KR102749226B1 - Device for generating aerosol - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes: a pipe providing an insertion space; a heater heating the insertion space; a substrate having a sensor pattern mounted thereon for detecting an electromagnetic change in a peripheral area; and a connector electrically connecting the heater and the substrate, wherein the connector can extend an area for detecting the electromagnetic change from the periphery of the substrate to the periphery of the heater.

Description

DEVICE FOR GENERATING AEROSOL

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device is intended to extract a certain component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain substances of various components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium may contain nicotine components, herbal components, and/or coffee components. Recently, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

Another purpose may be to extend the sensing area via heaters or induction coils without the need for additional sensor devices.

Another goal may be to improve space utilization efficiency within the device.

Another goal may be to improve the efficiency of the device manufacturing process or manufacturing cost.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, there is provided a device including: a pipe providing an insertion space; a heater heating the insertion space; a substrate having a sensor pattern mounted thereon for detecting an electromagnetic change in a peripheral area; and a connector electrically connecting the heater and the substrate, wherein the connector can extend an area for detecting the electromagnetic change from the periphery of the substrate to the periphery of the heater.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensing area can be extended through a heater or an induction coil without the need for additional sensor devices.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, space utilization efficiency within a device can be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of a device manufacturing process or manufacturing cost can be improved.

Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

FIGS. 1 to 9 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing symbols, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

When it is said that a component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is said that a component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generator (100) may include at least one battery (10), a control unit (20), and a heater (30). Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the aerosol generator (100) may further include a cartridge (400).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery (10), the control unit (20), and the heater (30) may be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 3, the battery (10), the control unit (20), the heater (30), and the cartridge (40) may be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge (40) and the heater (30) may be arranged in parallel so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to that illustrated.

The aerosol generating device (100) may provide an insertion space (54). The insertion space (54) may be opened toward the upper side of the aerosol generating device (100). The insertion space (54) may have a cylindrical shape. A stick (200) may be inserted into the insertion space (54).

The heater (30) may be placed around the insertion space (54) or inside the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may heat the stick (200) inserted into the insertion space and/or the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may heat the stick (200) to generate an aerosol. The heater (30) may be an electrical resistance heating heater. The heater (30) may be formed of a conductive metal.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the heater (30) may protrude upward from the bottom of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may have an elongated rod shape. The heater (30) may be formed with a pointed top. When the stick (200) is inserted into the insertion space (54), the heater (30) may be inserted into the inside of the stick (200). Referring to FIG. 1, the heater (30) may be directly heated by receiving current from the battery (10). Referring to FIG. 2, the induction coil (14) may surround the heater (30) and the insertion space (54). The induction coil (14) may wind around the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (14). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (30) and generate an eddy current within the heater (30). The current can generate heat in the heater (30).

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heater (30) may surround the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may surround the lower portion of the stick (200) inserted into the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may extend circumferentially along the perimeter of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may be formed in a ring shape or a cylindrical shape. The heater (30) may be directly heated by receiving current from the battery (10). Although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate that the heater (30) is included in the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (30) may not be included in the aerosol generating device, if necessary.

The battery (10) can supply power to operate at least one of the control unit (20), the heater (30), and the cartridge (40). The battery (10) can supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (100).

The control unit (20) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator (100). The control unit (20) can control the operation of at least one of the battery (10), the heater (20), and the cartridge (40). The control unit (20) can control the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator (100). The control unit (20) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator (100) to determine whether the aerosol generator (100) is in an operable state.

The cartridge (40) can store liquid. The cartridge (40) can generate an aerosol through the stored liquid. The aerosol generated in the cartridge (40) can be delivered to the user through a stick (200) inserted into the aerosol generating device (100).

The lower end of the stick (200) can be inserted into the insertion space (54), and the upper end can be exposed to the outside from the insertion space (54). The user can put the exposed upper end of the stick (200) in his mouth and inhale air. The air can pass through the inside of the aerosol generating device (100) and be provided to the user along with the aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cartridge (40) can be detachably coupled to the body (110). The cartridge (40) can be arranged parallel to the pipe (50) and/or the insertion space (54). A partition (111) can be arranged between the pipe (50) and the cartridge (40) to separate the pipe (50) and the cartridge (40). The partition (111) can be extended in the vertical direction. The cartridge (40) can be arranged parallel to the partition (111).

The cartridge (40) may have a first chamber (C1). Liquid may be stored in the first chamber (C1). The cartridge (40) may have a second chamber (C2). The second chamber (C2) may be separated from the first chamber (C1). The second chamber (C2) may be arranged below the first chamber (C1).

The wick (451) may be placed in the second chamber (C2). The wick (451) may be connected to the first chamber (C1). The wick (451) may be supplied with liquid from the first chamber (C1). The heating coil (452) may be placed in the second chamber (C2). The heating coil (452) may wind the wick (451). The heating coil (452) may heat the wick (451). When the heating coil (452) heats the wick (451) supplied with liquid, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber (C2).

The cartridge (40) may have a first inlet (441). The first inlet (441) may be formed by opening the upper end of the cartridge (40). The first inlet (441) may be communicated with the outside of the cartridge (40). The cartridge (40) may have a second inlet (442). The second inlet (442) may be formed by opening one side of the second chamber (C2) and may be communicated with the second chamber (C2). The inlet path (443) may communicate the first inlet (441) and the second inlet (442). The inlet path (443) may be located between the first inlet (441) and the second inlet (442). The inlet path (443) may be extended in a vertical direction from the first inlet (441) to the second inlet (442). The inlet passage (443) may be formed parallel to the first chamber (C1). The cartridge (40) may be provided with an outlet (444). The outlet (444) may open the second chamber (C2) to communicate the outside of the cartridge (40) with the second chamber (C2). The outlet (444) may be positioned opposite the second inlet (442) with respect to the second chamber (C2). When the cartridge (40) is coupled to the body (110), the outlet (444) may be connected to the connecting passage (53).

The pipe (50) can be coupled to the inside of the body (110). The pipe (50) can provide an insertion space (54) that is extended long therein. The pipe (50) can surround the insertion space (54). The pipe (50) can be extended long in the vertical direction. The pipe (50) can be arranged parallel to the bulkhead (111). The pipe (50) can be arranged parallel to the cartridge (40).

The insertion space (54) may be extended in the vertical direction. The insertion space (54) may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the insertion space (54) may be open and communicated with the outside. The lower end of the insertion space (54) may be communicated with a connecting passage (53). The connecting passage (53) may communicate the discharge port (444) and the lower end of the insertion space (54). The connecting passage (53) may be located at the lower end of the insertion space (54). The connecting passage (53) may be located at the lower end of the partition wall (111). The stick (200) may be inserted into the insertion space (54) and may protrude to the outside of the aerosol generating device (100).

The user can hold the stick (200) inserted into the insertion space (54) in his mouth and inhale air. Air can be introduced into the interior of the cartridge (40) through the first inlet (441). The air can be supplied to the stick (200) inserted into the insertion space (54) by sequentially passing through the first inlet (441), the inlet path (443), the second inlet (442), the second chamber (C2), the outlet (444), and the connection path (53). The air can pass through the second chamber (C2) and be accompanied by an aerosol. The air and the aerosol can be provided to the user by passing through the stick (200).

The upper case (120) can cover the upper part of the body (110). The upper case (120) can cover the cartridge (40). The upper case (120) can cover the pipe (50) and the insertion space (54). The upper case (120) can be detachably coupled to the body (110). The insertion port (124) can be formed by opening the upper part of the upper case (120). The insertion port (124) can be formed at a position corresponding to the opening of the insertion space (54). The insertion port (124) can be communicated with the insertion space (54). The cap (123) can be movably installed on the upper part of the upper case (120). The cap (123) can move to open and close the insertion port (124). Accordingly, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the insertion space (54) from the outside, and the aerosol generating device (100) can be protected.

Referring to FIG. 6, the pipe (50) may include a first pipe portion (51) and a second pipe portion (52). The first pipe portion (51) and the second pipe portion (52) may be coupled to each other. For example, the first pipe portion (51) may be coupled to the upper side of the second pipe portion (52). The first pipe portion (51) may surround the upper part of the insertion space (54). The first pipe portion (51) may be opened upward. The second pipe portion (52) may surround the lower part of the insertion space (54). The connecting passage (53) may be formed inside the second pipe portion (52).

The first coupler (513, 523) can connect the first pipe part (51) and the second pipe part (52). The first coupler (513, 523) can include a first coupling hole (513) and a first coupling protrusion (523). The first coupling protrusion (523) can be inserted into the first coupling hole (513) to connect the first pipe part (51) and the second pipe part (52). The first coupling protrusion (523) can be connected to the first coupling hole (513) in a snap-fit manner so as not to be separated.

For example, the first coupling hole (513) may be formed in the first pipe part (51), and the first coupling protrusion (523) may be formed in the second pipe part (52). As another example, the first coupling hole (513) may be formed in the second pipe part (52), and the first coupling protrusion (523) may be formed in the first pipe part (51). The first coupling hole (513) and the first coupling protrusion (523) may be provided as a pair at corresponding positions, respectively.

The heater (30) can surround the upper part of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) can have a cylindrical shape. The heater (30) can be fixed to the pipe (50) on the inside of the first pipe part (51). The heater (30) can extend in a circumferential direction along the inner surface of the first pipe part (51). The heater (30) can heat the upper part of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) can be positioned at a height corresponding to a medium contained inside the stick (200) inserted into the insertion space (54). The heater (30) can heat the medium inside the stick (200).

The lower part of the heater (30) can be supported by the second pipe part (52). The upper inner surface of the first pipe part (51) can protrude inwardly to cover the upper part of the heater (30). The first pipe part (51) and the second pipe part (52) can be coupled to each other through the first coupler (513, 523). Accordingly, the convenience of assembly can be improved, and the heater (30) can be stably positioned.

The substrate (61) can cover one outer wall of the pipe (50). The substrate (61) can face the insertion space (54). The substrate (61) is positioned at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the insertion space (54) and can face the lower portion of the insertion space (54). When the stick (200) is inserted into the insertion space (54), the substrate (61) can face the lower portion of the stick (200). The substrate (61) can be positioned lower than the heater (30). The substrate (61) can be bent to curve around one side of the insertion space (54).

The substrate (61) may be adjacent to the partition wall (111) and/or the cartridge (40). The substrate (61) may face the lower side of the partition wall (111). The substrate (61) may be positioned between the pipe (50) and the partition wall (111). The substrate (61) may be positioned between the pipe (50) and the cartridge (40). The substrate (61) may face the lower side of the first chamber (C1) of the cartridge (40). One side of the substrate (61) may face the insertion space (54), and the other side of the substrate (61) may face the cartridge (40).

The substrate (61) may have a sensor pattern (610, see FIG. 9). The sensor pattern (610, see FIG. 9) may be mounted on the substrate (61). The sensor pattern (610, see FIG. 9) may sense an electromagnetic change in the surroundings. The electromagnetic change may change according to a change in the state of an object around the substrate (61). The substrate (61) may detect movement of a nearby object. The sensor pattern (610) may be electrically connected to a battery (10, see FIGS. 1 to 4) to receive current.

The substrate (61) can detect changes in the surrounding capacitance by detecting changes in the surrounding capacitance. The substrate (61) can be referred to as a capacitance sensor (61). The capacitance sensor (61) can be based on one of two sensor technologies: self-capacitance and mutual capacitance. When an object approaches the capacitance sensor (61), or an object around the capacitance sensor (61) moves or its state changes, the capacitance sensor (61) may experience changes in self-capacitance or changes in electrode force lines between separated electrodes. Hereinafter, it is assumed and described that the substrate (61) is a capacitance sensor (61).

For example, in the case of a stick (200) inserted into an insertion space (54), the moisture content at the bottom of the stick (200) may vary depending on the degree of use, and accordingly, a change in the capacitance sensed by the substrate (61) may occur. Accordingly, the substrate (61) can detect the degree to which the stick (200) has been used or whether the stick (200) has been reused.

For example, when the stick (200) is inserted into the insertion space (54) and when it is not inserted, the capacitance sensed by the substrate (61) may be different. Accordingly, the substrate (61) can detect whether the stick (200) is inserted into the insertion space (54).

For example, when the cartridge (40) is coupled to the body (110) and when it is not coupled, the capacitance sensed by the substrate (61) may be different. Accordingly, the substrate (61) can detect whether the cartridge (40) is coupled to the body (110).

For example, a change in capacitance sensed by the substrate (61) may occur depending on the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber (C1) of the cartridge (40). Accordingly, the substrate (61) can detect the remaining amount of liquid stored in the cartridge (40).

The function of the substrate (61) is not limited to what has been described above, and can be utilized if the state of the surroundings can be judged through elements that cause capacitance changes in the surroundings. To this end, a lookup table indicating the capacitance value sensed by the substrate (61) and the corresponding change state of the surrounding environment can be stored in the memory.

Judging the surrounding state through changes in capacitance is only one example, and is not limited to this. Anything that can be utilized to judge the surrounding state by detecting electromagnetic changes can be utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the pipe (50) may have an insertion groove (524). The insertion groove (524) may be formed by the outer surface of one side of the pipe (50) being sunken or recessed toward the insertion space (54). The insertion groove (524) may be formed on one side of the second pipe portion (52). The substrate (61) may be inserted into the insertion groove (524). The substrate (61) may be fixed to the pipe (50) in the insertion groove (524).

The substrate (61) is a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and may have a flexible film shape. The substrate (61) may cover one outer surface of the pipe (50) in a curved manner. The substrate (61) may be arranged to cover the outer surface of the second pipe section (52). The substrate (61) may be bent in a curved manner along one outer surface of the insertion space (54).

The insertion groove (524) can be bent in a curved manner along the outer surface of the pipe (50) on one side of the pipe (50). The substrate (61) can be extended in a shape corresponding to the insertion groove (524). The substrate (61) can be bent to curvely wrap around the outer surface of one side of the pipe (50). The substrate (61) can curvely wrap around the circumference of one side of the insertion space (54).

The elastic member (62) can cover the substrate (61). The elastic member (62) can seal the insertion groove (524). The elastic member (62) can be flexible. The elastic member (62) can be bent to wrap around the outer surface of the pipe (50) and fit tightly around the insertion groove (524). For example, the elastic member (62) can be formed of a rubber or silicone material and have elasticity.

The rim (525) may be formed to surround the periphery of the substrate (61) inserted into the insertion groove (524). The rim (525) may protrude from the periphery of the insertion groove (524). One edge of the elastic member (62) may be in close contact with one surface of the rim (525). One surface of the substrate (61) may be in contact with the outer surface of the pipe (50) in the insertion groove (524), and the other surface of the substrate (61) may be in contact with the elastic member (62).

The cover (63) can cover the substrate (61). The cover (63) can cover the insertion groove (524). The cover (63) can be in close contact with the elastic member (62). The elastic member (62) can be arranged between the substrate (61) and the cover (63). The elastic member (62) can be arranged between the insertion groove (524) and the cover (63). The elastic member (62) can be in close contact between the cover (62) and the edge portion (525) to seal the insertion groove (524).

The cover (63) can be curved to wrap around one outer surface of the pipe (50). The cover (63) can have a shape that is bent to be curved along one outer surface of the pipe (50). The cover (63) can be bent to wrap around the outer surface of the pipe (50).

The cover (63) and the pipe (50) can be connected by a second coupler (527, 634). The second couplers (527, 634) can be formed as a pair at positions corresponding to both ends of the cover (63). The second coupler (527, 634) can include a second coupling hole (634) and a second coupling protrusion (527). The second coupling protrusion (527) can be inserted into the second coupling hole (634) to connect the cover (63) and the pipe (50). The second coupling protrusion (527) can be connected to the second coupling hole (634) in a snap-fit manner so as not to be separated.

For example, the second coupling hole (634) may be formed in the cover (63), and the second coupling protrusion (527) may be formed in the pipe (50). As another example, the second coupling hole (634) may be formed in the pipe (50), and the second coupling protrusion (527) may be formed in the cover (63). The second coupling hole (634) and the second coupling protrusion (527) may be formed as a pair at positions corresponding to each other. The second coupling hole (634) may be formed at both ends of the cover (63) as a reference. The pair of second coupling protrusions (527) may be formed at positions opposing each other with respect to the insertion space (54).

Accordingly, the substrate (61) can be placed closer to the insertion space (54) or the sensing area can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensor. In addition, the efficiency of the space in which the substrate (61) is installed can be improved. In addition, the substrate (61) can be protected from external foreign substances or liquids, and the structural stability can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first pipe section (51) of FIG. 6 is removed to reveal the heater (30) and the cover (63) and elastic member (62) are removed to reveal the substrate (61).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the heater (30) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The heater (30) may have a shape in which a metal plate is rolled into a cylindrical shape. The heater (30) may surround one side of the insertion space (54). The inner surface of the heater (30) may cover the outer surface of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may be placed on the upper side of the second pipe section (52). The lower end of the heater (30) may be supported by the second pipe section (52).

A second pipe part (52) may be positioned between the substrate (61) and the insertion space (54). The substrate (61) may be separated from the insertion space (54) by the second pipe part (52). The second pipe part (52) may surround the lower inner surface of the insertion space (54). The substrate (61) may surround one outer surface of the second pipe part (52). The heater (30) may be in contact with the insertion space (54).

The substrate (61) may be placed at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the insertion space (54). The substrate (61) may surround one side of the lower portion of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may be placed above the substrate (61). The heater (30) may be placed at a position corresponding to the middle portion to the upper portion of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may surround a perimeter corresponding to the middle portion to the upper portion of the insertion space.

The connector (80) can electrically connect the heater (30) and the substrate (61). One end of the connector (80) can be connected to the heater (30). The other end of the connector (80) can be connected to the substrate (80). The connector (80) can be conductive.

Accordingly, the connector (80) can extend the area for detecting electromagnetic changes from the area around the sensor to the area around the heater (30). This will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 9, the substrate (61) may be positioned at a height corresponding to the first region (541) of the insertion space (54). The heater (30) may be positioned at a height corresponding to the second region (542) of the insertion space (54). For example, the second region (542) may be adjacent to the upper portion of the insertion space (54), and the first region (541) may be adjacent to the lower portion of the insertion space (54). The second region (542) may be positioned above the first region (541). However, the first region (541) and the second region (542) are not limited by what has been described above.

The sensor pattern (610) printed on the substrate (61) may be a conductive metal. The sensor pattern (610) may receive current from a battery (10, see FIGS. 1 to 4) and allow current to flow. The substrate (61) may be a capacitance sensor (61) having a sensor pattern (610) printed thereon that detects a change in capacitance.

The connector (80) can electrically connect the heater (30) and the substrate (61). One end of the connector (80) can be connected to the heater (30). The other end of the connector (80) can be connected to the substrate (61). The connector (80) electrically connects the heater (30) and the substrate (61), thereby allowing the heater (30) to function as a sensor. That is, the heater (30) can perform a function that is an extension of the sensor pattern (610).

The connector (80) can connect the heater (30) and the substrate (61) through a different channel from the sensor pattern (610). Alternatively, the connector (80) can connect the heater (30) and the sensor pattern (610) mounted on the substrate (61). At this time, one end of the connector (80) can be connected to the heater (30), and the other end of the connector (80) can be connected to the sensor pattern (610). The connector (80) can be a wire or a PCB formed of a conductor. The PCB can be an FPCB, but is not limited thereto.

The heater (30) may be a resistive heating heater. The heater (30) may be heated by receiving current from a battery (10, see FIGS. 1 to 4). The resistance and heat generation amount of the sensor pattern (610) may be smaller than that of the heater (30). The connector (80) may have the same material as the sensor pattern (610).

The heater (30) may be formed of a conductive metal. The heater (30) may be formed by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape. For example, the heater (30) may be formed of a stainless steel material, but is not limited thereto. One end of the connector (80) may be soldered to the heater (30).

As another example, the heater (30) may be formed by printing a heating pattern on a PCB. In this case, for example, the PCB may be an FPCB. In this case, the end of the connector (80) may be electrically connected to the heating pattern printed on the PCB.

Accordingly, the connector (80) can extend the area for detecting electromagnetic changes from the periphery of the sensor pattern (610) mounted on the substrate (61) to the periphery of the heater (30). That is, the area for detecting electromagnetic changes can extend from the second area (542) to the first area (541).

In addition, the sensing channels that detect electromagnetic changes can be separated. For example, the substrate (61) can detect a change in humidity at the bottom of the stick (200) in the first region (541), and the heater (30) can detect whether the stick (200) is inserted into the insertion space (54) in the second region (542). As another example, the amount of use of the stick (200) or the recognition of a reused stick (200) can be made more precise by the difference between the moisture content of the stick (200) sensed in the first region and the moisture content of the stick (200) sensed in the second region (542).

In addition, the heater (30) is placed on the inside of the pipe (50) so that the inner surface of the heater (30) can come into contact with the outer surface of the insertion space (54). Accordingly, not only is the efficiency of heat conduction from the heater (30) to the stick (200) improved, but the sensing sensitivity can also be improved because the heater (30) is closer to the outer surface of the stick (200).

Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 2, a connector (80), rather than a heater (30), can connect an induction coil (14) and a substrate (61). In this case, the connector (80) can expand an area surrounded by the induction coil (14) to a sensing area. As described above, details on this are omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a pipe providing an insertion space; a heater heating the insertion space; a substrate having a sensor pattern mounted thereon that detects an electromagnetic change in a surrounding area; and a connector electrically connecting the heater and the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector can extend an area for detecting an electromagnetic change from the periphery of the sensor to the periphery of the heater.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater may have a cylindrical shape extending circumferentially and surrounding the insertion space.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater has a cylindrical shape and can surround the insertion space on the inside of the pipe.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may be disposed on one outer wall of the pipe.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may be arranged at a position corresponding to a lower portion of the insertion space, and the heater may be arranged at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the insertion space.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe has an insertion groove formed by a sunken outer surface, and the substrate can be inserted into the insertion groove.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater may be a resistive heating heater formed of metal.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the connector may be a wire or a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) formed of a conductor.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate is a capacitance sensor, and the sensor pattern mounted on the substrate can detect a change in capacitance of the surroundings.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, and all changes coming within the equivalent scope of the invention are intended to be embraced therein. (Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art).

Claims (10)

A pipe that is elongated and provides an insertion space into which a stick is inserted;
A heater for heating the above insertion space;
A substrate having a sensor pattern mounted thereon that detects electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area; and
Including a connector electrically connecting the above heater and the above substrate,
The above connector,
The area for detecting the above electromagnetic change is extended from the periphery of the substrate to the periphery of the heater,
The above sensor pattern is,
An aerosol generating device electrically connected to the heater by the connector, but positioned spaced apart from the heater in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space. In the first paragraph,
The above heater,
An aerosol generating device having a cylindrical shape extending in a circumferential direction and surrounding the insertion space. In the second paragraph,
The above heater,
An aerosol generating device having a cylindrical shape and surrounding the insertion space on the inside of the pipe. In the first paragraph,
The above substrate is,
An aerosol generating device placed on one outer wall of a pipe. In the fourth paragraph,
The above substrate is,
It is placed at a position corresponding to the lower part of the above insertion space,
The above heater,
An aerosol generating device positioned at a position corresponding to the upper portion of the above insertion space. In the fourth paragraph,
The above pipe,
It has an insertion groove formed by the outer surface being sunken,
The above substrate is,
An aerosol generating device inserted into the above insertion groove. In the first paragraph,
The above heater,
An aerosol generator which is a resistive heating heater formed of metal. In the first paragraph,
The above connector,
An aerosol generating device which is a wire or a printed circuit board (PCB) formed of a conductor. In the first paragraph,
The sensor pattern mounted on the above substrate is an aerosol generating device that detects changes in surrounding capacitance. A pipe that is elongated and provides an insertion space into which a stick is inserted;
A heater protruding from the bottom of the insertion space and heating the insertion space;
An induction coil wound to surround the insertion space at a height corresponding to the heater and heats the heater;
A substrate mounted on one side of the pipe and having a sensor for detecting electromagnetic changes in the surrounding area; and
Including a connector that electrically connects the above induction coil and the above substrate,
The above connector,
The area for detecting the above electromagnetic change is extended from the periphery of the substrate to the periphery of the induction coil,
The above sensor,
An aerosol generating device electrically connected to the heater by the connector, but positioned spaced apart from the induction coil in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space.

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