Patent Publication Number: US-2023145477-A1

Title: Heater assembly and aerosol generating apparatus having the same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure relate to a heater assembly and an aerosol-generating apparatus including the same, and more particularly, to a heating assembly having improved heating performance and an aerosol-generating apparatus including the heating assembly. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, there is growing demand for an alternative to traditional combustive cigarettes. For example, research has been conducted on a method of providing an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a liquid or solid state, or generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material and then passing the generated aerosol through an aroma medium. 
     In an aerosol-generating apparatus for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette), a heater assembly for generating heat from electricity may be used. In general, the heater assembly includes electrodes that supply electricity to a heating element for generating heat from electricity, and when the electrodes contact each other, a short circuit may be generated. To prevent such short circuit, a heating element for surrounding a cigarette may be designed such that both ends do not contact each other. 
     In this case, however, some portions of an aerosol-generating article are not completely surrounded by the heating element, and thus the heating element may not sufficiently heat the aerosol-generating article, resulting in an insufficient amount of the aerosol. 
     As a new structure for the heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, a heating element using circuit patterns arranged on a surface of an insulating substrate is also being considered. In the heating element using the circuit patterns, the circuit patterns generates heat when electricity is supplied. In the circuit patterns, gaps between circuit patterns have to be sufficiently secured to prevent the short circuit. Therefore, there is a limitation to aerosol generation because heat may be insufficiently delivered to some portions of the aerosol-generating article that correspond to the gaps between the circuit patterns, when the circuit pattern surrounding the aerosol-generating article heats the aerosol-generating article. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     One or more embodiments provide a heater assembly capable of generating a high-quality aerosol and an aerosol-generating apparatus including the same. 
     One or more embodiments also provide a heater assembly that uniformly and effectively heats the entire aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol-generating apparatus including the heating assembly. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to an embodiment, a heater assembly includes a heating element formed in a mesh having a tubular shape, and configured to generate heat when electricity is supplied; and a plurality of electrodes respectively connected to opposite end portions of the heating element in a lengthwise direction, extending in a circumferential direction of the heating element, and configured to supply the electricity to the heating element. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to the one or more embodiments, in a heater assembly and an aerosol-generating apparatus including the same, electrodes are arranged to extend in a circumferential direction of a heating element, and thus the heating element may uniformly heat the entire aerosol-generating article. Thus, the heating performance of the heating assembly may be improved, and a high-quality aerosol may be generated by uniformly heating the aerosol-generating article. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1  and  2    are diagrams showing examples in which an aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device. 
         FIG.  3    is a drawing illustrating an example of a cigarette. 
         FIG.  4    is a flowchart of operations of a method of manufacturing a heating assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a schematic conceptual view of some operations of the method of manufacturing a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a schematic conceptual view of other operations of the method of manufacturing a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIGS.  6  and  7    are schematic conceptual views of other operations of the method of manufacturing a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of an example in which the heater assembly of the aerosol-generating apparatus of  FIGS.  4  to  7    is used. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  17    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     With respect to the terms used to describe in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, a term which is not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein. 
     In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof. 
     As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c. 
     If one component or layer is mentioned to be “over,” “above,” “connected to,” or “combined with” another component or layer, the one component or layer is arranged to be over, above, connected to, or combined with the other component or layer with or without an intervening component(s) or layer(s). In contrast, if one component or layer is mentioned to be “directly over,” “directly above,” “directly connected to,” or “directly combined with” another component or layer, there is no additional components or layers between the components or layers. In the disclosure, the same reference numbers may indicate the same components. 
     Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
     In the present disclosure, ‘embodiments’ are distinguished from each other only for the purpose of explanation, the embodiments should not be construed to be exclusive. For example, some features in one embodiment may be applied to and implemented in other embodiment in the scope of the spirit described in the present disclosure. 
     In addition, terms used in the present specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments. In the present specification, the singular form also includes the plurality form unless specifically stated in the phrase. 
     While such terms as “first,” “second,” etc. may be used to describe various components, such components must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. 
     Throughout the specification, the “longitudinal direction” of a component may be a lengthwise direction in which a longitudinal axis of the component extends. 
     According to an embodiment, a heater assembly includes a heating element formed in a mesh having a tubular shape, and configured to generate heat when electricity is supplied; and a plurality of electrodes respectively connected to opposite end portions of the heating element in a lengthwise direction, extending in a circumferential direction of the heating element, and configured to supply the electricity to the heating element. 
     The plurality of electrodes may include a first electrode arranged at an upper end portion of the heating element and a second electrode arranged at a lower end portion of the heater element, and the first electrode and the second electrode may extend along an entire circumference of the heating element. 
     The first electrode may be arranged on an inner side or an outer side of the heating element, and the second electrode may be arranged on the inner side or the outer side of the heating element. 
     The heater assembly may further include a support arranged on an inner side of the heating element and including a material that transmits heat. 
     The heater assembly may further include a support arranged on an outer side of the heating element and including a material that blocks heat. 
     The plurality of electrodes may include a first electrode arranged at an upper end portion of the heating element, and a second electrode arranged at a lower end portion of the heating element, and the first electrode and the second electrode may extend from an inner side of the heating element to an outer side of the support. 
     The heating element may extend from an inner side of the support to an outer side of the support such that the opposite end portions of the heating element are arranged on the outer side of the support, and the plurality of electrodes may be respectively connected to the opposite end portions of the heating element arranged on the outer side of the support. 
     The heater assembly may further include a protective film arranged on at least one of an inner side and an outer side of the heating element. 
     Opposite edges of the heating element in a circumferential direction of the heating element may contact each other. 
     Opposite end portions of the heating element in a circumferential direction of the heating element may overlap each other. 
     The plurality of electrodes may respectively include a plurality of terminals protruding outwards from the heating element. 
     According to another embodiment, an aerosol-generating apparatus includes the heater assembly, which includes a heating element formed in a mesh having a tubular shape, and configured to generate heat when electricity is supplied; and a plurality of electrodes respectively connected to opposite end portions of the heating element in a lengthwise direction, extending in a circumferential direction of the heating element, and configured to supply the electricity to the heating element, and an electricity supply unit configured to supply electricity to the heater assembly. 
     MODE FOR THE INVENTION 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    are diagrams showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , an aerosol generating device  100  includes a battery  11000 , a controller  12000 , a heater  13000 , and a vaporizer  14000 . Also, a cigarette  20000  may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device  10000 . 
     The aerosol generating device  10000  illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2    includes the vaporizer. However, the embodiments are not limited to the implementation method thereof, and the vaporizer may be omitted. In case the vaporizer is omitted from the aerosol generating device  10000 , the aerosol generating article  20000  contains an aerosol generating material, so that the aerosol generating article  20000  generates aerosol when the aerosol generating article  20000  is heated by the heater  13000 . 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate only components of the aerosol generating device  10000 , which are related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device  10000 , in addition to the components illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Also,  FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate that the aerosol generating device  10000  includes the heater  13000 . However, according to embodiments, the heater  13000  may be omitted. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates that the battery  11000 , the controller  12000 , the vaporizer  14000 , and the heater  13000  are arranged in series. Also,  FIG.  2    illustrates that the vaporizer  14000  and the heater  13000  are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device  10000  is not limited to the structures illustrated in  FIG.  1    or  FIG.  2   . In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device  10000 , the battery  11000 , the controller  12000 , the vaporizer  14000 , and the heater  13000  may be differently arranged. 
     When the cigarette  20000  is inserted into the aerosol generating device  10000 , the aerosol generating device  10000  may operate the vaporizer  14000  to generate aerosol from the vaporizer  14000 . The aerosol generated by the vaporizer  14000  is delivered to the user by passing through the cigarette  20000 . The vaporizer  14000  will be described in more detail later. 
     The battery  11000  may supply power to be used for the aerosol generating device  10000  to operate. For example, the battery  11000  may supply power to heat the heater  13000  or the vaporizer  14000 , and may supply power for operating the controller  12000 . Also, the battery  1100000  may supply power for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol generating device  10000 . 
     The controller  12000  may generally control operations of the aerosol generating device  10000 . In detail, the controller  12000  may control not only operations of the battery  1100000 , the heater  13000 , and the vaporizer  14000 , but also operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device  10000 . Also, the controller  12000  may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device  10000  to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device  10000  is able to operate. 
     The controller  12000  may include at least one processor. A processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware. 
     The heater  13000  may be heated by the power supplied from the battery  11000 . For example, when the cigarette  20000  is inserted into the aerosol generating device  10000 , the heater  13000  may be located outside the cigarette  20000 . Thus, the heated heater  13000  may increase a temperature of an aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article  2000 . 
     The heater  13000  may include an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater  13000  may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater  13000  may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater  13000  is not limited to the example described above and may include any other heaters which may be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device  10000  or may be set by a user. 
     As another example, the heater  13000  may include an induction heater. In detail, the heater  13000  may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate that the heater  13000  is positioned outside the cigarette  20000 , but the position of the cigarette  20000  is not limited thereto. For example, the heater  13000  may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article  20000 , according to the shape of the heating element. 
     Also, the aerosol generating device  10000  may include a plurality of heaters  13000 . Here, the plurality of heaters  13000  may be inserted into the cigarette  20000  or may be arranged outside the cigarette  20000 . Also, some of the plurality of heaters  13000  may be inserted into the cigarette  20000  and the others may be arranged outside the cigarette  20000 . In addition, the shape of the heater  13000  is not limited to the shapes illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2    and may include various shapes. 
     The vaporizer  14000  may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition and the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol generating article  20000  to be delivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated via the vaporizer  14000  may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol generating device  10000  and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated via the vaporizer  14000  passes through the cigarette  20000  to be delivered to the user. 
     For example, the vaporizer  14000  may include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery element, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device  10000  as independent modules. 
     The liquid storage may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be formed to be detachable from the vaporizer  14000  or may be formed integrally with the vaporizer  14000 . 
     For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavorings, or a vitamin mixture. The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. The flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to a user. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol. 
     The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery element may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto. 
     The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament such as nichrome wire and may be positioned as being wound around the liquid delivery element. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosol may be generated. 
     For example, the vaporizer  14000  may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but it is not limited thereto. 
     The aerosol generating device  10000  may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery  11000 , the controller  12000 , and the heater  13000 . For example, the aerosol generating device  10000  may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generating device  10000  may include at least one sensor (e.g., a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, an aerosol generating article insertion detecting sensor, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device  10000  may be formed as a structure that, even when the aerosol generating article  20000  is inserted into the aerosol generating device  10000 , may introduce external air or discharge internal air. 
     Although not illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the aerosol generating device  10000  and an additional cradle may form together a system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery  11000  of the aerosol generating device  10000 . Alternatively, the heater  13000  may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device  10000  are coupled to each other. 
     The aerosol generating article  20000  may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article  20000  may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol generating article  20000  may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion. 
     The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generating device  10000 , and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generating device  10000 , or a portion of the first portion and a portion of the second portion may be inserted thereinto. The user may puff aerosol while holding the second portion by the mouth of the user. In this case, the aerosol is generated by the external air passing through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user&#39;s mouth. 
     For example, the external air may flow into at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device  10000 . For example, opening and closing of the air passage and/or a size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device  10000  may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of smoke and a smoking impression may be adjusted by the user. As another example, the external air may flow into the aerosol generating article  20000  through at least one hole formed in a surface of the aerosol generating article  20000 . 
     Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette  20000  will be described with reference to  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  3    is a drawing illustrating an example of a cigarette. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the cigarette  20000  may include a tobacco rod  21000  and a filter rod  22000 . The first portion described above with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2    may include the tobacco rod  21000 , and the second portion may include the filter rod  22000 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates that the filter rod  22000  includes a single segment. However, the filter rod  22000  is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod  22000  may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod  22000  may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, as necessary, the filter rod  22000  may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions. 
     The aerosol generating article  20000  may be packaged by at least one wrapper  24000 . The wrapper  24000  may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the cigarette  20000  may be packaged via one wrapper  24000 . As another example, the aerosol generating article  20000  may be doubly packaged by two or more wrappers  24000 . For example, the tobacco rod  21000  may be packaged by a first wrapper, and the filter rod  22000  may be packaged by wrappers. Also, the tobacco rod  21000  and the filter rod  22000 , which are respectively packaged via separate wrappers, may be coupled to each other, and the entire cigarette  20000  may be packaged via a third wrapper. When the filter rod  22000  includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by wrappers. Also, the entire cigarette  20000  including the plurality of segments, which are respectively packaged via the separate wrappers and which are coupled to each other, may be repackaged via another wrapper. 
     The tobacco rod  21000  may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod  21000  may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod  21000  may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod  21000 . 
     The tobacco rod  21000  may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod  21000  may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod  21000  may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod  21000  may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod  21000  may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod  21000 , and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased and taste of the tobacco may be improved. Also, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod  21000  may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, the tobacco rod  21000  may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod  21000 . 
     The filter rod  22000  may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes of the filter rod  22000  are not limited. For example, the filter rod  22000  may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod  22000  may include a recess-type rod. When the filter rod  22000  includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape. 
     The filter rod  22000  may be formed to generate flavors. For example, a flavoring liquid may be injected onto the filter rod  22000 , or an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod  22000 . 
     Also, the filter rod  22000  may include at least one capsule  23000 . Here, the capsule  23000  may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule  23000  may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule  23000  may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. 
     When the filter rod  22000  includes a segment configured to cool the aerosol, the cooling segment may include a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may include pure polylactic acid alone, but the material for forming the cooling segment is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling segment may include a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example and is not limited as long as the cooling segment cools the aerosol. 
     Although not illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the cigarette  20000  according to an embodiment may further include a front-end filter. The front-end filter may be arranged at one side of tobacco rod  21000  being opposite to the filter rod  2000 . The front-end filter may prevent the tobacco rod  21000  from being detached outwards and prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device  10000  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) from the tobacco rod  21000 , during smoking. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiments may understand that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the characteristics described above. The disclosed methods should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present disclosure. 
       FIG.  4    is a flowchart of operations of a method of manufacturing a heating assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to an embodiment. 
     The method of manufacturing a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4    includes operation S 100  of preparing a heating element formed in a mesh which is capable of generating heat when electricity is supplied, operation S 110  of assembling the heater assembly by connecting the heating element to an electrode, operation S 120  of forming the heater assembly in a tubular shape, operation S 130  of assembling the heater assembly with a support, and operation S 140  of arranging a protective film on at least one of an outer side and an inner side of the heater assembly. 
     Operation S 110  of assembling the heater assembly by connecting the heating element to the electrode, operation S 120  of forming the heater assembly in the tubular shape, and operation S 130  of assembling the heater assembly with the support are not always performed sequentially. The above operations may be simultaneously performed or performed differently from the order shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     Also, operation S 130  of assembling the heater assembly with the support and operation S 140  of arranging the protective film are not essential operations and may be omitted according to embodiments. 
       FIG.  5 A  is a schematic conceptual view of some operations of the method of manufacturing a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . 
     A heater assembly  10  of the aerosol-generating apparatus of  FIG.  5 A  includes a heating element  20  formed in a mesh and generating heat when electricity is supplied, and electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  coupled to the heating element  20  and supplying the electricity to the heating element  20 . 
     In order to manufacture the heater assembly  10 , the heating element  20  formed in a mesh is prepared, which generates heat by electrical resistance when electricity is supplied. The heating element  20  includes a heating strand  21  including any one of metal (e.g., copper, stainless steel (SUS), or aluminum), metal alloy (e.g., nichrome), and a carbon heating material, or a combination thereof. The heating strand  21  may be a wire having a circular, oval, or flat prismatic cross-section. 
     The heating element  20  of  FIG.  5 A  may include a plurality of heating strands  21  extending in a vertical direction, and a plurality of heating strands  21  extending in a horizontal direction, thereby forming a mesh shape including substantially square holes. 
     The heating element  20  having a mesh shape may be manufactured by weaving the heating strands  21 , but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the heating element  20  may be manufactured in a manner that a plurality of holes are formed by removing a portion of a thin metal plate through an etching or drilling process. 
     The embodiments are not limited to square-shaped holes of the heating element  20 , and shapes of the holes of the heating element  20  may vary. For example, the holes of the heating element  20  may have a polygon such as a triangle, a square, or a rectangle, a circle or an oval, and a honeycomb. 
     The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  are electrically connected to the heating element  20  and perform a function of transmitting the electricity to the heating element  20 . The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  may each include any one of a metal material having high electrical conductivity such as copper, an alloy material having electrical conductivity, a carbon material, and a graphene material, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG.  5 B  is a schematic conceptual view of other operations of the method of manufacturing the heater assembly of the aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . 
     After the heater assembly  10  is assembled, an operation of forming the heater assembly  10  in a tubular shape is performed. When the heater assembly  10  is formed in the tubular shape, the heater assembly  10  is bent or folded to enable the heater assembly  10  to surround the aerosol-generating article  80  that is heated by the heater assembly  10 . The aerosol-generating article  80  indicated by a dashed line is shown in  FIG.  5 B  for convenience of description, and the aerosol-generating article  80  is not necessary when the heater assembly  10  is formed. 
     When the heater assembly  10  is formed in the tubular shape, the heater assembly  10  is bent or folded in a horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article  80 . 
     Therefore, in the heater assembly  10  is formed in the tubular shape, the first and second electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  may be respectively arranged at the upper portion and the lower portion and extend in a circumferential direction of the heating element  20 . 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    are schematic conceptual views of other operations of the method of manufacturing the heater assembly of the aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  4   . 
     The heater assembly  10  according to the embodiments of  FIGS.  6  and  7    includes a support  50  arranged on an inner side of the heating element  20 . The support  50  may include a thermally conductive material such as iron, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or ceramic and may be formed in a tubular shape. 
     The support  50  may be manufactured in a form corresponding to an exterior shape of an aerosol-generating article that is a heating target. Therefore, embodiments are not limited to the embodiment in which the support  50  and the heater assembly  10  are formed in a tubular shape, and shapes of the support  50  and the heater assembly  10  may vary to correspond to the exterior shape of the aerosol-generating article. The support  50  and the heater assembly  10  may each have a tubular shape including a cavity  51  for receiving an aerosol generating article  80  (e.g., cigarette). The support may have a polygonal cross-section such as a triangle or a square, or an oval cross-section. 
     In the process of arranging the support  50  inside the heating element  20 , the support  50  having the tubular shape may be prepared first, and the heating element  20  may be bent to surround the support  50 . Thus, the heating element  20  and the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  may be arranged on an outer side of the support  50 . 
     Alternatively, the support  50  having a tubular shape and the heater assembly  10  formed in a tubular shape with a diameter corresponding to the support  50  are separately prepared, and the support  50  may be inserted into the heater assembly  10 . 
     The first electrode  30   a  of the heater assembly  10  at one end portion (i.e., upper portion) of the heating element  20  may extend in a circumferential direction of the heating element  20 , forming a loop. The second electrode  30   b  of the heater assembly  10  at the other end portion (i.e., lower portion) of the heating element  20  may extend may extend in the circumferential direction, forming a loop. Hereinafter, the term “lengthwise direction” or “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction in which a longitudinal axis of the support  50  extends (i.e., a direction in which the aerosol generating article  80  is inserted into the cavity  51 ). Also, the term “length” refers to a dimension measured along the longitudinal direction. 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    illustrate that the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  are arranged on both end portions of the heating element  20 , but one or more embodiments are not limited to the arrangement of the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . For example, the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  may be arranged to protrude further than the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  in the lengthwise direction. 
     When the heater assembly  10  and the support  50  are coupled to each other, the first electrode  30   a  corresponds to an end portion  50   a  of the support  50  in the lengthwise direction, and the second electrode  30   b  corresponds to the opposite end portion  50   b  of the support  50  in the lengthwise direction. 
       FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of an example in which the heater assembly of the aerosol-generating apparatus of  FIGS.  4  to  7    is used. 
     In a state in which the heater assembly  10  is coupled to the support  50 , edges  20   s  of the end portions of the heating element  20  may contact each other. 
     In a general heater assembly manufactured by bending a heating element plate into a tubular shape, electrodes for supplying electricity to the heating element may be arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction to prevent the short circuit. In this case, because a dead space exists between the electrodes in a circumferential direction, some portions of the aerosol-generating article may not be sufficiently heated. 
     However, in the structure of the heater assembly  10  according to an embodiment, the heating element  20  of the heater assembly  10  surrounds the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article  80 , and thus the side surface of the aerosol-generating article  80  may be uniformly heated along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, a high-quality aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating article  80 . 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    illustrate that a length (i.e., height) of the heating element  20  is identical to that of the support  50 , but one or more embodiments are not limited to the structure. For example, the length of the support  50  may be greater than that of the heating element  20  such that at least one of both end portions of the support  50  may protrude beyond the heating element  20 . Alternatively, the length of the heating element  20  may be greater than that of the support  50 . 
     After the heater assembly  10  is coupled to the support  50 , a protective film  60  may be arranged on an outer side of the heater assembly  10 . The protective film  60  may be arranged on an outer side of the heating element  20 . The protective film  60  may perform a function of protecting the heating element  20 , a heat insulation function of minimizing the transmission of heat generated by the heating element  20  to the outside, and an insulation function of preventing electricity leakage to other components. The protective film  60  may include, for example, a resin material such as polyimide, silicon, or Teflon. The protective film  60  may be manufactured in, for example, a tube form and then coupled to the heating element  20  having the tubular shape, or may be manufactured in a sheet form and then arranged to surround the outer side of the heating element  20  having the tubular shape. 
     The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  of the heater assembly  10  may each have a terminal  30   t  at an end portion thereof. As shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the terminals  30   t  may be drawn outwards from the heating element  20 . Components for supplying external power may be connected to the terminals  30   t.    
       FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     In the heater assembly of  FIG.  9   , the end portions of the first electrode  30   a  coupled to the outer side of the heating element  20  may overlap each other. Therefore, similarly to the heater assembly according to the embodiment of  FIG.  8   , the heating element  20  may completely surround the aerosol-generating article  80  in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article  80  that is the heating target, and thus the aerosol-generating article  80  may be uniformly heated. Also, as the end portions of the first electrode  30   a  overlap each other, the coupling of the first electrode  30   a  to the heating element  20  may be stably maintained. 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment.  FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of the aerosol-generating apparatus, according to the embodiment of  FIG.  10   . 
     The heater assembly  10  according to the embodiments of  FIGS.  10  and  11    includes the heating element  20  which is formed in a mesh having a tubular shape The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  for supplying electricity to the heating element  20  may be respectively arranged at the opposite end portions of the heating element  20 , and extend along the circumferential direction. 
     The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  include the first electrode  30   a  and the second electrode  30   b.  The first electrode  30   a  may be arranged on an inner side of the heating element  20 , and the second electrode  30   b  may be arranged on the outer side of the heating element  20 . Therefore, the first electrode  30   a  surrounds the entire end portion of the inner side of the heating element in the circumferential direction, and the second electrode  30   b  surrounds the entire end portion of the other side of the heating element  20 . 
     The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  of the heater assembly  10  each include the terminal  30   t  at the end portion thereof. In a state in which the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  are coupled to the outer side of the heating element  20 , the terminals  30   t  may be drawn outwards from the heating element  20 . Components for supplying external power may be connected to the terminals  30   t.    
     The support  50  may be arranged on the inner side of the heating element  20  in the heater assembly  10 . However, one or more embodiments are not limited thereto, and the heater assembly  10  may not include the support  50 . 
     When the heater assembly  10  only includes the heating element  20  without the support  50 , the inner side of the heating element  20  directly faces the aerosol-generating article, thereby directly heating the aerosol-generating article. In this case, a protective film may be arranged on at least one of the inner side and the outer side of the heating element  20  to protect the heating element  20 . 
       FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     The heater assembly  10  according to the embodiment of  FIG.  12    includes a heating element  20  formed in a mesh having a tubular shape. The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  for supplying electricity to the heating element  20  may be arranged at the opposite end portions of the heating element  20 , and extend along a circumferential direction of the heating element  20 . The support  50  having a tubular shape may be arranged on an outer side of the heating element  20 . 
     Although not illustrated, a protective film for protecting the heating element  20  may be arranged on at least one of an inner side and an outer side of the heating element  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the support  50  may be arranged on the outer side of the heating element  20  and thus may stably maintain a coupling structure in which the heating element  20  is coupled to the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b.    
     Also, because an inner side of the support  50  surrounds the outer side of the heating element  20 , heat may be maintained between the inner side of the support  50  and the outer side of the heating element  20 . That is, because of heated air present in a space between the support  50  and the outer side of the heating element  20 , a high-temperature environment may be generated around the heating element  20 , and thus efficiency of heating may be improved. 
     Also, the support  50  may prevent the heat generated by the heating element  20  from radiating to the outside of the support  50 . The support  50  may include a material having low thermal conductivity, for example, plastic or glass, to prevent the transmission of the heat to the outside of the support  50 . Alternatively, the basic structure of the support  50  may be formed using a metal material, and a shielding layer for blocking the heat transmission may be arranged on at least one of the inner side and the outer side of the support  50 . The shielding layer may include a shielding film arranged on at least one of the inner side and the outer side of the support  50 , or heat transmission shielding paint that is spread on a surface of the support  50 . 
       FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     The heater assembly  10  according to the embodiment of  FIG.  13    includes: a heating element  20 , electrodes  30   a  and  30   b,  a heating element  20 , a support  50 , and a protective film  60 . The heating element  20  may be formed in a mesh having a tubular shape. The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  for supplying electricity to the heating element  20  may be respectively arranged at both end portions of the heating element  20  in the lengthwise direction, and extend in a circumferential direction of the heating element  20 . The support  50  may be arranged on an outer side of the heating element  20 , and the protective film  60  may cover an inner side of the heating element  20 . 
     The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  include the first electrode  30   a  arranged at the end portion of the support  50  in the lengthwise direction of the support  50  and the second electrode  30   b  arranged on the opposite end portion of the support  50  in the lengthwise direction of the support  50 . An end portion  33  of each of the first and second electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  is connected to an inner side of the heating element  20 , and the other end portion  31  of each of the first and second electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  contacts an outer side of the support  50 . The end portion  33  and the other end portion  31  of each of the first and second electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  are connected to each other by a folded portion  32  that is folded along an edge of an end portion of the support  50 . Therefore, as shown in  FIG.  13   , a vertical cross-sectional shape of each of the first and second electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  has a ‘U’ shape. 
     In the heater assembly  10  described above, the aerosol-generating article  80  that is the heating target is heated by the heating element  20  while the aerosol-generating article  80  is inserted into the heating element  20  of the heater assembly  10 . Because the heat generated by the heating element  20  is directly transmitted to the aerosol-generating article  80  as the inner side of the heating element  20  faces the outer side of the aerosol-generating article  80 , the aerosol-generating article  80  may be effectively heated. 
     Also, because the heating element  20  entirely surrounds a circumference of the aerosol-generating article  80 , the aerosol-generating article  80  may be uniformly heated. 
     Also, because the heated air is kept in a lattice space of the mesh of the heating element  20 , a high-temperature environment for heating the aerosol-generating article  80  may be created around an outer side surface of the aerosol-generating article  80 . 
     Also, because the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  coupled to both end portions of the heating element  20  are stably coupled to both edges of the support  50  arranged on the outer side of the heating element  20 , a coupling structure in which the heating element  20 , the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b,  and the support  50  are coupled may be firmly maintained. 
       FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     The heater assembly  10  according to the embodiment of  FIG.  14    includes a heating element  20  which is formed in a mesh having a tubular shape and generates heat when electricity is supplied, electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  which are respectively arranged at opposite end portions of the heating element  20  in the lengthwise direction and extend along a circumferential direction of the heating element  20 , and a support  50  arranged on an outer side of the heating element  20 . 
     Although not illustrated, a protective film may be arranged to cover at least one of the inner side and the outer side of the heating element  20 . 
     Each of an end portion  20   a  and the other end  20   b  of the heating element  20  may be folded towards an outer side of the support  50  over both end portions of the support  50 . 
     The electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  include a first electrode  30   a  and a second electrode  30   b . The first electrode  30   a  is arranged on the end portion  20   a  of the heating element  20  that is positioned on an outer side of the support  50 . Likewise, the second electrode  30   b  is arranged on the other end portion  20   b  of the heating element  20  that is positioned on an outer side of the support  50 . Therefore, the first electrode  30   a  corresponds to one end region  50   a  of the support  50 , and the second electrode  30   b  corresponds to the other end region  50   b  of the support  50 . 
       FIG.  15    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     The aerosol-generating apparatus according to the embodiment of  FIG.  15    includes: a heating element  20  formed in a mesh having the tubular shape in which the aerosol-generating article  80  may be accommodated; the heater assembly  10  including the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  arranged at opposite end portions of the heating element  20  in a lengthwise direction of the heating element  20  and extending along a circumferential direction of the heating element  20 ; a support  50  arranged on an inner side of the heating element  20 ; and an electricity supply unit supplying electricity to the heater assembly  10 . 
     The aerosol-generating apparatus includes a case  90  that accommodates and protects components such as the heater assembly  10 , a battery  11000 , and a controller  12000 . 
     In a state in which the heater assembly  10  is coupled to the support  50 , the first electrode  30   a  corresponds to the end region  50   a  of the support  50 , and the second electrode  30   b  corresponds to the other region  50   b  of the support  50 . 
     Because an internal diameter of the support  50  corresponds to an external diameter of the aerosol-generating article  80 , the support  50  may stably support the aerosol-generating article  80 . Also, the support  50  may transmit the heat, which is generated by the heating element  20 , to the aerosol-generating article  80  and may perform a function of heating the aerosol-generating article  80 . 
     The electricity supply unit may be any one of the battery  11000  and the controller  12000  or a combination thereof. For example, the battery  11000  may be directly connected to the heater assembly  10  or may be connected to the heater assembly  10  through the controller  12000 . The controller  12000  may control the electricity supply to the heater assembly  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  15   , the controller  12000  includes sockets  70   t  that may be connected to the terminals  30   t  of the heater assembly  10 . As the terminals  30   t  of the heater assembly  10  are electrically connected to the sockets  70   t  of the controller  12000 , the controller  12000  may control the electricity supplied to the heater assembly  10  from the battery  11000 . 
       FIG.  16    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  16   , the terminal  30   t  of the first electrode  30   a  of the heater assembly is electrically connected to a connector  70   c  of the socket  70   t  of the controller  12000 . According to the structure above, the heater assembly may be connected to the controller  12000  in a simple manner that the terminal  30   t  of the first electrode  30   a  of the heater assembly is inserted into the socket  70   t.  Also, the connection between the heater assembly and the connector  70   c  may be stably maintained while the aerosol-generating apparatus is used. 
       FIG.  17    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol-generating apparatus according to the embodiment of  FIG.  17   , the controller  12000  includes a connector  70   d  and a pressure clip  70   f  that are electrically connected to the terminal  30   t  of the heater assembly. The pressure clip  70   f  may stably maintain a connection of the connector  70   d  to the terminal  30   t  by pressing the terminal  30   t  of the heater assembly in a direction towards the connector  70   d.    
     One or more embodiments are not limited to the structures of the pressure clip  70   f  and the connector  70   d,  and the pressure clip  70   f  and the connector  70   d  may be variously changed. For example, the pressure clip  70   f  and the connector  70   d  may be changed to pogo pins using springs or pins having electrical conductivity. 
       FIG.  18    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol-generating apparatus according to the embodiment of  FIG.  18   , the terminal  30   t  of the heater assembly may be electrically connected to a connection terminal of the controller  12000 , and the terminal  30   t  of the heater assembly may be fixed to the controller  1200  by a coupling means  70   g.  The coupling means  70   g  is not limited to a bolt illustrated in  FIG.  18    and may be changed to a rivet or a pin. 
       FIG.  19    is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between the heater assembly and other components of an aerosol-generating apparatus according to another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol-generating apparatus according to the embodiment of  FIG.  19   , the connection terminal of the controller  12000  is electrically connected to the terminal  30   t  of the heater assembly by a soldering portion  70   h.  However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the connection terminal of the controller  12000  may be electrically connected to the terminal  30   t  of the heater assembly by using an electrically conductive adhesive or welding. 
       FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a heater assembly of an aerosol-generating apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol-generating apparatus according to the embodiment of  FIG.  20   , a plurality of heater assemblies  10  and  110  are sequentially arranged in the lengthwise direction (i.e., a direction in which the aerosol-generating article  80  extends). The aerosol-generating apparatus includes a support  50  having a tubular shape and extending in a lengthwise direction of the aerosol-generating article  80 , a first heater assembly  10  arranged on one outer side of the support  50 , and a second heater assembly  110  arranged on the other side of the support  50 . 
     The first heater assembly  10  includes a heating element  20  surrounding an outer side of the support  50 , electrodes  30   a  and  30   b  respectively surrounding opposite end portions of the heating element  20 , and terminals  30   t  protruding from the end portions of the electrodes  30   a  and  30   b.    
     The second heater assembly  110  includes a heating element  120  surrounding an outer side of the support  50 , electrodes  130   a  and  130   b  respectively surrounding opposite end portions of the heating element  120 , and terminals  130   t  protruding from the end portions of the electrodes  130   a  and  130   b.    
     In the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110 , electricity may be separately supplied. For example, electricity may be only supplied to one of the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110 , or may be simultaneously supplied to both. Also, electricity having different values may be supplied to the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110 . 
     Alternatively, an electricity supply unit of the aerosol-generating apparatus may supply electricity to the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110  according to different temperature profiles. The temperature profiles may include a relationship between a target temperature and a time taken to heat the aerosol-generating article  80  to the corresponding target temperature, or a relationship between the time taken to heat the aerosol-generating article  80  and electrical power required to be supplied to the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110  to heat the aerosol-generating article  80  for the corresponding time. 
     In the aerosol-generating apparatus according to the one or more embodiments, portions of the aerosol-generating article  80  may be heated to different target temperatures by controlling the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110  arranged in the lengthwise direction of the aerosol-generating article  80 . Also, in the first heater assembly  10  and the second heater assembly  110 , the heating elements  20  and  120  entirely surround the circumference of the aerosol-generating article  80 . Therefore, the side surface of the aerosol-generating article  80  may be uniformly heated along the circumferential direction. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     One or more embodiments relate to a heater assembly having improved heating performance and an aerosol-generating apparatus including the same.