating article (2). Since the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is sealed by the first support (40) and the second support (50), the inflow of foreign matter generated inside the heater assembly (18a) into other parts of the aerosol generating device (1) through the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) can be minimized.

[0128] Since the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is sealed by the first support (40) and the second support (50), air from outside the heater assembly (18a) can be supplied to the aerosol generating article (2) only through the inlet (50i) and the air chamber (50c).

[0129] If the seal between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is not complete, external air may flow into the interior of the heater assembly (18a) through the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). If external air flows into the heater assembly (18a) through a path other than the inlet (50i) and the air chamber (50c), the inhalation pressure experienced by the user inhaling the aerosol through the aerosol generating item (2) may change irregularly.

[0130] According to the aerosol generating device (1) and heater assembly (18a) of the above-described embodiment, external air can be supplied to the aerosol generating article (2) only through the inlet (50i) and the air chamber (50c). Therefore, the characteristics of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article (2) can be uniform, and an appropriate suction pressure can be implemented so that the user can feel comfortable.

[0131] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the parts of the heater assembly of FIG. 3 separated.

[0132] A heater assembly (18a) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 comprises a heater (18) having a hollow tube shape, an insulating tube (20) having a vacuum space inside and located outside the heater (18), a first support (40) coupled to the upper part of the heater (18) and the upper part of the insulating tube (20), and a second support (50) coupled to the lower part of the heater (18) and the lower part of the insulating tube (20).

[0133] The heater (18) may include an electrical resistance material capable of generating heat through electrical resistance heating when electricity is applied. The heater (18) may be manufactured through a process of preparing an electrically conductive metal pipe and then cutting the metal pipe.

[0134] The heater (18) has a hollow cylindrical shape. The heater (18) may include an insertion space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article inside. The heater (18) may extend along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the aerosol-generating article. The heater (18) has a one-sided edge (18u) at one end along the direction of extension of the heater (18) and a other-sided edge (18d) at the other end.

[0135] The heater (18) includes a first elongated hole (18s) that is open to the outside at one edge (18u) and a second elongated hole (18t) that is open to the outside at the other edge (18d). Each of the first elongated hole (18s) and the second elongated hole (18t) is formed to penetrate the heater (18).

[0136] The first elongated hole (18s) extends along the extension direction of the heater (18). The end of the first elongated hole (18s) is open outward at one edge (18u) of the heater (18). The second elongated hole (18t) extends along the extension direction of the heater (18). The end of the second elongated hole (18t) is open outward at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0137] The heater (18) may include through holes (18f, 18g) formed to penetrate the heater (18) at at least one location on one side edge (18u) and the other side edge (18d). The through holes (18f, 18g) may include a first through hole (18f) that is open to the outside at one side edge (18u) of the heater (18), and a second through hole (18g) that is open to the outside at the other side edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0138] The first elongated hole (18s), the second elongated hole (18t), and the through hole (18f, 18g) can be formed through a processing process that cuts the wall of a metal pipe formed in a cylindrical shape. The first elongated hole (18s), the second elongated hole (18t), and the through hole (18f, 18g) can be formed, for example, through a laser drilling process.

[0139] A plurality of first elongated holes (18s) may be spaced apart from each other along the perimeter direction of the heater (18). Additionally, a plurality of second elongated holes (18t) may be spaced apart from each other along the perimeter direction of the heater (18). Additionally, a plurality of through holes (18f and / or 18g) may be spaced apart from each other along the perimeter direction of the heater (18). The first elongated holes (18s) and the second elongated holes (18t) may be arranged alternately along the perimeter direction of the heater (18).

[0140] Each side of the first through hole (18f, 18g) may be opened outward from one edge (18u) of the heater (18). Each other side of the first through hole (18f) is connected to each end of the first elongated hole (18s). Thus, each end of the first elongated hole (18s) is opened outward from the heater (18) through the first through hole (18f).

[0141] Each side of the second through hole (18g) may be opened outward at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18). Each other side of the second through hole (18g) is connected to each end of the second elongated hole (18t). Thus, each end of the second elongated hole (18t) is opened to the outside of the heater (18) through the second through hole (18g).

[0142] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating some parts of the heater assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 illustrates the connection structure of the heater (18) and the wiring (18w), which are parts of the heater assembly. In FIG. 6, the cylindrical heater (18) is shown in an unfolded state.

[0143] The heater (18) includes a section (18c) extending from one edge (18u) of the heater (18) to the other edge (18d). The section (18c) is formed to penetrate the wall of the heater (18).

[0144] A wiring (18w) is electrically connected to the heater (18). The wiring (18w) includes a first wiring (18w) connected to one side (18x) of the heater (18) facing a part of the compartment (18c) of the heater (18), and a second wiring (18w) connected to the other side (18y) of the heater (18) facing another part of the compartment (18c) of the heater (18). The one side (18x) and the other side (18y) of the heater (18) face each other with the compartment (18c) as the center and extend long toward the extension direction of the heater (18), but the one side (18x) and the other side (18y) are spaced apart from each other and do not come into contact.

[0145] A current path is formed that continues from the other side (18y) to the one side (18x) of the heater (18) by a structure in which a first elongated hole (18s) opened at one side edge (18u) of the heater (18) and a second elongated hole (18t) opened at the other side edge (18d) are alternately arranged.

[0146] One side (18x) and the other side (18y) of a heater (18) having a cylindrical shape are separated from each other by a partition (18c). In addition, due to the arrangement structure in which the first elongated hole (18s) and the second elongated hole (18t) are alternately arranged, the occurrence of an electrical short circuit in the current path through which current flows along the heater (18) can be prevented.

[0147] When power is supplied to the heater (18), the direction of the electric current flowing along the current path of the heater (18) is formed to flow sequentially in a direction toward one edge (18u) of the heater (18) (+Z direction) or toward the other edge (18d) of the heater (18) (-Z direction). Thus, an electric resistance heating action occurs over the entire area of ​​the heater (18), and a uniform heating action can be performed over the entire surface area of ​​the heater (18).

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the insulation tube (20) located on the outside of the heater (18) may contain a vacuum space inside. 'Vacuum' may mean a state in which at least a portion of the air in the space inside the insulation tube (20) is extracted. 'Vacuum' may mean a state in which the air pressure inside the insulation tube (20) is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the insulation tube (20).

[0149] The insulating tube (20) prevents heat from the heater (18) from being released to the outside. As a result, a high-temperature atmosphere can be formed inside the heater assembly (18a) to effectively heat the aerosol generating article (2). Additionally, the insulating tube (20) prevents heat generated from the heater (18) from being released to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), thereby minimizing the heat delivered to the user.

[0150] The heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) are spaced apart from each other. An air layer (20a) is formed between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). The air layer (20a) can perform an insulating function that minimizes the leakage of heat generated by the heater (18) to the outside.

[0151] A tubular metal tube (30) may be disposed between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). The metal tube (30) may support the heater (18). Additionally, the metal tube (30) may include a material capable of transferring heat. The metal tube (30) may include, for example, stainless steel. The metal tube (30) includes a passage hole (30h) through which wiring (18w) electrically connected to the heater (18) passes.

[0152] The metal tube (30) may be in contact with the heater (18), or the metal tube (30) may be located adjacent to the heater (18). When power is applied to the heater (18), the heater (18) may generate heat. The metal tube (30) may absorb at least a portion of the heat generated by the heater (18). Thus, the metal tube (30) may create a high-temperature atmosphere outside the aerosol-generating article together with the heater (18).

[0153] A coating layer may be formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the heater (18) and on the inner and outer surfaces of the metal tube (30). The coating layer may include a ceramic material. The ceramic material may be a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that matches or is similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the heater (18) and / or the metal tube (30). The coating layer may perform an electrical insulation function to prevent electricity from flowing between the heater (18) and the metal tube (30).

[0154] The coating layer can be formed, for example, by immersing an assembly of the heater (18) and the metal tube (30) in a coating material while the metal tube (30) is attached to the outside of the cylindrical heater (18). As another example, the coating layer can be formed by a method such as spraying.

[0155] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the heater assembly (18a), the heater (18) can directly contact the aerosol generating article to support the aerosol generating article. As another example, the surface of the heater (18) and the surface of the aerosol generating article may be spaced apart by a fine gap.

[0156] The arrangement structure of the heater (18) and the metal tube (30) of the heater assembly (18a) is not limited by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As another example, the metal tube (30) may be located inside the heater (18) so that heat generated from the heater (18) can be transferred to the aerosol generating article (2) through the metal tube (30).

[0157] A first support (40) can be connected between one edge (18u) of the heater (18) and one end (21) of the insulation tube (20). Additionally, a second support (50) can be connected between the other edge (18d) of the heater (18) and the other end (22) of the insulation tube (20).

[0158] The first support (40) and the second support (50) function to seal the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). The space between the first support (40) and the insulation tube (20) can be sealed by the first sealing part (61). Additionally, the space between the second support (50) and the insulation tube (20) can be sealed by the second sealing part (62). The first sealing part (61) and the second sealing part (62) may include an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. As another example, the first sealing part (61) and the second sealing part (62) may be implemented using an adhesive or adhesive tape having waterproof performance.

[0159] The heater (18) may include a first opening (18j) formed to be open outward at one edge (18u) to accommodate an aerosol-generating article. The first support (40) may include an opening (41) communicating with the first opening (18j) of the heater (18) to allow the aerosol-generating article to pass through.

[0160] The first support member (40) may include an upper heater support ledge (42) for supporting one side edge (18u) of the heater (18). The upper heater support ledge (42) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening (41) and may be formed to extend along at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the opening (41).

[0161] Additionally, the first support member (40) may include an upper metal tube support member (43) for supporting the upper end of the metal tube (30). The upper metal tube support member (43) may have a diameter larger than that of the upper heater support member (42) and may be formed to extend along at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the opening (41).

[0162] The heater (18) may include a second opening (18k) formed to be open outward at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18) so that the end of an aerosol-generating article received in the heater assembly (18a) passes through. The second support (50) may include a support hole (51) communicating with the second opening (18k) to support the end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0163] The second support member (50) may include a support projection (51s) protruding from the support hole (51) to support the end surface of the end of the aerosol-generating article. The support projection (51s) may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the support hole (51) and may be formed to extend along at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the support hole (51).

[0164] The second support member (50) may include a lower heater support ledge (52) for supporting the other edge (18d) of the heater (18). The lower heater support ledge (52) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the support hole (51) and may be formed to extend along at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the support hole (51).

[0165] Additionally, the second support member (50) may include a lower metal tube support member (53) for supporting the lower end of the metal tube (30). The lower metal tube support member (53) may have a diameter larger than that of the lower heater support member (52) and may be formed to extend along at least a portion of the circumferential direction of the support hole (51).

[0166] An insertion detection sensor (13c) may be placed on the outer side of the second support (50). The insertion detection sensor (13c) can detect when an aerosol-generating article is inserted into and / or removed from the heater assembly (18a).

[0167] The sealing structure between the first support (40), the second support (50), the heater (18), and the insulation tube (20) is not limited by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. For example, at least one of the first support (40) and the second support (50) may be integrally formed with the heater (18) and / or insulation tube (20) by a plastic injection molding process.

[0168] The embodiments are not limited by the cross-sectional shape of the heater (18), the insulation tube (20), and the metal tube (30). For example, the cross-sectional shape of the heater (18), the insulation tube (20), and the metal tube (30) may be modified into an ellipse or a polygon.

[0169] While the aerosol generating article is being heated, foreign matter generated from the aerosol generating article (2) may be generated. Since the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is sealed by the first support (40) and the second support (50), foreign matter generated inside the heater assembly (18a) may be minimized from entering other parts outside the heater assembly (18a) through the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20).

[0170] Additionally, after the heating operation in which the heater (18) generates heat is finished, moisture in the air may condense and form liquid during the cooling process of the air surrounding the heater (18). Since the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is sealed by the first support (40) and the second support (50), the leakage of liquid generated inside the heater assembly (18a) to the outside of the heater assembly (18a) can be minimized.

[0171] The second support (50) includes an air chamber (50c) for supplying external air toward the end of an aerosol-generating article, and an inlet (50i) for introducing external air into the air chamber (50c).

[0172] Since the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is sealed by the first support (40) and the second support (50), air from outside the heater assembly (18a) can be supplied to the aerosol generating article (2) only through the inlet (50i) and the air chamber (50c).

[0173] If the seal between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) is not complete, external air may flow into the interior of the heater assembly (18a) through the space between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20). If external air flows into the heater assembly (18a) through a path other than the inlet (50i) and the air chamber (50c), the inhalation pressure experienced by the user inhaling the aerosol through the aerosol generating item may change irregularly.

[0174] According to the heater assembly (18a) of the above-described embodiment, external air can be supplied to the aerosol generating article only through the inlet (50i) and the air chamber (50c). Thus, the characteristics of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article can be obtained uniformly, and an appropriate suction pressure can be implemented so that the user feels comfortable.

[0175] The second support (50) may include a wiring hole (50w) through which wiring (18w) passes. The wiring (18w) may be electrically connected to the heater (18) by passing through the wiring hole (50w). After the wiring (18w) is installed in the heater assembly (18a), the space between the wiring hole (50w) and the wiring (18w) may be sealed by a sealing material, for example, silicone.

[0176] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for schematically describing the operation of the heater assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 illustrates the positions of the heater (18) and the metal tube (30) when the aerosol generating article (2) is mounted on the heater assembly (18a) of FIG. 3.

[0177] The length (H1) of the heater (18) along the direction (Z direction) in which the heater (18) extends is formed to be longer than the length (H2) of the metal tube (30).

[0178] The heater (18) includes a first through hole (18f) that opens outward at one edge (18u) and a second through hole (18g) that opens outward at the other edge (18d). Each of the first through hole (18f) and the second through hole (18g) is spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18) in multiple numbers. Accordingly, each of the one edge (18u) and the other edge (18d) of the heater (18) has a sawtooth shape.

[0179] The teeth formed between adjacent first through holes (18f) at one edge (18u) of the heater (18) protrude upward above the top of the metal tube (30) to have a first tooth height (H3). Additionally, the teeth formed between adjacent second through holes (18g) at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18) protrude downward below the bottom of the metal tube (30) to have a second tooth height (H4).

[0180] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a first aerosol generating rod (2a), a second aerosol generating rod (2b), a cooling rod (2c), and a filter rod (2d) arranged sequentially along the length direction (Z direction) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0181] The first aerosol generating rod (2a) can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol generating rod (2a) may contain an aerosol generating material. Additionally, the first aerosol generating rod (2a) may contain other additive materials such as a wetting agent and / or an organic acid, and may contain a flavoring liquid such as menthol.

[0182] The second aerosol generating rod (2b) can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine. For example, the second aerosol generating rod (2b) may contain tobacco material. The tobacco material may take the form of a tobacco strand, tobacco particle, tobacco sheet, tobacco beads, tobacco granule, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract, but is not limited thereto.

[0183] The cooling rod (2c) can cool the aerosol generated in the first aerosol generating rod (2a) and the second aerosol generating rod (2b). The cooling rod (2c) may be made of a biodegradable polymer material and may have a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod (2c) may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling rod (2c) may be made of a cellulose acetate filter.

[0184] The filter rod (2d) can filter some components contained in the aerosol passing through the filter rod (2d). The filter rod (2d) may contain a filter material.

[0185] One edge (18u) of the heater (18) can be positioned to correspond to the interface between the second aerosol generating rod (2b) and the cooling rod (2c).

[0186] By modifying FIG. 7, a first modification can be considered in which the first through hole (18f) does not exist on one side edge (18u) of the heater (18), and the entire circumference of the one side edge (18u) extends along the boundary surface between the cooling rod (2c) and the second aerosol generating rod (2b). According to the first modification, the second aerosol generating rod (2b) can be sufficiently heated by the heater (18). However, according to the first modification in which the entire circumference of the one side edge (18u) extends along the boundary surface between the cooling rod (2c) and the second aerosol generating rod (2b), the cooling rod (2c) can be melted by the heat transferred from the one side edge (18u) of the heater (18).

[0187] In order to prevent the cooling rod (2c) from melting due to the heat of the heater (18), a structure may be considered in which the heat of the heater (18) is not generated in a portion of the edge (18u) of the heater (18) corresponding to the boundary surface between the cooling rod (2c) and the second aerosol generating rod (2b).

[0188] A second variation of FIG. 7 may be considered in which electricity is not transmitted to a predetermined area (e.g., an area corresponding to the length of H3) of one side edge (18u) of the heater (18). According to the second variation in which electricity is not transmitted to a portion of one side edge (18u) of the heater (18), the cooling rod (2c) can be prevented from melting, but a disadvantage occurs in that a portion of the second aerosol generating rod (2b) adjacent to the boundary surface between the cooling rod (2c) and the second aerosol generating rod (2b) is not sufficiently heated.

[0189] According to the heater assembly (18a) of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the amount of heat from the heater (18) transferred to the cooling rod (2c) can be reduced by the first through hole (18f) formed on one side edge (18u) of the heater (18). Additionally, since the heat from the heater (18) is transferred to the second aerosol generating rod (2b) by the sawtooth structure formed between adjacent first through holes (18f) on one side edge (18u) of the heater (18), the second aerosol generating rod (2b) can be sufficiently heated so that the aerosol generating action can be performed more smoothly.

[0190] FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0191] A plurality of first through holes (18f) are formed at one edge (18u) of the heater (18) shown in FIG. 8, spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0192] The heater (18) includes a first elongated hole (18s) and a second elongated hole (18t) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the heater (18) and are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18) and alternately positioned. The end of the first elongated hole (18s) is connected to the first through hole (18f). Thus, the first elongated hole (18s) is opened to the outside of one edge (18u) of the heater (18) through the first through hole (18f).

[0193] Since no through hole is formed at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18), the end of the second elongated hole (18t) is directly open to the outside at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0194] Since no through hole is formed on the other edge (18d) of the heater (18), the heat of the heater (18) can be transferred to the aerosol generating article over the entire circumferential area of ​​the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0195] FIG. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0196] A plurality of first through holes (18f) are formed at one edge (18u) of the heater (18) shown in FIG. 9, spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18). Additionally, a plurality of second through holes (18g) are formed at the other edge (18d) of the heater (18), spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0197] The heater (18) includes a first elongated hole (18s) and a second elongated hole (18t) that are alternately positioned and spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the heater (18) and along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0198] A first elongated hole (18s) may be located between a plurality of first through holes (18f). Additionally, a second elongated hole (18t) may be located between a plurality of second through holes (18g).

[0199] The respective ends of the first elongated hole (18s) and the second elongated hole (18t) of the heater (18) are not connected to the first through hole (18f) and the second through hole (18g). Therefore, the respective ends of the first elongated hole (18s) and the second elongated hole (18t) are directly open to the outside at one edge (18u) or the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0200] The heat of the heater (18) transferred to the aerosol generating article at the one edge (18u) and the other edge (18d) can be appropriately set by the through holes (18f, 18g) formed at the one edge (18u) and the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0201] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0202] A plurality of first through holes (18f) are formed at one edge (18u) of the heater (18) shown in FIG. 10, spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0203] The heater (18) includes a first elongated hole (18s) and a second elongated hole (18t) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the heater (18) and are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18) and alternately positioned. No through hole is formed on the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0204] Each end of the first elongated hole (18s) and the second elongated hole (18t) of the heater (18) is directly open to the outside at one edge (18u) or the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0205] By means of a first through hole (18f) formed at one edge (18u) of the heater (18), the heat of the heater (18) transferred to the aerosol generating article at one edge (18u) can be appropriately set.

[0206] FIG. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating some parts of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0207] A plurality of first through holes (18f) are formed at one edge (18u) of the heater (18) shown in FIG. 11, spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0208] The position of the upper end of the first through hole (18f) is spaced apart from one edge (18u) of the heater (18) toward the extension direction (-Z direction) of the heater (18). Therefore, the upper end of the first through hole (18f) is not open toward the outside from one edge (18u) of the heater (18).

[0209] The heater (18) includes a first elongated hole (18s) and a second elongated hole (18t) that extend along the longitudinal direction of the heater (18) and are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater (18) and alternately positioned. No through hole is formed on the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0210] Each end of the first elongated hole (18s) and the second elongated hole (18t) of the heater (18) is directly open to the outside at one edge (18u) or the other edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0211] By means of a first through hole (18f) formed at one edge (18u) of the heater (18), the heat of the heater (18) transferred to the aerosol generating article at one edge (18u) can be appropriately set.

[0212] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0213] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a housing (10) having an insertion hole into which an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted, a heater assembly (18a) disposed in the housing (10), and a guide (80) that guides the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the housing (10) through the insertion hole of the housing (10) toward the heater assembly (18a).

[0214] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a medium rod (2m), a cooling rod (2c), and a filter rod (2f) arranged sequentially along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0215] The width of the guide (80) can be formed to gradually narrow from the insertion hole of the housing (10) toward the heater assembly (18a). The width of the insertion space of the heater assembly (18a) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted can be formed to correspond to the narrowed width of the lower part of the guide (80).

[0216] When the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (1), the width of the medium rod (2m) is deformed to narrow as the aerosol generating article (2) passes through the guide (80). Accordingly, the width of the medium rod (2m) after the aerosol generating article (2) is fully inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is deformed to be narrower than the original width of the medium rod (2m) before it was inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0217] As the aerosol generating article (2) passes through the guide (80), the shape of the cooling rod (2c) is also deformed. After the aerosol generating article (2) is fully inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the shape of the cooling rod (2c) can be deformed to correspond to the shape of the internal space of the guide (80).

[0218] According to the aerosol generating device (1) and heater assembly (18a) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the medium rod (2m) of the aerosol generating article (2) is compressed by the guide (80), so the heating effect of the aerosol generating article (2) by the heater assembly (18a) can be improved. Since the width of the medium rod (2m) is reduced by the compression of the medium rod (2m) by the guide (80), the distance between the heater of the heater assembly (18a) and the center of the medium rod (2m) can be reduced. As the distance between the heater and the center of the medium rod (2m) is reduced, the heat of the heater can be transferred more reliably to the center of the medium rod (2m), so the operating temperature of the heater can be set lower. As a result, power consumption for the operation of the heater assembly (18a) can be reduced, and the preheating time of the heater assembly (18a) can be set short.

[0219] Additionally, as the distance between the heater and the center of the medium rod (2m) decreases, the heat generated from the heater of the heater assembly (18a) can be rapidly transferred to the center of the medium rod (2m). Since the heat from the heater assembly (18a) can be rapidly transferred to the center of the medium rod (2m), the entire area of ​​the medium rod (2m) can be rapidly heated.

[0220] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0221] 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 in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0222] 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.

[0223] The heater assembly according to the embodiments is,

[0224] A heater (18) having a hollow tubular shape and including a first elongated hole (18s) that is open to the outside at one edge (18u) and a second elongated hole (18t) that is open to the outside at the other edge (18d);

[0225] An insulating tube (20) containing a vacuum space inside and located outside the heater (18);

[0226] A first support (40) coupled between one edge (18u) of the heater (18) and one end (21) of the insulation tube (20); and

[0227] It includes a second support (50) that is connected between the other edge (18d) of the heater (18) and the other end (22) of the insulation tube (20).

[0228] Multiple first slots (18s) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0229] Multiple second elongated holes (18t) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0230] The heater (18) may further include a through hole (18f, 18g) formed to penetrate the heater (18) at least one of the one-sided edge (18u) and the other-sided edge (18d).

[0231] The through hole (18f, 18g) can be connected to the end of the first elongated hole (18s) or the end of the second elongated hole (18t).

[0232] Multiple through holes (18f, 18g) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the heater (18).

[0233] The heater (18) may further include a section (18c) that penetrates the heater (18) and extends from one edge (18u) to the other edge (18d).

[0234] It may further include wiring (18w) electrically connected to the heater (18).

[0235] The wiring (18w) may include a first wiring (18w1) electrically connected to one side (18x) of the heater (18) facing one part of the compartment (18c), and a second wiring (18w2) electrically connected to the other side (18y) of the heater facing another part of the compartment (18c).

[0236] The second support (50) may include a wiring hole (50w) through which wiring passes.

[0237] The heater assembly (18a) may further include a metal tube (30) having a tubular shape located on the inside or outside of the heater (18).

[0238] The heater assembly (18a) may further include a sealing portion (61, 62) that seals at least one between the first support (40) and one side edge (18u) of the heater (18) and between the second support (50) and the other side edge (18d) of the heater (18).

[0239] The heater (18) and the insulation tube (20) may be spaced apart from each other. An air layer (20a) may be formed between the heater (18) and the insulation tube (20).

[0240] The heater (18) can accommodate an aerosol-generating article (2).

[0241] The heater (18) may further include a first opening (18j) opened at one edge (18u) to receive an aerosol-generating article (2).

[0242] The first support (40) may include an opening (41) communicating with the first opening (18j) to allow the aerosol-generating article (2) to pass through.

[0243] The heater (18) may further include a second opening (18k) opened at the other edge (18d) to allow the end of the aerosol-generating article (2) to pass through.

[0244] The second support (50) may include a support hole (51) communicating with the second opening (18k) to support the end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0245] The second support member (50) may further include a support projection (51s) protruding from a support hole (51) to support the end surface of the end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0246] The second support (50) may further include an air chamber (50c) for delivering air from outside the second support (50) toward the end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0247] The aerosol generating device (1) according to another aspect is:

[0248] The heater assembly (18a) described above;

[0249] A housing (10) for accommodating a heater assembly (18a); and

[0250] It may include a power source (11) for supplying power to a heater assembly (18a) and placed in a housing (10).

[0251] The embodiments relate to a heater assembly with improved durability and heating performance and an aerosol generating device equipped with the same.

Claims

1. A heater having a hollow tubular shape and including a first elongated hole open to the outside at one edge and a second elongated hole open to the outside at the other edge; An insulating tube having a vacuum space inside and located outside the heater; A first support member coupled between the one edge of the heater and one end of the insulation tube; and A heater assembly comprising: a second support member coupled between the other edge of the heater and the other end of the insulation tube.

2. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly in which a plurality of the first elongated holes are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the heater.

3. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly in which a plurality of the second elongated holes are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the heater.

4. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly comprising a heater further including a through hole formed to penetrate the heater at at least one of the one edge and the other edge.

5. In Paragraph 4, A heater assembly in which the above through hole is connected to the end of the first elongated hole or the end of the second elongated hole.

6. In Paragraph 4, A heater assembly in which a plurality of the above-mentioned through holes are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the heater.

7. In Paragraph 1, The heater assembly further comprises a section penetrating the heater and extending from one edge to the other edge.

8. In Paragraph 7, It further includes wiring electrically connected to the above heater, and The wiring includes a first wiring electrically connected to one side of the heater facing one part of the compartment, and a second wiring electrically connected to the other side of the heater facing another part of the compartment. The above second support is a heater assembly including a wiring hole through which the wiring passes.

9. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly further comprising a metal tube having a tubular shape located on the inner or outer side of the heater.

10. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly further comprising a sealing portion that seals at least one between the first support and the one edge of the heater and between the second support and the other edge of the heater.

11. In Paragraph 1, A heater assembly in which the heater and the insulating tube are spaced apart from each other, so that an air layer is formed between the heater and the insulating tube.

12. In Paragraph 1, The heater further includes a first opening opened at one edge to accommodate an aerosol-generating article, and A heater assembly comprising a first support having an opening communicating with the first opening to allow the aerosol-generating article to pass through.

13. In Paragraph 1, The heater can accommodate an aerosol-generating article, and the heater further includes a second opening opened at the other edge to allow the end of the aerosol-generating article to pass through. A heater assembly comprising a second support member having a support hole communicating with the second opening to support the end of the aerosol generating article.

14. In Paragraph 13, A heater assembly further comprising: a second support member having a support projection protruding from the support hole to support the end surface of the end of the aerosol-generating article, and an air chamber for delivering air from outside the second support member toward the end of the aerosol-generating article.

15. Heater assembly according to paragraph 1; A housing for accommodating the heater assembly; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a power source disposed in the housing and for supplying power to the heater assembly.

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