CN110621176B

CN110621176B - Heater unit and aerosol-generating device provided with same

Info

Publication number: CN110621176B
Application number: CN201880030699.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李宗燮; 安挥庆
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2017-05-26
Filing date: 2018-05-25
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-25
Also published as: CN110621176A; JP2020521437A; JP6881817B2

Abstract

The heater assembly includes: a heater extending in a length corresponding to at least a part of the entire length of the cigarette, and having one end capable of being inserted into the cigarette and capable of generating heat when energized; a first cover coupled to the heater and maintaining a position with respect to the heater, wherein a side surface of the first cover facing one end of the heater extends outward with respect to the heater; and a second cover coupled to the other end of the heater for supporting the other side surface of the first cover facing the other end of the heater.

Description

Heater unit and aerosol-generating device provided with same

Technical Field

Embodiments relate to a heater module and an aerosol-generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a heater module and an aerosol-generating device including the same, which can stably maintain an assembled state and improve durability.

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods for overcoming the disadvantages of ordinary cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods of generating an aerosol not by burning a cigarette but by heating aerosol generating material within the cigarette. Therefore, studies on heated cigarettes and heated aerosol-generating devices are actively being conducted.

In aerosol-generating devices that heat cigarettes to generate an aerosol, a heater assembly that relies on electricity to generate heat is used. The heater module heats the cigarette in a state of being inserted into the cigarette, and in a process of repeatedly performing an operation of inserting and separating the cigarette, the coupling state between the components becomes loose, resulting in the heater shaking. Further, there are manufacturing tolerances between components coupled to the heater to support the heater, and the heater and the components may shake during cigarette mounting or separating operations because the position of the heater within the aerosol generating device cannot be stably maintained. As described above, when the assembled state of the heater assembly is poor, foreign substances from the outside are introduced into the interior of the aerosol-generating device through the heater assembly, thereby weakening the performance of the electronic components.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Embodiments provide a heater module capable of stably maintaining an assembled state and improving durability and sealing performance, and an aerosol-generating device including the heater module.

Embodiments also provide a heater assembly capable of minimizing shaking of a heater by firmly coupling members for supporting the heater to each other, and an aerosol-generating device including the same.

Means for solving the problems

A heater assembly according to an embodiment includes: a heater extending in a length corresponding to at least a part of the entire length of the cigarette, and having one end capable of being inserted into the cigarette and capable of generating heat when energized; a first cover coupled to the heater and maintaining a position with respect to the heater, wherein a side surface of the first cover facing one end of the heater extends outward with respect to the heater; and a second cover coupled to the other end of the heater for supporting the other side surface of the first cover facing the other end of the heater.

The first cover includes: a flange fixed on the outer side surface of the heater and protruding outwards on the outer side surface of the heater; and an outer cover disposed at a position closer to one end of the heater than the position of the flange, forming a side surface, and contacting and supporting at least a part of an outer side surface of the flange. The other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover is formed by a flange.

The outer cap has an inner protrusion protruding from an inner side of the outer cap and contacting an outer side surface of the flange.

The second cover further includes: a mounting hole for inserting the other end of the heater; and a contact protrusion protruding in the direction of the flange outside the mounting hole and contacting the other side surface of the flange facing the second cover.

The contact protrusion is disposed in plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction around the heater.

The contact protrusion extends in a circumferential direction centering on the heater.

The first cover and the second cover are coupled to each other outside of a position contacting the protrusion.

The second cover further includes an external protrusion protruding toward the first cover at an outer side of the contact protrusion and combined with the first cover; the first cover extends in a circumferential direction centering on the heater, and the outer protrusion of the second cover also extends in the circumferential direction centering on the heater.

The flange includes a contact protrusion protruding toward the second cover and forming the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover; the second cover has a receiving groove that receives and supports the other side surface of the contact protrusion.

The second cover includes: a mounting hole for inserting the other end of the heater; an accommodating cavity which is expanded outwards by taking the heater as a reference, surrounds the heater and has a gap with the outer side surface of the heater; and a contact protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the receiving chamber toward the heater and contacting the other side surface of the flange facing the second cover.

The contact protrusion is arranged in plurality at intervals along the outer surface of the flange.

The contact protrusion extends along at least a portion of the outer side surface of the flange.

The heater is connected with a wire for supplying power to the heater, and the second cover comprises a wire hole for passing the wire.

The first cover is fixed at an outer side of the heater by insert injection molding, the second cover includes a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and the second cover is coupled to the first cover when the other end of the heater is inserted into the mounting hole, thereby supporting the other side surface of the first cover.

An aerosol-generating device of another embodiment comprises: the heater assembly of the above embodiment; a housing having a hollow shape and a heater module disposed therein, one side of the housing having a cigarette insertion hole opened to the outside for inserting a cigarette; and a battery disposed in the housing to supply power to the heater assembly.

Effects of the invention

In the heater assembly and the aerosol-generating device including the same according to the embodiments described above, the second cover can firmly support the other side surface of the first cover coupled to the heater and maintain the position of the second cover with respect to the heater, and the second cover can also support the other end of the heater. As described above, by forming the mutual coupling action of the heater and the first and second covers in many ways, the position of the heater disposed inside the aerosol-generating device can be stably maintained, and thus relative movement (shaking or swimming) between the components of the heater module is less likely to occur.

Further, since the first lid and the second lid firmly support the heater, the state of the heater module mounted inside the aerosol-generating device can be stably maintained, and thus, defects such as a failure in the state of coupling of the heater module due to repeated use or a disconnection of the power supply wiring due to the failure are less likely to occur.

In addition, in the heater assembly in which the first cover and the heater are integrally formed by insert injection molding, the first cover and the heater are closely coupled to each other, and thus there is no gap (gap) at a coupling portion of the first cover and the heater, so a thorough sealing (sealing) effect can be obtained.

In addition, after the first cover and the heater are integrally formed through insert injection molding, the first cover is not deformed in a subsequent process of manufacturing the heater assembly, and thus, in a process of combining with other parts, the dimensions of the parts are precisely matched according to an initial design, and thus, perfect product design can be achieved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette inserted in an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a coupling relationship between components of the heater module of the embodiment shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the interior of the heater module of the embodiment shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a cross section of a portion of the heater assembly of the embodiment shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device provided with the heater assembly of the embodiment shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a heater module of another embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a heater module of a further embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a coupling relationship between components of a heater module of yet another embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of the embodiment shown in fig. 10.

Detailed Description

Terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible in consideration of the effects of the present invention, but the terms may be changed according to the intention of those skilled in the art, precedent cases, or the emergence of new technology in the field. In addition, the applicant can arbitrarily select some terms in a specific case, and in this case, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the description part of the present specification. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the entire specification, not the simple names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, when a portion "includes" a component, it means that the portion may include other components but not exclude other components unless there is a characteristic description contrary to the portion. In addition, terms such as "section" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that performs at least one action or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the embodiments. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

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

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of insertion of a cigarette into an aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 1, aerosol-generating device 10000 includes: battery 11000, control unit 12000, and heater 13000. In addition, the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 10000 is available for insertion of cigarettes 20000.

The aerosol-generating device 10000 shown in fig. 1 shows only the components relevant to the present embodiment. Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiments relate will appreciate that aerosol-generating device 10000 may also include conventional components in addition to those shown in fig. 1.

Although fig. 1 shows that the battery 11000, the control portion 12000, and the heater 13000 are arranged in a row, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11000, the controller 12000, and the heater 13000 can be changed according to the design of the aerosol-generating apparatus 10000.

When the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, the aerosol-generating device 10000 causes the heater 13000 to heat up. The aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette 20000 is heated by the heated heater 13000 to generate aerosol. The generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the filter 22000 of the cigarette 20000.

If necessary, the aerosol-generating device 10000 can heat the heater 13000 even if the cigarette 20000 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000.

The battery 11000 supplies power necessary for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10000. For example, the battery 11000 supplies power necessary for heating the heater 13000 or power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12000. The battery 11000 can supply electric power necessary for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol-generating device 10000.

The control unit 12000 controls the operation of the aerosol-generating apparatus 10000 as a whole. Specifically, the control unit 12000 controls the operations of other components in the aerosol-generating device 10000, in addition to the battery 11000 and the heater 13000. The control unit 12000 can also determine whether or not the aerosol-generating device 10000 is in an operable state by checking the state of each component of the aerosol-generating device 10000.

The control section 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, 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. In addition, persons skilled in the art of the present embodiment can know that the present embodiment can also be implemented by other forms of hard disks.

Heater 13000 is heated by electric power supplied from battery 11000. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, the heater 13000 is located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13000 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

Heater 13000 can be a resistive heater. For example, a conductive track (track) is included in the heater 13000, and the heater 13000 can effect heating as current flows in the conductive track. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to the above example, and is not limited as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 10000 or may be set by a user according to the desired temperature.

On the other hand, the heater 13000 may be an induction heating type heater, as another example. In particular, the heater 13000 can have a conductive coil that inductively heats a cigarette, which can include a base that can be heated by an inductively heated heater.

Although fig. 1 shows an example in which the heater 13000 is inserted inside the cigarette 20000, the heater is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 13000 may include a tube-shaped heating member, a plate-shaped heating member, a needle-shaped heating member, or a rod-shaped heating member, and the inside or outside of the cigarette 20000 may be heated according to the shape of the heating member.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13000 may be arranged in the aerosol-generating device 10000. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13000 may be arranged so as to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000 or may be arranged outside the cigarette 20000. Further, among the plurality of heaters 13000, a part of the heaters 13000 may be disposed so as to be inserted into the cigarette 20000, and the remaining heaters 13000 may be disposed outside the cigarette 20000. The shape of the heater 13000 is not limited to the shape shown in fig. 1, and can be made in various shapes.

On the other hand, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may have a general structure, in addition to the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, and the heater 13000. For example, aerosol-generating device 10000 may comprise a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.).

The aerosol-generating device 10000 can be configured to introduce external air or discharge internal air even in a state where a cigarette 20000 is inserted.

Although not shown in fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 10000 can constitute a system together with another cradle. For example, the cradle may be used for charging of the battery 11000 of the aerosol-generating device 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 is heated in a state where the carriage and the aerosol generation apparatus 10000 are combined.

The cigarette 20000 may be similar to a conventional combustion-type cigarette. For example, a cigarette 20000 can be divided into a first portion 21000 containing aerosol generating substances and a second portion 22000 having a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion 22000 of the cigarette 20000 may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made into particles or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 22000.

The first portion 21000 is inserted entirely inside the aerosol-generating device 10000, while the second portion 22000 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion 21000 may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, or a part of the first portion 21000 and the second portion 22000 may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol with the second portion 22000 held in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by the external air through the first portion 21000, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the mouth of the user through the second portion 22000.

As an example, the external air may flow in through at least one air passage formed on the aerosol-generating device 10000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 10000 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by a user. Thus, the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc. can also be adjusted by the user. As another example, the external air may also flow into the interior of the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole (hole) formed on the surface of the cigarette 20000.

Next, an example of the cigarette 20000 will be described with reference to fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

Referring to fig. 2, a cigarette 20000 includes a tobacco rod 21000 and a filter rod 22000. The first portion 21000 described with reference to figure 1 comprises a tobacco rod 21000 and the second portion 22000 comprises a filter rod 22000.

Although the filter rod 22000 is shown in fig. 2 as one filter segment, it is not so limited. In other words, the filter rod 22000 may also be constructed from multiple filter segments. For example, the filter rod 22000 may include a first filter segment that cools the aerosol and a second filter segment that filters the specified components contained within the aerosol. Additionally, the filter rod 22000 may also include at least one filter segment that performs other functions, as desired.

The cigarette 20000 may be wrapped with at least one wrapper 24000. The packing paper 24000 may be formed with at least one hole (hole) for introducing external air or discharging internal gas. As an example, the cigarette 20000 may be wrapped with a wrapper 24000. As another example, the cigarette 20000 may be wrapped in multiple layers with two or more wrapping papers 24000. For example, tobacco rod 21000 may be wrapped with a first wrapper and filter rod 22000 may be wrapped with a second wrapper. After the tobacco rod 21000 wrapped with a single wrapping paper is joined to the filter rod 22000, the whole cigarette 20000 is wrapped with a third wrapping paper. If the tobacco rod 21000 or filter rod 22000 is comprised of a plurality of tobacco or filter segments, respectively, each tobacco or filter segment may be wrapped by a single wrapper. The whole of the cigarette 20000, consisting of a tobacco or filter segment wrapped by a single wrapper, can then be wrapped by another wrapper.

The tobacco rod 21000 contains an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may include flavoring agents, humectants, and/or other additives such as organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or humectant is added to the tobacco rod 21000 so as to be sprayed on the tobacco rod 21000.

The tobacco rod 21000 can be made in various forms. For example, tobacco rod 21000 may be formed into sheet (sheet) or strand (strand). In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may be made of tobacco leaves obtained by cutting tobacco pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod 21000 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive substance. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 can uniformly disperse the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21000, thereby increasing the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 can function as a base that is heated by the induction heating heater. At this time, although not shown in the figures, the tobacco rod 21000 can include an accompanying base in addition to the thermally conductive substance.

The filter rod 22000 may be a cellulose acetate filter. In one aspect, the shape of the filter rod 22000 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000 may be a cylindrical (type) rod or a tubular (type) rod having a hollow interior. Additionally, the filter rod 22000 may be a fluted (type) rod. When the filter rod 22000 is constructed from multiple filter segments, at least one of the multiple filter segments can be fabricated in other shapes.

The filter rod 22000 may also be fabricated to produce a flavor. For example, the filter rod 22000 may be sprayed with the flavoring liquid, or other fibers coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22000.

Additionally, the filter rod 22000 may include at least one capsule 23000. Here, the capsule 23000 may perform a function of generating fragrance, and may also perform a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23000 may be a structure in which the contents containing a perfume are surrounded by a film. The capsule 23000 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

When the filter rod 22000 includes a cooling section for cooling the aerosol, the cooling section may be made of a high molecular substance or a biodegradable high molecular substance. For example, the cooling section may be made of only pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling section may be made of a cellulose acetate filter formed with a plurality of holes. However, the cooling section is not limited to the above example, and may be unlimited as long as it can perform a function of cooling the aerosol.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an embodiment, and fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a coupling relationship between components of the heater assembly of the embodiment shown in fig. 3.

The heater assembly 70 of the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and 4 includes: a heater 10 which is inserted into the cigarette 7 and generates heat when power is supplied from the outside, thereby heating the cigarette 7; and a first cover 20 and a second cover 30 for supporting the heater 10.

The heater 10 may be cylindrical or rod-shaped extending along the length direction of the cigarette 7 and having a diameter smaller than that of the cigarette 7 so that the length can correspond to a part of the entire length of the cigarette 7. The total length of the heater 10 in the axial direction (wherein "axial direction" refers to the length direction in which the central axis of the heater extends) may be set smaller than the total length of the cigarette 7.

The shape of the heater 10 is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, and the shape of the heater 10 may be variously modified. For example, the heater 10 may be deformed to be thicker or thinner in diameter as compared to fig. 3, and may be formed in a needle-like shape.

One end 11 of the heater 10 has a shape gradually tapered toward the end, so that the one end 11 of the heater 10 can be easily inserted into the cigarette 7. Further, a wire 15 for transmitting power to the heater 10 is connected to the heater 10. The wiring 15 is electrically connected to the outer surface of the heater 10 by a welding process such as soldering or ultrasonic welding.

The first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the outside of the heater 10. The first and second covers 20 and 30 may be made of, for example, a heat-resistant polymer material, a metal material, or a metal material or alloy material whose surface is coated with a heat-resistant polymer material, etc.

The first cover 20 is coupled to the heater 10 and maintains a position with respect to the heater 10. A side surface 20f of the first cover 20 facing the end 11 of the heater 10 extends outward with respect to the heater 10.

One side face 20f of the first cover 20 is configured to face the end of the cigarette 7, into which the one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted, when the one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette 7, and to perform a function of supporting the end of the cigarette 7.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of components inside the heater module of the embodiment shown in fig. 3, fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a partial cross section of the heater module of the embodiment shown in fig. 3, and fig. 7 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating device including the heater module of the embodiment shown in fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 5 and 7, the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10. The second cover 30 may perform a function of supporting the other end 12 of the heater 10 while supporting the first cover 20.

In assembling the heater assembly 70, the first cover 20 is first coupled to the heater 10, and the first cover 20 maintains a position with respect to the heater 10. When the second cover 30 is coupled to the heater 10 after the first cover 20 is coupled to the heater 10, the second cover 30 is coupled to the first cover 20 while being coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10, so that the second cover 30 also stably maintains a position with respect to the heater 10.

When the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10, the second cover 30 may support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

The first cover 20 includes: a flange 22 fixed to an outer side surface of the heater 10 and protruding outward from the outer side surface of the heater 10; and an outer cover 21 disposed at a position closer to the one end 11 of the heater 10 than the position of the flange 22, forming one side surface 20f of the first cover 20, and contacting and supporting at least a part of an outer side surface 22s of the flange 22. The lower side surface of the flange 22 forms the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 supported by the second cover 30.

The outer cover 21 of the first cover 20 includes a coupling hole 21h through which the one end 11 of the heater 10 passes. In addition, the first cover 20 includes a mounting plate 21y extending in a circumferential direction centering on the heater 10, i.e., centering on the coupling hole 21h, to function as a support for coupling with the second cover 30.

The flange 22 includes a through hole 22h through which the one end 11 of the heater 10 passes and is directly coupled to the outer surface of the heater 10. The flange 22 may be made of a material having heat resistance and durability, such as alumina, ceramic, polytetrafluoroethylene, and heat-resistant plastic.

In bonding the flange 22 to the heater 10, the heater 10 is first inserted into the through-hole 22h of the flange 22, and after the position of the flange 22 with respect to the heater 10 is determined, a ceramic bonding agent is injected into the through-hole 22h of the flange 22, thereby temporarily fixing the flange 22 and the heater 10. After that, the assembly of the flange 22 and the heater 10 is placed in a sintering furnace and heated, whereby the flange 22 and the heater 10 can be completely fixed.

The embodiment is not limited to the above-described coupling manner of the flange 22 and the heater 10, and the flange 22 and the heater 10 may be coupled in various manners. For example, a screw coupling structure is employed between the flange 22 and the heater 10, or a one-touch fastening structure such as a bayonet mount (bayonet mount) is employed, or an adhesive may be used to bond the flange 22 and the heater 10, and further, the flange 22 may be provided on the outer side of the heater 10 by injection molding, depending on the material of the flange 22.

Referring to fig. 6, the inside of the first cover 20 includes an inner wall surface 21w, which extends along the outer side surface 22s of the flange 22 to be able to surround the outer side surface 22s of the flange 22 bonded to the heater 10. The inner wall surface 21w is provided at a position spaced outward from the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 by a predetermined distance.

The first cover 20 includes an inner protrusion 21p, and the inner protrusion 21p protrudes from the inner wall surface 21w and contacts the outer side surface 22s of the flange 22, thereby supporting the outer side surface 22 s. The inner protrusions 21p of the first cover 20 are arranged at intervals along the outer surface 22s of the flange 22.

The cross-sectional shape of the flange 22 and the inner wall surface 21w in the embodiment shown in the drawings is substantially square, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the flange 22 and the inner wall surface 21w as such. For example, the cross section of the flange 22 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal, and the cross section of the inner wall surface 21w of the first lid 20 may be modified in accordance with the cross section of the flange 22.

The second cap 30 also extends in the circumferential direction in correspondence with the first cap 20. The second cover 30 includes: a mounting hole 30h into which the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted; the contact protrusion 37 protrudes outside the mounting hole 30h in the direction of the flange 22, i.e., in the direction toward the one end 11 of the heater 10. The contact protrusion 37 directly contacts the other side surface 20r of the flange 22 facing the second cover 30, thereby serving to stably support the flange 22 of the first cover 20.

The contact protrusion 37 of the second cover 30 may be disposed in plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction around the mounting hole 30 h. The number, arrangement position, or shape of the contact protrusions 37 is not limited to the structure of the embodiment shown in fig. 4, and the number, arrangement position, and shape of the contact protrusions 37 may be variously modified.

The first cover 20 and the second cover 30 may be coupled to each other at the outer side of the contact protrusion 37. The second cover 30 includes an outer protrusion 38 protruding toward the first cover 20 outside the contact protrusion 37. The mounting plate 21y of the first cover 20 extends in the circumferential direction around the heater 10, and the outer protrusion 38 of the second cover 30 also extends in the circumferential direction in accordance with the shape of the first cover 20.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 may be coupled to each other by a bolt 50 as an example of fastening means. The bolt 50 is inserted through a bolt through hole 51 formed in the second cover 30 and then screwed into a bolt hole (not shown) formed in the first cover 20, thereby stably maintaining the state in which the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other.

The method of coupling the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 to each other is not limited to the fastening manner by the bolts 50 explained in the embodiment. For example, the first and

second caps

20 and 30 may be coupled to each other by using other fastening methods such as rivets or pins, or bonding methods using adhesives, welding methods using ultrasonic waves or heat, a structure in which protrusions, hooks, clips, coupling grooves, etc. are provided on both sides of the first and

second caps

20 and 30, or a one-touch fastening structure in which screw surfaces, bayonet mounts (bayonet mounts), etc. are provided on both sides of the first and

second caps

20 and 30 to correspond to each other.

Alternatively, the first and second covers 20 and 30 are fixed to each other by combining the external protrusion 38 and the mounting plate 21 y.

In the heater assembly 70 constructed as described above, when the first and second covers 20 and 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the second cover 30 can firmly support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 while the first cover 20 supports the heater 10 and the second cover 30 also supports the heater 10, thereby variously forming the coupling interaction between the heater 10 and the first and second covers 20 and 30. Therefore, in a state where the heater 10 is coupled to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the heater 10 is less likely to move (shake or play) relative to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

Referring to fig. 7, the aerosol-generating device of the embodiment shown in fig. 7 comprises: a housing 80 capable of accommodating cigarettes 7; and a heater module 70 disposed in the housing 80 and heating the cigarette 7.

The housing 80 forms the appearance of the aerosol-generating device and serves to house and protect various components in the interior space. The casing 80 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an empty interior as a whole, and has a cigarette insertion hole opened to the outside at a front end portion thereof, into which the cigarette 7 can be inserted.

The housing 80 may be made of a plastic material that is electrically and thermally insulated or a metal material whose surface is coated with a plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 80 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, but the embodiment is not limited to such a structure of the housing 80. For example, the housing 80 may have a barrel shape having a polygonal cross section such as a quadrangular shape.

The housing 80 has a channel 81 for receiving the cigarette 7. The housing 80 incorporates a heater assembly 70 which serves to heat the cigarettes 7. One end 11 of the heater 10 of the heater assembly 70 is disposed inside the passage 81 of the housing 80, and when the cigarette 7 is accommodated in the housing 80, the one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 7.

The other end 12 of the heater 10 is electrically connected to a battery 90 disposed behind the case 80 via a wire 15. The second cover 30 has a wiring hole 30w through which the wiring 15 passes. One end of the wire 15 is electrically connected to the heater 10, and the other end of the wire 15 penetrates the wire hole 30w of the second cover 30 and is electrically connected to the battery 90.

A base 85 surrounding the battery 90 is connected to the rear of the case 80. In a state where one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette 7, if the power of the battery 90 is supplied to the heater 10, the heater 10 heats and the cigarette 7 is heated.

When a user of the aerosol generating device mounts a cigarette 7 to the housing 80, the cigarette 7 is inserted into the channel 81 of the housing 80, the cigarette 7 moves along the channel 81 and when the end of the cigarette 7 reaches the side 20f of the first cover 20 of the heater assembly 70, the hand of the user holding the cigarette 7 feels that the side 20f of the first cover 20 contacts the end of the cigarette 7. Therefore, the user can easily attach the cigarette 7 to the aerosol-generating device by performing a simple operation of holding the cigarette 7 with his hand and pushing it into the passage 81.

In the heater assembly 70 configured as described above, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can stably maintain the position with respect to the heater 10 without moving with respect to the heater 10 in a state of being coupled to the outside of the heater 10.

If the heater assembly 70 is already mounted on the housing 80 of the aerosol-generating device, the first and second covers 20 and 30 are fixed inside the housing 80, so that the position and mounting state of the heater assembly 70 mounted inside the housing 80 can be stably maintained.

While the aerosol-generating device is repeatedly used, an insertion operation as an operation of inserting the one end 11 of the heater 10 into the cigarette 7 when the cigarette 7 is attached to the housing 80 and a removal operation as an operation of removing the cigarette 7 from the one end 11 of the heater 10 when the cigarette 7 is separated from the housing 80 are repeatedly performed.

In the heater assembly 70 configured as described above, the first and second covers 20 and 30 firmly support the heater 10, and thus the state of the heater assembly 70 mounted inside the housing 80 of the aerosol-generating device can be stably maintained. Therefore, a bonding failure of the heater block 70 due to repeated use, or a failure such as disconnection of the wire 15 for conducting electricity to the heater 10 due to the bonding failure, are less likely to occur.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a heater assembly of another embodiment.

The heater assembly 170 of the embodiment shown in fig. 8 includes: a heater 10 which is inserted into a cigarette and generates heat when power is supplied from the outside, thereby heating the cigarette; a first cover 20 coupled to the heater 10 and maintaining a position with respect to the heater 10, a side surface 20f of the first cover 20 facing the one end 11 of the heater 10 extending outward with respect to the heater 10; and a second cover 30 coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10 for supporting the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

The first cover 20 includes: a flange 22 fixed to an outer side surface of the heater 10 and protruding outward from the outer side surface of the heater 10; and an outer cover 21 disposed at a position closer to the one end 11 of the heater 10 than the position of the flange 22, forming one side surface 20f of the first cover 20, and contacting and supporting an outer side surface of the flange 22.

The heater assembly 170 of the embodiment shown in fig. 8 has a contact protrusion 127 protruding toward the second cover 30 at the flange 22. The contact protrusion 127 forms at least a part of the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20, which is a surface of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10. The second cover 30 has a receiving groove 37h that receives and supports the other side surface 20r of the contact protrusion 127.

The contact protrusion 127 is disposed in plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction around the heater 10. The receiving groove 37h of the second cover 30 for receiving the other side surface 20r of the contact protrusion 127 is also arranged in a plurality of spaced apart relation in the circumferential direction around the heater 10 corresponding to the number of the contact protrusions 127.

The embodiment is not limited to the structure of the contact protrusion 127 of the flange 22 and the receiving groove 37h of the second cover 30, and the contact protrusion 127 and the receiving groove 37h may be variously modified. For example, the contact protrusion 127 may be formed in a circular ring shape extending in the circumferential direction around the heater 10, or may be formed in an arc shape extending in a partial section in the circumferential direction around the heater 10. Accordingly, the receiving groove 37h of the second cover 30 may have a circular ring shape or a circular arc shape.

In the heater assembly 170 constructed as described above, when the first and second covers 20 and 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the second cover 30 can firmly support the other side surface 20r of the contact protrusion 127 protruding from the flange 22 of the first cover 20 toward the second cover 30 while the first cover 20 supports the heater 10 and the second cover 30 also supports the heater 10, thereby variously forming the coupling interaction between the heater 10 and the first and second covers 20 and 30. Therefore, in a state where the heater 10 is coupled to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the heater 10 is less likely to move (shake or play) relative to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a heater assembly of yet another embodiment.

The heater assembly 270 of the embodiment shown in fig. 9 includes: a heater 10 which is inserted into a cigarette and generates heat when power is supplied from the outside, thereby heating the cigarette; a first cover 20 coupled to the heater 10 and maintaining a position with respect to the heater 10, wherein a side surface 20f of the first cover 20 facing the one end 11 of the heater 10 extends outward with respect to the heater 10; the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10, and supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

The first cover 20 includes: a flange 22 fixed to an outer side surface of the heater 10 and protruding outward from the outer side surface of the heater 10; and an outer cover 21 disposed at a position closer to the one end 11 of the heater 10 than the position of the flange 22, forming one side surface 20f of the first cover 20, and contacting and supporting an outer side surface 22s of the flange 22. The lower side surface of the flange 22 forms the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 supported by the second cover 30.

When the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10, the second cover 30 can support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In the heater module 270 of the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the arrangement position of the contact protrusion 237 of the second cover 30 for supporting the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 is changed.

The second cover 30 includes: a mounting hole 30h into which the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted; an accommodating chamber 30c which is extended outward based on the heater 10, surrounds the heater 10, and is spaced apart from the outer surface of the heater 10; and a contact protrusion 237 protruding from an inner surface of a side of the receiving cavity 30c to an outer surface of the heater 10 and contacting the other side 20r of the flange 22 facing the second cover 30.

The contact protrusion 237 may be provided in plurality at intervals along the outer side surface 22s of the flange 22. However, the embodiment is not limited to the structure of the contact protrusion 237, and the structure of the contact protrusion 237 may be variously modified.

For example, the contact protrusion 237 may be formed to extend along the other side surface 20r of the flange 22. That is, if the flange 22 has a circular or elliptical cross section, the contact protrusion 237 may be in the shape of a circle or an ellipse extending in the circumferential direction in the extending direction of the outer side surface 22s of the flange 22, or in the shape of a circular arc extending in a partial section in the circumferential direction in the extending direction of the outer side surface 22s of the flange 22. In addition, when the flange 22 has a polygonal cross section, the contact protrusion 237 may also have a polygonal shape extending along the other side surface 20r of the flange 22.

In the heater assembly 270 constructed as described above, when the first and second covers 20 and 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the contact protrusion 237 of the second cover 30 protruding from the inner surface of the side of the receiving chamber 30c toward the heater 10 can firmly support the other side 20r formed on the flange 22 of the first cover 20 while the first cover 20 supports the heater 10 and the second cover 30 also supports the heater 10, thereby variously forming the coupling interaction of the heater 10 with the first and second covers 20 and 30. Therefore, in a state where the heater 10 is coupled to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the heater 10 is less likely to move (shake or play) relative to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a coupling relationship between components of a heater assembly of still another embodiment, and fig. 11 is a sectional view of the heater assembly of the embodiment shown in fig. 10.

The heater assembly 370 of the embodiment shown in fig. 10 and 11 includes: a heater 10 which is inserted into a cigarette and generates heat when power is supplied from the outside, thereby heating the cigarette; a first cover 20 coupled to the heater 10 and maintaining a position with respect to the heater 10, wherein a side surface 20f of the first cover 20 facing the one end 11 of the heater 10 extends outward with respect to the heater 10; the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10, and supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In the heater module 370 of the embodiment shown in fig. 10 and 11, the structure of the first cover 20 is changed. The first cap 20 is integrally fixed to the outside of the heater 10 by insert injection molding (insert injection molding). That is, first, after the heater 10 is made of a metal or alloy material, the heater 10 is placed in a mold prepared in advance, and then a molten plastic resin solution is injected into the mold and cooled, thereby providing the first cover 20 outside the heater 10. The heater 10 and the first cover 20 are formed as one body by the insert injection molding as described above, thereby being capable of being completely fixed to each other.

Fig. 10 exemplarily shows an operation of assembling the second cover 30 to the assembly of the heater 10 and the first cover 20 after integrating the heater 10 and the first cover 20 by insert injection molding.

The second cover 30 has a mounting hole 30h into which the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted. When the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 30h of the second cover 30, the second cover 30 is coupled to the first cover 20 so that the second cover 30 can stably support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20.

In order to stably couple the first and second covers 20 and 30, a fastening structure using a hook and a coupling groove is employed between the first and second covers 20 and 30.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the first cover 20 has a coupling groove 20g on a radially outer surface thereof. The second cover 30 has an external protrusion 38 protruding toward the first cover 20 outside the mounting hole 30h, and the external protrusion 38 has a hook 30g protruding inward so as to be inserted into the coupling groove 20g of the first cover 20.

The second cover 30 has a wiring hole 30w through which the wiring 15 passes. In a state where the wiring 15 is inserted into the wiring hole 30w, if the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 30h of the second cover 30, the coupling operation of the second cover 30 and the first cover 20 can be additionally completed. That is, during the first cover 20 entering the second cover 30, the hooks 30g of the outer protrusion 38 of the second cover 30 are slightly expanded and then inserted into the coupling grooves 20g of the first cover 20, so that the hooks 30g and the coupling grooves 20g are completely coupled.

As described above, the hook 30g and the coupling groove 20g are coupled to each other, so that the state in which the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other can be stably maintained, and the second cover 30 can stably support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10 in the state in which the second cover 30 is coupled to the first cover 20.

In the heater assembly 370 constructed as described above, the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are completely fixed to each other by insert injection molding to be formed as one body. When the second cover 30 is coupled to the assembly of the first cover 20 and the heater 10 integrally formed by insert injection molding, the second cover 30 stably supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 and supports the other end 12 of the heater 10.

As described above, by forming the coupling action of the heater 10 and the first and second covers 20 and 30 in various aspects, the heater 10 is not easily moved (shaken, moved) relative to the first and second covers 20 and 30 in a state where the heater 10 and the first and second covers 20 and 30 are coupled to each other.

In addition, in the heater assembly 370 constructed as described above, since the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are closely coupled to each other by insert injection molding, there is no gap (gap) at the coupling portion of the first cover 20 and the heater 10, and thus a more thorough sealing (sealing) effect can be obtained. That is, substances generated in the process of generating aerosol by inserting the heater 10 into a cigarette and heating the cigarette or foreign substances introduced into the aerosol-generating device from the outside are difficult to enter through the coupling portion between the heater 10 and the first cap 20, thereby improving the sealing effect of preventing foreign substances from entering the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In addition, the method of integrating the first cover 20 and the heater 10 by insert injection molding improves the dimensional accuracy between the parts as compared with the method of heating the heater 10 and the first cover 20 in the sintering furnace. That is, after the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are integrally formed by insert injection molding, the shape of the first cover 20 can be maintained without deformation of the first cover 20 in a subsequent process of manufacturing the heater assembly 370. Accordingly, in the assembly process of the first and

second caps

20 and 30, the process of coupling the heater assembly 370 to the aerosol-generating device, or the process of coupling to other components, the dimensions between the components are precisely matched according to the initial design, and thus a perfect product design can be achieved.

In addition, in the heater assembly 370 structured as described above, the first and second covers 20 and 30 stably support the heater 10 and stably maintain the state of the heater assembly 370 mounted inside the aerosol-generating device. Therefore, even if the operation of inserting the heater 10 into the cigarette and the operation of separating the heater 10 from the cigarette are repeated, the coupling state between the components of the heater module 370 can be maintained well, and the shaking phenomenon does not occur between the components, whereby the failure such as the disconnection of the wiring 15 for supplying power to the heater 10 is not easily caused.

Those skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate will appreciate that variations may be made without departing from the essential characteristics set forth above. Accordingly, the disclosed methods should not be considered in a limiting sense, but rather in an illustrative sense. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the foregoing invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

Industrial applicability

Embodiments relate to a heater assembly capable of stably maintaining an assembled state and improving durability, and an aerosol-generating device including the same.

Claims

1. A heater assembly, wherein,

the method comprises the following steps:

a heater extending in a length corresponding to at least a part of the entire length of a cigarette, and having one end inserted into the cigarette and capable of generating heat when energized,

a first cover coupled to the heater and maintaining a position with respect to the heater, a side surface of the first cover facing the one end of the heater extending outward with respect to the heater, and

a second cover coupled to the other end of the heater, for supporting the other side surface of the first cover facing the other end of the heater;

The first cover includes:

a flange fixed to an outer side surface of the heater and protruding outward from the outer side surface of the heater,

an outer cover disposed at a position closer to the one end of the heater than the position of the flange, forming the one side surface, and contacting and supporting at least a part of an outer side surface of the flange;

the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover is formed by the flange.

2. The heater assembly according to claim 1,

the outer cap has an inner protrusion protruding from an inner side of the outer cap and contacting the outer side surface of the flange.

3. The heater assembly according to claim 1,

the second cover further comprises:

a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted,

and a contact protrusion protruding in a direction of the flange outside the mounting hole and contacting the other side surface of the flange facing the second cover.

4. The heater assembly according to claim 3,

the contact protrusion is disposed at intervals in a circumferential direction around the heater.

5. The heater assembly according to claim 3,

6. The heater assembly according to claim 3,

the first cover and the second cover are coupled to each other outside the position of the contact protrusion.

7. The heater assembly according to claim 6,

the second cover further includes an external protrusion protruding toward the first cover outside the contact protrusion and combined with the first cover,

the first cover extends in a circumferential direction centering on the heater, and the external protrusion of the second cover also extends in a circumferential direction centering on the heater.

8. The heater assembly according to claim 1,

the flange includes a contact protrusion protruding toward the second cover and forming the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover,

the second cover has a receiving groove that receives and supports the other side surface of the contact protrusion.

9. The heater assembly according to claim 1,

The second cover includes:

a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted,

an accommodating chamber which is expanded outward based on the heater and surrounds the heater, and has a space with the outer side surface of the heater,

and a contact protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the housing chamber toward the heater and contacting the other side surface of the flange facing the second cover.

10. The heater assembly according to claim 9,

the contact protrusion is disposed in plurality at intervals along an outer surface of the flange.

11. The heater assembly according to claim 9,

the contact protrusion extends along at least a portion of an outer side surface of the flange.

12. The heater assembly according to claim 1,

the heater is connected with a wire for supplying power to the heater, and the second cover comprises a wire hole for the wire to pass through.

13. The heater assembly according to claim 1,

the first cover is fixed at an outer side of the heater by insert injection molding, the second cover includes a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and when the other end of the heater is inserted into the mounting hole, the second cover is coupled to the first cover, thereby supporting the other side surface of the first cover.

14. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

the heater assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13,

a housing having a hollow shape and the heater module disposed therein, one side of the housing having a cigarette insertion hole opened to the outside for inserting a cigarette, an

A battery disposed in the housing to supply power to the heater assembly.