Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device comprises a smoke cartridge, comprising a reservoir configured to store an aerosol-generating material, an accommodation portion accommodating an aerosol-generating article, a chamber connected to the accommodation portion, a heating portion disposed in the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol-generating material, and a heating portion disposed on the accommodation portion and configured to heat the aerosol-generating material. A support assembly configured to support the aerosol-generating article and configured to allow the aerosol generated by the heating portion to pass therethrough; the device body comprises a smoke cartridge combination part and a sensor, the smoke cartridge is detachably combined to the smoke cartridge combination part, and the sensor is arranged between the smoke cartridge combination part and the containing part and is configured to sense moisture in the aerosol generating product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device capable of maintaining a consistent directionality of aerosol moving toward an aerosol generating article. Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods of providing aerosol by burning ordinary cigarettes has increased. For example, the following methods have been studied: providing aerosol with flavor by generating aerosol from liquid or solid aerosol generating materials, generating vapor from the liquid aerosol generating materials, and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor medium.

[0003] Examples of aerosol generating devices include an aerosol generating article used together with a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol generating material. Such an aerosol generating device has a structure in which an aerosol is generated by heating the liquid aerosol generating material, and the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article and is inhaled by a user. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues In an aerosol generating device using an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating material in a liquid phase, at least a portion of the generated aerosol may move to the aerosol generating article and then may liquefy. The liquefied aerosol may contain some moisture, and the aerosol (or moisture) may soak into or be present on the aerosol generating article.

[0005] In the case of an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating article is used together, the use time of the aerosol generating article is set to prevent repeated use of the aerosol generating article. In an example of determining the use time of the aerosol generating article, a sensor for sensing aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol generating article may be used.

[0006] That is, when the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that has penetrated into or exists on the aerosol generating article is sensed and the amount sensed by the sensor is greater than a preset value, the user can replace the aerosol generating article that has exceeded the usage time with a new aerosol generating article, and thus can continue smoking.

[0007] In this case, because the directionality of the aerosol traveling toward the aerosol-generating article is not constant, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that penetrates into the aerosol-generating article is not constant. In other words, according to the prior art, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) detected by the sensor is not fixed, which causes the detection value of the sensor to have an error each time. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of the detection value of the sensor are reduced, and there is a possibility that the aerosol-generating article that exceeds the usage time is reused.

[0008] One or more embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of improving the directionality of an aerosol traveling toward an aerosol generating article.

[0009] Furthermore, one or more embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of reliably and accurately determining prevention of reuse of an aerosol generating article by allowing aerosol (or moisture) to permeate into the aerosol generating article at a specific location.

[0010] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned description, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can clearly understand other technical problems from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device includes: a cartridge including a storage device configured to store an aerosol generating material, a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol generating product, a chamber connected to the receiving portion, a heating portion arranged in the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol generating material, and a supporting assembly arranged on the receiving portion and configured to support the aerosol generating product; and a device body including a cartridge coupling portion and a sensor, the cartridge being detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling portion, the sensor being arranged between the cartridge coupling portion and the receiving portion and configured to sense moisture in the aerosol generating product. The supporting assembly includes: a supporting member protruding from an inner surface of the receiving portion to support the aerosol generating product received in the receiving portion; and a guide hole defined by the supporting member so that the aerosol generated in the chamber moves toward a portion of the aerosol generating product through the guide hole.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the present invention In an aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments, by maintaining the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol generating article, the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol generating article may be improved.

[0013] Furthermore, in an aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments, the accuracy and ease of operation of detecting aerosol (or moisture) permeated into an aerosol generating article may be improved.

[0014] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the foregoing description, and a person of ordinary skill in the art may clearly understand other effects from the embodiments to be described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article inserted therein according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device of , showing a cap separated from the device body.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device is shown, showing the cigarette cartridge separated from the device body.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the cigarette cartridge.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of an aerosol generating device, wherein a PCB assembly is coupled to a cartridge coupling portion.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the device body, wherein the PCB assembly is separated from the cigarette cartridge coupling portion.

[0021] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a cross-section of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, taken along line AA′.

[0022] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A plan cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment taken along line BB'.

[0023] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 An enlarged stereogram of the enlarged area A.

[0024] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 7 An enlarged stereogram of the enlarged area B.

[0025] Fig.11 It is along Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article inserted therein, taken along line AA'.

[0026] Fig.12 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a chamber and a receptacle of an aerosol-generating device according to a comparative example, and an aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0027] Fig.13 is used to explain the support assembly according to the embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0028] Fig.14 is a method for explaining a support assembly including a guide surface according to an embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0029] Fig.15 is a method for explaining a support assembly including an intermediate support member according to an embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0030] Fig.16 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device with a cover detached therefrom, showing examples of ribs, according to an embodiment.

[0031] Fig.17 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device with a cover detached therefrom according to an embodiment, showing another example of a rib.

[0032] Fig.18 is a method for explaining a support assembly according to another embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0033] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 Examples of aerosol-generating articles according to embodiments are shown.

[0034] Fig.21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: a cartridge including a storage device configured to store an aerosol generating material, a receiving portion in which an aerosol generating product is received, a chamber connected to the receiving portion, a heating portion arranged on the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol generating material, and a supporting assembly arranged on the receiving portion and configured to support the aerosol generating product; and a device body including a cartridge coupling portion and a sensor, the cartridge being detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling portion, the sensor being arranged between the cartridge coupling portion and the receiving portion, and being configured to sense moisture in the aerosol generating product. The supporting assembly includes a supporting member and a guide hole, the supporting member protruding from an inner surface of the receiving portion to support the aerosol generating product received in the receiving portion, the guide hole being defined by the supporting member so that the aerosol generated in the chamber moves toward a portion of the aerosol generating product through the guide hole.

[0036] The heating portion may be arranged to be separated from the supporting member in a direction intersecting a direction in which the device body extends.

[0037] An inner wall of the chamber may include a curved surface for guiding aerosol generated in the chamber to move toward the guide hole.

[0038] An inflow hole through which external air is introduced may be formed in the chamber, and the inflow hole may be located at a position corresponding to the heating part in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the device body extends.

[0039] An outer wall of the accommodation portion may be arranged between the sensor and the reservoir so that the sensor is arranged at a position spatially separated from the reservoir.

[0040] The sensor may comprise: a first sensor configured to sense moisture in a first region of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receptacle; and a second sensor configured to sense moisture in a second region of the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The first sensor may be arranged closer to the supporting member than the second sensor.

[0042] The sensor may include a curved surface to correspond to an outer wall of the accommodation portion.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may further include a guide plate disposed between the cartridge and the device body, inclined relative to a direction in which the device body extends, and configured to guide external air to flow into the chamber.

[0044] The size of the guide aperture may be in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol-generating article.

[0045] The guide hole may have a size of 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0046] The support member may be configured to support an edge portion of the aerosol-generating article, and the guide hole may be located at a position corresponding to a central portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0047] The supporting member may include a curved surface guiding the aerosol generated in the chamber to move toward the guide hole.

[0048] The support assembly may further include an intermediate support located in the guide hole and a rib connecting the intermediate support to the support member.

[0049] The rib may be provided in plural in a circumferential direction of the intermediate support, and the ribs may connect the intermediate support to the supporting member.

[0050] Embodiments for use in the present invention Regarding the terms in each embodiment, the functions of the structural elements in each embodiment of the present disclosure are taken into consideration to select the currently widely used general terms. However, the meaning of the terms may change according to intention, judicial priority, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms in specific cases. In this case, in the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding parts. Therefore, the terms used in each embodiment of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description provided herein.

[0051] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "include" or "contain" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements without excluding any other elements. In addition, the terms "-device", "-body" and "module" described in the specification represent units for processing at least one function and at least one operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and their combination.

[0052] As used herein, when a statement such as "at least any one" precedes an arrangement element, it modifies all elements, rather than modifying each arrangement element. For example, the statement "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as: including a, b, c; or, including a and b, including a and c, including b and c; or including a, b, and c.

[0053] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an inner space thereof.

[0054] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater. In an embodiment, the heater may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater may comprise a conductive track, and the heater may heat when an electric current flows through the conductive track.

[0055] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

[0056] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed using sheets, strands, and tiny fragments cut from tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil (such as, aluminum foil).

[0057] The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component of the aerosol.

[0058] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0059] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body, and may also be fixed to the main body so as not to be removed from the main body by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol generating material contained therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating material may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0060] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating material in any of a variety of states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, gel, etc. The aerosol-generating material may include 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.

[0061] The cartridge can be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body to perform a function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material in the cartridge into a gas phase. Aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated by the aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

[0062] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated by the liquid composition can move along an airflow channel of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow channel can be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette.

[0063] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol from an aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating aerosol by converting an aerosol generating material into an aerosol using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0064] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and a short-period vibration is generated by the vibrator to convert the aerosol generating material into an aerosol. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be an ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be in a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a core that absorbs the aerosol generating material.For example, the core may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0066] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibration may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be transferred to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the core may be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibration transferred from the vibrator, and thus, an aerosol may be generated.

[0067] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed in the core may be reduced by heat generated by the vibrator, and when the aerosol generating material having the reduced viscosity is granulated by ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator, aerosol may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In an embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the susceptor, the susceptor generates heat to heat the aerosol generating article. In addition, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned inside the aerosol generating article.

[0070] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0071] The aerosol generating device may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Optionally, the heater may heat when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled to each other.

[0072] 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 so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above or can be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article inserted therein according to an embodiment.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100 , a device body 200 and a cover 300 .

[0076] The aerosol generating material may be stored in the cartridge 100 and provided to the heating portion included in the cartridge 100. Therefore, the aerosol generating material may be atomized by the heating portion in the chamber included in the cartridge 100. In this specification, the term "aerosol" may refer to particles generated by a mixture of air and vapor generated by the heated aerosol generating material, and the term may be used with the same meaning below. The heating portion and the chamber are described in detail below.

[0077] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the aerosol generating article 2 according to the embodiment may be contained in the cartridge 100. Figure 1 , but the cartridge 100 may include a housing portion for housing the aerosol generating product 2, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 100 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 after passing through the aerosol generating product 2 housed in the housing portion. In this case, the user may contact the aerosol generating product 2 with his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the aerosol generating product 2. The aerosol generating product 2 according to the embodiment is described in detail below.

[0078] The device body 200 may be located below the cartridge 100 and the cartridge 300 (eg, a portion in the -z direction) and support the cartridge 100 and the cartridge 300. In the device body 200, components for operation of the aerosol generating device 1 may be arranged.

[0079] The cover 300 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the cartridge 100 and at least a portion of the device body 200. For example, the cover 300 may be coupled to the device body 200 to surround the entire outside of the cartridge 100. The cover 300 may protect the cartridge 100 and the device body 200 from external impact or penetration of external foreign matter.

[0080] In the following, reference is made to Figure 2 The connection relationship between the device body 200 and the cover 300 is described in detail.

[0081] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 0026] An exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, showing the cover separated from the device body of the aerosol generating device.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device, and a cover 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 1 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0083] The cartridge 100 may include a reservoir 110 for storing an aerosol-generating material and a housing 120 in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is housed.

[0084] The reservoir 110 may be connected or fluidly connected to the interior space of the chamber of the cartridge 100 , so that the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may enter the interior space of the chamber of the cartridge 100 .

[0085] In this case, the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may include a tobacco-containing material having volatile tobacco flavor components, or may include a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco material.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the liquid composition may include any one of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, and vitamin mixtures, or a mixture of these ingredients. Spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruity ingredients, but are not limited thereto. Flavorings may include ingredients that can provide various fragrances or flavors to users. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming substance (such as glycerol and propylene glycol).

[0087] For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may include two or more types of nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding a suitable acid (including an organic acid or an inorganic acid) to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0088] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, the aroma or taste, the solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, and malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The housing 120 may house the aerosol-generating product 2 and is arranged on one side (e.g., in the −x direction) of the reservoir 110. The inner space of the housing 120 for housing the aerosol-generating product 2 may be spatially separated from the reservoir 110, so that the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may not be introduced into the inner space of the housing 120.

[0090] The device body 200 may include a cartridge coupling portion 210 .

[0091] The cartridge 100 may be detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210. When the cartridge 100 is coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210, the cartridge 100 may be coupled to the device body 200. In addition, when the cartridge 100 is separated from the cartridge coupling portion 210, the cartridge 100 may be separated from the device body 200.

[0092] The cartridge combination part 210 may be arranged on the upper part (e.g., the part in the +z direction) of the device body 200. The cartridge combination part 210 may include a first part 211 extending in a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second part 212 extending in a direction intersecting the above direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The first part 211 may be formed integrally with the second part 212.

[0093] The first portion 211 of the cartridge coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the side of the cartridge 100 (eg, the portion facing the -x direction), and the second portion 212 of the cartridge coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the lower portion of the cartridge 100 (eg, the portion facing the -z direction).

[0094] The cover 300 may be detachably coupled to the device body 200. The cover 300 may be coupled to the device body 200 on the upper portion (e.g., portion in the +z direction) of the cartridge 100 and the device body 200. In an embodiment, when the cover 300 is coupled to the device body 200, the cover 300 may be arranged to surround the entire side of the cartridge 100 and the entire side of the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0095] The cover 300 may include: a cover body 310, which surrounds the outer side of the cigarette cartridge 100 and the outer side of the cigarette cartridge coupling part 210; an upper cover 320, which is coupled to the upper part of the cover body 310 (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and surrounds the upper part of the cigarette cartridge 100 (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and the upper part of the cigarette cartridge coupling part 210 (e.g., the part facing the +z direction); and a accommodating part cover 330, which is coupled to the upper cover 320 to cover the accommodating part 120.

[0096] In the following, reference is made to Figure 3 The connection relationship between the cigarette cartridge 100 and the device body 200 is described in detail.

[0097] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device is shown, showing the cigarette cartridge separated from the device body.

[0098] Reference Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100 and a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be Figure 2 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0099] The cartridge 100 may include a reservoir 110 , a receiving portion 120 , and a chamber 130 .

[0100] The reservoir 110 can store aerosol generating materials and is located on the upper part of the chamber 130 (e.g., the part facing the +z direction). The internal space of the reservoir 110 can be communicated with the internal space of the chamber 130. For example, when the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 is exhausted, the user can continue to smoke by replacing the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100. As another example, when the aerosol is not fully generated or the aerosol generating material leaks due to the performance degradation of the components of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the heating part or the sealing part), the user can replace the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100 to enable sufficient aerosol generation or prevent the leakage of the aerosol generating material.

[0101] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can enable the cartridge 100 to be replaced because the cartridge 100 is detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210. That is, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can have a structure in which the reservoir 110 storing the aerosol generating material and the accommodating portion 120 for accommodating the aerosol generating product 2 are replaced together when the cartridge is replaced.

[0102] The accommodation portion 120 may include an outer wall 120 a facing the first portion of the cartridge coupling portion 210 , and the inner space of the accommodation portion 120 may be separated from the space between the cartridge coupling portion 210 and the accommodation portion 120 by the outer wall 120 a .

[0103] The chamber 130 may be disposed on a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the reservoir 110 and a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the accommodation portion 120, and may communicate with the reservoir 110 and the accommodation portion 120. Therefore, the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may be introduced into the inner space of the chamber 130, and the aerosol generated in the inner space of the chamber 130 may move to the accommodation portion 120.

[0104] In the outer surface of the chamber 130, a coupling groove 100a and a coupling surface 100b for coupling the cartridge 100 to the cartridge coupling part 210 may be formed. The coupling surface 100b may be inclined in a direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends (eg, in the z-axis direction).

[0105] The cartridge coupling portion 210 may include a seating portion 213 on which the cartridge 100 is seated, and a coupling protrusion 214 protruding from an inner surface of the cartridge coupling portion 210 .

[0106] For example, when the combination protrusion 214 is inserted into the combination groove 100a along the combination surface 100b inclined on the outer surface of the chamber 130 as the cartridge 100 moves toward the seating portion 213, the cartridge 100 may be coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210. In addition, when the cartridge 100 moves away from the seating portion 213 and thus the combination protrusion 214 is separated from the combination groove 100a, the cartridge 100 may be separated from the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0107] The cartridge 100 may be detachably coupled to the device body 200 in the above-described manner, but the method of coupling the cartridge 100 to the device body 200 is not limited thereto.

[0108] According to an embodiment, components for operation of the aerosol generating device 1 may be arranged in the device body 200. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) may be arranged in the device body 200. However, the battery and the processor are merely examples of components arranged in the device body 200, and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) in addition to the aforementioned components may also be arranged in the device body 200.

[0109] The battery can provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery can be electrically connected to the heating portion of the cartridge 100 and supply power so that the heating portion is heated. As another example, the battery can supply power required to operate other components (e.g., a processor, etc.) of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0110] The processor may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the processor may control the power supplied from the battery to the heating portion of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the processor may control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heating portion and the duration of the power supply to heat the heating portion to a specific temperature or to maintain the heating portion at a specified temperature.

[0112] The device body 200 may further include a terminal 220 and a guide plate 230 .

[0113] The terminal 220 may electrically connect the cartridge 100 to the device body 200. For example, the terminal 220 may electrically connect the heating portion of the cartridge 100 to the battery of the device body 200. In this case, one end of the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the battery, and the other end of the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the heating portion of the cartridge 100. When the cartridge 100 is placed on the placement portion 213 and coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210, the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the cartridge 100. At least a portion of the terminal 220 may be located on the placement portion 213, and a hole for exposing the terminal 220 to the upper portion of the cartridge coupling portion 210 may be formed in the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0114] The guide plate 230 may be disposed between the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210. The guide plate 230 may guide the air flowing into the aerosol generating device 1 to move toward the inside of the chamber 130. The guide plate 230 may be inclined relative to the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends (eg, the z-axis direction).

[0115] In the following, reference is made to Figure 4 The structure of the cigarette cartridge 100 is described in detail.

[0116] Reference Figure 4 , the cartridge 100 may include a reservoir 110, a receiving portion 120, a chamber 130, a heating portion 140, and a sealing portion 150. However, the components of the cartridge 100 are not limited thereto, and at least one of the components may be omitted or other components may be added according to an embodiment.

[0117] In addition, at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 may be Figures 1 to 3 At least one of the components of the cigarette cartridge 100 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted below.

[0118] The chamber 130 may be disposed on a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the reservoir 110 and a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the housing 120, and may be in communication with an inner space of the reservoir 110 and an inner space of the housing 120. Therefore, an aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may enter the inner space of the chamber 130, and an aerosol generated in the inner space of the chamber 130 (or the aerosol generating space 130a) may move to the housing 120 and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the aerosol generating article 2 contained in the housing 120.

[0119] The chamber 130 may include a first chamber 131 and a second chamber 132 .

[0120] The first chamber 131 may include an aerosol generating space 130a in which aerosol is generated by the heating part 140, and a heating part receiving part 130b for receiving the heating part 140. The first chamber 131 may communicate with the inner space of the reservoir 110 and the inner space of the receiving part 120. That is, the aerosol generating material flowing into the first chamber 131 may be heated by the heating part 140 and converted into aerosol inside the aerosol generating space 130a, and the generated aerosol may move from the aerosol generating space 130a to the receiving part 120. The first chamber 131 may have an open side (e.g., a portion in the -x direction).

[0121] The second chamber 132 may be arranged to surround the first chamber 131 on a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the first chamber 131. In an embodiment, the second chamber 132 may form an aerosol generating space 130a together with the first chamber 131. When the second chamber 132 is arranged to surround the first chamber 131, the second chamber 132 may seal one side (e.g., a side facing the -x direction) of the first chamber 131 and form the aerosol generating space 130a.

[0122] The heating part 140 may be disposed in the heating part receiving part 130b and perform a function of generating aerosol by changing the phase of the aerosol generating material into a gas phase. In an embodiment, the heating part receiving part 130b may include a groove in which the heating part 140 is received.

[0123] The heating unit 140 may heat the aerosol generating material provided from the reservoir 110 to generate aerosol. For example, the heating unit 140 may heat the aerosol generating material provided from the reservoir 110 to generate vapor from the aerosol generating material, and the generated vapor may be mixed with external air flowing into the chamber 130. Thus, aerosol may be generated.

[0124] The heating part 140 may include a heater (or a heating coil) 141 and a wick 142 .

[0125] The heater 141 may heat the aerosol generating material absorbed into the core 142. The heater 141 may be wound around the core 142. For example, the heater 141 may heat the aerosol generating material absorbed into the core 142 by using power supplied from a battery of the device body 200.

[0126] The heater 141 may include a metal material that generates heat through resistance. For example, the heater 141 may include stainless steel that is not corroded by the aerosol generating material absorbed into the core 142, but the metal material of the heater 141 is not limited thereto. As another example, the heater 141 may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0127] The wick 142 may be disposed on a lower portion (eg, a portion in the −z direction) of the reservoir 110 inside the first chamber 131 , and absorb the aerosol generating material entering the inner space of the chamber 130 from the reservoir 110 .

[0128] According to an embodiment, the core 142 may include a cotton material. However, the material of the core 142 is not limited to the above embodiment, and according to an embodiment, the core 142 may include another material (eg, glass or ceramic).

[0129] The wick 142 may be received in the heating part receiving portion 130b of the first chamber 131. When the wick 142 is received in the heating part receiving portion 130b, the heating part 140 may be fixed within the first chamber 131.

[0130] The sealing portion 150 can prevent the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 from leaking to the outside of the cartridge 100 or leaking into the accommodating portion 120. The sealing portion 150 can be arranged between the reservoir 110 and the chamber 130. For example, the sealing portion 150 can be coupled to the reservoir 110 in an interference fit manner, but the coupling method is not limited thereto. The sealing portion 150 may include an elastic material (such as rubber).

[0131] An aerosol generating material inlet 150a may be formed in the sealing portion 150. The aerosol generating material inlet 150a may be communicated with the inside of the chamber 130, and the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may enter the inner space of the chamber 130 through the aerosol generating material inlet 150a. Therefore, the aerosol generating material entering the inner space of the chamber 130 may be absorbed into the core 142 and heated by the heater 141.

[0132] The sealing portion 150 may include a first sealing member 151 and a second sealing member 152 .

[0133] The first sealing member 151 may be disposed on an edge portion of the sealing portion 150 to prevent the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 from leaking outside the cartridge 100. The first sealing member 151 may be integrally formed with a body of the sealing portion 150.

[0134] The second sealing member 152 may be disposed between the reservoir 110 and the accommodation portion 120 to prevent the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 from leaking into the accommodation portion 120. The second sealing member 152 may be integrally formed with a body of the sealing portion 150.

[0135] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of an aerosol generating device, wherein the PCB assembly is coupled to the cartridge coupling portion. Figure 5 In the figure, the PCB covering portion described below is omitted.

[0136] Reference Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device and a PCB assembly 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to the device body 200 of the aerosol generating device and the PCB assembly 400. Figures 1 to 3 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0137] The PCB assembly 400 may include an assembly for checking whether the aerosol generating product 2 is contained in the receiving portion 120 of the cartridge 100 and / or an assembly for measuring the moisture in the aerosol generating product 2 contained in the receiving portion 120. The PCB assembly 400 may be arranged on the first portion of the cartridge coupling portion 210. When the cartridge 100 is mounted on the seating portion 213 and coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210, the PCB assembly 400 may be arranged on one side of the receiving portion 120 (e.g., the side facing the -x direction).

[0138] The PCB assembly 400 may include a PCB substrate 410, a sensor 420, and a light source 430. However, the components of the PCB assembly 400 are not limited thereto, and at least one of the components may be omitted or other components may be added according to embodiments.

[0139] The PCB substrate 410 may serve as a main body of the PCB assembly 400 and support the sensor 420 and the light source 430. The PCB substrate 410 may connect the sensor 420 and the light source 430 to components (e.g., a battery) of the aerosol generating device 1. The PCB substrate 410 may extend in a direction (e.g., a z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends. For example, the PCB substrate 410 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0140] The sensor 420 may be disposed on the PCB substrate 410 and located at one side (eg, the side facing the −x direction) of the receiving portion 120 . The sensor 420 may operate by receiving power from a battery of the device body 200 .

[0141] The sensor 420 may sense changes in the electromagnetic properties of the cartridge 100, thereby sensing information about the cartridge 100. Alternatively, the sensor 420 may sense changes in the electromagnetic properties caused by an object adjacent to the cartridge 100. For example, the sensor 420 may be a capacitive sensor or a magnetic proximity sensor, but the type of the sensor 420 is not limited thereto.

[0142] The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421 , a second sensor 422 , and a third sensor 423 .

[0143] The first sensor 421 may sense moisture in the aerosol-generating article 2 contained in the containing part 120. At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating space 130a of the chamber 130 may move to the containing part 120 and then liquefy, and the liquefied aerosol may include some moisture and may permeate into the aerosol-generating article 2 contained in the containing part 120 or exist on the aerosol-generating article 2. In an embodiment, the first sensor 421 may sense the amount of aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol-generating article 2 or present on the aerosol-generating article 2. Information on moisture sensed by the first sensor 421 may be provided to a processor or a memory of the device body 200.

[0144] In an embodiment, the first sensor 421 may be arranged at a lower position (e.g., in the -z direction) relative to the second sensor 422. In this case, the first sensor 421 may sense moisture in a first region of the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodating portion 120. Here, the first region of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be at least a portion of the tobacco rod described below.

[0145] In an embodiment, when the amount of moisture that has penetrated into or exists on the first area of ​​the aerosol generating article 2 contained in the containing portion 120 changes, the electromagnetic properties may change, and the first sensor 421 may sense such changes, thereby sensing information about the moisture in the aerosol generating article 2.

[0146] The second sensor 422 may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the first sensor 421, and sense moisture in the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120. Information on moisture sensed by the second sensor 422 may be provided to a processor or a memory of the device body 200.

[0147] In an embodiment, the second sensor 422 may sense moisture in a second region of the aerosol-generating article 2 contained in the receptacle 120. Here, the second region of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be at least a portion of the tobacco rod described below.

[0148] In an embodiment, when the amount of moisture that has penetrated into or exists on the second area of ​​the aerosol generating article 2 contained in the containing portion 120 changes, the electromagnetic properties may change, and the second sensor 422 may sense such changes, thereby detecting information about the moisture in the aerosol generating article 2.

[0149] The third sensor 423 may sense changes in the cartridge 100. In an embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 2 is contained in the receptacle 120 or when the amount of aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 changes, the electromagnetic property may change, and the third sensor 423 may sense such changes in the electromagnetic property.

[0150] For example, it is assumed that a magnetic substance exists in the aerosol generating device 1, and before the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 120, a static magnetic field is formed by the magnetic substance. Then, if the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the accommodation portion 120, the magnitude of the magnetic field may change. The third sensor 423 may sense the change in the magnitude of the magnetic field and provide the sensed result to the processor or the memory. In this case, when the third sensor 423 senses the accommodation of the aerosol generating article 2 and provides the sensed result to the processor, the processor may generate a signal for operating a component (e.g., a battery) of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0151] The light source 430 may be disposed on the PCB substrate 410 at a position spaced apart from the sensor 420, and provide light to the cartridge 100. In detail, the light source 430 may provide light to the reservoir 110. The light source 430 may operate by receiving power from a battery of the device body 200.

[0152] In the following, reference is made to Figure 6 The connection relationship of the PCB assembly 400 is described in detail.

[0153] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the device body of the aerosol generating device, wherein the PCB assembly is separated from the cigarette cartridge combination. Figure 5 The icons are different. Figure 6 A PCB cover 450 is shown.

[0154] Reference Figure 6 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device and a PCB assembly 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to the device body 200 of the aerosol generating device and the PCB assembly 400. Figure 5 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0155] The placement portion 213 of the device body 200 may include a first placement portion 213a and a second placement portion 213b. The first placement portion 213a may be formed on the first portion 211 of the cartridge coupling portion 210. On the first placement portion 213a, a portion of the cartridge 100 (e.g., a portion in the -x direction) and the PCB assembly 400 may be arranged. The second placement portion 213b may be formed on the second portion 212 of the cartridge coupling portion 210. On the second placement portion 213b, the lower portion of the cartridge 100 (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) may be arranged.

[0156] The PCB assembly 400 may include a PCB substrate 410, a sensor 420, a light source 430, a connection portion 440, a PCB cover portion 450, and a connection plate 460. However, the components of the PCB assembly 400 are not limited thereto, and at least one of the components (e.g., the PCB cover portion) may be omitted or other components may be added according to an embodiment.

[0157] The PCB substrate 410 may be disposed between the PCB cover 450 and the connection plate 460. The sensor 420 and the light source 430 may be coupled to and supported on the PCB substrate 410. The PCB substrate 410 may include a mounting portion 410a extending toward the device body 200, and may be electrically connected to a component (e.g., a battery) of the device body 200 through the mounting portion 410a.

[0158] The sensor 420 may be arranged on one side (e.g., in the +x direction) of the PCB substrate 410 and electrically connected to the PCB substrate 410. The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423 spaced apart from each other on the PCB substrate 410. At least any one of the first sensor 421, the second sensor 422, and the third sensor 423 may include stainless steel or brass, and may be plated with nickel (Ni) or gold (Au).

[0159] The light source 430 may be arranged on one side of the PCB substrate 410 (e.g., in the +x direction) at a position spaced apart from the sensor 420, and may be electrically connected to the PCB substrate 410. A plurality of light sources 430 may be arranged in a direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends (e.g., in the z-axis direction), and the sensor 420 may be positioned between the plurality of light sources 430.

[0160] The connection portion 440 may electrically connect the first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 to the PCB substrate 410. In an embodiment, the connection portion 440 may be a C-clip. The first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 may be electrically connected to the PCB substrate 410 through the connection portion 440. The connection portion 440 may include a first connection member 441 for connecting the first sensor 421 to the PCB substrate 410 and a second connection member 442 for connecting the second sensor 422 to the PCB substrate 410.

[0161] The PCB cover 450 may be disposed on one side (e.g., the side facing the +x direction) of the PCB substrate 410 and cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410. The PCB cover 450 may extend in a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) in which the PCB substrate 410 extends. A sensor exposure portion 451 may be formed on the PCB cover 450 as a hole penetrating the PCB cover 450.

[0162] When the PCB cover 450 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410, the first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 may be exposed to the housing 120 of the cartridge 100 coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210 through the sensor exposure portion 451. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which moisture in the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the housing 120 is easily detected. The number of sensor exposure portions 451 in the PCB cover 450 may be the same as the number of moisture sensors.

[0163] In an embodiment, the PCB cover 450 may include a transparent material through which light generated by the light source 430 passes.

[0164] The connecting plate 460 may be arranged between the PCB substrate 410 and the cartridge coupling portion 210. The connecting plate 460 may be arranged on the other side of the PCB substrate 410 (e.g., the side facing the -x direction), and may cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410. The connecting plate 460 may extend in the direction in which the PCB substrate 410 extends (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0165] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a cross-section of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, taken along line AA′.

[0166] Reference Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device, a cover 300, a PCB assembly 400, a support assembly 500, and an airflow passage 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to the aerosol generating device 1. Figures 1 to 6 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0167] The cigarette cartridge 100 may include a reservoir 110 in which an aerosol generating material is stored, a housing 120 in which an aerosol generating product 2 is contained, a chamber 130 connected to the reservoir 110 and the housing 120, a heating portion 140 for heating the aerosol generating material, and a sealing portion 150 arranged on a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the reservoir 110.

[0168] In an embodiment, an air inlet 300a may be formed in the cover 300, and external air flows into the aerosol generating device 1 through the air inlet 300a. Figure 7As shown, the air inlet 300a may be formed between the cover body 310 and the upper cover 320, but this is only an example. The air inlet 300a may be formed in the cover body 310 or the upper cover 320 as long as the external air flows into the aerosol generating device 1 through the air inlet 300a.

[0169] The PCB assembly 400 may include a sensor 420 disposed on the outer wall 120a of the accommodating portion 120. The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423, which are spaced apart from each other on the outer wall 120a of the accommodating portion 120 in the direction in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends (e.g., the z-axis direction). Since the sensor 420 is described above, a detailed description of the sensor 420 is omitted.

[0170] Based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the cartridge 100 may include a supporting assembly 500 .

[0171] The support assembly 500 may support the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120, and guide the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 to move toward the accommodation portion 120. The support assembly 500 may be disposed between the accommodation portion 120 and the chamber 130.

[0172] The air flow channel 600 may form a flow path through which external air introduced through the air inlet 300a moves inside the aerosol generating device 1. The air flow channel 600 may communicate with the outside through the air inlet 300a and may be opened through the inflow hole 130d of the chamber 130 (see Fig. 9 ) is communicated with the internal space of the chamber 130. That is, the air flowing into the aerosol generating device 1 through the air inlet 300a can reach the aerosol generating space 130a which is the internal space of the chamber 130 along the air flow channel 600.

[0173] A portion of the airflow channel 600 may be formed in the space between the cover body 310 and the cartridge 100, thereby extending in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on the outside of the cartridge 100, and another portion of the airflow channel 600 may be formed in the space between the cartridge 100 and the device body 200, thereby extending in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) on the lower portion of the cartridge 100.

[0174] In the following, reference is made to Figure 8 The shape of the sensor 420 and the shape of the supporting assembly 500 are described in detail.

[0175] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 A plan cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment taken along line BB'.

[0176] Reference Figure 8 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Figure 7 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0177] The sensor 420 may be located at a position spatially separated from the reservoir 110. That is, the sensor 420 may be arranged on the outer wall 120a of the accommodation portion 120 and separated from the inner space of the accommodation portion 120 by the outer wall 120a of the accommodation portion 120, so that the outer wall 120a of the accommodation portion 120 is arranged between the sensor 420 and the reservoir 110. Therefore, the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 is prevented from leaking into the sensor 420, and thus damage to the sensor 420 by the aerosol generating material may be prevented.

[0178] Figure 8 Only the first sensor 421 is shown to be spatially separated from the reservoir 110 , but the second sensor 422 and the third sensor 423 may also be arranged to be spatially separated from the reservoir 110 .

[0179] At least a portion of the first sensor 421 may include a curved surface 421a to correspond to the outer wall 120a of the housing 120. Therefore, the curved surface 421a of the first sensor 421 may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the housing 120.

[0180] Therefore, compared with the comparative example in which the first sensor 421 has a planar structure without the curved surface 421a and extends only in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the first sensor 421 is arranged closer to the aerosol generating article 2. This is because, in the comparative example, the first sensor 421 has a structure that becomes farther away from the aerosol generating article 2 as the first sensor 421 extends in one direction (e.g., the +y direction).

[0181] Based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, since the curved surface 421a of the first sensor 421 has a shape corresponding to the outer wall 120a of the accommodating portion 120, the first sensor 421 can be arranged at an equal distance from the aerosol generating article 2 along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 120. Therefore, since the first sensor 420 is close to the aerosol generating article 2, the moisture impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2 can be accurately and precisely detected.

[0182] Figure 8Only the first sensor 421 is shown to include the curved surface 421 a , but the second sensor 422 may also include a curved surface.

[0183] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520 .

[0184] The support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120 toward the guide hole 520 to support the aerosol generating product 2 accommodated in the accommodating portion 120. Since the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120, the support member 510 may support the edge portion of the aerosol generating product 2 accommodated in the accommodating portion 120.

[0185] The support member 510 may be located on a lower portion (eg, a portion in the −z direction) of the receiving portion 120 . In an embodiment, the support member 510 may be formed in a circular ring shape as a whole and integrally formed with the receiving portion 120 .

[0186] The guide hole 520 may guide the aerosol generated by the chamber 130 to move toward the receiving portion 120. In an embodiment, the guide hole 520 may guide the aerosol to move toward a portion of the aerosol generating article 2. Here, the portion of the aerosol generating article 2 may be a central portion of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0187] The guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. The guide hole 520 may communicate with the aerosol generating space 130a of the chamber 130 and the inner space of the receiving part 120.

[0188] In the following, reference is made to a diagram showing an enlarged interior of the cartridge 100. Fig. 9 A process in which external air flows into the chamber 130 is described.

[0189] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 An enlarged stereogram of the enlarged area A.

[0190] Reference Fig. 9 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device, a cover 300 and an airflow channel 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Figure 7 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0191] Initially, external air introduced through the air inlet 300 a of the cover 300 may move through a first region of the air flow channel 600 formed in a space between the reservoir 110 and the cover body 310 .

[0192] Next, the air may move through the second region of the airflow channel 600 formed in the space between the chamber 130 and the device body 200. In detail, the second region of the airflow channel 600 may be the space between the second chamber 132 and the guide plate 230.

[0193] According to an embodiment, the guide plate 230 may be inclined with respect to a direction in which s extends (eg, a z-axis direction). Thus, the flow of air moving in the second region may be improved.

[0194] In addition, according to an embodiment, a guide groove 230a may be formed in the guide plate 230. The guide groove 230a may have a certain depth from the upper surface of the guide plate 230.

[0195] Since the pressure of the internal space of the chamber 130 is reduced due to the user's inhalation through the aerosol generating article 2, the external air can move to the chamber 130 through the airflow channel 600. Here, since a moving space is ensured for the air to move in the second region of the airflow channel 600, the guide groove 230a can facilitate the user's inhalation. That is, the guide groove 230a can reduce the inhalation resistance, which is the force required to inhale the aerosol generating article 2.

[0196] Next, the air may move in the third region of the air flow channel 600 , which is a space between the first chamber 131 and the second chamber 132 , through the inflow hole 130 d formed in the second chamber 132 .

[0197] Next, air may flow into the first chamber 131 through the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131. The aerosol generating material absorbed into the core 142 through the aerosol generating material inlet of the sealing portion 150 may be heated and vaporized by the heater 141, and the air flowing into the first chamber 131 may be mixed with the generated vapor and atomized in the aerosol generating space 130a.

[0198] According to an embodiment, the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 may be positioned at a position corresponding to the heating part 140. That is, the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 may be positioned at a position overlapping at least a portion of the heating part 140 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the device body 200.

[0199] Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the possibility of air vortex occurring in the chamber 130 can be reduced, compared with the comparative example in which the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 is positioned at a position not corresponding to the heating portion 140. In the comparative example, because the inflow hole 130d is arranged at a position spaced apart from the heating portion 140 with respect to the direction in which the device body 200 extends (for example, in the z-axis direction), the air introduced through the inflow hole 130d must travel a longer distance to reach the heating portion 140. In particular, if the inflow hole 130d is located at a position lower than the heating portion 140 (for example, in the -z direction), the air needs to move upward to reach the heating portion 140, resulting in an increased possibility of air vortex occurring.

[0200] The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which aerosol is generated directly by using air introduced through the inflow hole 130d because the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 is positioned at a position corresponding to the heating portion 140. Therefore, the possibility of air vortex occurring in the first chamber 131 is reduced so that the air flow is improved, and thus the amount of aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a can be increased.

[0201] Reference Fig. 9 , the chamber 130 may further include a first protrusion 133 and a second protrusion 134 .

[0202] The first protrusion 133 may be formed on the second cavity 132. The first protrusion 133 may protrude upward (e.g., in the +z direction) from the upper portion of the second cavity 132 and be inserted into the insertion groove 110a of the reservoir 110. In an embodiment, the first protrusion 133 and the insertion groove 110a of the reservoir 110 may be ultrasonically welded or bonded to each other by an adhesive.

[0203] The second protrusion 134 may be formed on the second cavity 132 at a position spaced apart from the first protrusion 133. The second protrusion 134 may include a first portion protruding upward (e.g., in the +z direction) from an upper portion of the second cavity 132 and a second portion protruding from the first portion in a lateral direction (e.g., in the -x direction). The second protrusion 134 may be inserted into the insertion groove 131a of the first cavity 131. In an embodiment, the second protrusion 134 and the insertion groove 131a of the first cavity 131 may be bonded to each other in an ultrasonic welding manner or bonded to each other by an adhesive.

[0204] In the following, reference is made to a diagram showing an enlarged interior of the cartridge 100. Fig.10 A process in which the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 moves to the accommodation part 120 is described.

[0205] Fig.10It is shown Figure 7 An enlarged stereogram of the enlarged area B.

[0206] Reference Fig.10 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Figure 7 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0207] Initially, the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 may be absorbed into the core 142 through the aerosol generating material inlet of the sealing portion 150, and the aerosol generating material absorbed into the core 142 may be heated and vaporized by the heater 141. Then, the generated vapor may be mixed with the air flowing into the first chamber 131, so that aerosol may be generated in the aerosol generating space 130a.

[0208] Next, the generated aerosol may move in the inner space of the chamber 130 , and move to the receiving part 120 through the guide hole 520 disposed in the inner side of the support member 510 .

[0209] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the inner wall of the chamber 130 may include a curved surface 130c. Here, the inner wall of the chamber 130 may be an inner wall of the second chamber 132 facing the aerosol generating space 130a. In a comparative example that does not include the curved surface 130c, the aerosol flowing on the bottom surface 131b of the first chamber 131 may not easily move upward (e.g., in the +z direction) toward the guide hole 520. That is, in the comparative example, the fluidity of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a is reduced.

[0210] Based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, since at least a portion of the inner wall of the chamber 130 includes the curved surface 130c, the aerosol flowing on the bottom surface 131b of the first chamber 131 can easily move upward (e.g., in the +z direction) toward the guide hole 520. Therefore, the fluidity of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a can be improved.

[0211] Then, the aerosol moving toward the guide hole 520 in the aerosol generating space 130a may move to the accommodating portion 120 by passing through the guide hole 520. In this case, since the guide hole 520 is defined by the support member 510 protruding from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120, the aerosol passing through the guide hole 520 may move toward the central portion of the accommodating portion 120.

[0212] Then, the first sensor 421 may sense the aerosol (or moisture) that penetrates into or exists on the first region of the aerosol-generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120 .

[0213] Reference Fig.10 , the chamber 130 may further include a third protrusion 135 .

[0214] The third protrusion 135 may be formed on the second cavity 132 at a position spaced apart from the first protrusion 133 and the second protrusion 134. The third protrusion 135 may protrude upward (e.g., in the +z direction) from an upper portion of the second cavity 132. The third protrusion 135 may be inserted into the insertion groove 120c of the receiving portion 120. In an embodiment, the third protrusion 135 and the insertion groove 120c of the receiving portion 120 may be bonded to each other in an ultrasonic welding manner or bonded to each other by an adhesive.

[0215] In the following, in the process that the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 moves toward the receiving portion 120, reference is made to Figures 11 to 18 The directionality of aerosol movement towards the aerosol-generating article 2 is described.

[0216] Fig.11 It is along Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article inserted therein, taken along line AA'.

[0217] Reference Fig.11 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a device body 200 of the aerosol generating device, a cover 300, a PCB assembly 400, a support assembly 500 and an air flow channel 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Figures 1 to 10 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0218] The size of the internal space of the housing portion 120 may decrease downward (for example, in the -z direction). Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, in addition to the support member 510, the position of the aerosol generating article 2 in the housing portion 120 may be fixed by using the tapered structure of the housing portion 120. Therefore, when the aerosol generating device 1 is used, even if there is an external impact, the position of the aerosol generating article 2 is fixed, so the user can stably inhale the aerosol generating article 2.

[0219] The housing portion cover 330 may be rotatably coupled to the cover body 310 and the upper cover 320 , and when the aerosol-generating article 2 is accommodated in the housing portion 120 , the housing portion cover 330 may open an upper portion of the housing portion 120 .

[0220] External air introduced through the air inlet 300a may flow into the chamber 130 through the airflow channel 600. That is, air may flow into the chamber 130 by sequentially passing through the space between the outer wall 110b of the reservoir 110 and the cover body 310, the space between the cartridge 100 and the device body 200, the space between the guide plate 230 and the chamber 130, and the inflow hole 130d in the chamber 130.

[0221] The aerosol generating material stored in the storage 110 may flow into the chamber 130 through the aerosol generating material inlet of the sealing portion 150, and the heating portion 140 may heat the introduced aerosol generating material. Therefore, the air flowing into the chamber 130 and the steam generated by the heating portion 140 may be mixed, and thus an aerosol may be generated.

[0222] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130 a may move directly to the guide hole 520 or move to the guide hole 520 along the curved surface 130 c of the chamber 130 .

[0223] The heating portion 140 may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the support member 500 in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) intersecting a direction (e.g., a z-axis direction) in which the device body 200 extends. Therefore, compared with a comparative example in which the heating portion 140 is arranged on a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the support member 500, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure for preventing the heating portion 140 from damaging the support member 510.

[0224] The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421 and a second sensor 422 that are arranged apart from each other along the outer wall 120 a of the receiving portion 120 .

[0225] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a may move to the accommodation portion 120 and then liquefy. The liquefied aerosol may contain moisture and may permeate into or exist on the first region of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120.

[0226] Here, the first sensor 421 may sense the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that permeates into or exists on the first area of ​​the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120. The first sensor 421 may transmit information on the value (i.e., amount) of the aerosol (or moisture) to the processor or memory of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0227] The first sensor 421 may be disposed closer to the support assembly 500 than the second sensor 422. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the amount of aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2 is easily measured.

[0228] According to an embodiment, the information about the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 may be used to determine the usage time of the aerosol generating article 2. In other words, the information about the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 may be used to prevent the repeated use of the aerosol generating article 2. That is, when the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 is greater than a preset amount, the processor may determine that the usage time of the aerosol generating article 2 exceeds the service life of the aerosol generating article 2, and may provide information about the determination to the user. For example, the processor may provide the user with information about the amount of aerosol (or moisture) of the aerosol generating article 2 and the usage time of the aerosol generating article 2 through a display.

[0229] Here, depending on the direction in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is contained in the containing portion 120 or regardless of the direction, when the direction in which the aerosol moves toward the aerosol-generating article 2 is not constant, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that has penetrated into the aerosol-generating article 2 or exists on the aerosol-generating article 2 may be different each time. This may indicate that the position of the aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 is not fixed, and thus the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 may change each time. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of the first sensor 421 may be reduced, and there is a possibility that the aerosol-generating article 2 that has been used for a longer period than its service life may be reused.

[0230] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, when the aerosol generating product 2 is supported by the supporting member 510, the consistency of the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol generating product 2 through the guide hole 520 can be maintained. The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the position of the aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating product 2 relative to the central portion of the accommodating portion 120 is kept constant.

[0231] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the support assembly 500 that keeps constant the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that has penetrated into the aerosol-generating article 2 are described. First, a comparative example is described.

[0232] Fig.12 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a chamber and a receptacle in an aerosol-generating device according to a comparative example, and an aerosol-generating article inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0233] Reference Fig.12 , the aerosol generating device according to the comparative example may include a cartridge 100 .

[0234] According to the comparative example, the lower portion of the aerosol-generating product 2 accommodated in the accommodating portion 120 is completely opened. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the heating portion 140 in the chamber 130 may randomly move toward the aerosol-generating product 2.

[0235] For example, the generated aerosol may mainly permeate into or exist on a portion WA of the aerosol-generating article 2 that is off to one side of the central portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 (eg, in the +x direction). Fig.12 Only one example is shown, and the aerosol may penetrate into or be present on another portion that is biased to a different side of the central portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 (eg, in the -x direction).

[0236] As described, in the comparative example, because the lower side of the aerosol-generating product 2 accommodated in the accommodating portion 120 is completely open, the position of the portion WA of the aerosol-generating product 2 in which the aerosol (or moisture) permeates or exists is not constant. Therefore, in the comparative example, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 is not constant, and thus an error may occur in the detection value of the first sensor 421.

[0237] In addition, according to Fig.12 In the comparative example, since the portion WA impregnated with the aerosol is formed at a certain distance from the first sensor 421 arranged on the outer wall 120a of the accommodating portion 120, it may be difficult for the first sensor 421 to accurately guide the aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2.

[0238] Fig.13 is used to explain the support assembly according to the embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0239] Reference Fig.13 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Fig.11 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0240] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520 .

[0241] According to an embodiment, the support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the heating portion 140 inside the chamber 130 may move toward the central portion of the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520.

[0242] The aerosol moving to the central portion of the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520 may be evenly distributed from the lower portion of the aerosol generating article 2 to the upper portion of the aerosol generating article 2 (eg, in the +z direction), thereby penetrating into the aerosol generating article 2 .

[0243] That is, based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 can keep the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol generating article 2 constant, so the position of the portion WA of the aerosol generating article 2 can always be kept constant. In other words, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) infiltrated into the aerosol generating article 2 sensed by the first sensor 421 can always be fixed. Therefore, the possibility that the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 will have an error can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can have improved reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) infiltrated into the aerosol generating article 2.

[0244] In addition, Fig.12 Compared with the comparative example of the embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 arranged on the outer wall 120a of the accommodating portion 120 and the portion WA impregnated with aerosol (or moisture) becomes smaller toward the downstream direction (for example, the +z direction). Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have improved accuracy, and the ease of operation of detecting the amount of aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2 may be improved.

[0245] According to an embodiment, the size of the guide hole 520 may be in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol generating article 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the guide hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0246] According to the comparative example in which the size of the guide hole 520 is less than 0.405 of the size of the aerosol generating article 2, the size of the guide hole 520 is too small. Therefore, the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 may not easily pass through the guide hole 520, resulting in an increase in the inhalation resistance when the user inhales the aerosol.

[0247] Furthermore, in the comparative example in which the size of the guide hole 520 is larger than 0.857 of the size of the aerosol-generating article 2, the size of the guide hole 520 is too large. Therefore, the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol-generating article 2 is not constant.

[0248] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, since the size of the guide hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol generating article 2, the portion WA of the aerosol generating article 2 impregnated with aerosol always remains constant and the user's inhalation resistance can be reduced.

[0249] Fig.14 is a method for explaining a support assembly including a guide surface according to an embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0250] Reference Fig.14 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Fig.13 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0251] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , a guide hole 520 , and a guide surface 530 .

[0252] According to an embodiment, the support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. For example, the guide hole 520 may be positioned at the center of the support member 510. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the heating portion 140 inside the chamber 130 may move toward the central portion of the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520.

[0253] The aerosol moving to the central portion of the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520 may be evenly distributed from the lower portion of the aerosol generating article 2 toward the upper portion of the aerosol generating article 2 (eg, in the +z direction), thereby penetrating into the aerosol generating article 2 .

[0254] That is, based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 can keep the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol generating article 2 constant, so the position of the portion WA of the aerosol generating article 2 can always be kept constant. In other words, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that penetrates into the aerosol generating article 2 can always be fixed, and the position is sensed by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the possibility that the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 will have an error can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can have improved reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) that penetrates into the aerosol generating article 2.

[0255] In addition, Fig.12The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 located on the outer wall 120a of the accommodating portion 120 and the portion WA impregnated with aerosol (or moisture) is reduced compared to the comparative example shown. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have improved accuracy, and the ease of operation of detecting the amount of aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2 may be improved.

[0256] According to an embodiment, the size of the guide hole 520 may be in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol generating article 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the guide hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0257] The guide surface 530 may be formed on a portion of the support member 510 facing the chamber 130, and guides the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 to move toward the guide hole 520. That is, the guide surface 530 may increase the fluidity of the aerosol generated by the heating portion 140 so that the aerosol may easily move to the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the guide surface 530 may be formed on a lower portion (e.g., a portion in the -z direction) of the support member 510.

[0258] Fig.15 is a method for explaining a support assembly including an intermediate support member according to an embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0259] Reference Fig.15 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Fig.13 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0260] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , a guide hole 520 , and an intermediate support 540 .

[0261] According to an embodiment, the support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the heating portion 140 inside the chamber 130 may move toward the central portion of the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520.

[0262] The aerosol moving to the central portion of the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520 may be evenly distributed from the lower portion of the aerosol generating article 2 to the upper portion of the aerosol generating article 2 (eg, in the +z direction), thereby penetrating into the aerosol generating article 2 .

[0263] That is, based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 can keep the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol generating article 2 constant, so the position of the portion WA of the aerosol generating article 2 can always be kept constant. In other words, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that penetrates into the aerosol generating article 2 can always be fixed, and the position is sensed by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the possibility that the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 will have an error can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can have improved reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) that penetrates into the aerosol generating article 2.

[0264] In addition, Fig.12 Compared with the comparative example shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 and the portion WA impregnated with aerosol (or moisture) becomes smaller toward the downstream direction (e.g., the +z direction). Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have improved accuracy, and the ease of operation of detecting the amount of aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2 may be improved.

[0265] According to an embodiment, the size of the guide hole 520 may be in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol generating article 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the guide hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0266] The intermediate support 540 may be located in the guide hole 520. In an embodiment, the intermediate support 540 may be located at a central portion of the guide hole 520. In addition to the support member 510, the intermediate support 540 may perform a function of supporting the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120. Therefore, the supporting force of supporting the aerosol generating article 2 may be increased.

[0267] In this embodiment, regardless of the direction in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is contained in the containing portion 120, the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol-generating article 2 is constant, so the portion WA of the aerosol-generating article 2 that is soaked with the aerosol may always be constant (e.g., Fig.15 as shown).

[0268] Fig.16is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with a cover separated therefrom, showing an example of a rib, and Fig.17 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device with a cover detached therefrom according to an embodiment, showing another example of a rib.

[0269] Reference Fig.16 and Fig.17 According to the embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a cigarette cartridge 100 and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Fig.15 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0270] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , a guide hole 520 , an intermediate support 540 , and a rib 550 .

[0271] The rib 550 may connect the support member 510 to the intermediate support 540. The rib 550 may fix the intermediate support 540 to the support member 510, and support the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation portion 120. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have an improved supporting force for supporting the aerosol generating article 2.

[0272] The plurality of ribs 550 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 and connect the support member 510 to the intermediate support 540. Fig.16 As shown, two ribs 550 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, and the two ribs 550 connect the support member 510 to the intermediate support 540. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, four ribs 550 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, and the four ribs 550 connect the support member 510 to the intermediate support 540. Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the ribs 550 are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, so that the fixing force for fixing the intermediate support 540 to the support member 510 and the supporting force for supporting the aerosol generating article 2 can be increased.

[0273] When the support assembly 500 includes the intermediate support 540 and the ribs 550, the guide holes 520 may be defined by the support member 510, the intermediate support 540, and the ribs 550. In this case, the number of guide holes 520 may be equal to the number of ribs 550. For example, Fig.16 As shown, two guide holes 520 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support member 540, and as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, four guide holes 520 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 .

[0274] In this embodiment, regardless of the direction in which the aerosol-generating article 2 is contained in the containing portion 120, the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol-generating article 2 is constant, so the portion WA of the aerosol-generating article 2 that is soaked with the aerosol may always be constant (e.g., Fig.15 as shown).

[0275] Although not shown, according to Figures 15 to 17 In the aerosol generating device 1 of the embodiment, the support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , a guide hole 520 , a guide surface 530 , an intermediate support piece 540 , and a rib 550 .

[0276] Fig.18 is a method for explaining a support assembly according to another embodiment Fig.11 A front cross-sectional view of an enlarged area C.

[0277] Reference Fig.18 The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may include a cigarette cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a supporting assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may be connected to Fig.13 At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same or similar, and repeated description is omitted hereinafter.

[0278] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520 .

[0279] According to an embodiment, the support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the accommodating portion 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the heating portion 140 inside the chamber 130 may move toward the aerosol generating article 2 along the guide hole 520.

[0280] Here, the support member 510 may protrude asymmetrically from the inner surface 120b of the receiving portion 120 toward the central portion of the receiving portion 120. For example, a distance 420L1 between the first sensor 421 and a portion of the support member 510 may be greater than a distance 420L2 between the first sensor 421 and another portion of the support member 510. Therefore, the guide hole 520 may deviate from the central portion of the receiving portion 120 toward one side of the first sensor 421 (e.g., in the -x direction).

[0281] The aerosol moving along the guide hole 520 to the aerosol-generating article 2 may be uniformly distributed from the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 to the upper portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 (eg, in the +z direction), thereby being permeated into the aerosol-generating article 2 .

[0282] That is, based on the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 can keep the directionality of the aerosol moving toward the aerosol generating article 2 constant, so the position of the portion WA of the aerosol generating article 2 can always be kept constant. In other words, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) infiltrated into the aerosol generating article 2 can always be fixed, which position is sensed by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the possibility of an error occurring in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment can have improved reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) infiltrated into the aerosol generating article 2.

[0283] In addition, Fig.12 Compared with the comparative example shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 and the portion WA impregnated with aerosol (or moisture) is reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may have improved accuracy and ease in detecting the amount of aerosol (or moisture) impregnated into the aerosol generating article 2.

[0284] According to an embodiment, the size of the guide hole 520 may be in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol generating article 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the guide hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0285] In the following, reference will be made to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 Examples of aerosol-generating articles 2 are described.

[0286] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 Examples of aerosol-generating articles are shown.

[0287] Reference Fig.19 , the aerosol generating article 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part of the above-mentioned aerosol generating article 2 may include the tobacco rod 21, and the second part may include the filter rod 22.

[0288] Fig.19 The filter rod 22 is shown to include a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component included in the aerosol. In addition, as required, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

[0289] The diameter of the aerosol-generating article 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0290] The aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or through which internal air may be discharged. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be doubly packaged by at least two wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. In addition, the entire aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged again by a single wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0291] The first package 241 and the second package 242 can be formed by general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging material.

[0292] The third packaging material 243 can be made of hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the third packaging material 243 can be 88g / m 2 Up to 96g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the third packaging material 243 may be 90 g / m 2 Up to 94g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the third packaging material 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third packaging material 243 may be 125 μm.

[0293] The fourth packaging material 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth packaging material 244 can be about 88g / m 2 About 96g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 may be 90 g / m 2 Up to 94g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fourth packaging material 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth packaging material 244 may be 125 μm.

[0294] The fifth packaging material 245 may be made of sterilization paper (MFW). Here, MFW refers to paper specially made to have enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared with ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth packaging material 245 may be 57 g / m 2 Up to 63g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be about 60 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth packaging material 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth packaging material 245 may be 67 μm.

[0295] A predetermined material may be included in the fifth packaging material 245. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon exhibits properties such as heat resistance (small change due to temperature), oxidation resistance, tolerance to various chemicals, water repellency, electrical insulation, etc. However, any material other than silicon may be applied to the fifth packaging material 245 (or coated on the fifth packaging material 245) without limitation, as long as the material has the above-mentioned properties.

[0296] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol-generating article 2 from burning. In detail, the aerosol-generating article 2 may burn when the temperature rises to a temperature above the ignition point of any material included in the tobacco rod 21. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes a non-combustible material, the aerosol-generating article 2 can be prevented from burning.

[0297] In addition, the fifth packaging 245 can prevent the aerosol generating device 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the aerosol generating product 2. Through the user's inhalation, liquid substances can be generated in the aerosol generating product 2. For example, when the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating product 2 is cooled by the external air, liquid substances (for example, moisture, etc.) can be generated. Since the fifth packaging 245 packages the aerosol generating product 2, the liquid substances generated in the aerosol generating product 2 can be prevented from leaking from the aerosol generating product 2.

[0298] The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives, such as flavorings, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid (such as menthol or a humectant) injected into the tobacco rod 21.

[0299] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed into a sheet or a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be formed into pipe tobacco, which is formed using tiny pieces cut from a tobacco sheet. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil (such as, aluminum foil). For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and improving the taste of the tobacco.

[0300] The filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow interior. In addition, the filter rod 22 may include a concave rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

[0301] The first section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The diameter of the hollow portion included in the first section may be an appropriate diameter within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0302] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0303] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment.In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube made of the same or different material into the interior (eg, the hollow portion).

[0304] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined differently according to the shape of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be an appropriate length in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0305] The second section can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavoring liquid can also be applied to the fibers formed using the polymer. Alternatively, the second section can be made by weaving together additional fibers coated with the flavoring liquid and the fibers formed using the polymer. Alternatively, the second section can be formed using a curled polymer sheet.

[0306] For example, the polymer may be formed using a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0307] When the second segment is formed using woven polymer fibers or curled polymer sheets, the second segment may include a single passage or multiple passages extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the passage refers to a channel through which a gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes.

[0308] For example, the second segment formed using the rolled polymer sheet may be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm (eg, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm). In addition, the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000mm 2 / mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element may be composed of a 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material with a specific surface area between the range of 1:1 to 2:1.

[0309] The second segment may include a thread including a volatile aroma component. Here, the volatile aroma component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0310] The third section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third section may be an appropriate length in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0311] The third segment can be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spin-coating a flavoring liquid on the third segment in the process of manufacturing the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled when it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user can be produced.

[0312] In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is packaged with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0313] Reference Fig. 20 The aerosol generating article 3 may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 may be located on a side of the tobacco rod 31, which side faces the filter rod 32. During smoking, the front-end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching and prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0314] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to Fig.19 The first segment of the filter rod 22, and the second segment 322 may correspond to Fig.19 The third segment of the filter rod 22.

[0315] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol-generating article 3 may correspond to Fig.19 The diameter and total length of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0316] The aerosol generating article 3 may be packaged by at least one packaging material 35. The packaging material 35 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged using a first packaging material 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged using a second packaging material 352, the first section 321 may be packaged using a third packaging material 353, and the second section 322 may be packaged using a fourth packaging material 354. In addition, the entire aerosol generating article 3 may be packaged again using a fifth packaging material 355.

[0317] In addition, the fifth wrapper 355 may have at least one perforation 36 formed therein. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in a region of the fifth wrapper 355 surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto.

[0318] In addition, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid including a flavoring material is packaged with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical shape or a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0319] The first package 351 may be formed by combining a general filter wrapping paper with a metal foil (such as aluminum foil). For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be 50 g / m 2 Up to 55g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the first package 351 may be 53 g / m 2 .

[0320] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be formed by general filter wrapper paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be porous wrapper paper or non-porous wrapper paper.

[0321] For example, the porosity of the second packaging material 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second packaging material 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second packaging material 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second packaging material 352 may be 20 g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0322] For example, the porosity of the third packaging material 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the third packaging material 353 may be in the range of about 60 μm to about 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third packaging material may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third packaging material 353 may be about 20 g / m 2 About 25g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the third package 353 may be 21 g / m 2 .

[0323] The fourth packaging material 354 may be formed using PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth packaging material 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth packaging material 354 may be 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth packaging material 354 may be 80 g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 88 g / m 2 .

[0324] The fifth package 355 may be formed using MFW. Here, MFW refers to paper that is specially made to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be 57 g / m 2 Up to 63g / m 2 For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be 60 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth packaging material 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth packaging material 355 may be 67 μm.

[0325] The fifth packaging material 355 may include a preset material added thereto. Examples of the material may include silicon, but are not limited thereto. Silicon has properties such as heat resistance (robustness to temperature conditions), oxidation resistance, tolerance to various chemicals, water repellency, electrical insulation, etc. In addition to silicon, any other material having the properties described above may also be applied to the fifth packaging material 355 (or coated on the fifth packaging material 355) without limitation.

[0326] The front end plug 33 may be formed using cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be formed by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono-denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0327] In addition, the front end plug 33 may include at least one passage as required. The cross-sectional shape of the passage may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0328] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the above reference Fig.19 Therefore, hereinafter, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

[0329] The first segment 321 may be formed using cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment 321 may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. For example, the single denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the single denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0330] The second segment 322 may be formed using cellulose acetate. The single denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the single denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be in the range of about 8.0 to about 10.0. For example, the single denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[0331] Fig.21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0332] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a controller 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Fig.21 That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, a person skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 may be omitted. Fig.21 Some of the components shown in or new components may be added.

[0333] The sensing unit 2000 may sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 and the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and may send the sensed information to the controller 1000. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1000 may control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0334] The sensing unit 2000 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 2100 , an insertion detection sensor 2200 , and a suction sensor 2300 , but is not limited thereto.

[0335] The temperature sensor 2100 can sense the temperature at which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 may be used as a temperature sensor. Optionally, the temperature sensor 2100 may also be arranged around the battery 4000 to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

[0336] The insertion detection sensor 2200 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 2200 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may sense a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0337] The suction sensor 2300 can sense the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow channel or airflow path. For example, the suction sensor 2300 can sense the user's suction based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0338] In addition to the above-mentioned temperature sensor 2100, insertion detection sensor 2200, and suction sensor 2300, the sensing unit 1220 may further include at least one of the following sensors: a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since a person of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name of the sensor, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0339] The output unit 3000 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 3000 may include at least one of a display unit 3100, a haptic unit 3200, and a sound output unit 3300, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 3100 and the touch panel form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 3100 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0340] The display unit 3100 may visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may represent various information such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating state of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object), etc., and the display unit 3100 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 3100 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc. In addition, the display unit 3100 may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting device.

[0341] The haptic unit 3200 may tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 by converting an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0342] The sound output unit 3300 may auditorily provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the sound output unit 3300 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and may output it to the outside.

[0343] The battery 4000 may provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 4000 may supply power so that the heater 5000 may be heated. In addition, the battery 4000 may supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000) in the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 4000 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0344] The heater 5000 may receive power from the battery 4000 to heat the aerosol generating material. Fig.21 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to the heater 5000. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 4000 into alternating current (AC) power.

[0345] The controller 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 may each receive power from the battery 4000 to perform a function. Fig.21 , but the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit) that converts the power of the battery 1240 to supply the power to the corresponding components.

[0346] In an embodiment, the heater 5000 may be formed using any suitable resistive material. For example, a suitable resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy, including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. In addition, the heater 5000 may be implemented using a metal wire, a metal plate with a conductive track arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but not limited thereto.

[0347] In another embodiment, the heater 5000 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 5000 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0348] The user input unit 6000 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitance method, pressure-resistant film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jogwheel, a rotary switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not in Fig.21 Although shown in FIG. 4 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface (such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface), and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface (such as a USB interface) to send and receive information, or charge the battery 4000 .

[0349] The memory 7000 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed by the controller 1000 and data to be processed. The memory 7000 may include at least one type of storage medium among the following storage media: flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro memory, card type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 7000 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data on the smoking pattern of the user, etc.

[0350] The communication unit 8000 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 8000 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200 .

[0351] The short-range wireless communication unit 8100 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0352] The wireless communication unit 8200 may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 8200 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1 within the communication network by using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0353] The controller 1000 may control the general operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1000 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores programs that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0354] The controller 1000 may control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the power supply from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the controller 1000 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. In another example, the direct heating circuit may also control the power supply to the heater 5000 according to a control command of the controller 1000.

[0355] The controller 1000 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control the subsequent processing to be performed. For example, the controller 1000 may control the power supplied to the heater 5000 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000 to start or end the operation of the heater 5000. As another example, the controller 1000 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 5000 and the time of supplying the power based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000 so that the heater 5000 can be heated to a specific temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0356] The controller 1000 may control the output unit 3000 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 2300 reaches a preset number, the controller 1000 may inform the user through at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the sound output unit 3300 that the aerosol generating device 1 will be turned off soon.

[0357] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium (such as a program module executable by a computer) including instructions executable by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media. In addition, a computer-readable recording medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information transmission medium.

[0358] The description of the above embodiments is only an example, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and equivalents thereof may be made. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: Cartridges, including: a reservoir configured to store an aerosol generating material; a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol-generating article; a chamber connected to the receiving portion; a heating portion disposed in the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol generating material; and a support assembly disposed on the receptacle and configured to support the aerosol-generating article; and The device body includes: a cigarette cartridge coupling portion, detachably coupled to the cigarette cartridge; and a sensor disposed between the cartridge coupling portion and the receiving portion and configured to sense moisture in the aerosol generating article, In which, the support assembly includes a support member and a guide hole, the support member protruding from the inner surface of the accommodating portion to support the aerosol generating product accommodated in the accommodating portion, and the guide hole is defined by the support member so that the aerosol generated in the chamber moves through the guide hole toward a portion of the aerosol generating product.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating portion is arranged to be separated from the supporting member in a direction intersecting a direction in which the device body extends.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: An inner wall of the chamber includes a curved surface configured to guide aerosol generated in the chamber to move toward the guide hole.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: An inflow hole is formed in the chamber, and external air is introduced through the inflow hole, and The inflow hole is located at a position corresponding to the heating portion in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the device body extends.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer wall of the accommodation portion is arranged between the sensor and the storage container, so that the sensor is spatially separated from the storage container.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor comprises: a first sensor configured to sense moisture in a first region of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receptacle; and a second sensor configured to sense moisture in a second region of the aerosol-generating article.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The first sensor is arranged closer to the supporting member than the second sensor.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor includes a curved surface to correspond to an outer wall of the accommodation portion.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide plate, which is arranged between the smoke cartridge and the device body, inclined relative to the direction in which the device body extends, and is configured to guide external air to flow into the chamber.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The size of the guide hole is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol-generating article.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide hole has a size of 3 mm to 6 mm.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The support member is configured to support an edge portion of the aerosol-generating article, and The guide hole is located at a position corresponding to a central portion of the aerosol-generating article.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting member includes a curved surface which guides the aerosol generated in the chamber to move toward the guide hole.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The support assembly also includes an intermediate support positioned in the guide hole and a rib connecting the intermediate support to the support member.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein: The rib is provided in plural numbers along a circumferential direction of the intermediate support, and the ribs connect the intermediate support to the supporting member.

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