JP7749823B2 - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Aerosol generating devices are used to extract specific components from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium can contain a variety of substances. The substances contained in the medium can be flavoring substances with a variety of components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include nicotine, herbal, and/or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted into such aerosol generating devices.

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

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the efficiency of use of the space in which the substrate is installed.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the structural integrity of the substrate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the accuracy of sensors embedded in a substrate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device equipped with multiple sensors with separate functions.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device in which multiple sensors are installed so as not to interfere with each other.

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

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the efficiency of use of the space in which the substrate is installed.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the structural integrity of the substrate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the accuracy of sensors embedded in the substrate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device equipped with multiple sensors with separate functions.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device in which multiple sensors are installed so as not to interfere with each other.

At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of use of the space in which the substrate is installed.

At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the structural integrity of the substrate.

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the accuracy of sensors embedded in a substrate.

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device equipped with multiple sensors with separate functions.

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device in which multiple sensors are installed so as not to interfere with each other.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description for components are used solely for ease of explanation. "Module" and "section" do not have distinct meanings or roles.

Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related publicly known technologies will be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

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

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

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a battery 10, a control unit 20, a heater 30, and a cartridge 40. At least one of the battery 10, the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 40 may be disposed inside the body 110 of the aerosol generating device.

An insertion space 54 (see FIG. 3) may be formed inside the body 110. The stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54 (see FIG. 3). The heater 30 may be disposed around the insertion space 54 (see FIG. 3). The heater 30 may heat the insertion space or the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 1, the battery 10, control unit 20, cartridge 40, and heater 30 may be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 40 and heater 30 may be arranged side by side facing each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in the figure.

The battery 10 can supply power to operate at least one of the control unit 20, heater 30, and cartridge 40. The battery 10 can also supply the power necessary to operate the display, sensor, motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 100.

The control unit 20 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 20 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, heater 20, and cartridge 40. The control unit 20 can control the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 100. The control unit 20 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 100 is in an operable state.

The heater 30 can generate heat using power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 30 can heat the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

The cartridge 40 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 40 can be transmitted to the user through the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The cartridge 40 or heater 30 does not have to be included in the aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to the body 110. The cartridge 40 may be arranged parallel to the pipe 50 and/or the insertion space 54. A partition 111 may be arranged between the pipe 50 and the cartridge 40 to separate the pipe 50 from the cartridge 40. The partition 111 may extend vertically. The cartridge 40 may be arranged parallel to the partition 111.

The cartridge 40 may have a first chamber C1. A liquid may be stored in the first chamber C1. The cartridge 40 may have a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be located below the first chamber C1.

The wick 451 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 451 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 451 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heating coil 452 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heating coil 452 may be wrapped around the wick 451. The heating coil 452 may heat the wick 451. When the heating coil 452 heats the wick 451 that has received the liquid, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

The cartridge 40 may have a first inlet 441. The first inlet 441 may be formed by opening the upper end of the cartridge 40. The first inlet 441 may be connected to the outside of the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 may have a second inlet 442. The second inlet 442 may be formed by opening one side of the second chamber C2 and may be connected to the second chamber C2. The inlet channel 443 may connect the first inlet 441 and the second inlet 442. The inlet channel 443 may be located between the first inlet 441 and the second inlet 442. The inlet channel 443 may extend vertically from the first inlet 441 to the second inlet 442. The inlet channel 443 may be formed parallel to the first chamber C1. The cartridge 40 may have an outlet 444. The outlet 444 is formed by opening the second chamber C2 and can connect the outside of the cartridge 40 to the second chamber C2. The outlet 444 can be located on the opposite side of the second chamber C2 from the second inlet 442. When the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110, the outlet 444 can be connected to the connecting channel 53.

The pipe 50 may be connected to the inside of the body 110. The pipe 50 may have a long insertion space 54 formed inside. The pipe 50 may surround the insertion space 54. The pipe 50 may extend vertically. The pipe 50 may be arranged parallel to the partition wall 111. The pipe 50 may be arranged parallel to the cartridge 40.

The insertion space 54 may extend vertically. The insertion space 54 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the insertion space 54 may be open and communicate with the outside. The lower end of the insertion space 54 may communicate with the connecting passage 53. The connecting passage 53 may connect the outlet 444 and the lower end of the insertion space 54. The connecting passage 53 may be located below the insertion space 54. The connecting passage 53 may be located below the partition 111. The stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54 and protrude outside the aerosol generation device 100.

The user can inhale air by holding the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54 in their mouth. Air can flow into the cartridge 40 through the first inlet 441. The air can pass through the first inlet 441, the inlet channel 443, the second inlet 442, the second chamber C2, the outlet 444, and the connecting channel 53 in sequence, and be supplied to the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. As the air passes through the second chamber C2, it can carry aerosol with it. The air and aerosol can pass through the stick 200 and be provided to the user.

The upper case 120 may surround and cover the upper part of the body 110. The upper case 120 may cover the cartridge 40. The upper case 120 may cover the pipe 50 and the insertion space 54. The upper case 120 may be detachably connected to the body 110. The insertion opening 124 may be formed by opening the upper part of the upper case 120. The insertion opening 124 may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening of the insertion space 54. The insertion opening 124 may be connected to the insertion space 54. The cap 123 may be movably installed on the upper part of the upper case 120. The cap 123 may move to open and close the insertion opening 124. This prevents foreign matter from entering the insertion space 54 from the outside and protects the aerosol generating device 100.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the pipe 50 may include a first pipe section 51 and a second pipe section 52. The first pipe section 51 and the second pipe section 52 may be connected to each other. For example, the first pipe section 51 may be connected to the upper side of the second pipe section 52. The first pipe section 51 may surround the upper part of the insertion space 54. The first pipe section 51 may be open to the upper side. The second pipe section 52 may surround the lower part of the insertion space 54. A connecting passage 53 may be formed inside the second pipe section 52.

The first couplers 513, 523 can connect the first pipe section 51 and the second pipe section 52. The first couplers 513, 523 can include a first connecting hole 513 and a first connecting protrusion 523. The first connecting protrusion 523 can connect the first pipe section 51 and the second pipe section 52 by being inserted into the first connecting hole 513. The first connecting protrusion 523 can be connected to the first connecting hole 513 in a snap-fit manner so that they cannot be separated.

For example, the first coupling hole 513 may be formed in the first pipe portion 51, and the first coupling protrusion 523 may be formed in the second pipe portion 52. As another example, the first coupling hole 513 may be formed in the second pipe portion 52, and the first coupling protrusion 523 may be formed in the first pipe portion 51. A pair of first coupling holes 513 and a pair of first coupling protrusions 523 may be provided at corresponding positions.

The heater 30 may surround the upper part of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater 30 may be fixed to the inside of the first pipe portion 51 of the pipe 50. The heater 30 may extend circumferentially along the inner surface of the first pipe portion 51. The heater 30 may heat the upper part of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be located at a height corresponding to the medium contained inside the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may heat the medium inside the stick 200.

The lower end of the heater 30 may be supported by the second pipe portion 52. The inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the first pipe portion 51 may protrude inward to cover the upper end of the heater 30. The first pipe portion 51 and the second pipe portion 52 may be connected to each other via first couplers 513 and 523. This improves assembly convenience and allows the heater 30 to be stably positioned.

The first sensor, which senses changes in surrounding capacitance, may be built into the first substrate 61. The first substrate 61 may cover one side of the pipe 50. The first substrate 61 may face the insertion space 54. The first substrate 61 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the lower part of the insertion space 54 and face the lower part of the insertion space 54. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54, the first substrate 61 may face the lower part of the stick 200. The first substrate 61 may be disposed below the heater 30. The first substrate 61 may be bent in a first bending direction BD1 to surround one side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature (see FIG. 6).

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

A second sensor that senses changes in surrounding inductance may be built into the second substrate 70. The second substrate 70 may cover the other side of the pipe 50. The second substrate 70 may face the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may extend vertically along the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be formed longer than the first substrate 61 in the vertical direction. The second substrate 70 may cover the upper and lower portions of the other side of the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be bent in the second bending direction BD2 to surround the other side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature (see FIG. 8).

The second substrate 70 may be located farther from the cartridge 40 than the first substrate 61. The second substrate 70 may be adjacent to the inner surface of the body 110. The second substrate 70 may be disposed between the body 110 and the pipe 50.

The first substrate 61 may cover a portion of the outer wall of the pipe 50, and the second substrate 70 may cover another portion of the outer wall of the pipe 50. The first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may include portions that do not overlap each other. Alternatively, the non-overlapping areas of the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may be larger than the overlapping areas.

For example, the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may be disposed on opposite sides of the insertion space 54. The first substrate 61 may cover one side of the outer periphery of the pipe 50, and the second substrate 70 may cover the other side of the outer periphery of the pipe 50. The first substrate 61 may face the periphery of one side of the insertion space 54, and the second substrate 70 may face the periphery of the other side of the insertion space 54.

For example, the second substrate 70 may be arranged vertically in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may cover the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the pipe 50, and the first substrate 61 may be arranged below the second substrate 70 to cover the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the pipe 50. The second substrate 70 may face the upper side of the insertion space 54, and the first substrate 61 may face the lower side of the insertion space 54.

This prevents the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 from interfering with each other, and separates the functions of the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70. It also improves the sensing accuracy of each function of the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70. The function of the sensor is described below.

The first substrate 61 can sense changes in its surroundings by sensing changes in capacitance. The first substrate 61 can be considered a capacitance sensor. The change in capacitance can change depending on changes in the state of objects around the first substrate 61.

For example, when the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54, the degree of humidification at the bottom of the stick 200 changes depending on the degree of use, and therefore the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 may change. Therefore, the first substrate 61 can sense the degree to which the stick 200 has been used.

For example, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 may be different when the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54 and when it is not. Therefore, the first substrate 61 can sense whether the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54.

For example, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 may be different when the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110 and when it is not coupled. Therefore, the first substrate 61 can sense whether the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110.

For example, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 may change depending on the amount of liquid remaining in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 40. Thus, the first substrate 61 can sense the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge 40.

The second substrate 70 can sense changes in its surroundings through changes in inductance. The second substrate 70 can be considered an inductance sensor. The change in inductance can be caused by changes in the objects surrounding the second substrate 70. For example, the inductance of the second substrate 70 can be different when the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54 and when it is not. Therefore, the second substrate 70 can sense whether the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54.

For example, the inductance change rate of the second substrate 70 for a certain stick 200 may differ from the inductance change rate of the second substrate 70 for another stick depending on the internal material. Therefore, the second substrate 70 can recognize which stick 200 has been inserted into the insertion space 54. Alternatively, the second substrate 70 can detect what type of stick 200 has been inserted into the insertion space 54 based on the inductance change rate depending on the type of stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54.

For example, the inductance of the second board 70 may change depending on whether the detachable upper case 120 is attached to the body 110. Therefore, the second board 70 can detect whether the upper case 120 is attached to the body 110.

The first substrate 61 may be more suitable for recognizing the amount of use of the stick 200 or the remaining amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40. The second substrate 70 may be more suitable for recognizing a particular stick 200 or for recognizing the attachment of the upper case 120.

The functions of the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 are not limited to those described above, and any function that can determine the surrounding conditions through factors that cause changes in the surrounding capacitance or inductance can be used. To this end, a lookup table indicating the capacitance values sensed by the first substrate 61 and the corresponding changes in the surrounding environment can be stored in memory. Alternatively, a lookup table indicating the inductance values sensed by the second substrate 70 and the corresponding changes in the surrounding environment can be stored in memory.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the pipe 50 may have an insertion groove 524. The insertion groove 524 may be formed by the outer peripheral surface of one side of the pipe 50 being recessed or concave toward the insertion space 54. The insertion groove 524 may be formed on one side of the second pipe portion 52. The first substrate 61 may be inserted into the insertion groove 524. The first substrate 61 may be fixed to the insertion groove 524 of the pipe 50.

The first substrate 61 may be embodied as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and have the shape of a flexible film. The first substrate 61 may cover one side of the outer periphery of the pipe 50 with a predetermined curvature. The first substrate 61 may be disposed to cover the outer periphery of the second pipe portion 52. The first substrate 61 may be bent with a predetermined curvature in a first bending direction BD1 along the periphery of one side of the insertion space 54.

The insertion groove 524 may bend at a predetermined curvature in a first bending direction BD1 along the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 50 on one side of the pipe 50. The first substrate 61 may extend in a shape corresponding to the insertion groove 524. The first substrate 61 may bend in the first bending direction BD1 to surround the outer peripheral surface of one side of the pipe 50 at a predetermined curvature. The first substrate 61 may surround the periphery of one side of the insertion space 54 at a predetermined curvature.

The elastic member 62 may cover the first substrate 61. The elastic member 62 may seal the insertion groove 524. The elastic member 62 may be flexible. The elastic member 62 may bend at a predetermined curvature in the first bending direction BD1 to surround the outer surface of the pipe 50 and fit tightly around the insertion groove 524. For example, the elastic member 62 may be made of rubber or silicone material, thereby providing elasticity.

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

The cover 63 may cover the first substrate 61. The cover 63 may cover the insertion groove 524. The cover 63 may be in close contact with the elastic member 62. The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the first substrate 61 and the cover 63. The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the insertion groove 524 and the cover 63. The elastic member 62 may be in close contact with the cover 63 and the frame portion 525 to seal the insertion groove 524.

The cover 63 may surround one side of the outer periphery of the pipe 50 with a predetermined curvature. The cover 63 may have a shape that is bent with a predetermined curvature along one side of the outer periphery of the pipe 50. The cover 63 may be bent in a first bending direction BD1 to surround the outer periphery of the pipe 50.

The cover 63 and the pipe 50 may be connected by second couplers 527, 634. The second couplers 527, 634 may be formed in pairs at positions corresponding to both ends of the cover 63 in the first bending direction BD1. The second couplers 527, 634 may include a second connecting hole 634 and a second connecting protrusion 527. The second connecting protrusion 527 may be inserted into the second connecting hole 634 to connect the cover 63 and the pipe 50. The second connecting protrusion 527 may be permanently connected to the second connecting hole 634 using a snap fit.

For example, the second coupling hole 634 may be formed in the cover 63, and the second coupling protrusion 527 may be formed in the pipe 50. As another example, the second coupling hole 634 may be formed in the pipe 50, and the second coupling protrusion 527 may be formed in the cover 63. The second coupling hole 634 and the second coupling protrusion 527 may be formed as a pair at corresponding positions. The second coupling hole 634 may be formed at both ends of the cover 63 based on the first bending direction BD1. The pair of second coupling protrusions 527 may be formed at opposite positions relative to the insertion space 54.

As a result, the first substrate 61 is positioned closer to the insertion space 54 or the sensing area is increased, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensor. Furthermore, the efficiency of the space in which the first substrate 61 is installed can be improved. Furthermore, the first substrate 61 can be protected from external foreign objects and liquids, improving structural safety.

Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the first substrate 61 can cover one side of the pipe 50. The second substrate 70 can cover the other side of the pipe 50.

The second substrate 70 may be embodied as an FPCB and have a flexible film shape. The second sensor built into the second substrate 70 is an inductance sensor and may be formed in the shape of at least one coil inside the FPCB. The second substrate 70 may cover the outer surface of the other side of the pipe 50 with a predetermined curvature. The second substrate 70 may cover the outer surfaces of the first pipe section 51 and the second pipe section 52. The second substrate 70 may have a film shape that extends vertically and is bent circumferentially with a predetermined curvature along the periphery of the other side of the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be bent in a second bending direction BD2 to surround the outer surface of the pipe 50.

The second substrate 70 may be attached to the pipe 50. The second substrate 70 may include a portion that is attached to the outer surface of the pipe 50 via an adhesive. For example, the adhesive may be a double-sided adhesive tape that is attached to the second substrate 70 on one side and to the outer wall of the pipe 50 on the other side.

The third couplers 517, 74 can connect the pipe 50 and the second substrate 70. The third couplers 517, 74 can include a third connecting protrusion 517 and a third connecting hole 74. The third connecting protrusion 517 can be inserted into the third connecting hole 74 to connect the second substrate 70 and the pipe 50. The third connecting protrusion 517 can be permanently connected to the third connecting hole 74 using a snap fit method.

The coupling holes 74 may be formed at each corner of the second substrate 70. A pair of coupling holes 74 may be formed at each of the upper and lower ends of the second substrate 70. The coupling holes 74 may include a pair of upper coupling holes 74a. The pair of upper coupling holes 74a may be formed at both corners of the upper end of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD2. The coupling holes 74 may include a pair of lower coupling holes 74b. The pair of lower coupling holes 74b may be formed at both corners of the lower end of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD2. For example, four coupling holes 74 may be formed.

A plurality of coupling protrusions 517 may be formed at positions corresponding to the coupling holes 74. The coupling protrusions 517 may include a pair of upper coupling protrusions 517a formed at positions corresponding to the pair of upper coupling holes 74a. The coupling protrusions 517 may include a pair of lower coupling protrusions 517b formed at positions corresponding to the pair of lower coupling holes 74b. The pair of coupling protrusions 517 may be formed on both sides of the insertion space 54. For example, four coupling protrusions 517 may be formed. The coupling protrusions 517 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50. The coupling protrusions 517 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe portion 51.

The coupling protrusion 517 may have a hook shape. The coupling protrusion 517 may be elastic. The coupling protrusion 517 may include a protrusion 5171 protruding radially from the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50. The protrusion 5171 may tilt around one end of the protrusion 5171 supported on the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 50. The coupling protrusion 517 may include a bending portion 5172 formed by bending the end of the protrusion 5171 in the opposite direction to the second substrate 70. When the coupling protrusion 517 is inserted into the coupling hole 74, the hook shape of the coupling protrusion 517 may prevent the coupling protrusion 517 from coming off the coupling hole 74.

When the second substrate 70 is connected to the pipe 50, both ends of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD2 can cover both ends of the cover 63 in the first bending direction BD1. Both ends of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD2 can cover the second couplers 527, 634.

One surface of the first pipe section 51 can be recessed radially inward into a shape corresponding to the second substrate 70. The second substrate 70 can be bent at a predetermined curvature to cover one surface of the first pipe section 51.

The support portions 518 may protrude from the outer surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the pipe 50 to support the upper and lower ends of the second substrate 70. A pair of support portions 518 may be formed at the upper and lower ends of one surface of the recessed first pipe portion 51. The support portions 518 may protrude radially from the outer surface of the first pipe portion 51. The support portions 518 may extend circumferentially or in the second bending direction BD2. The support portions 518 may support the upper and lower ends of the second substrate 70 connected to the pipe 50. This prevents the second substrate 70 from separating vertically.

One of the upper support portions 518 can be referred to as a first support portion. The other lower support portion 518 can be referred to as a second support portion. The first support portion can protrude from the upper end of one side of the pipe. The first support portion can extend in the direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the upper end of the substrate. The second support portion can protrude from the lower end of one side of the pipe. The second support portion can extend in the direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the lower end of the substrate.

This allows the second substrate 70 to be stably fixed to the pipe 50. It also prevents the second substrate 70 from falling off or becoming detached from the pipe 50 due to the adhesive strength of the adhesive weakening and the second substrate 70 expanding. It also improves the accuracy of the second substrate 70 relative to the insertion space 54. It also increases the sensing area of the second substrate 70.

Referring to Figures 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a pipe having an insertion space formed therein extending in the longitudinal direction, a substrate covering an outer wall on one side of the pipe, and a coupler connecting the pipe and the substrate to each other.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate can have the shape of a film bent at a predetermined curvature and surround one side of the outer periphery of the pipe.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the coupler may include coupling holes located at the upper and lower ends of the substrate relative to the direction of the curved shape of the substrate, and coupling protrusions that protrude from the pipe at positions corresponding to the coupling holes and are inserted into the coupling holes to couple the pipe and the substrate together.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may extend vertically in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and be positioned at a height corresponding to the insertion space, and the coupling holes may include a pair of upper coupling holes at both ends of the upper end of the substrate and a pair of lower coupling holes at both ends of the lower end of the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the coupling protrusions may have a hook shape.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the coupling protrusions may include a protruding portion that protrudes radially outward from the pipe and a bending portion that bends and extends from the end of the protruding portion in the opposite direction from the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may include a first support portion that protrudes from an upper end of one side of the pipe and extends in the direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the upper end of the substrate, and a second support portion that protrudes from a lower end of one side of the substrate and extends in the direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the lower end of the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may incorporate a first sensor that senses changes in inductance around the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a second substrate disposed on the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the insertion space, covering the outer wall on the other side of the pipe, and incorporating a second sensor that senses changes in surrounding capacitance.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may have one surface that is adhered to the outer wall of the pipe via an adhesive.

The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The structure or function of any specific element or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. In other words, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that many other variations and embodiments are possible within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and/or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of this disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and/or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (9)

a pipe having an insertion space formed therein and extending in a longitudinal direction;
a substrate having a curved shape with a predetermined curvature and covering an outer wall of one side of the pipe;
a coupler that couples the pipe and the substrate together ;
The coupler is
coupling holes located at upper and lower ends of the substrate based on the direction of the curved shape of the substrate;
a coupling protrusion protruding from the pipe at a position corresponding to the coupling hole and inserted into the coupling hole to couple the pipe and the substrate together . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the substrate has a shape of a film bent at the predetermined curvature and surrounds an outer peripheral surface of one side of the pipe. The substrate extends vertically in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space and is disposed at a height corresponding to the insertion space;
The coupling hole is
a pair of upper coupling holes at both ends of the upper end of the substrate;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a pair of lower coupling holes at both ends of the lower end of the substrate. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the coupling protrusions has a hook shape. The coupling protrusion is
a protrusion protruding radially outward from the pipe;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , further comprising: a bending portion extending from an end of the protrusion in a direction opposite to the substrate. a first support portion protruding from an upper end of one side of the pipe and extending in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the upper end of the substrate;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second support portion protruding from a lower end of one side of the pipe and extending in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the lower end of the substrate. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, wherein the substrate incorporates a first sensor that senses changes in inductance around the substrate. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, further comprising a second substrate disposed on the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the insertion space, covering the outer wall of the other side of the pipe, and incorporating a second sensor that senses changes in surrounding capacitance. The aerosol generating device described in claim 1, wherein the substrate has one surface that is adhered to the outer wall of the pipe via an adhesive.