HEATER ASSEMBLY FOR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

- KT&G CORPORATION

A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device includes a body including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a first cover coupled to the body and including an article insertion portion into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, a support unit provided inside the body and the first cover and surrounding the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and a heater provided between an inner surface and an outer surface of the support unit and configured to heat the aerosol generating article by applying a magnetic field to a susceptor in the accommodation space, wherein the heater completely overlaps the support unit, based on a second direction crossing a first direction in which the support unit extends.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0000179, filed on Jan. 2, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0023648, filed on Feb. 22, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments relate to a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, which is miniaturized and has improved heating efficiency, and an aerosol generating device including the heater assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the demand for alternative methods of providing aerosols by burning general cigarettes has increased. or example, research has been conducted on methods that provide aerosols with flavors by generating aerosols from a liquid or solid aerosol generating material, generating vapor from the liquid aerosol generating material, and then allowing the generated vapor to pass through a solid flavor medium.

An example of the aerosol generating device may include an induction heating type aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating material by generating a magnetic field to heat a susceptor.

SUMMARY

An induction heating type aerosol generating device may include a heater that generates a magnetic field to heat a susceptor and a bobbin that supports the heater.

In general, the heater may be wound along an outer surface of the bobbin. That is, a space for the heater to be wound has to be provided in advance outside the bobbin, and accordingly, other components (for example, an insulation member) of the aerosol generating device are unable to be arranged outside the bobbin. As a result, due to a region where the heater is arranged outside the bobbin, a space where other components of the aerosol generating device are arranged has to be separately prepared, and thus, a size of the aerosol generating device may be increased.

Also, when the susceptor is in the bobbin, the heater is wound on the outside of the bobbin, and thus, a separation distance between the heater and the susceptor may be increased in general. As a result, the susceptor is provided at a position away from a region where the magnetic field is generated by the heater, and thus, the heating efficiency of the susceptor may be reduced.

The disclosure provides a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, which may be miniaturized by reducing a region where a heater occupies in the aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device.

Also, the disclosure provides a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, which may increase the heating efficiency of a susceptor by reducing a separation distance between a heater and the susceptor, and the aerosol generating device.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned description, and other technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device may include a body including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a first cover coupled to the body and including an article insertion portion into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, a support unit provided inside the body and the first cover and surrounding the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and a heater provided between an inner surface and an outer surface of the support unit and configured to heat the aerosol generating article by applying a magnetic field to a susceptor in the accommodation space. The heater may completely overlap the support unit, based on a second direction crossing a first direction in which the support unit extends.

According to another embodiment, a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device may include a body including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a first cover coupled to the body and including an article insertion portion into which the aerosol generating article is inserted, a support unit provided inside the body and the first cover and surrounding the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and a heater protruding from an inner surface of the support unit toward the accommodation space and configured to heat the aerosol generating article by applying a magnetic field to a susceptor in the accommodation space.

According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a heater assembly for the aerosol generating device, a battery supplying power to the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device, and a controller configured to control an operation of the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe an example of an arrangement of a heater;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe another example of the arrangement of the heater;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe an example of a structure of a heater;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe an example of a heating method of a heater;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe another example of the heating method of the heater;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a combination of a holder, a first cover, a support unit, and a heater in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a combination of a support unit, a heater, an antenna, and a sensing unit in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a combination of a first cover and an antenna in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a combination of an antenna, a sensing unit, and a shielding unit in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a combination of a second cover, a support unit, a heater, an antenna, a sensing unit, and a sealing portion, for describing a state where the sealing portion is coupled to the second cover;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a second cover and a sealing portion in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the second cover of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A is a view illustrating a first sealing member of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18B is a view illustrating a second sealing member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate examples of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Regarding the terms in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, terms which can be arbitrarily selected by the applicant in particular cases. In such a case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least any one of a, b, and c” should be construed to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an interior space thereof.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In an embodiment, the heater may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track.

The heater may include a tube-shaped heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of a cigarette according to the shape of a heating element.

A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed of sheets, strands, and tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool aerosols, and a second segment configured to filter a certain component in aerosols.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating material, and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body, and may also be fixed to the main body so as not to be detached from the main body by a user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while accommodating an aerosol generating material therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An aerosol generating material may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, or the like. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to perform a function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The aerosols may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may generate aerosols by heating a liquid composition, and generated aerosols may be delivered to a user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosols generated from the liquid composition may move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow aerosols to be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by converting an aerosol generating material into aerosols with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and generate a short-period vibration through the vibrator to convert an aerosol generating material into aerosols. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be in a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHZ, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs an aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, aerosols may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be lowered by the heat generated by the vibrator, and as the aerosol generating material having a lowered viscosity is granulated by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, aerosols may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device in an induction heating method.

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In an embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an embodiment, the suspector may be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the suspector is positioned inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the suspector, the suspector generates heat to heat an aerosol generating article. In addition, optionally, the suspector may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device may configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled to each other.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a heater assembly 10, a battery 20, a controller 30, and a vaporizer 40. However, the components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited thereto, and at least one component (for example, the vaporizer 40) among the components described above may omitted or another component may be added thereto depending on embodiments.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1 by an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of causing a magnetic material to generate heat by applying an alternating magnetic field of which direction changes periodically to a magnetic material generating heat by an external magnetic field.

When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy may be emitted from the magnetic material as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, the more heat energy may be emitted from the magnetic material. The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may cause a magnetic material to emit heat energy by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic material, and transfer the heat energy emitted from the magnetic material to an aerosol generating article.

A magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field may be a susceptor. The susceptor may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 in the form of a piece, a flake, or a strip.

According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be inside the heater assembly 10 and may surround the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in an accommodation space. In this case, the susceptor may have a hollow cylinder, but the shape of the susceptor is not limited thereto.

According to another embodiment, the susceptor may be inside the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1.

At least part of the susceptor may be formed as a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor may include metal or carbon. The susceptor may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the susceptor may include at least one of ceramics, such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, a metal film, and zirconia, a transition metal, such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid, such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may accommodate the aerosol generating article 2. A space for accommodating the aerosol generating article 2 may be formed in the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment. Here, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may be in a space of the aerosol generating device 1 for accommodating the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the heater assembly 10 may include an accommodation space of a cylindrical shape for accommodating the aerosol generating article 2. Accordingly, when the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating article 2 may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the heater assembly 10. Detailed descriptions of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment are described below.

Components for operating the aerosol generating device 1 may be inside the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment. For example, the heater assembly 10, the battery 20, and the controller 30 may be inside the aerosol generating device 1. However, the heater assembly 10, the battery 20, and the controller 30 are only examples of components inside the aerosol generating device 1, and the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other components (for example, a user interface, a sensor, and so on) in addition to the components described above.

The heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may surround at least part of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may surround a tobacco medium included in the aerosol generating article 2. Accordingly, heat may be transferred more efficiently from the heater assembly 10 to the tobacco medium.

The heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may heat the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 1. As described above, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may heat the aerosol generating article 2 by an induction heating method. According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 10 may apply an alternating magnetic field to a susceptor included in the aerosol generating article 2 to heat the susceptor.

The battery 20 may supply power to the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 20 may supply power to a coil of the heater assembly 10. In another example, the battery 20 may supply power required for operations of other components (for example, the controller 30 and so on) of the aerosol generating device 1.

The battery 20 may include a battery unit that supplies a direct current to the coil of the heater assembly 10 and a converter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery unit into an alternating current supplied to the coil of the heater assembly 10.

The battery unit may supply a direct current to the aerosol generating device 1. The battery unit may be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery unit may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, or so on.

The converter may include a low-pass filter that filters a direct current supplied from the battery 20 and outputs an alternating current to the heater assembly 10. The converter may further include an amplifier that amplifies the direct current supplied from the battery unit. For example, the converter may be implemented by a low-pass filter that constitutes a load network of a class-D amplifier.

The controller 30 may control all operations of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 30 may include an array of multiple logic gates or include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory device storing a program that may be executed by the microprocessor but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the controller 30 may control the power supplied to the heater assembly 10. Here, a control target of the controller 30 may be a coil of the heater assembly 10. The controller 30 may control the battery 20 such that the power supplied to the coil of the heater assembly 10 is adjusted. For example, the controller 30 may control a temperature at which the coil heats the aerosol generating article 2 to be constant based on the temperature of the coil of the heater assembly 10.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may further include the vaporizer 40.

The vaporizer 40 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a liquid state, and the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol generating article 2 and be transferred to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 may move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage may be configured to allows the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 to pass through the aerosol generating article 2 to be transferred to a user.

For example, the vaporizer 40 may include a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating material in a liquid state, a liquid transfer device, and a heating element but is not limited thereto. For example, the reservoir, the liquid transfer device and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

The reservoir may store an aerosol generating material in a liquid state. For example, the aerosol generating material in the liquid state may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor ingredients or may be a liquid including non-tobacco substances. The reservoir may be made to be detachable from or attachable to the vaporizer 40 or may be made integrally with the vaporizer 40.

For example, the aerosol generating material may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrances may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients but are not limited thereto. The flavoring agents may include ingredients that may provide various flavors or savors to a user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E but is not limited thereto. Also, the aerosol generating material may include an aerosol former, such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer device may transfer an aerosol generating material from the reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer device may be a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic but is not limited thereto.

The heating element may heat an aerosol generating material transferred by the liquid transfer device. For example, the heating element may include a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or so on but is not limited thereto. Also, the heating element may include a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may have a structure wound around the liquid transfer device. The heating element may be heated by an electric current and transfer heat to an aerosol generating material in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the aerosol generating material. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 40 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer but is not limited thereto.

When the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment further includes the vaporizer 40, the battery 20 may supply power to heat the heater assembly 10 or the vaporizer 40, and the controller 30 may control the power supplied to the heater assembly 10 or the vaporizer 40.

When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may operate the heater assembly 10 and/or the vaporizer 40 to generate the aerosol generating article 2 and/or cause the vaporizer 40 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater assembly 10 and/or the vaporizer 40 may pass through the aerosol generating article 2 and be transferred to a user.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a body 100, a holder 150, a first cover 200, and a second cover 300.

An accommodation space for accommodating the aerosol generating article 2 may be formed in an inner space of the body 100. Here, a heater may be provided in the accommodation space of the body 100 in which the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated. That is, the inner space of the body 100 accommodates the aerosol generating article 2 and may be a space in which a magnetic field for heating the aerosol generating article 2 is formed. Once the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100, the heater may surround the aerosol generating article 2.

The body 100 may function as a body of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and the first cover 200 and the second cover 300 may be coupled to the body 100. The first cover 200 and the second cover 300 may be coupled to the body 100 to be supported by the body 100. The body 100 may be formed as a hollow cylinder, but the shape of the body 100 is not limited thereto.

The holder 150 may be on one side (for example, the +z direction) of the body 100 and may perform a function of supporting the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100. The holder 150 may be formed with an insertion hole 150a into which the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted, and the insertion hole 150a may communicate with the accommodation space of the body 100. The aerosol generating article 2 may be accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100 through the insertion hole 150a.

The holder 150 may include a ridge 150b for supporting the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the insertion hole 150a. The ridge 150b may protrude toward the insertion hole 150a and may come into contact with the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the insertion hole 150a. In one embodiment, a plurality of ridges 150b may be provided to be separated from each other in a circumferential direction of the insertion hole 150a.

The holder 150 may be coupled to the body 100 by being coupled to the first cover 200. The holder 150 may include a holder protrusion 150c that protrudes toward the first cover 200. As the holder protrusion 150c is inserted into the first cover 200, the holder 150 may be coupled to the first cover 200. Two holder protrusions 150c may be respectively provided on both sides of the insertion hole 150a.

The first cover 200 may be on one side (for example, the +z direction) of the body 100. The first cover 200 may be coupled to one side of the body 100 and cover one side of the accommodation space of the body 100.

The second cover 300 may be on the other side (for example, the −z direction) of the body 100. The second cover 300 may be coupled to the other side of the body 100 and cover the other side of the accommodation space of the body 100.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a body 100, a first cover 200, and a second cover 300. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The second cover 300 may include a second cover body 310, a second cover protruding member 320, a through-hole 330, and a sealing insertion groove 340. However, the components of the second cover 300 are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiments, at least one component (for example, the sealing insertion groove 340) among the components described above may be omitted or other components may be added thereto.

The second cover body 310 may function as a body of the second cover 300 and may surround at least part of the body 100. The second cover body 310 may include a protrusion that protrudes toward the body 100, and the body 100 may include an insertion portion into which a protrusion of the second cover body 310 is inserted. As the protrusion of the second cover body 310 is inserted into the insertion portion of the body 100, the second cover 300 may be coupled to the body 100. However, the method of coupling the second cover 300 to the body 100 is not limited thereto.

The second cover protruding member 320 may protrude from the second cover body 310 toward one side (for example, the −z direction). A sealing portion, which is described below, may be inserted or fitted into the second cover protruding member 320. However, the method of coupling the second cover protruding member 320 to the sealing portion is not limited thereto.

At least part of the sealing portion, which is described below, may be inserted into the through-hole 330, and a wire for supplying power to the heater 500 may pass through the through-hole 330. As at least part of the sealing portion is inserted into the through-hole 330, one side (for example, the −z direction) of the second cover 300 may be sealed. The through-hole 330 may penetrate the second cover body 310 and the second cover protruding member 320.

At least part of the sealing portion, which is described below, may be inserted into the sealing insertion groove 340. As at least part of the sealing portion is inserted into the sealing insertion groove 340, the second cover 300 may be coupled to the sealing portion. The sealing insertion groove 340 may be formed in the second cover protruding member 320. In one embodiment, two sealing insertion grooves 340 may be respectively formed on both sides of the second cover protruding member 320.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to the embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, a heater 500 in a support unit 400 is illustrated as a dotted line.

Referring to FIG. 4, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment, may include the body 100, the holder 150, a first sealing ring 160, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, the first cover 200, the second cover 300, the support unit 400, the heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, a shielding unit 800, and sealing portion 900.

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components (for example, the body 100, the holder 150, the first cover 200, and the second cover 300) of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

In addition, the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, are not limited thereto, and depending on embodiments, at least one component (for example, the first sealing ring 160) among the components described above may be omitted, or another component (for example, a susceptor) may be added thereto.

The first sealing ring 160 may be between the holder 150 and the first cover 200. The first sealing ring 160 may be between the holder 150 and the first cover 200 to perform a function of sealing a space between the holder 150 and the first cover 200. The first sealing ring 160 may be formed in a circular ring shape but is not limited thereto.

The second sealing ring 170 may be on the first cover 200. The second sealing ring 170 may be in an article insertion portion formed in the first cover 200 and may surround the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the article insertion portion. That is, the second sealing ring 170 may perform a function of sealing a space between the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the article insertion portion and the first cover 200. The second sealing ring 170 may be formed in a circular ring shape but is not limited thereto.

The third sealing ring 180 may be inside the support unit 400 and may be below (for example, the −z direction) the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100. The third sealing ring 180 may perform a function of sealing an inner space of the support unit 400. The third sealing ring 180 may be formed in a circular ring shape but is not limited thereto.

The third sealing ring 180, the second sealing ring 170, and the first sealing ring 160 may each include a rubber material.

The support unit 400 may be in the accommodation space of the body 100 and may perform a function of supporting the heater 500. When the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100, the support unit 400 may surround the aerosol generating article 2. The support unit 400 may be referred to as a bobbin and may be formed in a hollow cylinder, but as long as the support unit 400 may support the heater 500, the shape of the support unit 400 is not limited thereto.

The heater 500 may be in the accommodation space of the body 100 to heat the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space. When the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100, the heater 500 may surround the aerosol generating article 2.

The heater 500 may be a coil that applies an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied to the coil from a battery, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. When an alternating current is applied to the coil, a direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil may continuously change. When a susceptor is inside the coil and exposed to an alternating magnetic field of which direction changes periodically, the susceptor may generate heat, and the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100 may be heated.

For example, the coil may generate an alternating magnetic field and heat a susceptor in the aerosol generating article 2. The susceptor generated by the heater 500 heats the aerosol generating article 2, thereby generating an aerosol.

The heater 500 may extend in a longitudinal direction (for example, the z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the heater 500 may be extended in a length corresponding to a length of the support unit 400 or may be extended in a length less than the length of the support unit 400.

The heater 500 may be in a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor. For example, the heater 500 may be in the support unit 400 to be at a position corresponding to the susceptor. By adjusting a size and arrangement of the heater 500, the efficiency may be increased in which the alternating magnetic field of the heater 500 is applied to the susceptor.

When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by the heater 500 is changed, the degree of heating to which the heater 500 heats the aerosol generating article 2 may also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by the heater 500 may be changed by the power applied to the heater 500, the aerosol generating device 1 may adjust heating of the aerosol generating article 2 by controlling the power applied to the heater 500. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may control an amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to the heater 500.

In one example, the heater 500 may be composed of a solenoid. The heater 500 may be a solenoid wound in a direction in which the support unit 400 extends, and a susceptor and the aerosol generating article 2 may be in an inner space of the solenoid. A material of a wire constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, the solenoid is not limited thereto, and an alloy including any one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) may be a material of the wire constituting the solenoid.

According to one embodiment, the heater 500 may be inside the support unit 400. That is, the heater 500 may be inside the support unit 400 and formed integrally with the support unit 400. For example, the heater 500 may be insert-injected with the support unit 400. Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the heater 500 and the support unit 400 may be manufactured together by a simple manufacturing method called insert injection. Accordingly, productivity of the heater assembly 10 may be increased.

An insert injection process may refer to a process of inserting a separate material, such as metal, into a mold in advance and then injecting resin into the mold. Through the insert injection process, products in which metal and resin (for example, thermoplastic plastic) are combined with each other may be manufactured. For example, when the heater 500 includes metal and the support unit 400 includes resin, the heater 500 made of metal may be provided in a mold, and then the resin may be injected into the mold to manufacture the support unit 400 and the heater 500 together.

The antenna 600 may be in an accommodation space of the body 100 and may recognize whether the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100. Information detected by the antenna 600 may be transferred to a controller or a memory device of the aerosol generating device 1.

In one example, the aerosol generating article 2 may include a metal material, such as aluminum, and the antenna 600 may include an inductance sensor that detects a change in inductance that is generated as the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the body 100.

In another example, the antenna 600 may include a capacitance sensor or magnetic proximity sensor that may detect a change in electromagnetic properties caused by the aerosol generating article 2 adjacent to the accommodation space of the body 100. However, the antenna 600 is not limited thereto and may also include another type of sensor, such as a light sensor, a temperature sensor, or a resistance sensor.

The sensing unit 700 may be in the accommodation space of the body 100 and may detect a temperature inside the accommodation space of the body 100. In one embodiment, the sensing unit 700 may detect a temperature of at least one of the heater 500 and the susceptor. Information detected by the sensing unit 700 may be transferred to a controller or a memory device of the aerosol generating device 1.

The sensing unit 700 may be a thermocouple wire, but as long as an inner temperature of the accommodation space may be detected, anything may be used as the sensing unit 700 without limitation.

The shielding unit 800 may be in the accommodation space of the body 100 and surround the support unit 400 and the heater 500. The shielding unit 800 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.

The sealing portion 900 may be coupled to the second cover 300 and perform a function of sealing one side (for example, the −z direction) of the second cover 300. The sealing portion 900 may include a first sealing member 910 and a second sealing member 920, and detailed descriptions thereof are made below.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe an example of an arrangement of a heater.

Referring to FIG. 5, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a body 100, a holder 150, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, a first cover 200, a second cover 300, a support unit 400, a sensing connection unit 450, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, a shielding unit 800, and a sealing portion 900.

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

In addition, the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and depending on embodiments, at least one component (for example, the first sealing ring 160) among the components described above may be omitted, or other components may be added thereto.

The body 100 may be on the outermost side among the components (for example, the support unit 400, the heater 500, the antenna 600, the sensing unit 700, and the shielding unit 800) of the heater assembly 10. That is, the support unit 400, the heater 500, the antenna 600, the sensing unit 700, and the shielding unit 800 may be arranged inside the body 100. The body 100 may include a material, such as stainless steel (steel use stainless (SUS)) or aluminum.

An upper portion (for example, a portion facing the +z direction) of the body 100 may be coupled to the first cover 200, and a lower portion (for example, a portion facing the −z direction) of the body 100 may be coupled to the second cover 300, and accordingly, an accommodation space 10a for accommodating an aerosol generating article 2 may be formed inside the body 100.

The aerosol generating article 2 and a susceptor may be in the accommodation space 10a. In one embodiment, when the heater assembly 10 includes the susceptor, the aerosol generating article 2 may be accommodated in the susceptor and may be heated by the susceptor. In another embodiment, when a susceptor is inside the aerosol generating article 2, the heater 500 may be at a position corresponding to the susceptor to generate heat by applying a magnetic field to the susceptor.

When the susceptor is disposed inside the aerosol generating article 2, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, does not include a separate susceptor, and accordingly, a structure may be implemented in which a space where the susceptor is provided may be omitted and other components may be provided in the omitted space. Accordingly, space utilization of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment, may be increased.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 5, a material that reflects the heat generated by the heater 500 and/or the susceptor to the accommodation space 10a may be deposited on at least part of an inner surface of at least one of the body 100, the first cover 200, and the second cover 300. Accordingly, the possibility that the heat generated by the heater 500 and/or the susceptor is immediately released to the outside of the heater assembly 10 is reduced, and thus, insulation performance of the heater assembly 10 may be increased. For example, the material deposited on the inner surface of at least one of the body 100, the first cover 200, and the second cover 300 may include a metal material, such as silver (Ag).

The holder 150 may be coupled to an upper portion (for example, a portion facing the +z direction) of the first cover 200. The aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the insertion hole 150a of the holder 150 may pass through an article insertion portion 240 formed in the first cover 200 to be accommodated in the accommodation space 10a. The article insertion portion 240 may be formed to pass through upper and lower surfaces of the first cover 200 and may be connected to the insertion hole 150a and the accommodation space 10a of the holder 150.

As the holder protrusion 150c of the holder 150 is inserted into the holder insertion portion 250 formed in the first cover 200, the holder 150 may be coupled to the first cover 200. The holder insertion portion 250 may be formed by forming a groove to a preset depth in an upper surface of the first cover 200.

The first cover 200 may be coupled to one side (for example, +z direction) of the body 100. As one side of the body 100 is inserted into a first body insertion portion 260 formed in the first cover 200, the first cover 200 may be coupled to the body 100, and one side of the accommodation space 10a may be covered by the first cover 200. The first body insertion portion 260 may be formed by forming a groove to a preset depth in a lower surface of the first cover 200.

The first cover 200 may include a first cover body 210 and a cover insulation member 220.

The first cover body 210 may function as a body of the first cover 200. An article insertion portion 240 may be formed inside the first cover body 210, and accordingly, the aerosol generating article 2 inserted through the insertion hole 150a may pass through the first cover body 210 to be accommodated in the accommodation space 10a. A holder insertion portion 250 and the first body insertion portion 260 may be formed in the first cover body 210 at positions separated from each other.

The cover insulation member 220 may extend from the first cover body 210 in one direction (for example, the −z direction) and may be provided outside the heater 500 in the support unit 400. Accordingly, the cover insulation member 220 may function as a physical barrier that prevents the heat generated in the accommodation space 10a from being released to the outside of the heater assembly 10. Therefore, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may increase insulation performance by using a double physical barrier through the cover insulation member 220 in addition to the body 100.

In one embodiment, the cover insulation member 220 may be formed integrally with the first cover body 210.

The second cover 300 may be coupled to the other side (for example, −z direction) of the body 100. As the other side of the body 100 is inserted into the second body insertion portion 310a formed inside the second cover 300, the second cover 300 may be coupled to the body 100, and the other side of the accommodation space 10a may be covered by the second cover 300.

The second cover 300 may include a locking member 310b inserted into a cover insertion groove 100a of the body 100. As the locking member 310b is inserted into the cover insertion groove 100a, the coupling between the second cover 300 and the body 100 may be maintained. The locking member 310b may protrude toward the second body insertion portion 310a in a circumferential direction of the second cover body 310, and the cover insertion groove 100a may be formed to penetrate outer and inner surfaces of the body 100. The locking member 310b may be formed integrally with the second cover body 310.

The support unit 400 may surround the accommodation space 10a and may support the heater 500 that heats the susceptor in the accommodation space 10a. The support unit 400 may be inside the shielding unit 800 and may be supported by the body 100 and the first cover 200.

The sensing connection unit 450 may be on the support unit 400. The sensing connection unit 450 may perform a function of connecting the sensing unit 700 to the support unit 400. Accordingly, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which the sensing unit 700 easily detects the temperature of the heater 500 in the support unit 400 through the sensing connection unit 450. For example, the sensing connection unit 450 may be on the support unit 400 to be in contact with the heater 500.

In one embodiment, the sensing connection unit 450 may be on at least part of an inner surface 400a of the support unit 400, and the sensing connection unit 450 and the at least part of the support unit 400 may be insert-injected together. The sensing connection unit 450 may include a metal material and may include at least one of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni).

The heater 500 may be in the support unit 400 to heat a susceptor in the accommodation space 10a. When cut based on a plane (for example, an xz plane) that passes in each of the first direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the support unit 400 extends and the second direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the first direction, the heater 500 may have a shape of a circular cross-section. That is, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the heater 500 may have a shape of a circular cross-section.

According to one embodiment, the heater 500 may be between the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 and an outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. That is, the heater 500 may completely overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the heater assembly 10 extends. In this case, the heater 500 may be inside the support unit 400 so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the heater 500 is not on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400, and thus, a space for other components (for example, the shielding unit 800) of the aerosol generating device 1 may be obtained on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. Accordingly, the space utilization of the inside of the body 100 may be increased, and thereby, the heater assembly 10 may be miniaturized.

Also, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which the entire separation distance between the heater 500 and the accommodation space 10a is reduced. Accordingly, the susceptor in the accommodation space 10a may be easily affected by a magnetic field generated by the heater 500, and thereby, heating efficiency of the susceptor may be increased.

The antenna 600 may surround the accommodation space 10a and may recognize whether the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 10a. The antenna 600 may be inside the body 100 and may be between the cover insulation member 220 and the shielding unit 800.

The sensing unit 700 may be on one side (for example, the +x direction) of the support unit 400 inside the body 100 and may detect the temperature of at least one of the heater 500 and the susceptor. In one embodiment, the sensing unit 700 may be in contact with the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 and detect the temperature of the heater 500. The sensing unit 700 may be in contact with the support unit 400 and also be in contact with the sensing connection unit 450.

The sensing unit 700 may include a sensing body 710 and a sensing connector 720.

The sensing body 710 may function as a body of the sensing unit 700 and may extend in a direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). The sensing body 710 may be between the body 100 and the shielding unit 800. The sensing body 710 may be formed integrally with the sensing connector 720.

The sensing connector 720 may be a part of the sensing unit 700 connected to the support unit 400. The sensing connector 720 may include a first portion extending in a direction (for example, the −x direction) crossing the direction in which the sensing body 710 extends and a second portion extending in a direction (for example, the −z direction) crossing the direction in which the first portion extends. At least part of the first portion may be supported by the support unit 400, and at least part of the second portion may be connected to the support unit 400 through the sensing connection unit 450.

The shielding unit 800 may surround the accommodation space 10a in the body 100 and may be between the support unit 400 and the sensing unit 700. That is, the shielding unit 800 may be outside the support unit 400 where the heater 500 is provided. Accordingly, the shielding unit 800 may function as a physical barrier that prevents the heat generated in the accommodation space 10a from being released to the outside of the heater assembly 10. Therefore, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment, may increase insulation performance by using a triple physical barrier through the shielding unit 800 in addition to the body 100 and the cover insulation member 220.

The shielding unit 800 may include a metal material to prevent heat generated in the accommodation space 10a from being released to the outside of the heater assembly 10. For example, the shielding unit 800 may include a material, such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or so on.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe another example of an arrangement of a heater.

Referring to FIG. 6, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a body 100, a holder 150, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, a first cover 200, a second cover 300, a support unit 400, a sensing connection unit 450, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, a shielding unit 800, and a sealing portion 900.

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

At least part of the heater 500 may protrude from an inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward an accommodation space 10a. That is, the heater 500 may partially overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the heater assembly 10 extends. In this case, the heater 500 may be separated from an outer surface 400b of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the heater 500 is not on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400, and thus, a space for other components (for example, the shielding unit 800) of the aerosol generating device 1 may be obtained on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. Accordingly, the space utilization of the inside of the body 100 may be increased, and thereby, the heater assembly 10 may be miniaturized.

Also, compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which the entire separation distance between the heater 500 and the accommodation space 10a is further reduced. Accordingly, the susceptor in the accommodation space 10a may be easily affected by a magnetic field generated by the heater 500, and thereby, heating efficiency of the susceptor may be increased.

According to one embodiment, a groove may be formed in the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400, and the heater 500 may be in the support unit 400 by being inserted into the groove. The groove formed in the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 may extend in a direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the heater assembly 10 extends and may be formed in a circumferential direction of the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the heater 500 may also be provided along the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 while being in contact with the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe an example of a structure of a heater.

Referring to FIG. 7, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include the body 100, the holder 150, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, the first cover 200, the second cover 300, a support unit 400, a sensing connection unit 450, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, a shielding unit 800, and sealing portion 900.

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The heater 500 may be formed in a shape having a cross-section extending in one direction based on a plane (for example, the xz plane) that passes in each of the first direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the support unit 400 extends and the second direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the first direction. For example, the heater 500 may have a shape of a square cross-section when cut based on the xz plane. That is, when viewed from the y-axis direction, the heater 500 may have a shape of a rectangular cross-section.

Accordingly, as the cross-section of the heater 500 increases, the resistance of the heater 500 decreases, and thus, even when the same power is supplied to the heater 500 from a battery, a high current may be applied to the heater 500. Therefore, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may increase the amplitude or frequency of a magnetic field applied to a susceptor, thereby increasing the amount of heat generated by the susceptor. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the heater 500 may generate a magnetic field with a frequency of about 1 MHz to about 2 MHz, but in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the heater 500 may generate a magnetic field with a frequency of 5 MHz or more.

According to one embodiment, the heater 500 may be between the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 and the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. That is, the heater 500 may completely overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction), In this case, the heater 500 may be inside the support unit 400 so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the heater 500 is not on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400, and thus, a space for other components (for example, the shielding unit 800) of the aerosol generating device 1 may be obtained on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. Accordingly, the space utilization of the inside of the body 100 may be increased, and thereby, the heater assembly 10 may be miniaturized.

Also, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which the entire separation distance between the heater 500 and the accommodation space 10a is reduced. Accordingly, the susceptor in the accommodation space 10a may be easily affected by a magnetic field generated by the heater 500, and thereby, heating efficiency of the susceptor may be increased.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 7, at least part of the heater 500 may protrude from the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a also in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. That is, the heater 500 may partially overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). In this case, the heater 500 may protrude from the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe an example of a heating method of a heater.

Referring to FIG. 8, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include the body 100, the holder 150, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, the first cover 200, the second cover 300, a support unit 400, a sensing connection unit 450, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, a shielding unit 800, and sealing portion 900.

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

Gaps between adjacent portions of the heater 500 may be different from each other in a direction in which the support unit 400 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). For example, a gap between adjacent portions of the heater 500 on one side (for example, the +z direction) of the support unit 400 may be less than a gap between adjacent portions of the heater 500 on the other side (for example, the −z direction) of the support unit 400.

Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment, a heating rate of one side of a susceptor inside the heater 500 may set to be different from a heating rate of the other side of the susceptor. Therefore, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which different portions of the susceptor may be heated to different temperatures through one heater 500 connected in series.

According to one embodiment, the heater 500 may be between the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 and the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. That is, the heater 500 may completely overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction), In this case, the heater 500 may be inside the support unit 400 so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 8, at least part of the heater 500 may protrude from the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a also in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. That is, the heater 500 may partially overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). In this case, the heater 500 may protrude from the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2, to describe another example of the heating method of the heater.

Referring to FIG. 9, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include the body 100, the holder 150, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, the first cover 200, the second cover 300, a support unit 400, a sensing connection unit 450, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, a shielding unit 800, and sealing portion 900.

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The heater 500 may include a first heater 510 and a second heater 520, which are arranged in the support unit 400 at positions separated from each other. That is, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may be arranged in different portions of the support unit 400. The first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may be coils that generate an alternating magnetic field and may each be connected to a battery and a controller.

Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment, the controller individually controls the first heater 510 and the second heater 520, and thereby, the frequency or heating speed of the magnetic field generated by the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may be differently controlled. Therefore, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which different portions of the susceptor may be heated to different temperatures from each other through two heaters 500.

According to one embodiment, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may each be between the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 and the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. That is, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may completely overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). In this case, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may be inside the support unit 400 so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 are not arranged on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400, and thus, a space for other components (for example, the shielding unit 800) of the aerosol generating device 1 may be obtained on the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400. Accordingly, the space utilization of the inside of the body 100 may be increased, and thereby, the heater assembly 10 may be miniaturized.

Also, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which the entire separation distance between the first and second heaters 510 and 520 and the accommodation space 10a is reduced. Accordingly, the susceptor in the accommodation space 10a may be easily affected by magnetic fields generated by the first heater 510 and the second heater 520, and thereby, heating efficiency of the susceptor may be increased.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 9, at least parts of the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may protrude from the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a also in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9. That is, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may partially overlap the support unit 400, based on a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) crossing the direction in which the heater assembly 10 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). In this case, the first heater 510 and the second heater 520 may protrude from the inner surface 400a of the support unit 400 toward the accommodation space 10a so as not to protrude outward from the outer surface 400b of the support unit 400.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 10, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include the body 100, the holder 150, a second sealing ring 170, a third sealing ring 180, the first cover 200, the second cover 300, a support unit 400, a sensing connection unit 450, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, and a shielding unit 800

At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first cover 200 may further include a first cover protruding member 230 and a coupling hole 270.

The first cover protruding member 230 may protrude outward to be coupled to a coupling member, such as a screw, such that the heater assembly 10 is fixed inside the aerosol generating device 1. The first cover protruding member 230 may protrude outward from the first cover body 210, and two first cover protruding members 230 may be respectively arranged at both ends of the first cover body 210. The first cover protruding member 230 may be formed integrally with the first cover body 210.

The coupling hole 270 may be formed in the first cover protruding member 230. A coupling member, which is described below, may be inserted into the coupling hole 270. The coupling hole 270 may be formed to penetrate the first cover protruding member 230 and may be formed in the same number as the first cover protruding member 230.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a combination of a holder, a first cover, a support unit, and a heater in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment. In FIG. 11, a heater 500 in a support unit 400 is illustrated as a dotted line.

Referring to FIG. 11, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment, may include a holder 150, a first cover 200, the support unit 400, and the heater 500. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 10, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The holder 150 may be coupled to the first cover 200 on one side (for example, the +z direction) of the first cover 200, and specifically, by inserting a holder protrusion 150c into a holder insertion part 250, the holder 150 may be coupled to the first cover 200. When the holder 150 is coupled to the first cover 200, an insertion hole 150a may communicate with an article insertion portion 240, and an aerosol generating article 2 inserted through the insertion hole 150a and the article insertion portion 240 may be supported by a ridge 150b.

As a coupling member 280 is inserted into a coupling hole 270 formed in a first cover protruding member 230, the first cover 200 may be fixed in an aerosol generating device 1. As the first cover 200 is fixed to the aerosol generating device 1 by the coupling member 280, the heater assembly 10 may be fixed in the aerosol generating device 1. The coupling member 280 may be a screw, but as long as the first cover 200 may be fixed by the coupling member 280, anything may be used as the coupling member 280 without limitation.

A cover insulation member 220 may extend in a direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the heater assembly 10 extends. In one embodiment, the cover insulation member 220 may extend longer than the support unit 400 and the heater 500. Accordingly, the cover insulation member 220 may further increase insulation performance by increasing a region that may cover the support unit 400 and the heater 500.

The cover insulation member 220 may be inserted into the body 100 and may surround a part of an outer side of the support unit 400 and the heater 500. In the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, the cover insulation member 220 may be easily inserted into the body 100 compared to a comparative example in which the cover insulation member 220 surrounds the entire outer side of the support unit 400 and the heater 500. This is because, during a process of inserting the cover insulation member 220 into the body 100, a region where the cover insulation member 220 interferes with the body 100 increases in the comparative example. Accordingly, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, the cover insulation member 220 and the body 100 may be easily assembled.

The heater 500 may include a heater coupling portion 500a to be electrically connected to a battery or controller of the aerosol generating device 1. The heater coupling portion 500a may protrude downward (for example, in the −z direction) from the support unit 400 to be mounted on the battery. The heater coupling portion 500a protruding downward (for example, the −z direction) from the support unit 400 may be a wire for supplying power to the heater 500 described above and may pass through a through-hole 330 (illustrated in FIG. 3) of a second cover 300 (illustrated in FIG. 3) to be connected to the battery or controller.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a combination of a support unit, a heater, an antenna, and a sensing unit in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment. In FIG. 12, a heater 500 in a support unit 400 is illustrated as a dotted line.

Referring to FIG. 12, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include the support unit 400, the heater 500, an antenna 600, and a sensing unit 700. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 11, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The antenna 600 may include an antenna body 610, an antenna extension portion 620, and an antenna coupling portion 630.

The antenna body 610 may function as a body of the antenna 600 and may extend in a direction (for example, the z-axis direction) in which the support unit 400 and the heater 500 extend. The antenna body 610 may be inserted into the body 100 and may surround a part of an outer side of the support unit 400 and the heater 500. In the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, the antenna body 610 may be easily inserted into the body 100 compared to a comparative example in which the antenna body 610 surrounds the entire outer side of the support unit 400 and the heater 500.

The antenna extension portion 620 may extend from the antenna body 610 in a circumferential direction of the support unit 400 and the heater 500. That is, the antenna extension portion 620 may surround a part of the outer side of the support unit 400 and the heater 500. The antenna extension portion 620 may include a first extension portion extending from one side of the antenna body 610 and a second extension portion extending from the other side of the antenna body 610.

According to one embodiment, an end of the first extension portion may be separated from an end of the second extension portion, and a sensing passage portion 600a may be formed in the separated portion. Accordingly, a sensing unit 700 may pass through the sensing passage portion 600a to be in contact with the support unit 400. That is, the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may have a structure in which the antenna 600 is not in contact with the sensing unit 700, and thus, the possibility of an electrical short circuit between the antenna 600 and the sensing unit 700 may be reduced. A sensing connector 720 of the sensing unit 700 may pass through the sensing passage portion 600a.

The antenna coupling portion 630 may protrude downward (for example, in the −z direction) from the antenna body 610 to be electrically connected to a battery or controller of the aerosol generating device 1. The antenna coupling portion 630 protruding downward (for example, the −z direction) from the antenna body 610 may pass through a through-hole 330 (illustrated in FIG. 3) of a second cover 300 (illustrated in FIG. 3) to be connected to the battery or controller. The antenna coupling portion 630 may be formed integrally with the antenna body 610.

The sensing unit 700 may include a sensing body 710, a sensing connector 720, and a sensing coupling portion 730.

The sensing body 710 may extend in a direction in which the support unit 400 and the heater 500 extend and may be on one side (for example, the +x direction) of the support unit 400 and the heater 500. The sensing body 710 may be between the sensing connector 720 and the sensing coupling portion 730 and may connect the sensing connector 720 to the sensing coupling portion 730. The sensing body 710, the sensing connector 720, and the sensing coupling portion 730 may be formed integrally.

The sensing connector 720 may be connected to the support unit 400 by passing through the sensing passage portion 600a. At least a part of the sensing connector 720 may extend in a direction different from the direction in which the sensing body 710 extends to be connected to the support unit 400.

The sensing coupling portion 730 may protrude from the sensing body 710 in one direction (for example, the −z direction) to be electrically connected to a battery or controller of the aerosol generating device 1. The sensing coupling portion 730 protruding from the sensing body 710 in one direction (for example, the −z direction) may pass through the through-hole 330 (illustrated in FIG. 3) of the second cover 300 (illustrated in FIG. 3) to be connected to the battery or controller. In one embodiment, the sensing coupling portion 730 may include a first coupling portion extending in a first direction (for example, the −z direction) and a second coupling portion extending in a second direction (for example, the +x direction) crossing the first direction.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a combination of a first cover and an antenna in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a first cover 200 and an antenna 600. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 12, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The first cover body 210 may be on one side (for example, the +z direction) of the antenna 600 to cover the one side of the antenna 600.

A cover insulation member 220 may be inside the antenna 600 and be surrounded by the antenna 600.

In the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, when the first cover 200 and the antenna 600 are assembled together, the antenna 600 may surround at least a part of the cover insulation member 220. That is, the antenna body 610 may be on an outer side of the cover insulation member 220 and may support the cover insulation member 220 from the outer side. Accordingly, the antenna body 610 may perform a function of fixing a position of the cover insulation member 220, and the cover insulation member 220 may stably perform a function of preventing the heat generated in an accommodation space 10a from being released to the outside.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a combination of an antenna, a sensing unit, and a shielding unit in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, and a shielding unit 800. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 13, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The shielding unit 800 may include a shield body 810 and a sensing passage portion 820.

The shield body 810 may function as a body of the shielding unit 800 and may surround the antenna 600. When the assembly of the shielding unit 800 in the heater assembly 10 is completed, the shield body 810 may surround a support unit 400, a heater 500, and the antenna 600.

The sensing passage portion 820 may be formed in at least one region of the shield body 810. The sensing passage portion 820 may be formed on one side (for example, a surface facing the +x direction) of the shield body 810, and the sensing unit 700 may be on one side of the shield body 810.

A sensing connector 720 may pass through the sensing passage portion 820. That is, the sensing connector 720 may be connected to the support unit 400 by passing through the sensing passage portion 820 of the shielding unit 800 and a sensing passage portion 600a of the sensing unit 700. That is, according to the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, even when the sensing unit 700 is on an outer side of the antenna 600 and the shielding unit 800, the sensing connector 720 may be connected to the antenna 600 and a support unit 400 in the shielding unit 800.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a combination of a second cover, a support unit, a heater, an antenna, a sensing unit, and a sealing portion, for describing a state where the sealing portion is coupled to the second cover. In FIG. 15, a heater 500 in a support unit 400 is illustrated as a dotted line.

Referring to FIG. 15, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a second cover 300, a support unit 400, a heater 500, an antenna 600, a sensing unit 700, and a sealing portion 900. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 14, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The heater 500 may be electrically connected to a battery or controller through a heater coupling portion 500a, and to this end, the heater coupling portion 500a may pass through the second cover 300 to be mounted on the battery or controller.

The antenna 600 may be electrically connected to the battery or controller through the antenna coupling portion 630, and to this end, the antenna coupling portion 630 may pass through the second cover 300 to be mounted on the battery or controller.

The sensing unit 700 may be electrically connected to the battery or the controller through the sensing coupling portion 730, and to this end, the sensing coupling portion 730 may pass through the second cover 300 to be mounted on the battery or the controller.

The sealing portion 900 may be coupled to the second cover 300 and may perform a function of sealing a through-hole 330 through which coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 may pass through the second cover 300. In other words, the sealing portion 900 may perform a function of sealing at least a part of the second cover 300 and sealing a lower side (for example, the −z direction) of an inner space of the body 100.

The sealing part 900 may include a first sealing member 910 and a second sealing member 920, and detailed descriptions thereof are made with reference to FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a second cover and a sealing portion in a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may include a second cover 300 and a sealing portion 900. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 15, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted below.

The second cover 300 may include a second cover body 310, a second cover protruding member 320, a through-hole 330, and a sealing insertion groove 340.

The second cover body 310 may function as a body of the second cover 300, and at least a part (for example, a second sealing member 920) of the sealing portion 900 may be coupled to the second cover body 310.

The second cover protruding member 320 may protrude from the second cover body 310 toward one side (for example, the −z direction). The sealing portion 900 may be inserted into or fitted to the second cover protruding member 320. The second cover protruding member 320 may also be formed integrally with the second cover body 310.

At least a part (for example, a first sealing member 910) of the sealing portion 900 may be inserted into the through-hole 330, and the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 described above may pass through the through-hole 330. The through-hole 330 may penetrate each of the second cover body 310 and the second cover protruding member 320.

At least a part (for example, the second sealing member 920) of the sealing portion 900 may be inserted into the sealing insertion groove 340. The sealing insertion groove 340 may be formed in the second cover protruding member 320, and for example, two sealing insertion grooves 340 may be respectively formed on both sides of the second cover protruding member 320.

The sealing portion 900 may include the first sealing member 910 and the second sealing member 920.

The first sealing member 910 may be inserted into the through-hole 330. In one embodiment, the first sealing member 910 may be inserted into the through-hole 330 in an interference-fit manner.

The second sealing member 920 may be coupled to the second cover protruding member 320. The second sealing member 920 may have a hole in the inside thereof, and the second cover protruding member 320 may be inserted into the hole. In one embodiment, the second cover protruding member 320 may be inserted into the hole in an interference-fit manner.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the second cover of FIG. 16.

Referring to FIG. 17, a second cover 300 may include a second cover body 310, a second cover protruding member 320, a through-hole 330, and a sealing insertion groove 340. The components of the second cover 300 are described above with reference to FIG. 16, and accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The second cover 300 may include an outer surface 300a and an inner surface 300b.

The outer surface 300a of the second cover 300 may be defined as an outer surface of the second cover protruding member 320, and a second sealing member 920 may be in contact with the outer surface 300a of the second cover 300.

The inner surface 300b of the second cover 300 may be defined as an inner surface of the second cover protruding member 320 facing the through-hole 330, and a first sealing member 910 may be in contact with the inner surface 300b of the second cover 300.

FIG. 18A is a view illustrating the first sealing member 910 of FIG. 16, and FIG. 18B is a view illustrating the second sealing member 920 of FIG. 16.

Referring to FIG. 18A, the first sealing member 910 may include a first sealing body 911, a first through-groove 912, and a second through-groove 913.

The first sealing body 911 may be inserted into a through-hole 330 as a body of the first sealing member 910. The first sealing body 911 may include the first through-groove 912 and the second through-groove 913 which are formed at positions separated from each other. The first sealing body 911 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and as long as the first sealing body 911 may be inserted into the through-hole 330, the first sealing body 911 may also be formed in other shapes.

The first through-groove 912 may be formed in the first sealing body 911, and a heater coupling portion 500a may pass through the first through-groove 912. The first through-groove 912 may be formed by forming a groove to a preset depth in an outer surface of the first sealing body 911. Although FIG. 18A illustrates two first through-grooves 912, this is an example, and there is no limit to the number of first through-grooves 912 that may be formed. For example, the first through-groove 912 may be formed in the first sealing body 911 in the same number as the heater coupling portion 500a.

The sense coupling portion 730 may pass through the second through-groove 913, and the second through-groove 913 may be formed in the first sealing body 911 to be separated from the first through-groove 912. The second through-groove 913 may be formed by forming a groove to a preset depth in an outer surface of the first sealing body 911. Although FIG. 18A illustrates one second through-groove 913, this is an example, and there is no limit to the number of second through-grooves 913 that may be formed. For example, the second through-grooves 913 may be formed in the first sealing body 911 in the same number as the sensing coupling portion 730.

Referring to FIG. 18B, the second sealing member 920 may include a second sealing body 921, a second cover insertion groove 922, and a sealing protrusion 923.

The second sealing body 921 is a body of the second sealing member 920 and may be coupled to a second cover protruding member 320. The second cover insertion groove 922 and the sealing protrusion 923 may be formed in the second sealing body 921.

The second cover protruding member 320 may be inserted into the second cover insertion groove 922. For example, the second cover protruding member 320 may be inserted into the second cover insertion groove 922 in an interference-fit manner, and in this case, there may be no gap between the second cover protruding member 320 and the second sealing body 921.

The sealing protrusion 923 may protrude toward the second cover insertion groove 922. When the second cover protruding member 320 is inserted into the second cover insertion groove 922, the sealing protrusion 923 may be inserted into the sealing insertion groove 340 formed on an outer surface 300a of the second cover 300. Accordingly, the coupling between the second cover 300 and the second sealing member 920 may be increased. Two sealing protrusions 923 may be respectively formed on both sides of the second sealing body 921. The sealing protrusion 923 may be formed integrally with the second sealing body 921.

Hereinafter, a coupling structure between a second cover 300, coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730, and a sealing portion 900 is described with reference to FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, which is taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 15.

When a first sealing member 910 is inserted into a through-hole 330, coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 may be arranged between the first sealing member 910 and a second cover 300 as illustrated in FIG. 19. Therefore, even when vibration or shaking acts on a heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, the movement of the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 may be restricted.

Hereinafter, an assembly process of the second cover 300, the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730, and the sealing portion 900 is described.

First, the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 may pass through the through-hole 330. The coupling portion 500a, the antenna coupling portion 630, and the sense coupling portion 730 may pass through the through-hole 330 together, and the heater coupling portion 500a, the antenna coupling portion 630, and the sense coupling portion 730 may sequentially pass through the through-holes 330.

Here, a size of the through-hole 330 may be greater than sizes of the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730, and accordingly, the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 may easily pass through the through-hole 330.

Next, the first sealing member 910 may be inserted into the through-hole 330. In this case, the heater coupling portion 500a may be inserted into the first through-groove 912, the antenna coupling portion 630 may be on an inner surface 300b of the second cover 300, and the sense coupling portion 730 may be inserted into the second through-groove 913.

When the first sealing member 910 is first inserted into the through-hole 330 and then the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 pass through the through-hole 330, it is difficult for the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 to pass through the through-hole 330 because the size of the through-hole 330 is reduced. Therefore, in this case, the assembly process of the second cover 300, the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730, and the sealing part 900 may not be easily performed.

However, in the heater assembly 10 for an aerosol generating device, according to one embodiment, the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730 may be first inserted into the through-hole 330, and the first sealing member 910 may be sequentially inserted into the through-hole 330, and thus, assembly between the second cover 300, the coupling portions 500a, 630, and 730, and the sealing portion 900 may be easily performed.

Hereinafter, the examples of the aerosol generating article 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate examples of the aerosol generating article.

Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22.

FIG. 20 illustrates that the filter rod 22 includes a single segment, but is limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, as necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

The diameter of the aerosol generating article 2 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm. However, disclosure is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be doubly packaged by at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Also, the entire aerosol generating article 2 may be re-packaged by a single wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of an oil-resistant paper sheet and/or an aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of about 88 g/m2 to about 96 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the MFW refers to paper specially manufactured to have enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like, compared to ordinary paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be about 60 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

A predetermined material may be included in the fifth wrapper 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon exhibits characteristics like heat resistance with little change due to the temperature, oxidation resistance, resistances to various chemicals, water repellency, electrical insulation, etc. However, any material other than silicon may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation as long as the material has the above-mentioned characteristics.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the aerosol generating article 2 from being burned. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater, there is a possibility that the aerosol-generating article 2 combusts. In detail, when the temperature is raised to a temperature above the ignition point of any one of materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the aerosol generating article 2 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the burning of the aerosol generating article 2 may be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the aerosol generating device 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the aerosol generating article 2. By a user's puff, liquid substances may be generated in the aerosol generating article 2. For example, as an aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article 2 is cooled by the outside air, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the aerosol generating article 2, the liquid substances generated in the aerosol generating article 2 may be prevented from leaking out of the aerosol generating article 2.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased and taste of the tobacco may be improved. Also, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes of the filter rod 22 are not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may include a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulous acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. When the heater is inserted through the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 can be prevented from being pushed back, and the cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. A diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first segment may be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during manufacture of the first segment. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube made of the same or different material into the inside (e.g., hollow).

The second segment of the filter rod (22) cools the aerosol generated by the heater heating the tobacco rod (21). Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be an appropriate length within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be manufactured by weaving a polymer fiber. In this case, a flavoring liquid may also be applied to the fiber formed of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving together an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid and a fiber formed of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, a polymer may be formed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

As the second segment is formed by the woven polymer fiber or the crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single channel or a plurality of channels extending in a longitudinal direction. Here, a channel refers to a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment formed of the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, a total surface area of the second segment may be between about 300 mm2/mm and about 1000 mm2/mm. In addition, an aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm2/mg and about 100 mm2/mg.

The second segment may include a thread including a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with menthol of 1.5 mg or more.

The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be an appropriate length within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm but is not limited thereto.

The third segment may be fabricated such that flavor is generated by spraying a flavored liquid on the third segment in the process of fabricating the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when the flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may occur.

Also, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 21, an aerosol generating article 3 may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 may be located on a side of a tobacco rod 31, the side facing a filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being detached and prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device 1 from the tobacco rod 31, during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 20, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 20.

A diameter and a total length of the aerosol generating article 3 may correspond to the diameter and the total length of the aerosol generating article 2 of FIG. 20. For example, a length of the front-end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, a length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, a length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and a length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating article 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be wrapped using a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped using a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped using a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped using a fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire aerosol generating article 3 may be re-wrapped using a fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36 formed therein. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31 but is not limited thereto. the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

Also, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be formed by combining general filter wrapping paper with metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. Also, a thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, a basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be formed of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

For example, porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU but is not limited thereto. Also, a thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within a range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. A basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU but is not limited thereto. Also, a thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. A basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in a range of about 20 g/m2 to about 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be formed of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper refers to three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, a thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. Also, a basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in a range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be formed of MFW. Here, the MFW refers to paper which is particularly manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like more than ordinary paper. For example, a basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. Also, a thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in a range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 355 may include a preset material added thereto. An example of the material may include silicon, but it is not limited thereto. Silicon has characteristics such as heat resistance robust to temperature conditions, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, and electrical insulation, etc. Besides silicon, any other materials having characteristics as described above may be applied to (or coated on) the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The front-end plug 33 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front-end plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulous acetate tow. Mono-denier of filaments constituting the cellulous acetate tow may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono-denier of filaments constituting the cellulous acetate tow may be within a range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments of the front-end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, a cross-section of the filaments constituting the front-end plug 33 may be a Y shape. Total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be within a range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front-end plug 33 may be 28000.

Also, as needed, the front-end plug 33 may include at least one channel. A cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various shapes.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 20. Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

The first segment 321 may be formed of cellulous acetate. For example, the first segment 321 may be a tube-type structure having a hollow inside. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulous acetate tow. For example, mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front-end plug 33.

The second segment 322 may be formed of cellulous acetate. Mono denier of filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in a range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be within a range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, a cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be a Y shape. Total denier of the second segment 322 may be in a range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a controller 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 22. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 22 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 2000 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 1 and a state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit sensed information to the controller 1000. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1000 may control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as controlling an operation of the heater 5000, limiting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, or the like) is inserted, displaying a notification, or the like.

The sensing unit 2000 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 2100, an insertion detection sensor 2200, and a puff sensor 2300, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 2100 may sense a temperature at which the heater 5000 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2100 may also be arranged around the battery 4000 to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

The insertion detection sensor 2200 may sense insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 2200 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article.

The puff sensor 2300 may sense a user's puff on the basis of various physical changes in an airflow passage or an airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2300 may sense a user's puff on the basis of any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The sensing unit 2000 may include, in addition to the temperature sensor 2100, the insertion detection sensor 2200, and the puff sensor 2300 described above, at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a location sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Because a function of each of sensors may be intuitively inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art from the name of the sensor, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit 3000 may output information on a state of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 3000 may include at least one of a display unit 3100, a haptic unit 3200, and a sound output unit 3300, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 3100 and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 3100 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 3100 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1 may mean various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 5000, an insertion/removal state of an aerosol generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object), or the like, and the display unit 3100 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 3100 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. In addition, the display unit 3100 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 3200 may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 3300 may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 3300 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the same to the outside.

The battery 4000 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 4000 may supply power such that the heater 5000 may be heated. In addition, the battery 4000 may supply power required for operations of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000) in the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 4000 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 5000 may receive power from the battery 4000 to heat an aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 22, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 4000 and supplies the same to the heater 5000. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC/alternating current (AC) that converts DC power of the battery 4000 into AC power.

The controller 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 may each receive power from the battery 4000 to perform a function. Although not illustrated in FIG. 22, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 4000 to supply the power to respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit, or a voltage regulator circuit.

In an embodiment, the heater 5000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 5000 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 5000 may be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater 5000 may include a suspector that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

The user input unit 6000 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a contact capacitive method, a pressure resistance film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, or the like), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 22, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may connect to other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 4000.

The memory 7000 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, and may store data processed and data to be processed by the controller 1000. The memory 7000 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 7000 may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit 8000 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 8000 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

The short-range wireless communication unit 8100 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 8200 may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 8200 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1 within a communication network by using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The controller 1000 may control general operations of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1000 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 1000 may control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling supply of power of the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the controller 1000 may control power supply by controlling switching of a switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. In another example, a direct heating circuit may also control power supply to the heater 5000 according to a control command of the controller 1000.

The controller 1000 may analyze a result sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control subsequent processes to be performed. For example, the controller 1000 may control power supplied to the heater 5000 to start or end an operation of the heater 5000 on the basis of a result sensed by the sensing unit 2000. As another example, the controller 1000 may control, based on a result sensed by the sensing unit 2000, an amount of power supplied to the heater 5000 and the time the power is supplied, such that the heater 5000 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 1000 may control the output unit 3000 on the basis of a result sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 2300 reaches a preset number, the controller 1000 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the sound output unit 3300.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by the computer. The computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. The computer storage medium includes all of volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transfer media.

The descriptions of the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and equivalents thereof may be made. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims will be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

The heater assembly for the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may achieve miniaturization and improve the heating efficiency of the susceptor.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the aforementioned description, and other effects may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

Claims

1. A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, the heater assembly comprising:

a body including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article;
a first cover coupled to the body and including an article insertion portion into which the aerosol generating article is inserted;
a support unit provided inside the body and the first cover and surrounding the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space; and
a heater provided between an inner surface and an outer surface of the support unit and configured to heat the aerosol generating article by applying a magnetic field to a susceptor in the accommodation space,
wherein the heater completely overlaps the support unit, based on a second direction crossing a first direction in which the support unit extends.

2. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the support unit and the heater are insert-injected.

3. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the heater has a cross-section extending in the first direction when cut based on a plane passing each of the first direction in which the support unit extends and the second direction crossing the first direction.

4. The heater assembly of claim 3, wherein a frequency of the magnetic field applied to the susceptor is 5 MHz or more.

5. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein a gap between adjacent portions of the heater on a first side of the support unit is different from a gap between adjacent portions of the heater on a second side of the support unit.

6. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the heater includes a first heater and a second heater, which are arranged in different portions of the support unit.

7. The heater assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensing unit supported by the support unit inside the body and detecting a temperature of at least one of the support unit and the heater.

8. The heater assembly of claim 7, further comprising a sensing connection unit provided at a portion where the support unit is connected to the sensing unit and including a metal material.

9. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cover further includes a cover insulation member that extends in a direction in which the heater extends and is between the heater and the body.

10. The heater assembly of claim 9, wherein, when the first cover is coupled to the body, the cover insulation member is inserted into the body and surrounds a part of an outer side of the heater.

11. The heater assembly of claim 1, further comprising an antenna provided inside the body to surround at least a part of an outer side of the heater and configured to recognize whether the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the accommodation space.

12. The heater assembly of claim 11, further comprising a shielding unit provided between the antenna and the body to surround at least a part of an outer side of the antenna.

13. The heater assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a second cover coupled to the body to form the accommodation space together with the body and the first cover; and
a sealing portion inserted into a through-hole formed in the second cover and configured to seal the through-hole.

14. A heater assembly for an aerosol generating device, the heater assembly comprising:

a body including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article;
a first cover coupled to the body and including an article insertion portion into which the aerosol generating article is inserted;
a support unit provided inside the body and the first cover and surrounding the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space; and
a heater protruding from an inner surface of the support unit toward the accommodation space and configured to heat the aerosol generating article by applying a magnetic field to a susceptor in the accommodation space.

15. An aerosol generating device comprising:

the heater assembly according to claim 1;
a battery supplying power to the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device; and
a controller configured to control an operation of the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device.

16. An aerosol generating device comprising:

the heater assembly according to claim 14;
a battery supplying power to the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device; and
a controller configured to control an operation of the heater assembly for the aerosol generating device.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240215645
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 28, 2023
Publication Date: Jul 4, 2024
Applicant: KT&G CORPORATION (Daejeon)
Inventors: Young Bum KWON (Yongin-si), Dong Sung Kim (Seoul), Yong Hwan KIM (Anyang-si), Hun II LIM (Seoul)
Application Number: 18/398,904
Classifications
International Classification: A24F 40/465 (20060101); A24F 40/51 (20060101); A24F 40/53 (20060101); A24F 40/57 (20060101); A24F 40/65 (20060101);