JP2020521437A - Heater assembly and aerosol generating apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The heater assembly extends to correspond to at least a portion of the overall length of the cigarette, one end is inserted into the cigarette, and the heater generates heat when electricity is applied, and the heater assembly is coupled to the heater and positioned relative to the heater. And one side surface toward one end of the heater is connected to a first cover extending outward from the heater and the other side surface of the first cover connected to the other end of the heater and supporting the other side surface toward the other end of the heater. 2 covers are provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heater assembly and an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly, and more particularly, to a heater assembly in which an assembled state is firmly maintained and durability is improved, and an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly. ..

Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of common cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods of producing aerosols by heating the aerosol-producing material in the cigarette rather than by burning the cigarette to produce the aerosol. As a result, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators has been actively pursued.

A heater assembly that uses electricity to generate heat is used in an aerosol generation device that heats a cigarette to generate an aerosol. A heater assembly that heats a cigarette when it is inserted into a cigarette is designed to be loosened in the heater by loosening the coupling state of parts in the process of repeatedly performing the operation of being inserted into the cigarette and separated from the cigarette. Shaking will occur. Also, due to manufacturing tolerances of the parts that are coupled to the heater so as to support the heater, the position of the heater disposed inside the aerosol generation device is not stably maintained, and the heater is not attached during the cigarette mounting operation or the cigarette separation operation. And parts shake. As described above, when the heater assembly is in a poorly assembled state, external foreign matter flows into the aerosol generating device through the heater assembly, thereby deteriorating the performance of the electronic component.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heater assembly having improved durability and improved sealing performance because an assembled state is firmly maintained, and an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is also to provide a heater assembly in which components for supporting the heater are firmly connected to each other, and vibration of the heater is minimized, and an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly. It is to be.

A heater assembly according to an embodiment extends to correspond to at least a portion of the entire length of a cigarette, one end of which is inserted into the cigarette, and a heater that generates heat when electricity is applied, and a heater that is coupled to the heater. However, one side surface that maintains the position with respect to the heater and that extends toward the one end of the heater is connected to the first cover that extends outward from the heater and the other side of the first cover that is coupled to the other end of the heater and that faces the other end of the heater. A second cover supporting the side surface.

The first cover is fixed to an outer side surface of the heater, and is formed on the outer side surface of the heater so as to form one side surface with a flange projecting outward, at a position further toward the one end of the heater than the position of the flange. An outer cover disposed in contact with and supporting at least a portion of the outer surface of the flange, wherein the other side of the first cover supported by the second cover is also formed by the flange.

The outer cover may further include an inner protrusion protruding from the inner side of the outer cover and contacting an outer surface of the flange.

The second cover includes a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and a contact protrusion that protrudes outside the mounting hole in a direction toward the flange and contacts the other side surface of the flange toward the second cover. can do.

A plurality of the contact protrusions may be arranged so as to be separated from each other along the circumferential direction around the heater.

The contact protrusion may extend circumferentially around the heater.

The first cover and the second cover can be connected to each other outside the position of the contact protrusion.

The second cover may further include an outer protrusion that protrudes toward the first cover outside the contact protrusion and is coupled to the first cover. The first cover may have a circumference around the heater. The second cover may also extend in the circumferential direction around the heater.

The flange may include a contact protrusion that protrudes toward the second cover and forms the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover, and the second cover may include the other side surface of the contact protrusion. An accommodation groove for accommodating and supporting the other side surface can be provided.

The second cover is a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, a housing chamber that extends outward from the heater so as to be separated from an outer surface of the heater, and an inner surface of the housing chamber that surrounds the heater. In the above, a contact protrusion that protrudes toward the heater and contacts the other side surface of the flange toward the second cover can be provided.

A plurality of the contact protrusions are arranged along the outer surface of the flange so as to be separated from each other.

The contact protrusions can extend along at least a portion of the outer surface of the flange.

A wire for transmitting electricity to the heater is connected to the heater, and the second cover may include a wiring hole for passing the wire.

The first cover may be integrally fixed to the outside of the heater by an insert injection method, and the second cover may have a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and the other end of the heater may be mounted in the mounting hole. When the second cover is inserted into the first cover, the second cover is joined to the first cover, so that the other side surface of the first cover can be supported.

An aerosol generator according to another embodiment includes a heater assembly according to the above-described embodiment and a cigarette insertion hole that is open to the outside so that the cigarette is inserted into one side. And a battery disposed in the case and supplying electricity to the heater assembly.

In the heater assembly according to the above-described embodiment and the aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly, the second cover surely supports the other side surface of the first cover that is coupled to the heater and maintains a position with respect to the heater. The second cover supports the other end of the heater. As described above, since the heater, the first cover, and the second cover are combined with each other in a combined manner, the position of the heater disposed inside the aerosol generating device is firmly maintained. Relative movement (vibration, flow) of the components of does not occur much.

In addition, since the heater is firmly supported by the first cover and the second cover, the state in which the heater assembly is mounted inside the aerosol generating device is stably maintained, and thus the heater is repeatedly used. There are rarely problems such as a defective connection state of the assembly or a disconnection of wiring for transmitting electricity.

Further, in the heater assembly in which the first cover and the heater are integrally formed by the insert injection method, since the first cover and the heater are tightly coupled to each other, the first cover and the heater are coupled to each other. There is no gap and a perfect sealing effect can be obtained.

In addition, after the first cover and the heater are integrally formed by the insert injection method, the first cover is not deformed in a subsequent step for the heater assembly, so that the first cover and the heater are not combined with each other in the joining step. Since the dimensions between the parts are precisely matched with the initial design, a perfect product design can be realized.

It is the drawing which showed an example in which the cigarette was inserted in the aerosol generation device. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. It is a perspective view of a heater assembly concerning one embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a connection relationship of components of a heater assembly according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating some components inside the heater assembly according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a portion of the heater assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater assembly according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to still another embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a coupling relationship of components of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

The terminology used in the present embodiment has been selected from a general term that is currently widely used as much as possible in consideration of the function of the present invention. It also depends on the appearance of the description. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in that case, the meaning is described in detail in the explanation part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the general contents of the present invention, not the names of simple terms.

Throughout the specification, when a part is “comprising” a certain element, it does not exclude the other element, and may further include the other element, unless there is a specific contrary description. It means that. In addition, terms such as “... part” and “... module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is also embodied by hardware or software. It is also realized by combining with 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 can easily implement the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted in an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 10000 includes a battery 11000, a controller 12000, and a heater 13000. Further, a cigarette 20000 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating apparatus 10000.

The aerosol generation apparatus 10000 shown in FIG. 1 shows the components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generation apparatus 10000, as long as those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment understand. , You can understand.

In FIG. 1, the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, and the heater 13000 are illustrated as arranged in a line, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the layout of the battery 11000, the controller 12000, and the heater 13000 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 10000.

When the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10000, the aerosol generator 10000 heats the heater 13000. The temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette 20000 is raised by the heated heater 13000, whereby an aerosol is generated. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the filter 22000 of the cigarette 20000.

If necessary, even when the cigarette 20000 is not inserted in the aerosol generation apparatus 10000, the aerosol generation apparatus 10000 can heat the heater 13000.

The battery 11000 supplies electric power used to operate the aerosol generation apparatus 10000. For example, the battery 11000 can supply electric power so that the heater 13000 is heated, and can supply the electric power required for operating the control unit 12000. Further, the battery 11000 can supply electric power necessary for operating the display, the sensor, the motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation apparatus 10000.

The control unit 12000 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generation device 10000. Specifically, the control unit 12000 controls the operations of not only the battery 11000 and the heater 13000 but also other components included in the aerosol generation apparatus 10000. In addition, the control unit 12000 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation apparatus 10000 and determine whether or not the aerosol generation apparatus 10000 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor is also embodied by an array of a large number of logic gates, and is also embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Further, it can be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that it is embodied by other forms of hardware.

The heater 13000 is heated by the electric power supplied from the battery 11000. For example, if the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 10000, the heater 13000 may be located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13000 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance in the cigarette.

The heater 13000 is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13000 includes an electrically conductive track, and a current flows through the electrically conductive track to heat the heater 13000. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to the above-described example, and is not limited as long as it is heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature is already set in the aerosol generation device 10000, and may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13000 is also an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor heated by the induction heating type heater.

Although the heater 13000 is shown in FIG. 1 so as to be inserted into the cigarette 20000, it is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 13000 includes a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and the inside or outside of the cigarette 20000 can be heated depending on the shape of the heating element.

Further, a plurality of heaters 13000 are arranged in the aerosol generation device 10000. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13000 are arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 20000 and also outside the cigarette 20000. Further, some of the plurality of heaters 13000 are arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 20000, and the rest are also arranged outside the cigarette 20000. Further, the shape of the heater 13000 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1, but may be formed in various shapes.

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

Further, the aerosol generation apparatus 10000 is also manufactured to have a structure in which external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 20000 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 10000 can also constitute a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is also used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generator 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 10000 are connected.

The cigarette 20000 is similar to a general combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 20000 is divided into a first portion 21000 containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion 22000 containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion 22000 of the cigarette 20000 also contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may also be inserted in the second part 22000.

The first portion 21000 may be entirely inserted into the aerosol generator 10000, and the second portion 22000 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion 21000 may be inserted inside the aerosol generating apparatus 10000, and a part of the first portion 21000 and the second portion 22000 may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while the second portion 22000 is in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by the external air passing through the first portion 21000, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion 22000 and is transmitted to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air is also introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation apparatus 10000 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. As a result, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, etc. are also adjusted by the user. As another example, external air is introduced into the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 20000.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 20000 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cigarette 20000 includes a tobacco rod 21000 and a filter rod 22000. The first portion 21000 described with reference to FIG. 1 includes a tobacco rod 21000, and the second portion 32000 includes a filter rod 22000.

Although the filter rod 22000 is shown in FIG. 2 as a single segment, it is not so limited. In other words, the filter rod 22000 is also composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22000 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22000 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The cigarette 20000 is also packaged by at least one wrapper 24000. The trumpet 24000 is formed with at least one hole through which external air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 20000 is also packaged by one wrapper 24000. As another example, the cigarette 20000 is also superposedly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24000. For example, the first wrapper wraps the tobacco rod 21000 and the second wrapper wraps the filter rod 22000. Then, the tobacco rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000 packaged by the individual wrappers are combined, and the entire cigarette 20000 is repackaged by the third wrapper. If each tobacco rod 21000 or filter rod 22000 is made up of multiple segments, each segment is wrapped by a separate wrapper. Then, the entire cigarette 20000 to which the segments packaged by the individual wrappers are combined is repackaged by another wrapper.

The tobacco rod 21000 includes an aerosol producing 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. Absent. The tobacco rod 21000 may also include other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and/or organic acids. Further, a perfuming liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer is added to the tobacco rod 21000 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21000.

The tobacco rod 21000 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21000 can be made into sheets as well as strands. Further, the tobacco rod 21000 is also manufactured for a cut tobacco in which a tobacco sheet is finely cut. The tobacco rod 21000 is also surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 can disperse and dissipate the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21000 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod 21000, thereby improving the tobacco taste. You can In addition, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21000 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22000 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22000 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000 is both a cylindrical rod and a tube rod having a hollow inside. The filter rod 22000 is also a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be formed in different shapes.

The filter rod 22000 is also made to produce a flavor. As an example, the fragrance liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22000, and a separate fiber coated with the fragrance liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22000.

The filter rod 22000 may also include at least one capsule 23000. Here, the capsule 23000 may perform the function of generating a flavor and the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23000 has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered with a film. Capsule 23000 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

If the filter rod 22000 includes an aerosol cooling segment, the cooling segment is also made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment is also made of pure polylactic acid alone, but is not so limited. Alternatively, the cooling segment is made by a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and is not limited as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship of components of the heater assembly according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. Is.

The heater assembly 70 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is inserted into the cigarette 7 and generates heat when the electricity is applied from the outside to heat the cigarette 7. A first cover 20 and a second cover 30 for supporting the heater 10 are provided.

The heater 10 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 7 so as to correspond to at least a part of the entire length of the cigarette 7, and may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cigarette 7 or a rod shape. The overall length of the heater 10 in the axial direction (here, “axial direction” means the longitudinal direction in which the central axis of the heater extends) is set shorter than the overall 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 diameter of the heater 10 may be deformed longer or shorter than that illustrated in FIG. 3, and may be formed in a needle-like shape.

Since the one end 11 of the heater 10 has a shape that is sharpened toward the end, the one end 11 of the heater 10 is easily inserted into the cigarette 7. In addition, a wire 15 for transmitting electricity to the heater 10 is connected to the heater 10. The wiring 15 is also 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 cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be made of, for example, a heat-resistant polymer material, a metal material, a metal material having a surface coated with a heat-resistant polymer material, or an alloy material.

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

The one side surface 20f of the first cover 20 is arranged so as to face the end portion 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. Can carry out the function of supporting.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing some components inside the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partial cross-section, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10. The second cover 30 may support the other end 12 of the heater 10 and may support the first cover 20.

When assembling the heater assembly 70, the first cover 20 is first coupled to the heater 10 to maintain the position of the first cover 20 with respect to the heater 10. When the first cover 20 is first coupled to the heater 10 and then the second cover 30 is coupled to the heater 10, the second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10 and the second cover 30 is coupled to the first cover 30. The second cover 30 is also connected to the second cover 20 and maintains a stable 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 can support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

The first cover 20 is fixed to the outer surface of the heater 10, and on the outer surface of the heater 10, the position of the flange 22 is formed so as to form a flange 22 protruding outward and one side surface 20f of the first cover 20. The outer cover 21 is provided at a position further toward the one end 11 of the heater 10 and supports at least a part of the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 while making contact with the outer cover 21. The other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 supported by the second cover 30 is formed by the lower surface of the flange 22.

The outer cover 21 of the first cover 20 includes a coupling hole 21h that allows one end 11 of the heater 10 to pass therethrough. In addition, the first cover 20 extends in the circumferential direction around the heater 10, that is, around the coupling hole 21h so that the first cover 20 functions as a support for coupling with the second cover 30. 21y.

The flange 22 has a through hole 22h that allows one end 11 of the heater 10 to pass therethrough and is directly coupled to the outer surface of the heater 10. The flange 22 is also made of a material having heat resistance and durability such as alumina, ceramic, Teflon (registered trademark), and heat resistant plastic.

When coupling the flange 22 to the heater 10, the heater 10 is primarily inserted into the through hole 22h of the flange 22, the position of the flange 22 relative to the heater 10 is set, and then a ceramic bond is injected into the through hole 22h of the flange 22. Then, the flange 22 and the heater 10 are temporarily fixed. After that, the assembly of the flange 22 and the heater 10 is placed in a sintering furnace, and heat is applied, so that the flange 22 and the heater 10 can be completely fixed.

The present embodiment is not limited by the coupling method of the flange 22 and the heater 10 described above, and the flange 22 and the heater 10 can be coupled using various methods. For example, a threaded structure may be applied to the flange 22 and the heater 10, a one-touch fastening structure such as a bayonet mount may be applied, or an adhesive may be used to join the flange 22 and the heater 10. Alternatively, depending on the material of the flange 22, the insert injection process may be applied to provide the flange 22 on the outside of the heater 10.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first cover 20 includes an inner wall surface 21 w that extends along the outer surface 22 s of the flange 22 so as to surround the outer surface 22 s of the flange 22 coupled to the heater 10. The inner wall surface 21w is installed so as to face outward from the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 and be separated by a predetermined distance.

The first cover 20 includes an inner protrusion 21p that protrudes from the inner wall surface 21w, contacts the outer surface 22s of the flange 22, and supports the outer surface 22s. A plurality of internal protrusions 21p of the first cover 20 are arranged so as to be separated along the outer surface 22s of the flange 22.

Although the lateral cross-sectional shape of the flange 22 and the inner wall surface 21w in the illustrated embodiment has a substantially square shape, the present embodiment is limited by the shape of the flange 22 and the inner wall surface 21w. Not something. For example, the flange 22 can have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the inner wall surface 21w of the first cover 20 is also modified to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the flange 22.

The second cover 30 also corresponds to the first cover 20 and extends along the circumferential direction. The second cover 30 has a mounting hole 30h into which the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted, and a contact protrusion protruding outside the mounting hole 30h in the direction toward the flange 22, that is, in the direction toward the one end 11 of the heater 10. 37, and. The contact protrusion 37 is in direct contact with the other side surface 20r of the flange 22 toward the second cover 30, and thus can stably support the flange 22 of the first cover 20.

A plurality of the contact protrusions 37 of the second cover 30 are arranged so as to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the mounting hole 30h. The number, installation position, and shape of the contact protrusions 37 are not limited by the configuration of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, and the number, installation positions, and shapes of the contact protrusions 37 may be variously modified. ..

The first cover 20 and the second cover 30 may be coupled to each other outside the contact protrusion 37. The second cover 30 includes an external protrusion 38 that protrudes 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 protruding portion 38 of the second cover 30 also corresponds to the shape of the first cover 20 and extends in the circumferential direction. be able to.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other by a bolt 50 which is an example of a fastening means. After the bolt 50 penetrates through the bolt through hole 51 formed in the second cover 30, the bolt 50 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed in the first cover 20, so that the first cover 20 and the second cover 20 The state in which the cover 30 and the cover 30 are coupled to each other is stably maintained.

The method of connecting the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 to each other is not limited to the fastening method using the bolt 50 described in the present embodiment. For example, other forms of fastening means such as rivets or pins, a bonding method using an adhesive, a fusion bonding method using ultrasonic waves or heat, a first cover 20 and a second cover 30 are used. Applying a structure such as protrusions, hooks, clips, coupling grooves, etc. on both sides of, and providing corresponding screw surfaces on both sides of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, one-touch fastening such as bayonet mount The structure in which the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other can be implemented by applying the structure.

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

In the heater assembly 70 having the above-described structure, when the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the second cover 30 surely supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20. At the same time, the first cover 20 supports the heater 10 and the second cover 30 also supports the heater 10, so that the mutual coupling action of the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 is combined. .. Therefore, in the state where the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other, relative movement (vibration, free movement) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur much.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a case 80 capable of accommodating the cigarette 7, a heater assembly 70 disposed in the case 80, and heating the cigarette 7. , Are provided.

The case 80 has a function of forming an external appearance of the aerosol generation device and accommodating and protecting various components in a space formed inside. The case 80 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an empty inside as a whole, and has a cigarette insertion hole, which is open to the outside at the front end and into which the cigarette 7 is inserted.

The case 80 is also made of a plastic material that does not transmit electricity and heat or a metallic material having a surface coated with a plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the case 80 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, but the present embodiment is not limited by the configuration of such a case 80. For example, the case 80 may have a tubular shape having a polygonal cross section such as a quadrangle.

The case 80 has a passage 81 for accommodating the cigarette 7. A heater assembly 70 having a function of heating the cigarette 7 is coupled to the case 80. One end 11 of the heater 10 of the heater assembly 70 is disposed inside the passage 81 of the case 80, and when the cigarette 7 is housed in the case 80, the one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted into the bottom surface of the end of the cigarette 7. It

The other end 12 of the heater 10 is electrically connected to the battery 90 arranged behind the case 80 via the wiring 15. The second cover 30 includes a wiring hole 30w that allows the wiring 15 to pass therethrough. One end of the wiring 15 is electrically connected to the heater 10, and the other end of the wiring 15 penetrates the wiring 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. If the electricity of the battery 90 is supplied to the heater 10 with the cigarette 7 being inserted into the one end 11 of the heater 10, the heater 10 is heated, so that the cigarette 7 is heated.

When the user of the aerosol generating apparatus attaches the cigarette 7 to the case 80, the cigarette 7 is inserted into the passage 81 of the case 80, the cigarette 7 is moving along the passage 81, and the end of the cigarette 7 is attached to the heater assembly. When the one side surface 20f of the first cover 20 of 70 is reached, the feeling that the one side surface 20f of the first cover 20 and the end of the cigarette 7 are in contact is transmitted to the hand of the user who holds the cigarette 7. Therefore, the user can easily attach the cigarette 7 to the aerosol generation device by holding the cigarette 7 in his hand and performing a simple operation of pushing the cigarette 7 into the passage 81.

In the heater assembly 70 having the above-described configuration, the position of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 relative to the heater 10 is ensured so that the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the outside of the heater 10 so as not to move with respect to the heater 10. To maintain.

When the heater assembly 70 is mounted on the case 80 of the aerosol generating apparatus, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are fixed inside the case 80, so that the heater assembly mounted inside the case 80. The position of 70 and the mounted state are stably maintained.

During the repeated use of the aerosol generator, when the cigarette 7 is mounted on the case 80, one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette 7, and the cigarette 7 is separated from the case 80. The operation of removing the cigarette 7 teeth from the one end 11 of the heater 10 is repeatedly performed.

In the heater assembly 70 having the above-described structure, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 firmly support the heater 10, so that the heater assembly 70 is mounted inside the case 80 of the aerosol generating apparatus. The condition is kept stable. Therefore, due to repeated use, the heater assembly 70 is not poorly connected, and thus the wiring 15 for transmitting electricity to the heater 10 is not broken, which is not a problem.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

The heater assembly 170 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is inserted into a cigarette, and when the electricity is externally applied, the heater assembly 170 generates heat and can heat the cigarette. The side surface 20f of the heater 10, which maintains the position with respect to the heater 10 and faces the one end 11 of the heater 10, is coupled to the first cover 20 extending outward from the heater 10 and the other end 12 of the heater 10, The second cover 30 that supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 toward the other end 12 is provided.

The first cover 20 is fixed to the outer surface of the heater 10, and on the outer surface of the heater 10, the position of the flange 22 is formed so as to form a flange 22 protruding outward and one side surface 20f of the first cover 20. The external cover 21 is provided at a position further toward the one end 11 of the heater 10 and supports the outer surface of the flange 22 while making contact with the outer cover 21.

In the heater assembly 170 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the flange 22 includes a contact protrusion 127 that protrudes toward the second cover 30. The contact protrusion 127 forms at least a part of the other side surface 20r extending from the first cover 20 toward the other end 12 of the heater 10. The second cover 30 includes a housing groove 37h that supports the other side surface 20r of the contact protrusion 127 by accommodating the other side surface 20r of the contact protrusion 127.

A plurality of contact protrusions 127 are arranged so as to be separated from each other along the circumferential direction with the heater 10 as the center. The accommodation groove 37h of the second cover 30 that accommodates the other side surface 20r of the contact protrusion 127 also corresponds to the number of the contact protrusions 127, and is formed in a plurality so as to be separated from each other along the circumferential direction around the heater 10. Individuals are placed.

The present embodiment is not limited by the configuration of the contact protrusion 127 of the flange 22 and the accommodation groove 37h of the second cover 30, and the contact protrusion 127 and the accommodation groove 37h may be modified in various forms. .. For example, the contact protrusion 127 has a circular ring shape extending in the circumferential direction around the heater 10 or an arc shape around the heater 10 so as to form a partial section in the circumferential direction around the heater 10. Can be extended to Correspondingly, the accommodation groove 37h of the second cover 30 can also have a circular ring shape or an arc shape.

In the heater assembly 170 having the above-described configuration, when the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are joined to the heater 10, the first cover 20 projects from the flange 22 of the first cover 20 toward the second cover 30. The second cover 30 surely supports the other side surface 20r formed by the contact protrusion 127, the first cover 20 supports the heater 10, and the second cover 30 also supports the heater 10. The mutual coupling action of the first cover 20, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 is combined. Therefore, in the state where the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other, relative movement (vibration, free movement) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur much.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

The heater assembly 270 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is inserted into a cigarette, and when the electricity is applied from the outside, the heater 270 generates heat to heat the cigarette, and the heater 10 is coupled to the heater 10. The side surface 20f of the heater 10, which maintains the position with respect to the heater 10 and faces the one end 11 of the heater 10, is coupled to the first cover 20 extending outward from the heater 10 and the other end 12 of the heater 10, The second cover 30 that supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 toward the other end 12 is provided.

The first cover 20 is fixed to the outer surface of the heater 10, and on the outer surface of the heater 10, the position of the flange 22 is formed so as to form a flange 22 protruding outward and one side surface 20f of the first cover 20. The external cover 21 is provided at a position further toward the one end 11 of the heater 10 and supports the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 while making contact with the outer cover 21. The other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 supported by the second cover 30 is formed by the lower surface of the flange 22.

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 assembly 270 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the installation 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 expands outward from the heater 10 so as to be separated from the mounting hole 30h into which the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted and the outer surface of the heater 10 toward the outside. And a contact protrusion 237 that protrudes toward the outer surface of the heater 10 and contacts the other side surface 20r of the flange 22 toward the second cover 30 on the inner surface of the side surface of the storage chamber 30c. ..

A plurality of contact protrusions 237 are provided so as to be separated along the outer surface 22s of the flange 22. However, since the present embodiment is not limited by the structure of the contact protrusion 237, the structure of the contact protrusion 237 may be variously modified.

For example, the contact protrusion 237 is also formed to extend along the other side surface 20r of the flange 22. That is, if the flange 22 has a circular or elliptical lateral cross-section, the contact protrusion 237 has a circular shape extending along the circumferential direction along the extension direction of the outer surface 22s of the flange 22. It may have an elliptical shape or an arc shape extending to a part of the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 in the circumferential direction in the extension direction. Further, when the flange 22 has a polygonal lateral 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 having the above-described structure, when the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the inner surface of the side surface of the housing chamber 30c of the second cover 30 faces the heater 10. The contact protrusion 237 that protrudes in a reliable manner reliably supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 formed on the flange 22, while the first cover 20 supports the heater 10, and the second cover 30 also serves as the heater 10. By supporting the heater 10, the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are combined with each other in a combined manner. Therefore, in the state where the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other, relative movement (vibration, free movement) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur much.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a coupling relationship of components of a heater assembly according to another embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG.

A heater assembly 370 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is inserted into a cigarette and generates heat when electricity is applied from the outside to heat the cigarette. 10, one side surface 20f that faces the one end 11 of the heater 10 while maintaining its position relative to the heater 10 is connected to the first cover 20 extending outward from the heater 10 and the other end 12 of the heater 10, The second cover 30 that supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 that faces the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In the heater assembly 370 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the configuration of the first cover 20 is modified. The first cover 20 is integrally fixed to the outside of the heater 10 by insert injection molding. That is, after the heater 10 is first made of a metal or alloy material, the heater 10 is placed in a mold prepared in advance, and then a molten heat-resistant plastic (resin) solution is poured into the mold and cooled. The first cover 20 is provided outside the heater 10. According to such an insert injection method, the heater 10 and the first cover 20 are integrated and integrally fixed to each other.

FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates an operation of assembling the second cover 30 to the assembly of the heater 10 and the first cover 20 after the heater 10 and the first cover 20 are integrated by the insert injection method. Was done.

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 fixes the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20. It can be firmly supported.

In order to firmly connect the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 to each other, a fastening structure using hooks and defective grooves is applied between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first cover 20 includes a coupling groove 20g on an outer surface in the radial direction. The second cover 30 includes an outer protrusion 38 that protrudes toward the first cover 20 outside the mounting hole 30h, and the outer protrusion 38 is inserted into the coupling groove 20g of the first cover 20. , A hook 30g protruding inward.

The second cover 30 includes a wiring hole 30w that allows the wiring 15 to pass therethrough. If the other end 12 of the heater 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 30h of the second cover 30 with the wiring 15 inserted into the wiring hole 30w, the second cover 30 and the first cover 20 are combined together. .. That is, while the second cover 30 enters toward the first cover 20, the hook 30g of the external protrusion 38 of the second cover 30 is slightly opened, and then inserted into the coupling groove 20g of the first cover 20. The hook 30g and the coupling groove 20g are completely coupled.

In this way, 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 first cover 20 has the second In the state where the covers 30 are combined, the second cover 30 can firmly support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 facing the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In the heater assembly 370 having the above-described configuration, the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are completely fixed to each other by the insert injection method, and are integrally formed. When the second cover 30 is coupled to the assembly of the first cover 20 and the heater 10 which are integrally formed by the insert injection method, the second cover 30 firmly supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20. , The other end 12 of the heater 10 is supported.

As described above, the mutual coupling action of the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 is combined, so that the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other. The relative movement (vibration, free movement) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur much.

In addition, in the heater assembly 370 having the above-described structure, the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are tightly coupled to each other by the insert injection method, and a gap (gap) is formed at the coupling portion of the first cover 20 and the heater 10. ) Does not occur, it is possible to obtain a more perfect sealing effect. That is, when the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette and the cigarette is heated to generate an aerosol, a substance generated in the process of generating an aerosol or a foreign substance introduced from the outside by the aerosol generation device is coupled to the heater 10 and the first cover 20. Since it is difficult for the substance to flow in through the portion, the sealing effect that prevents external substances from flowing toward the other end 12 of the heater 10 is improved.

Further, if the method of integrally forming the first cover 20 and the heater 10 by the insert injection method is used, the dimensional accuracy between the parts is higher than that of the method of heating the heater 10 and the first cover 20 in a sintering furnace. Is improved. That is, after the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are integrally formed by the insert injection method, the first cover 20 is not deformed in the subsequent process for manufacturing the heater assembly 370, and the first cover 20 is not deformed. The shape of 20 is maintained. Therefore, in the process of assembling the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, the process of connecting the heater assembly 370 to the aerosol generating device, or the process of connecting to other parts, the dimensions between the parts are determined by the initial design. It becomes a precise match and can realize a perfect product design.

Further, in the heater assembly 370 having the above-described configuration, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 firmly support the heater 10, and the heater assembly 370 is mounted inside the aerosol generating apparatus. Is maintained stable. Therefore, even if the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette and the operation of separating the cigarette from the heater 10 is repeatedly performed, the connected state of the components of the heater assembly 370 is maintained in a good state, and the vibration phenomenon between the parts is less likely to occur. It does not occur, so that a defect such as disconnection of the wiring 15 that transmits electricity to the heater 10 does not occur often.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field related to the present embodiment that the present invention can be embodied in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed methods must be considered in terms of illustration rather than limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims rather than in the foregoing description, and all differences that come within the equivalent scope are to be construed as included in the invention. Don't become

The present embodiment relates to a heater assembly in which an assembled state is firmly maintained and durability is improved, and an aerosol generating apparatus including the heater assembly.

Claims (15)

A heater that extends so as to correspond to at least a part of the entire length of the cigarette, one end is inserted into the cigarette, and a heater generates heat when electricity is applied,
A first cover that is coupled to the heater, maintains its position with respect to the heater, and has one side surface that faces the one end of the heater and extends outward from the heater;
A second cover coupled to the other end of the heater and supporting the other side surface of the first cover facing the other end of the heater. The first cover is fixed to an outer side surface of the heater, and the first cover is formed on the outer side surface of the heater so as to form the one side surface with a flange protruding toward the outside. An outer cover disposed at a position toward the one end and supporting at least a part of an outer surface of the flange while contacting the outer surface,
The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover is formed by the flange. The heater assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outer cover further comprises an inner protrusion protruding from an inner side of the outer cover and contacting the outer surface of the flange. The second cover protrudes in a direction toward the flange outside the mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and contacts the other side surface of the flange toward the second cover. The heater assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a contact protrusion. The heater assembly of claim 4, wherein a plurality of the contact protrusions are arranged so as to be separated from each other along a circumferential direction of the heater. The heater assembly of claim 4, wherein the contact protrusion extends in a circumferential direction around the heater. The heater assembly of claim 4, wherein the first cover and the second cover are coupled to each other outside a position of the contact protrusion. The second cover further includes an outer protrusion that protrudes toward the first cover and is coupled to the first cover outside the contact protrusion.
The first cover extends in a circumferential direction around the heater, and the outer protrusion of the second cover also extends in a circumferential direction around the heater. Item 8. A heater assembly according to item 7. The flange includes a contact protrusion that protrudes toward the second cover and forms the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover, and the second cover includes the contact protrusion of the contact protrusion. The heater assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a housing groove that houses the other side surface and supports the other side surface. The second cover has a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and a housing chamber that extends outward from the heater and surrounds the heater so as to be separated from an outer surface of the heater. The heater assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: a contact protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the housing chamber toward the heater and contacting the other side surface of the flange toward the second cover. .. The heater assembly of claim 10, wherein a plurality of the contact protrusions are arranged along the outer surface of the flange so as to be spaced apart from each other. The heater assembly of claim 10, wherein the contact protrusion extends along at least a portion of an outer surface of the flange. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein a wire for transmitting electricity to the heater is connected to the heater, and the second cover includes a wiring hole for passing the wire. The first cover is integrally fixed to the outside of the heater by an insert injection method, and the second cover has a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and the other end of the heater is The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second cover supports the other side surface of the first cover by being coupled to the first cover when inserted into the mounting hole. A heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A hollow case having a cigarette insertion hole opened to the outside so that the cigarette is inserted into one side, and the heater assembly being arranged inside,
An aerosol generation device, comprising: a battery disposed in the case and supplying electricity to the heater assembly.