JP6881817B2 - Heater assembly and aerosol generator equipped with it - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a heater assembly and an aerosol generator equipped with the heater assembly, and more particularly to a heater assembly in which the assembled state is firmly maintained and durability is improved, and an aerosol generator equipped with the heater assembly. ..

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives that overcome the shortcomings of common cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of producing an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing substance in the cigarette, rather than a method of burning a cigarette to produce an aerosol. As a result, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators is being actively pursued.

A heater assembly that electrically generates heat is used in an aerosol generator that heats a cigarette to generate an aerosol. The heater assembly, which heats the cigarette while it is inserted into the cigarette, becomes a heater by loosening the coupling state of the parts in the process of repeatedly performing the operation of being inserted into the cigarette and separated from the cigarette. Shaking will occur. In addition, due to manufacturing tolerances of parts that are coupled to the heater so as to support the heater, the position of the heater arranged inside the aerosol generator is not stably maintained, and the heater is used during cigarette mounting operation or cigarette separation operation. And the parts shake. As described above, when the assembled state of the heater assembly is poor, external foreign matter flows into the aerosol generating device through the heater assembly, which weakens the performance of the electronic components.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heater assembly having improved durability and improved sealing performance because the assembled state is firmly maintained, and an aerosol generator equipped with 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 tightly coupled to each other and vibration generation of the heater is minimized, and an aerosol generator including the same. It is to be.

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

The first cover is fixed to the outer surface of the heater, and on the outer surface of the heater, a flange protruding outward and a position toward one end of the heater further from the position of the flange so as to form one side surface. An outer cover that is arranged and supports while contacting at least a portion of the outer surface of the flange can be provided, and the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover is also formed by the flange.

The outer cover may further comprise an internal protrusion that projects from the inside of the outer cover and contacts the 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 protruding portion outside the mounting hole that projects in the 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 can be extended along the circumferential direction around the heater.

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

The second cover may further include an external protrusion that projects toward the first cover outside the contact protrusion and is coupled to the first cover, the first cover having a circumference about the heater. It can be extended along the direction, and the external protrusion of the second cover can also be extended along the circumferential direction around the heater.

The flange can be provided with a contact protrusion that projects toward the second cover and forms another side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover, the second cover covering the other side surface of the contact protrusion. It may be provided with a containment groove for accommodating and supporting the other side surface.

The second cover extends outward from the heater so as to be separated from the mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, the outer surface of the heater, the accommodating chamber surrounding the heater, and the inner surface of the accommodating chamber. In, a contact protrusion that projects 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 so as to be separated from each other along the outer surface of the flange.

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

Wiring for transmitting electricity to the heater is connected to the heater, and the second cover can be provided with a wiring hole through which the wiring is passed.

The first cover is integrally fixed to the outside of the heater by the insert injection method, and the second cover can be provided with a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, and the other end of the heater is a mounting hole. When inserted into, the second cover can be coupled to the first cover to support the other side surface of the first cover.

The aerosol generator according to the other embodiment includes the heater assembly according to the above-described embodiment and a cigarette insertion hole opened to the outside so that the cigarette can be inserted on one side, and the heater assembly is inside. It comprises a hollow case arranged in the case and a battery arranged in the case to supply electricity to the heater assembly.

In the heater assembly according to the above-described embodiment and the aerosol generator provided with the heater assembly, the second cover reliably supports the other side surface of the first cover which is coupled to the heater and maintains the position with respect to the heater. , The second cover supports the other end of the heater. In this way, the interaction between the heater, the first cover, and the second cover is performed in a complex manner, so that the position of the heater arranged inside the aerosol generator is firmly maintained, and thus the heater assembly. Relative motion (vibration, flow) of the components of is not generated so much.

Further, since the first cover and the second cover firmly support the heater, the state in which the heater assembly is mounted inside the aerosol generator is stably maintained. Therefore, the heater can be used repeatedly. There are not many defects such as poor coupling of the assembly and thereby disconnection of the wiring that conducts electricity.

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

Further, after the first cover and the heater are integrally formed by the insert injection method, the first cover is not deformed in the post-process for the heater assembly, so that in the bonding process with other parts. Since the dimensions between the parts are precisely matched by the initial design, the perfect product design can be realized.

It is a drawing which illustrated an example in which a cigarette was inserted into an aerosol generator. It is a drawing which illustrated an example of a cigarette. It is a perspective view of the heater assembly which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the coupling relationship of the components of the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a partial component inside the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a part of the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator including the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal sectional view of the heater assembly which concerns on another embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view of the heater assembly which concerns on still another embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view which schematicly illustrated the coupling relation of the component | component of the heater assembly which concerns on still another embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the heater assembly which concerns on embodiment shown in FIG.

For the terms used in this embodiment, the general terms currently commonly used are selected as much as possible in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but it is the intentions, precedents or new shelves of those skilled in the art. It also depends on the appearance of the description. Further, 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 term used in the present invention must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the general content of the present invention, not on the simple name of the term.

In the entire specification, when a part "contains" a component, it does not exclude other components unless otherwise stated to be the opposite, and may further include other components. It means that. In addition, terms such as "... part" and "... module" described in the specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which is also embodied by hardware or software, and is hardware. It is also realized by the combination of software 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 can easily implement them in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. However, the present invention is also 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 drawing illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generator.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 10000 includes a battery 11000, a control unit 12000 and a heater 13000. Further, a cigarette 20000 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 10000.

In the aerosol generator 10000 illustrated in FIG. 1, the components related to the present embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generator 10000 if the person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment is skilled in the art. , Will be understandable.

In FIG. 1, the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, and the heater 13000 are shown as being arranged in a row, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11000, the control unit 12000 and the heater 13000 may be changed by the design of the aerosol generator 10000.

If the cigarette 20000 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10000, the aerosol generator 10000 heats the heater 13000. The temperature of the aerosol-producing material in the cigarette 20000 is raised by the heated heater 13000, whereby the aerosol is produced. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the filter 22000 of the cigarette 20000.

If necessary, the aerosol generator 10000 can heat the heater 13000 even when the cigarette 20000 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 10000.

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

The control unit 12000 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generator 10000. Specifically, the control unit 12000 controls not only the operation of the battery 11000 and the heater 13000, but also the operation of other configurations included in the aerosol generator 10000. Further, the control unit 12000 can check the state of each configuration of the aerosol generation device 10000 and determine whether or not the aerosol generation device 10000 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor is also embodied by an array of multiple 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. It can also be understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs that it is also 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 can be located inside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13000 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-producing material in the cigarette.

The heater 13000 is also an electrically resistant heater. For example, the heater 13000 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13000 is heated by flowing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and is applicable without limitation 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 a 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.

In FIG. 1, the heater 13000 is illustrated so as to be inserted into the cigarette 20000, but 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 depending on the form of the heating element, the inside or the outside of the cigarette 20000 can be heated.

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

On the other hand, the aerosol generator 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 generator 10000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Further, the aerosol generator 10000 may include at least one sensor (puff sensor, temperature sensor, cigarette insertion sensor, etc.).

Further, the aerosol generator 10000 is also manufactured in a structure in which the outside air flows in and the internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 20000 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 10000 can also be configured with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle is also used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generator 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 is also heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generator 10000 are coupled.

The cigarette 20000 is similar to a typical combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 20000 is divided into a first portion 21000 containing an aerosol-producing 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-producing material. For example, an aerosol-producing material made in the form of granules or capsules is also inserted into the second part 22000.

The entire first portion 21000 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10000, and the second portion 22000 is also exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion 21000 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10000, and a part of the first portion 21000 and the second portion 22000 is also inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part 22000 in his mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the outside air 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 also flows in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 10000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passages formed in the aerosol generator 10000 and / or the size of the air passages are also adjusted by the user. As a result, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like are also adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air flows into the inside of the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 20000.

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

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

With reference 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.

FIG. 2 shows the filter rod 22000 as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. 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 desired, the filter rod 22000 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The cigarette 20000 is also packaged by at least one trumpet 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 trumpet 24000. As another example, the cigarette 20000 is also packaged in layers by two or more trumpets 24000. For example, the first trumpet wraps the tobacco rod 21000 and the second trumpet wraps the filter rod 22000. Then, the tobacco rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000 packaged by the individual trumpet are combined, and the entire cigarette 20000 is repackaged by the third trumpet. If each of the tobacco rods 21000 or filter rods 22000 is composed of multiple segments, each segment is packaged by a separate trumpet. Then, the entire cigarette 20000 to which the segments packaged by the individual trumpet are combined is repackaged by another trumpet.

Tobacco rod 21000 contains an aerosol-producing substance. For example, the aerosol-producing substance may contain, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. Absent. The tobacco rod 21000 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or organic acids. Further, a perfume liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer is added to the tobacco rod 21000 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21000.

Tobacco rods 21000 are also made in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21000 is also made on a sheet and also on a strand. The tobacco rod 21000 is also produced for chopped tobacco in which a tobacco sheet is cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21000 is also surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material is also, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 can push and disperse the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21000 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. Can be done. Further, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, 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 is also manufactured in a different shape.

The filter rod 22000 is also made so that the flavor is generated. As an example, the perfume liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22000, and a separate fiber coated with the perfume liquid may be inserted inside the filter rod 22000.

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

If the filter rod 22000 contains a segment that cools the aerosol, the cooling segment is also made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric. For example, the cooling segment is also made from, but is not limited to, pure polylactic acid alone. Alternatively, the cooling segment is made by a cellulose acetate filter with a plurality of pores. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and is applicable without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

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

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

The heater 10 may have a cylindrical shape or a rod shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 7 and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cigarette 7 so as to correspond to at least a part of the total length of the cigarette 7. The total length of the heater 10 in the axial direction (here, the "axial direction" means the longitudinal direction in which the central axis of the heater extends) is set shorter than the total length of the cigarette 7.

The shape of the heater 10 is not limited by the embodiments represented in the drawings, and the shape of the heater 10 can be variously deformed. For example, the diameter of the heater 10 may be deformed to be longer or shorter than that shown in FIG. 3, and may be formed into a needle-like shape.

Since 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. Further, a wiring 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 also be made of, for example, a heat-resistant polymer material, a metal material, a metal material whose surface is coated with a heat-resistant polymer material, an alloy material, or the like.

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

One side surface 20f of the first cover 20 is arranged so that when one end 11 of the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette 7, the one end 11 of the heater 10 faces the end of the inserted cigarette 7. Can perform functions that support.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a partial component 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. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a part thereof, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator including the heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, a second cover 30 is coupled to the other end 12 of the heater 10. The second cover 30 can support the other end 12 of the heater 10 and perform the function of supporting 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. If 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 the first cover. Combined with 20, the second cover 30 also maintains a stable position with respect to the heater 10.

If 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 toward the other end 12 of the heater 10.

The first cover 20 is fixed to the outer surface of the heater 10, and the position of the flange 22 is formed on the outer surface of the heater 10 so as to form a flange 22 projecting outward and one side surface 20f of the first cover 20. Further, the outer cover 21 is arranged at a position toward one end 11 of the heater 10 and supports at least a part of the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 while contacting the flange 22. 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 through which one end 11 of the heater 10 passes. Further, the first cover 20 is a mounting plate extending in the circumferential direction around the heater 10, that is, about the coupling hole 21h so as to function as a support for coupling with the second cover 30. 21y is provided.

The flange 22 is provided with a through hole 22h that allows one end 11 of the heater 10 to pass through and is directly coupled to the outer surface of the heater 10. The flange 22 is also made of a heat-resistant and durable material such as alumina, ceramic, Teflon®, and heat-resistant plastic.

When connecting the flange 22 to the heater 10, the heater 10 is first inserted into the through hole 22h of the flange 22, the position of the flange 22 with respect to the heater 10 is set, and then the 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 the sintering furnace, and heat is applied to completely fix the flange 22 and the heater 10.

The present embodiment is not limited by the above-mentioned coupling method of the flange 22 and the heater 10, and various methods can be used to couple the flange 22 and the heater 10. For example, a screw 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 the flange 22 and the heater 10 may be joined using an adhesive. Depending on the material of the flange 22, the insert injection step can be applied to provide the flange 22 on the outside of the heater 10.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first cover 20 internally includes an inner wall surface 21w extending along the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 so as to surround the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 coupled to the heater 10. The inner wall surface 21w is installed so as to be separated from the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 toward the outside for a predetermined period of time.

The first cover 20 includes an internal 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 from each other along the outer surface 22s of the flange 22.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the lateral cross-sectional shape of the flange 22 and the inner wall surface 21w has an approximately square shape, but this embodiment is limited by the shape of the flange 22 and the inner wall surface 21w. It's 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 deformed 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 a direction toward the flange 22, that is, in a direction toward one end 11 of the heater 10. 37 and. The contact protrusion 37 can perform a function of stably supporting the flange 22 of the first cover 20 by directly contacting the other side surface 20r of the flange 22 toward the second cover 30.

A plurality of contact protrusions 37 of the second cover 30 are arranged so as to be separated from each other along 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 shown in FIG. 4, and the number, installation positions, and shapes of the contact protrusions 37 are variously deformed. ..

The first cover 20 and the second cover 30 can be coupled to each other on the outside of the contact protrusion 37. The second cover 30 includes an external protrusion 38 that protrudes toward the first cover 20 on the outside of the contact protrusion 37. The mounting plate 21y of the first cover 20 extends in the circumferential direction around the heater 10, and the external protrusion 38 of the second cover 30 also extends along the circumferential direction corresponding to the shape of the first cover 20. be able to.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are connected to each other by a bolt 50, which is an example of the fastening means. After the bolt 50 penetrates the bolt through hole 51 formed in the second cover 30, the first cover 20 and the second cover 20 and the second cover 20 are screwed into a screw hole (not shown) formed in the first cover 20. The state in which the cover 30 and the cover 30 are bonded 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 bolt 50 fastening method described in this embodiment. For example, other forms of fastening means such as rivets and pins may be used, a bonding method using an adhesive, a fusion method using ultrasonic waves or heat, and the first cover 20 and the second cover 30. The configuration of protrusions, hooks, clips, joint grooves, etc. can be applied to both sides of the cover, screw surfaces corresponding to each other can be provided on both sides of the first cover 20 and the second cover 30, and one-touch fastening such as a bayonet mount can be fastened. By applying the structure, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other.

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

In the heater assembly 70 having the above-described configuration, if the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the second cover 30 reliably 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 interaction between the heater 10 and the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 is compounded. .. Therefore, when the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other, the relative movement (vibration, idleness) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur so much.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a case 80 capable of accommodating the cigarette 7 and a heater assembly 70 arranged in the case 80 to heat the cigarette 7. , Are provided.

The case 80 forms the appearance of the aerosol generator and performs the function of accommodating and protecting various components in the space formed therein. The case 80 has a hollow cylindrical shape that is entirely open, and is provided with a cigarette insertion hole that 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 whose surface is 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 can have a tubular shape having a polygonal cross section such as a quadrangle.

The case 80 includes a passage 81 for accommodating the cigarette 7. A heater assembly 70 that performs the 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 arranged 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 portion of the cigarette 7. To.

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 through which the wiring 15 passes. 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 inserted into one end 11 of the heater 10, the heater 10 is heated and the cigarette 7 is heated.

When the user of the aerosol generator 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 the heater assembly. When 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 portion of the cigarette 7 are in contact with each other is transmitted to the hand of the user holding the cigarette 7. Therefore, the user can easily attach the cigarette 7 to the aerosol generator by holding the cigarette 7 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 with respect to the heater 10 is ensured so that the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 do not move with respect to the heater 10 in a state of being coupled to the outside of the heater 10. Keep in.

When the heater assembly 70 is mounted on the case 80 of the aerosol generator, 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 is mounted. The position of 70 and the mounted state are stably maintained.

During 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 when the cigarette 7 is separated from the case 80. , The operation of pulling out the cigarette 7 teeth from one end 11 of the heater 10 is repeatedly performed.

In the heater assembly 70 having the above-described configuration, since the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 firmly support the heater 10, the heater assembly 70 is mounted inside the case 80 of the aerosol generator. The state is kept stable. Therefore, due to repeated use, the coupling state of the heater assembly 70 becomes poor, and as a result, the wiring 15 that transmits electricity to the heater 10 is not easily disconnected.

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

The heater assembly 170 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is inserted into the cigarette and is coupled to the heater 10 capable of generating heat and heating the cigarette when electricity is applied from the outside. Then, the position with respect to the heater 10 is maintained, and one side surface 20f toward 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 to form the heater 10. A 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 the position of the flange 22 is formed on the outer surface of the heater 10 so as to form a flange 22 projecting outward and one side surface 20f of the first cover 20. Further, it is provided with an outer cover 21 which is arranged at a position toward one end 11 of the heater 10 and supports the outer surface of the flange 22 while contacting the outer surface.

The heater assembly 170 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a contact protrusion 127 on which the flange 22 projects toward the second cover 30. The contact protrusion 127 forms at least a part of the other side surface 20r from the first cover 20 toward the other end 12 of the heater 10. The second cover 30 includes a storage 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 around the heater 10. A plurality of accommodating grooves 37h of the second cover 30 accommodating the other side surface 20r of the contact projecting portion 127 also correspond to the number of the contact projecting portions 127 and are separated from each other along the circumferential direction around the heater 10. Pieces 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 can be deformed into various forms. .. For example, the contact protrusion 127 has a circular ring shape extending in the circumferential direction around the heater 10 or a partial section in the circumferential direction centered on the heater 10 so as to form an arc shape around the heater 10. Can be extended to. Correspondingly, the accommodating 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, if the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the first cover 20 protrudes from the flange 22 toward the second cover 30. The second cover 30 reliably 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 intercoupling action of 10 and the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 is performed in a complex manner. Therefore, when the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other, the relative movement (vibration, idleness) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur so much.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the heater assembly according to still another embodiment.

The heater assembly 270 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is inserted into a cigarette and is coupled to a heater 10 capable of generating heat and heating the cigarette when electricity is applied from the outside. Then, the position with respect to the heater 10 is maintained, and one side surface 20f toward 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 to form the heater 10. A 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 the position of the flange 22 is formed on the outer surface of the heater 10 so as to form a flange 22 projecting outward and one side surface 20f of the first cover 20. Further, it is provided with an outer cover 21 which is arranged at a position toward one end 11 of the heater 10 and supports the outer surface 22s of the flange 22 while contacting the outer surface 22s. 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.

If 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 toward the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In the heater assembly 270 according to the embodiment shown 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 deformed.

The second cover 30 extends outward from the heater 10 so as to be separated outward 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. A housing chamber 30c that surrounds the housing chamber 30c, and a contact protruding portion 237 that projects 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 housing chamber 30c. ..

A plurality of contact protrusions 237 are provided so as to be separated from each other 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 is variously modified.

For example, the contact protrusion 237 is also formed so as 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 has a circular shape extending along the circumferential direction along the extension direction of the outer surface 22s of the flange 22. It can have an elliptical shape or an arc shape that extends to a part of the circumferential direction of the outer surface 22s of the flange 22. Further, when the flange 22 has a polygonal cross section in the lateral direction, 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 configuration, if the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 are coupled to the heater 10, the inner surface of the side surface of the accommodating chamber 30c of the second cover 30 faces the heater 10. The contact protruding portion 237 that protrudes reliably supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 formed on the flange 22, the first cover 20 supports the heater 10, and the second cover 30 also supports the heater 10. By supporting the heater 10, the interaction between the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 is compounded. Therefore, when the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other, the relative movement (vibration, idleness) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur so much.

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

The heater assembly 370 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is a heater 10 that is inserted into a cigarette and can generate heat when electricity is applied from the outside to heat the cigarette, and a heater. One side surface 20f of the heater 10 toward 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 to maintain the position with respect to the heater 10. A second cover 30 that supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 toward the other end 12 of the heater 10 is provided.

In the heater assembly 370 according to the embodiment shown 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 an insert injection molding method. That is, by first manufacturing the heater 10 from a metal or alloy material, placing the heater 10 in a mold prepared in advance, and then injecting a molten heat-resistant plastic (resin) solution into the mold to cool it. , The first cover 20 is provided on the outside of the heater 10. According to such an insert injection method, the heater 10 and the first cover 20 are integrally integrated and completely fixed to each other.

FIG. 10 illustrates an operation of assembling the second cover 30 into 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 includes 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 press the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20. Can be firmly supported.

In order to firmly bond the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 to each other, a fastening structure using a hook and a defect groove was applied between the first cover 20 and the second cover 30.

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

The second cover 30 includes a wiring hole 30w through which the wiring 15 passes. 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. .. That is, while the second cover 30 approaches the first cover 20, the hook 30 g of the external protrusion 38 of the second cover 30 is slightly opened, and then the hook 30 g is inserted into the coupling groove 20 g of the first cover 20. , The hook 30 g and the coupling groove 20 g are completely coupled.

By binding the hook 30g and the coupling groove 20g to each other in this way, 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 a second cover 20. In the state where the cover 30 is coupled, the second cover 30 can firmly support the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 toward 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 to form an integral body. If the second cover 30 is coupled to the assembly of the first cover 20 and the heater 10 integrally formed by the insert injection method, the second cover 30 firmly supports the other side surface 20r of the first cover 20 and at the same time. , Supports the other end 12 of the heater 10.

In this way, the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other in a complex manner, so that the heater 10, the first cover 20, and the second cover 30 are coupled to each other. , The relative movement (vibration, idleness) of the heater 10 with respect to the first cover 20 and the second cover 30 does not occur so much.

Further, in the heater assembly 370 having the above-described configuration, the first cover 20 and the heater 10 are tightly coupled to each other by the insert injection method, and a gap (gap) is provided at the coupling site between the first cover 20 and the heater 10. ) Does not occur, so that a more perfect sealing effect can be obtained. That is, when the heater 10 is inserted into the cigarette and heats the cigarette, substances generated in the process of generating an aerosol and foreign substances flowing in from the outside by the aerosol generator are combined with the heater 10 and the first cover 20. Since it is difficult for the external substance to flow in through the portion, the sealing effect for preventing the external substance 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 post-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, and the process of connecting the heater assembly 370 to the aerosol generator or the other parts, the dimensions between the parts are determined by the initial design. It will be a precise match and you will be able to realize the 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 generator. 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 executed, the coupling state of the components of the heater assembly 370 is maintained well, and the vibration phenomenon between the parts is not so much. 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 so much.

Those skilled in the art in the art of this embodiment will appreciate that it will be embodied in a modified form to the extent that it does not deviate from the essential properties described above. Therefore, the disclosed method must be considered from a descriptive point of view, not from a limiting point of view. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, not in the above description, and all differences within the equivalent scope are to be construed as included in the present invention. Do not become

The present embodiment relates to a heater assembly in which the assembled state is firmly maintained and durability is improved, and an aerosol generator provided with the heater assembly.

Claims (14)

A heater that extends to correspond to at least a portion of the total length of the cigarette and generates heat when one end is inserted into the cigarette and electricity is applied.
A first cover that couples to the heater, maintains its position with respect to the heater, and has one side surface of the heater that extends outward from the heater.
A second cover that is coupled to the other end of the heater and supports the other side surface of the first cover toward the other end of the heater is provided .
The first cover is fixed to the outer surface of the heater, and on the outer surface of the heater, the flange of the heater is further projected from the position of the flange so as to form a flange protruding outward and one side surface thereof. An outer cover that is disposed at a position toward one end and supports at least a part of the outer surface of the flange while contacting the flange.
The other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover is a heater assembly formed by the flange. The outer cover protrudes from the inside of the outer cover, a heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising an internal projection in contact with said outer surface of said 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 comes into contact with the other side surface of the flange toward the second cover. The heater assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a contact protrusion. The heater assembly according to claim 3 , wherein a plurality of the contact protrusions are arranged so as to be separated from each other along the circumferential direction around the heater. The heater assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the contact protrusion extends along the circumferential direction around the heater. The heater assembly according to claim 3 , wherein the first cover and the second cover are coupled to each other outside the position of the contact protrusion. The second cover further includes an external protrusion that projects toward the first cover and is coupled to the first cover on the outside of the contact protrusion.
The first cover extends along the circumferential direction around the heater, and the external protrusion of the second cover also extends along the circumferential direction around the heater. Item 6. The heater assembly according to item 6. The flange projects toward the second cover and includes a contact protrusion that forms the other side surface of the first cover supported by the second cover, and the second cover is the contact protrusion. The heater assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a storage groove for accommodating the other side surface and supporting the other side surface. The second cover includes a mounting hole into which the other end of the heater is inserted, an accommodation chamber that extends outward from the heater so as to be separated from the outer surface of the heater, and a housing chamber that surrounds the heater. The heater assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a contact projecting portion that projects from the inner surface of the accommodating chamber toward the heater and contacts the other side surface of the flange toward the second cover. .. The heater assembly according to claim 9 , wherein a plurality of the contact protrusions are arranged so as to be separated from each other along the outer surface of the flange. The heater assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the contact protrusion extends along at least a portion of the outer surface of the flange. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein a wiring for transmitting electricity to the heater is connected to the heater, and the second cover is provided with a wiring hole through which the wiring is passed. The first cover is fixed integrally to the outside of the heater, the second cover is provided with a mounting hole in which the other end of the heater is inserted, the insertion the other end of the heater to the mounting hole The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second cover is coupled to the first cover to support the other side surface of the first cover. The heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the heater assembly.
A hollow case provided with a cigarette insertion hole open to the outside so that the cigarette can be inserted on one side, and the heater assembly is arranged inside.
An aerosol generator that is located in the case and comprises a battery that supplies electricity to the heater assembly.

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