Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge having a storage portion configured to store an aerosol generating material, a storage portion configured to accommodate an aerosol product, a chamber communicating with the storage portion, a heating portion disposed in the chamber to heat the aerosol generating material, and a support assembly disposed in the storage portion and configured to support the aerosol product; and an aerosol generating device body having a cartridge connecting portion detachably connected to the cartridge and a sensor disposed between the cartridge connecting portion and the storage portion to sense moisture in the aerosol product.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that can maintain constant directionality of the aerosol traveling to the aerosol product. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning a conventional cigarette. For example, research is being conducted into methods of supplying a flavored aerosol by generating aerosols from a liquid or solid aerosol generating substance, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier. An example of an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating device that uses both an aerosol product and a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol generating substance. Such an aerosol generating device has a structure that heats the liquid aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is inhaled by a user via the aerosol product. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In an aerosol generating device using an aerosol product and a liquid aerosol-generating substance, at least a portion of the generated aerosol may be liquefied while being transferred to the aerosol product. The liquefied aerosol may contain some water, and the aerosol (or water) may be absorbed into or present in the aerosol product.

[0004] On the other hand, in the case of an aerosol generating device that uses an aerosol product together, a usage time of the aerosol product is set to prevent reuse of the aerosol product. One example of determining the usage time of the aerosol product is to use a sensor that detects aerosol (or moisture) soaked in the aerosol product.

[0005] That is, the sensor soaks into the aerosol product or senses the amount of aerosol (or moisture) present, and if the amount sensed by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value, the user can replace the expired aerosol product with a new aerosol product and continue smoking.

[0006] In the past, the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product was not constant, and the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product was not constant. In other words, in the past, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that the sensor was sensing was not fixed, and errors in the sensor's sensed value could occur each time. Therefore, in the past, the reliability and accuracy of the sensor's sensed value were reduced, and as a result, there was a possibility that an aerosol product that had exceeded its usage time would be reused.

[0007] Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that can improve the directionality of aerosol transferred to the aerosol product.

[0008] Furthermore, the embodiment provides an aerosol generating device that can reliably and accurately determine whether or not an aerosol product is to be reused by allowing the aerosol (or moisture) to soak into a certain position in the aerosol product.

[0009] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a cartridge having a storage section configured to store an aerosol-generating material, a storage section configured to accommodate an aerosol product, a chamber communicating with the storage section, a heating section disposed in the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol-generating material, a support assembly disposed in the storage section and configured to support the aerosol product, and an aerosol generating device body having a cartridge connecting section detachably connected to the cartridge, and a sensor disposed between the cartridge connecting section and the storage section and configured to sense moisture in the aerosol product. The support assembly may include a support member protruding from an inner surface of the storage section to support the aerosol product contained in the storage section, and a guide hole defined by the support member, and the aerosol generated in the chamber may move toward a region of the aerosol product through the guide hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can improve the reliability and accuracy of sensing the aerosol (or moisture) that has permeated the aerosol product by making the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product constant.

[0012] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention may improve the accuracy and ease of sensing the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product.

[0013] The effects of the technical concept of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol product inserted therein; FIG. [Figure 2]2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the cap and the aerosol generation device body are disassembled. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 2, showing the cartridge and the aerosol generation device body disassembled. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, showing the PCB assembly and cartridge coupling portion coupled together. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device body shown in FIG. 5, showing the PCB assembly and cartridge coupling portion disassembled. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment taken along line BB' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion B in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment and an aerosol product inserted therein, taken along line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of the chamber and the container portion of an aerosol generating device according to a comparative example and an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of part C of FIG. 11 for illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] 12 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of part C of FIG. 11 illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment including a guide surface. [Figure 15] 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view of part C of FIG. 11 illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment including an intermediate support. [Figure 16]FIG. 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with the cap separated to illustrate an example of a rib. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with the cap separated to illustrate other examples of ribs. [Figure 18] FIG. 12 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of part C in FIG. 11 for illustrating a support assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a storage section configured to store an aerosol-generating material; a container section configured to accommodate an aerosol product; a chamber communicating with the container section; a heater section disposed in the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; a cartridge having a support assembly disposed in the container section and configured to support the aerosol product; and an aerosol generating device body having a cartridge connector detachably coupled to the cartridge; and a sensor disposed between the cartridge connector and the container section and configured to sense moisture in the aerosol product. The support assembly may include a support member protruding from an inner surface of the container section to support the aerosol product contained in the container section, and a guide hole defined by the support member, and the aerosol generated in the chamber may move toward a region of the aerosol product through the guide hole.

[0016] The heating unit may be disposed to be spaced apart from the support member in a direction transverse to an extension direction of the aerosol generation device body.

[0017] The inner wall of the chamber may include a curved surface configured to move the aerosol generated in the chamber toward the guide hole.

[0018] The chamber may have an inlet hole through which external air is introduced, and the inlet hole may be located at a position corresponding to the heating unit in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the aerosol generating device body.

[0019] The sensor and the storage portion may be arranged on either side of an outer wall of the container portion such that the sensor is arranged at a position spatially separated from the storage portion.

[0020] The sensors may include a first sensor that senses moisture in a first region of the aerosol product contained in the container, and a second sensor that senses moisture in a second region of the aerosol product.

[0021] The first sensor may be positioned closer to the support member than the second sensor.

[0022] The sensor may include a curved surface that corresponds to the outer wall of the container.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include an induction plate disposed between the cartridge and the aerosol generating device body, inclined with respect to the extension direction of the aerosol generating device body, and configured to induce external air to flow into the chamber.

[0024] The size of the induction holes may range from 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product.

[0025] The size of the induction hole is 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

[0026] The support member may support an edge region of the aerosol product, and the guide hole may be located at a position corresponding to a center of the aerosol product.

[0027] The support member may include a curved surface that guides the aerosol generated in the chamber to flow to the guide hole.

[0028] The support assembly may further include an intermediate support positioned in the guide hole and a rib connecting the intermediate support and the support member.

[0029] A plurality of the ribs may be arranged along the periphery of the intermediate support member to connect the intermediate support member and the support member.

[0030] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates the aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the interior space.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and the heater may be heated when a current is passed through the conductive track.

[0035] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, and a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, it is possible to heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0036] Cigarettes may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made in either a sheet or strand form, and the tobacco sheet may be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil, such as, but not limited to, aluminum foil.

[0037] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0038] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0040] The cartridge may hold an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0041] The cartridge may be activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which may be transmitted to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, which may be configured to transmit the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0044] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator, and generates short-period vibrations through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, a frequency band of about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a region of the vibrator or to contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0046] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0047] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using induction heating.

[0049] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil, it generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0051] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and an aerosol product inserted therein.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, and a cap 300.

[0056] An aerosol-generating material is stored inside the cartridge 100, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 100 may be supplied to a heating unit included in the cartridge 100. As a result, the aerosol-generating material may be aerosolized in a chamber included in the cartridge 100 by the heating unit. In the present invention, the term "aerosol" refers to particles generated when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air, and this term may be used in the following description with the same meaning. The heating unit and the chamber will be described in detail below.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the aerosol generation device 1, the cartridge 100 may accommodate an aerosol product 2 according to the embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the cartridge 100 includes a storage unit for accommodating the aerosol product 2, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 100 may pass through the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the storage unit and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, a user may bring the aerosol product 2 into contact with their mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 through the aerosol product 2. A detailed description of the aerosol product 2 according to an embodiment will be provided later.

[0058] The aerosol generation device main body 200 is located below the cartridge 100 and the cap 300 (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) and can support the cartridge 100 and the cap 300. Components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 can be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0059] The cap 300 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the cartridge 100 and at least a portion of the aerosol generation device body 200. For example, the cap 300 may be coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200 so as to surround both the outside of the cartridge 100. The cap 300 may protect the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generation device body 200 from external impact or the inflow of external foreign matter.

[0060] The coupling relationship between the aerosol generation device main body 200 and the cap 300 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0061] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the cap and the aerosol generation device body are disassembled.

[0062] 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, and a cap 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0063] The cartridge 100 may include a storage portion 110 in which the aerosol generating substance is stored, and a receiving portion 120 in which the aerosol product 2 is housed.

[0064] The storage unit 110 is connected or fluidly connected to the interior space of the chamber of the cartridge 100 so that the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 can flow into the interior space of the chamber of the cartridge 100 .

[0065] In this case, the aerosol-forming material stored in the storage unit 110 may include a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may contain any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-scented ingredients. The flavoring may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0067] For example, the liquid composition may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may include two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0068] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected taking into consideration the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be, but is not limited to, 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, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0069] The receiving unit 120 may be disposed on one side (e.g., in the -x direction) of the storage unit 110 and may contain the aerosol product 2. The internal space of the receiving unit 120 containing the aerosol product 2 is spatially separated from the storage unit 110, so that the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 does not flow into the internal space of the receiving unit 120.

[0070] The aerosol generating device body 200 may include a cartridge connecting portion 210 .

[0071] The cartridge 100 can be detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling part 210. The cartridge 100 can be coupled to the aerosol generation device main body 200 by being coupled to the cartridge coupling part 210. In addition, the cartridge 100 can be separated from the aerosol generation device main body 200 by being separated from the cartridge coupling part 210.

[0072] The cartridge coupling part 210 may be disposed at an upper part (e.g., a part facing the +z direction) of the aerosol generation device main body 200. The cartridge coupling part 210 may include a first part 211 extending in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and a second part 212 extending in a direction intersecting the one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The first part 211 and the second part 212 may be integrally formed.

[0073] The first part 211 of the cartridge coupling part 210 can be coupled to the side of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the part facing the -x direction), and the second part 212 of the cartridge coupling part 210 can be coupled to the bottom of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction).

[0074] The cap 300 is detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200. The cap 300 may be coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200 at the upper side (e.g., the portion in the +z direction) of the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generation device body 200. In one embodiment, when the cap 300 is coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200, the cap 300 may be arranged to surround the entire outer surface of the cartridge 100 and the entire outer surface of the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0075] The cap 300 may include a cap body 310 that surrounds the outside of the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210, an upper cap 320 that is coupled to the upper portion of the cap body 310 (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) and surrounds the upper side (e.g., the +z direction) of the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210, and a storage portion cap 330 that is coupled to the upper cap 320 to cover the storage portion 120.

[0076] The coupling relationship between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generation device main body 200 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0077] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 2, showing the cartridge and the aerosol generation device body disassembled.

[0078] 3, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100 and an aerosol generating device main body 200. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0079] The cartridge 100 may include a storage portion 110, a receiving portion 120, and a chamber .

[0080] The storage unit 110 stores the aerosol-generating substance and may be disposed in an upper portion of the chamber 130 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction). The internal space of the storage unit 110 may be connected or fluidly connected (i.e., interact) with the internal space of the chamber 130. In one example, if the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage unit 110 is depleted, a user may replace the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100 to continue smoking. In another example, if the performance of a component of the cartridge 100 (e.g., a heating unit or a sealing unit) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated or leakage of the aerosol-generating substance occurs, a user may replace the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100 to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol or prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0081] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may allow replacement of the cartridge 100 because the cartridge 100 is detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling part 210. That is, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure in which, when replacing the cartridge 100, the storage part 110 for storing the aerosol generating material and the storage part 120 for containing the aerosol product 2 are both replaced.

[0082] The receiving portion 120 includes an outer wall 120a facing the first portion of the cartridge coupling portion 210, and the inner space of the receiving portion 120 and the space between the cartridge coupling portion 210 and the receiving portion 120 can be separated from each other through the outer wall 120a.

[0083] The chamber 130 may be disposed below the storage unit 110 (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) and below the receiving unit 120 (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction), and may be connected to the storage unit 110 and the receiving unit 120. As a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 may flow into the internal space of the chamber 130, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber 130 may move to the receiving unit 120.

[0084] A coupling groove 100a and a coupling surface 100b for coupling the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling part 210 may be formed on the outer surface of the chamber 130. The coupling surface 100b may be formed to be inclined along the extension direction of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0085] The cartridge coupling portion 210 may include a mounting portion 213 on which the cartridge 100 is mounted and a coupling protrusion 214 protruding from the inner surface of the cartridge coupling portion 210 .

[0086] For example, when the cartridge 100 moves toward the mounting part 213 and the coupling protrusion 214 is inserted into the coupling groove 100a along the coupling surface 100b formed on the outer surface of the chamber 130 so as to be inclined, the cartridge 100 can be coupled to the cartridge coupling part 210. Also, when the cartridge 100 moves away from the mounting part 213 and the coupling protrusion 214 is separated from the coupling groove 100a, the cartridge 100 can be separated from the cartridge coupling part 210.

[0087] In the above manner, the cartridge 100 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body 200, but the coupling method between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generating device body 200 is not limited thereto.

[0088] According to one embodiment, components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200. However, the battery and the processor are merely examples of components arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200, and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) in addition to the above-mentioned components may also be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0089] The battery may provide power for operation of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery may be electrically connected to a heating element of the cartridge 100 to provide power for heating the heating element. In another example, the battery may provide power necessary for operation of other components of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., a processor, etc.).

[0090] The processor may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, and may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor, but is not limited to this.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor may control the power supplied from the battery to the heating unit of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the processor may control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heating unit and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heating unit is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a specified temperature.

[0092] The aerosol generating device body 200 may further include a terminal 220 and an induction plate 230 .

[0093] The terminal 220 may perform the function of electrically connecting the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generation device main body 200. For example, the terminal 220 may electrically connect the heating unit of the cartridge 100 and the battery of the aerosol generation device main body 200. In this case, one end of the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the battery, and the other end may be electrically connected to the heating unit of the cartridge 100. When the cartridge 100 is placed on the mounting part 213 and coupled to the cartridge coupling part 210, the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the cartridge 100. At least a portion of the terminal 220 is located on the mounting part 213, and the cartridge coupling part 210 may have a hole formed therein to expose the terminal 220 to an upper portion of the cartridge coupling part 210.

[0094] The guide plate 230 may be disposed between the cartridge 100 and the cartridge connecting portion 210. The guide plate 230 may perform a function of guiding air introduced into the aerosol generating device 1 to flow into the chamber 130. The guide plate 230 may be inclined with respect to the extension direction of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0095] The structure of the cartridge 100 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0096] 4, the cartridge 100 may include a storage unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a chamber 130, a heating unit 140, and a sealing unit 150. However, the components of the cartridge 100 are not limited thereto, and at least one of the above-described components may be omitted or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0097] Furthermore, at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore, hereinafter, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0098] The chamber 130 may be disposed at a lower portion of the storage unit 110 (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) and a lower portion of the accommodation unit 120 (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction), and may be connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the storage unit 110 and the internal space of the accommodation unit 120, respectively. As a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 flows into the internal space of the chamber 130, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber 130 (or the aerosol-generation space 130a) flows into the accommodation unit 120 and may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 via the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the accommodation unit 120.

[0099] The chamber 130 may include a first chamber 131 and a second chamber 132 .

[0100] The first chamber 131 may include an aerosol-generation space 130a in which aerosol is generated by the heating unit 140, and a heating unit housing 130b that houses the heating unit 140. The first chamber 131 may be connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the storage unit 110 and the internal space of the housing 120. That is, the aerosol-generating material flowing into the first chamber 131 is heated by the heating unit 140 and converted into aerosol in the aerosol-generation space 130a, and the generated aerosol may flow from the aerosol-generation space 130a toward the housing 120. The first chamber 131 may be formed so that one side (e.g., the portion facing the -x direction) is open.

[0101] The second chamber 132 is disposed to surround the first chamber 131 at a lower portion (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the first chamber 131. In one embodiment, the second chamber 132 may form an aerosol generation space 130a together with the first chamber 131. If the second chamber 132 is disposed to surround the first chamber 131, the second chamber 132 may seal one side (e.g., a surface facing the -x direction) of the first chamber 131 to form the aerosol generation space 130a.

[0102] The heating unit 140 may be disposed in the heating unit housing 130b and may perform the function of converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. In one embodiment, the heating unit housing 130b may include a groove that houses the heating unit 140.

[0103] The heating unit 140 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 110. For example, the heating unit 140 may heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 110 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor may be mixed with external air flowing into the chamber 130. In this way, an aerosol may be generated.

[0104] The heating section 140 may include a heater (or heating coil) 141 and a wick 142 .

[0105] The heater 141 can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 142. The heater 141 can be arranged so as to be wound around the wick 142. For example, the heater 141 can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 142 using power supplied from a battery in the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0106] The heater 141 may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heater 141 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 142, but the metal material of the heater 141 is not limited thereto. In other examples, the heater 141 may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0107] The wick 142 is disposed inside the first chamber 131 at the lower part of the storage portion 110 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) and can absorb the aerosol-generating material flowing from the storage portion 110 into the internal space of the chamber 130.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the wick 142 may include a cotton material. However, the material of the wick 142 is not limited to the above embodiment and may include other materials (e.g., glass or ceramic) depending on the embodiment.

[0109] The wick 142 may be accommodated in the heating accommodation portion 130b of the first chamber 131. By accommodating the wick 142 in the heating accommodation portion 130b, the position of the heating portion 140 within the first chamber 131 may be fixed.

[0110] The sealing member 150 may function to prevent the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage member 110 from leaking outside the cartridge 100 or to prevent the aerosol-generating material from leaking into the receiving member 120. The sealing member 150 may be disposed between the storage member 110 and the chamber 130. For example, the sealing member 150 may be coupled to the storage member 110 in a fitted manner, but the coupling manner is not limited thereto. The sealing member 150 may include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0111] An aerosol-generating material inlet 150a may be formed in the sealing portion 150. The aerosol-generating material inlet 150a may be connected or fluidly connected to the interior of the chamber 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 may flow into the interior space of the chamber 130 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 150a. Thus, the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior space of the chamber 130 may be absorbed by the wick 142 and heated by the heater 141.

[0112] The sealing portion 150 may include a first sealing member 151 and a second sealing member 152 .

[0113] The first sealing member 151 may be disposed on the edge of the sealing portion 150 to prevent the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage portion 110 from leaking out of the cartridge 100. The first sealing member 151 may be formed integrally with the main body of the sealing portion 150.

[0114] The second sealing member 152 may be disposed between the storage unit 110 and the storage unit 120 to prevent the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 from leaking into the storage unit 120. The second sealing member 152 may be formed integrally with the main body of the sealing unit 150.

[0115] 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, showing the PCB assembly and the cartridge coupling portion coupled together, with a PCB cover (described later) omitted from FIG.

[0116] 5, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating device main body 200 and a PCB assembly 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0117] The PCB assembly 400 may include a component for determining whether the aerosol product 2 is contained in the receiving portion 120 of the cartridge 100 and / or a component for measuring the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the receiving portion 120. The PCB assembly 400 may be disposed in a first portion of the cartridge coupling portion 210. When the cartridge 100 is placed on the mounting portion 213 and coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210, the PCB assembly 400 may be located on one side of the receiving portion 120 (e.g., the surface facing the -x direction).

[0118] 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 above-described components may be omitted or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0119] The PCB board 410 serves as the main body of the PCB assembly 400 and may support the sensor 420 and the light source 430. The PCB board 410 may connect the sensor 420 and the light source 430 to components (e.g., a battery) of the aerosol generation device 1. The PCB board 410 may extend along the extension direction of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., the z-axis direction). In one example, the PCB board 410 is also a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0120] The sensor 420 may be disposed on the PCB board 410 and located on one side (e.g., the surface facing the −x direction) of the receiving part 120. The sensor 420 may be powered by a battery in the aerosol generation device body 200.

[0121] The sensor 420 may sense a change in electromagnetic characteristics of the cartridge 100 to sense information related to the cartridge 100. Alternatively, the sensor 420 may sense a change in electromagnetic characteristics caused by an object adjacent to the cartridge 100. For example, the sensor 420 may be a capacitance sensor or a magnetic proximity sensor, but the type of the sensor 420 is not limited thereto.

[0122] The sensors 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423.

[0123] The first sensor 421 may sense the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a of the chamber 130 may be liquefied while flowing into the container 120, and the liquefied aerosol may contain some moisture, which may permeate or be present in the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. In one embodiment, the first sensor 421 may sense the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that permeates or is present in the aerosol product 2. Information about the moisture sensed by the first sensor 421 may be provided to a processor or memory of the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first sensor 421 may be positioned 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 product 2 contained in the container 120. Here, the first region of the aerosol product 2 also corresponds to at least a portion of a tobacco rod, which will be described later.

[0125] In one embodiment, if a change occurs in the amount of moisture that seeps into or is present in the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120, a change in electromagnetic characteristics occurs, and the first sensor 421 can sense such a change in electromagnetic characteristics to detect information regarding the moisture in the aerosol product 2.

[0126] The second sensor 422 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first sensor 421 and may sense the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. Information about the moisture content sensed by the second sensor 422 may be provided to the processor or memory of the aerosol generation device body 200.

[0127] In one embodiment, the second sensor 422 may sense moisture in a second region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. Here, the second region of the aerosol product 2 also includes at least a portion of a filter rod, which will be described later.

[0128] In one embodiment, if moisture seeps into or changes in the amount of moisture present in the second region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120, a change in electromagnetic characteristics occurs, and the second sensor 422 can sense such a change in electromagnetic characteristics to detect information regarding the moisture in the aerosol product 2.

[0129] The third sensor 423 can detect a change in the cartridge 100. In one embodiment, if an aerosol product 2 is contained in the container 120 or if a change occurs in the volume of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage unit 110, a change in electromagnetic characteristics occurs, and the third sensor 423 can detect such a change in electromagnetic characteristics.

[0130] For example, assume that a magnetic material is present inside the aerosol generation device 1, and that a static magnetic field is formed by the magnetic material before the aerosol product 2 is placed in the container 120. If the aerosol product 2 is then inserted into the container 120, a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field may occur. The third sensor 423 may detect such a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field and provide the detected result to the processor or memory. In this case, if the third sensor 423 detects the placement of the aerosol product 2 and provides the detected result to the processor, the processor may generate a signal for activating a component (e.g., a battery) of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0131] The light source 430 may be disposed on the PCB board 410 at a position spaced apart from the sensor 420 to provide light to the cartridge 100. Specifically, the light source 430 may provide light to the storage unit 110. The light source 430 may be powered by a battery in the aerosol generating device body 200.

[0132] The coupling relationship of the PCB assembly 400 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0133] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device body shown in Figure 5, showing the PCB assembly and cartridge coupling portion disassembled. Unlike Figure 5, Figure 6 shows a PCB cover 450.

[0134] 6, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating device main body 200 and a PCB assembly 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 5, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0135] The mounting part 213 of the aerosol generation device main body 200 may include a first mounting part 213a and a second mounting part 213b. The first mounting part 213a may be formed in the first part 211 of the cartridge coupling part 210. One side of the cartridge 100 (e.g., a part facing the -x direction) and the PCB assembly 400 may be disposed in the first mounting part 213a. The second mounting part 213b may be formed in the second part 212 of the cartridge coupling part 210. A lower part of the cartridge 100 (e.g., a part facing the -z direction) may be disposed in the second mounting part 213b.

[0136] The PCB assembly 400 may include a PCB substrate 410, a sensor 420, a light source 430, a connection portion 440, a PCB cover 450, and a connection plate 460. However, the components of the PCB assembly 400 are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least one of the above-mentioned components (e.g., the PCB cover) may be omitted or other components may be added.

[0137] The PCB board 410 may be disposed between the PCB cover 450 and the connecting plate 460. The sensor 420 and the light source 430 may be coupled to the PCB board 410, and the sensor 420 and the light source 430 may be supported by the PCB board 410. The PCB board 410 includes a mounting portion 410a extending toward the aerosol generation device main body 200, and the PCB board 410 may be electrically connected to components (e.g., a battery) of the aerosol generation device main body 200 via the mounting portion 410a.

[0138] The sensor 420 may be disposed 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 one another on the PCB substrate 410. At least one of the first sensor 421, the second sensor 422, and the third sensor 423 may include a stainless steel material or a brass material, and at least one of the first sensor 421, the second sensor 422, and the third sensor 423 may be plated with nickel (Ni) or gold (Au).

[0139] The light source 430 may be disposed on one side (e.g., in the +x direction) of the PCB substrate 410 at a position spaced apart from the sensor 420 and electrically connected to the PCB substrate 410. A plurality of light sources 430 may be disposed spaced apart along the extension direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device 1, and the sensor 420 may be located therebetween.

[0140] The connection portion 440 may function to electrically connect the first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 to the PCB board 410. In one embodiment, the connection portion 440 is also a C-clip. The first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 may be electrically connected to the PCB board 410 via the connection portion 440. The connection portion 440 may include a first connection member 441 that connects the first sensor 421 to the PCB board 410 and a second connection member 442 that connects the second sensor 422 to the PCB board 410.

[0141] The PCB cover 450 may be disposed on one side (e.g., the surface facing the +x direction) of the PCB board 410 to cover at least a portion of the PCB board 410. The PCB cover 450 may extend along the extension direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the PCB board 410. The PCB cover 450 may have a sensor exposing portion 451 formed therein, and the sensor exposing portion 451 may be formed as a hole penetrating the PCB cover 450.

[0142] When the PCB cover 450 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the PCB board 410, the first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 may be exposed to the storage portion 120 of the cartridge 100 coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210 via the sensor exposure portion 451. As a result, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment has a structure that easily senses moisture in the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the storage portion 120. The number of sensor exposure portions 451 on the PCB cover 450 is the same as the number of moisture sensors.

[0143] In one embodiment, the PCB cover 450 may include a transparent material to allow the light generated by the light source 430 to pass through.

[0144] The connecting plate 460 may be disposed between the PCB substrate 410 and the cartridge coupling portion 210. The connecting plate 460 may be disposed on the other side of the PCB substrate 410 (e.g., the surface facing the −x direction) and may cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410. The connecting plate 460 may extend along the direction in which the PCB substrate 410 extends (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0145] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment taken along line AA' in FIG.

[0146] 7, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, a cap 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 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0147] The cartridge 100 may include a storage section 110 in which the aerosol-generating substance is stored, a storage section 120 in which the aerosol product 2 is accommodated, a chamber 130 that communicates with the storage section 110 and the storage section 120, respectively, a heating section 140 that heats the aerosol-generating substance, and a sealing section 150 arranged at the bottom of the storage section 110 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction).

[0148] In one embodiment, the cap 300 may be formed with an air inlet 300a that allows external air to flow into the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the air inlet 300a may be formed between the cap body 310 and the upper cap 320 as shown in Fig. 7, but this is merely an example, and the air inlet 300a may be formed in either the cap body 310 or the upper cap 320 as long as external air can flow into the aerosol generation device 1 through the air inlet 300a.

[0149] The PCB assembly 400 may include a sensor 420 arranged on the outer wall 120a of the accommodation section 120. The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423 arranged at a distance from each other on the outer wall 120a of the accommodation section 120 along the extension direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the aerosol generation device 1. The sensor 420 has been described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, the cartridge 100 may include a support assembly 500.

[0151] The support assembly 500 may support the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120 and may function to guide the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 to flow into the container 120. The support assembly 500 may be located between the container 120 and the chamber 130.

[0152] The airflow passage 600 may form a flow path through which external air introduced through the air inlet 300a flows within the aerosol generation device 1. The airflow passage 600 may be connected to the outside through the air inlet 300a and may be connected to the interior space of the chamber 130 through the inlet hole 130d (see FIG. 9) of the chamber 130. That is, the air introduced into the aerosol generation device 1 through the air inlet 300a may reach the aerosol generation space 130a, which is the interior of the chamber 130, along the airflow passage 600.

[0153] One region of the airflow passage 600 extends along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on the outside of the cartridge 100 and is formed in the space between the cap body 310 and the cartridge 100, and another region of the airflow passage 600 may be formed along one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) on the underside of the cartridge 100 in the space between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generation device body 200.

[0154] The shape of the sensor 420 and the shape of the support assembly 500 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

[0155] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment taken along line BB' in FIG.

[0156] 8, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0157] The sensor 420 may be located at a position spatially separated from the storage unit 110. That is, the sensor 420 may be disposed on the outer wall 120a of the storage unit 120, the storage unit 110 may be separated from the internal space of the storage unit 120 by the outer wall 120a of the storage unit 120, and the outer wall 120a of the storage unit 120 may be disposed between the sensor 420 and the storage unit 110. This may prevent the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage unit 110 from leaking to the sensor 420, and may prevent damage to the sensor 420 by the aerosol-generating substance.

[0158] Although FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which only the first sensor 421 is spatially separated from the storage unit 110, the second sensor 422 and the third sensor 423 may also be arranged to be spatially separated from the storage unit 110.

[0159] At least a portion of the first sensor 421 may include a curved surface 421a that corresponds to the outer wall 120a of the container 120. As a result, the curved surface 421a of the first sensor 421 may have a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120.

[0160] Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to the embodiment may have a structure in which the first sensor 421 is disposed closer to the aerosol product 2, compared to the comparative example in which the first sensor 421 has a plate-like structure extending only in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) without including a curved surface 421a. This is because the comparative example has a structure in which the first sensor 421 is gradually farther from the aerosol product 2 as it extends in one direction (e.g., the +y direction).

[0161] In the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment, the curved surface 421a of the first sensor 421 has a shape corresponding to the outer wall 120a of the container 120, so that the first sensor 421 can be disposed at the same distance from the aerosol product 2 along the circumferential direction of the container 120. Therefore, the first sensor 420 is disposed closer to the aerosol product 2, and can therefore accurately and precisely sense moisture that has soaked into the aerosol product 2.

[0162] Although FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment in which only the first sensor 421 includes a curved surface 421a, the second sensor 422 may also include a curved surface.

[0163] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520 .

[0164] The support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the container 120 toward the guide hole 520 to support the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. By protruding from the inner surface 120b of the container 120, the support member 510 may support the edge of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120.

[0165] The support member 510 may be located at a lower portion (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the receiving portion 120. In one embodiment, the support member 510 may be formed in a generally circular ring shape and may be formed integrally with the receiving portion 120.

[0166] The guide hole 520 may function to guide the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 to move toward the container 120. In one embodiment, the guide hole 520 may guide the aerosol to move toward a certain region of the aerosol product 2. Here, the certain region of the aerosol product 2 may also be the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0167] The induction hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. The induction hole 520 may be connected to the aerosol generation space 130a of the chamber 130 and the inner space of the receiving part 120, respectively.

[0168] Hereinafter, the process of external air flowing into the chamber 130 will be described with reference to FIG. 9, which shows an enlarged view of the inside of the cartridge 100.

[0169] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of part A in FIG.

[0170] 9, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, a cap 300, and an airflow passage 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0171] First, external air introduced through the air inlet 300 a of the cap 300 may move through a first region of the air flow passage 600 formed in the space between the storage unit 110 and the cap body 310 .

[0172] The air may then move through the second region of the airflow passage 600 formed in the space between the chamber 130 and the aerosol generation device body 200. Specifically, the second region of the airflow passage 600 is also the space between the second chamber 132 and the induction plate 230.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the guide plate 230 may be arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the extension direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the aerosol generation device body 200. This may improve the flow of air moving through the second region.

[0174] According to an embodiment, a guide groove 230a may be formed in the guide plate 230. The guide groove 230a may have a predetermined depth from the upper surface of the guide plate 230.

[0175] When a user inhales through the aerosol product 2, the pressure in the internal space of the chamber 130 decreases, and external air can move into the chamber 130 through the airflow passage 600. Here, the guide groove 230a can ensure a space for air to move through the second region of the airflow passage 600, facilitating the user's inhalation. That is, the guide groove 230a can reduce the force required to inhale the aerosol product 2, that is, the so-called inhalation resistance.

[0176] Then, the air can move to a third region of the airflow passage 600, which is a space between the first chamber 131 and the second chamber 132, through the inflow hole 130d formed in the second chamber 132.

[0177] Then, air may flow into first chamber 131 through inlet hole 130d formed in first chamber 131. The aerosol-generating material absorbed into wick 142 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of sealing portion 150 is heated by heater 141 and vaporized, and the air flowing into first chamber 131 may be mixed with the generated vapor and be aerosolized in aerosol-generation space 130a.

[0178] According to an embodiment, the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 may be located at a position corresponding to the heating unit 140. That is, the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 may be located at a position overlapping at least a portion of the heating unit 140 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device body 200.

[0179] Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment may reduce the possibility of air vortexes occurring within the chamber 130, compared to a comparative example in which the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 is disposed at a position that does not correspond to the heating unit 140. In the comparative example, the inflow hole 130d is disposed at a position separated from the heating unit 140 in the extension direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device body 200, so the air introduced through the inflow hole 130d must travel a longer distance to reach the heating unit 140. In particular, if the inflow hole 130d is disposed lower than the heating unit 140 (e.g., in the -z direction), the air must move upward to reach the heating unit 140, which may further increase the possibility of air vortexes occurring.

[0180] The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which the inflow hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 is located at a position corresponding to the heating unit 140, and thus the aerosol is immediately generated using the air introduced through the inflow hole 130d. This reduces the possibility of air vortexes occurring inside the first chamber 131, improving the air fluidity, and as a result, the amount of aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a may increase.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 9, the chamber 130 may further include a first protrusion 133 and a second protrusion 134 .

[0182] The first protrusion 133 may be formed on the second chamber 132. The first protrusion 133 may protrude upward (e.g., in the +z direction) from the top of the second chamber 132 and be inserted into the insertion groove 110a of the storage unit 110. In one embodiment, the first protrusion 133 and the insertion groove 110a of the storage unit 110 may be bonded by ultrasonic welding or by using an adhesive.

[0183] The second protrusion 134 may be formed on the second chamber 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 the top of the second chamber 132 and a second portion protruding laterally (e.g., in the -x direction) from the first portion. The second protrusion 134 may be inserted into the insertion groove 131a of the first chamber 131. In one embodiment, the second protrusion 134 and the insertion groove 131a of the first chamber 131 may be bonded by ultrasonic welding or by using an adhesive.

[0184] Hereinafter, the process by which the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 moves to the receiving part 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 10, which shows an enlarged view of the inside of the cartridge 100.

[0185] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of part B in FIG.

[0186] 10, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 7, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0187] First, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage portion 110 of the sealing unit 150 is absorbed into the wick 142 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the sealing unit 150, and the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 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, and an aerosol may be generated in the aerosol-generation space 130a.

[0188] The generated aerosol then flows through the internal space of the chamber 130 and moves to the receiving part 120 through the guide hole 520 located inside the support member 510 .

[0189] According to one 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 is also the inner wall of the second chamber 132 facing the aerosol generation space 130a. In a comparative example that does not include the curved surface 130c, the aerosol flowing along the bottom surface 131b of the first chamber 131 cannot easily move upward (e.g., in the +z direction) toward the induction hole 520. That is, in the comparative example, the fluidity of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a may be reduced.

[0190] According to the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner wall of the chamber 130 includes the curved surface 130c, so that the aerosol flowing on the bottom surface 131b of the first chamber 131 can easily move upward (for example, in the +z direction) toward the induction hole 520. This can improve the fluidity of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a.

[0191] Then, the aerosol moving from the aerosol generation space 130a to the induction hole 520 may pass through the induction hole 520 and move to the container 120. In this case, since the induction hole 520 is defined by the support member 510 protruding from the inner surface 120b of the container 120, the aerosol passing through the induction hole 520 may move toward the center of the container 120.

[0192] The first sensor 421 may then sense the aerosol (or moisture) that permeates or is present in the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120 .

[0193] Referring to FIG. 10, the chamber 130 may further include a third protrusion 135 .

[0194] The third protrusion 135 may be formed on the second chamber 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 chamber 132. The third protrusion 135 may be inserted into the insertion groove 120c of the receiving part 120. In one embodiment, the third protrusion 135 and the insertion groove 120c of the receiving part 120 may be bonded by ultrasonic welding or by using an adhesive.

[0195] Hereinafter, the directionality of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 in the process in which the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 moves toward the storage section 120 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0196] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment and an aerosol product inserted therein, taken along line AA' in FIG.

[0197] 11, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, a cap 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 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0198] The size of the internal space of the receiving part 120 may gradually decrease downward (for example, in the -z direction). Thus, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may fix the position of the aerosol product 2 within the receiving part 120 through a so-called tapered structure of the receiving part 120, attached to the support member 510. Therefore, even if an external impact is applied during use of the aerosol generating device 1, the position of the aerosol product 2 is fixed, so that the user may stably inhale the aerosol product 2.

[0199] The container cap 330 is rotatably coupled to the cap body 310 and the upper cap 320, and the container cap 330 can open the top of the container 120 while the aerosol product 2 is being contained in the container 120.

[0200] The external air introduced through the air inlet 300a may be introduced into the chamber 130 through the air flow passage 600. That is, the air may be introduced into the chamber 130 by sequentially moving through the space between the outer wall 110b of the storage part 110 and the cap body 310, the space between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generating device body 200, the space between the induction plate 230 and the chamber 130, and the inlet hole 130d formed in the chamber 130.

[0201] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 may flow into the chamber 130 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the sealing unit 150, and the heating unit 140 may heat the aerosol-generating material that has flowed in. As a result, the air flowing into the chamber 130 and the vapor generated by the heating unit 140 may mix to generate an aerosol.

[0202] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130 a may move directly to the guiding hole 520 or move along the curved surface 130 c of the chamber 130 to the guiding hole 520 .

[0203] The heating unit 140 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the support assembly 500 in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) intersecting the extension direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the aerosol generation device body 200. As a result, the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure that prevents damage to the support member 510 by the heating unit 140, compared to a comparative example in which the heating unit 140 is disposed below the support assembly 500 (e.g., part of the -z direction).

[0204] The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421 and a second sensor 422 spaced apart from each other along the outer wall 120a of the container 120.

[0205] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generation space 130a may be liquefied while flowing into the storage section 120. The liquefied aerosol contains water and may soak into or be present in the first region of the aerosol product 2 stored in the storage section 120.

[0206] Here, the first sensor 421 may sense the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that has soaked into or is present in the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. The first sensor 421 may provide information regarding the aerosol (or moisture) value (i.e., amount) to a processor or memory of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0207] The first sensor 421 may be positioned closer to the support assembly 500 than the second sensor 422. As a result, the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure that easily measures the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that has permeated the aerosol product 2.

[0208] According to one embodiment, information regarding the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 may be used to determine the usage time of the aerosol product 2. That is, information regarding the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 may be used to prevent reuse of the aerosol product 2. That is, if the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 exceeds a predetermined amount, the processor may determine that the usage time of the aerosol product 2 has exceeded the service life of the aerosol product 2 and provide information thereabout to the user. For example, the processor may provide information regarding the amount of aerosol (or moisture) in the aerosol product 2 or the usage time of the aerosol product 2 to the user via a display.

[0209] Here, if the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 is not constant, depending on the direction in which the aerosol product 2 is received in the receiving part 120 or regardless of the direction in which the aerosol product 2 is received in the receiving part 120, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that has soaked into or is present in the aerosol product 2 may vary each time. This means that the position of the aerosol (or moisture) that is the target of detection by the first sensor 421 is not fixed, and the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 may vary each time. Therefore, the reliability and accuracy of the first sensor 421 may be reduced, and there is a possibility that an aerosol product 2 that has been used longer than its service life may be reused.

[0210] The aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment can support the aerosol product 2 via the support member 510 while maintaining a constant direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 via the guide holes 520. The aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment can have a structure that keeps the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked in the aerosol product 2 constant at the center of the container 120.

[0211] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the support assembly 500 will be described, which stabilizes the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked in the aerosol product 2. First, a comparative example will be described.

[0212] FIG. 12 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a chamber and a container in an aerosol generating device according to a comparative example and an aerosol product inserted therein.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device according to the comparative example may include a cartridge 100.

[0214] The comparative example has a structure in which the bottom of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120 is completely open, so that the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heater 140 can move randomly toward the aerosol product 2.

[0215] For example, the generated aerosol may primarily permeate or reside in a portion WA on a side (e.g., in the +x direction) of the center of the aerosol product 2. Figure 12 is merely an example, and the aerosol may permeate or reside on another side (e.g., in the -x direction) of the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0216] As described above, in the comparative example, the bottom side of the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120 is completely open, so the position of the portion WA where the aerosol (or moisture) exists in the aerosol product 2 is not constant. As a result, in the comparative example, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) to be sensed by the first sensor 421 is not constant, which may cause an error in the sensed value sensed by the first sensor 421.

[0217] Furthermore, in the comparative example shown in Figure 12, the aerosol-soaked portion WA is formed far from the first sensor 421 arranged on the outer wall 120a of the storage section 120, which makes it difficult for the first sensor 421 to accurately detect the aerosol (or moisture) that has soaked into the aerosol product 2.

[0218] FIG. 13 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of part C in FIG. 11 for illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment.

[0219] 13, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 11, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0220] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520 .

[0221] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the container 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. This allows the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating unit 140 to move along the guide hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0222] The aerosol that moves along the guide hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2 can spread evenly from the bottom of the aerosol product 2 toward the top (e.g., in the +z direction) and penetrate into the aerosol product 2.

[0223] That is, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide holes 520 can keep the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA soaked into the aerosol product 2 constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product 2, which is the detection target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed every time. This can reduce the possibility of an error in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product 2.

[0224] 12, the aerosol generation device 1 according to the embodiment has a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 disposed on the outer wall 120a of the container 120 and the aerosol (or moisture)-saturated portion WA decreases toward the downstream side (e.g., the +z direction). Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to the embodiment can improve the accuracy and ease of sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that has saturated the aerosol product 2.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction holes 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 times the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction holes 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0226] In the comparative example, the size of the induction hole 520 is less than 0.405 of the size of the aerosol product 2, and the size of the induction hole 520 is too small. Therefore, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 cannot easily pass through the induction hole 520, and the user's resistance to inhaling the aerosol increases.

[0227] In addition, in the comparative example, the size of the induction hole 520 exceeds 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product 2, so the size of the induction hole 520 is excessively large, and therefore there is a problem that the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 is not constant.

[0228] In one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, when the size of the induction hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 times the size of the aerosol product 2, the portion WA where the aerosol has soaked into the aerosol product 2 is always kept constant, and the user's inhalation resistance can be reduced.

[0229] FIG. 14 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of part C of FIG. 11 illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment including a guide surface.

[0230] 14, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 13, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0231] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , a guide hole 520 , and a guide surface 530 .

[0232] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the receiving 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 located in the center of the support member 510. This allows the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating portion 140 to move along the guide hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0233] The aerosol that moves along the guide hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2 can spread evenly from the bottom of the aerosol product 2 toward the top (e.g., in the +z direction) and penetrate into the aerosol product 2.

[0234] That is, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide holes 520 can keep the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA soaked into the aerosol product 2 constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product 2, which is the detection target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed every time. This can reduce the possibility of an error in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product 2.

[0235] 12, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 disposed on the outer wall 120a of the container 120 and the aerosol (or moisture)-saturated portion WA is reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment may improve the accuracy and ease of sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) saturated in the aerosol product 2.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction holes 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 times the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction holes 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0237] The guide surface 530 may be formed in a region of the support member 510 facing the chamber 130 and may function to guide the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 to flow to the guide holes 520. That is, the guide surface 530 may improve the fluidity of the aerosol generated by the heating unit 140 and allow the aerosol to easily flow to the aerosol product 2. For example, the guide surface 530 may be formed in a lower portion of the support member 510 (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction).

[0238] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view of portion C of FIG. 11 illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment including an intermediate support.

[0239] 15, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 13, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0240] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , a guide hole 520 , and an intermediate support 540 .

[0241] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the container 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. This allows the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating unit 140 to move along the guide hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0242] The aerosol that moves along the guide hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2 can spread evenly from the bottom of the aerosol product 2 toward the top (e.g., in the +z direction) and penetrate into the aerosol product 2.

[0243] That is, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide holes 520 can keep the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA soaked into the aerosol product 2 constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product 2, which is the detection target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed every time. This can reduce the possibility of an error in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) soaked into the aerosol product 2.

[0244] 12, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 and the aerosol (or moisture)-saturated portion WA decreases toward the downstream side (e.g., the +z direction). Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment may improve the accuracy and ease of sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) saturated in the aerosol product 2.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction holes 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 times the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction holes 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0246] The intermediate support 540 may be located in the induction hole 520. In one embodiment, the intermediate support 540 may be located in the center of the induction hole 520. In addition to the support member 510, the intermediate support 540 may perform the function of supporting the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. This may improve the supporting force for supporting the aerosol product 2.

[0247] Even in such an embodiment, the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 is constant regardless of the storage direction of the aerosol product 2 stored in the storage section 120, so the portion WA where the aerosol has soaked into the aerosol product 2 is always constant, as shown in Figure 15.

[0248] Figure 16 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment with the cap separated to explain an example of a rib, and Figure 17 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment with the cap separated to explain another example of a rib.

[0249] 16 and 17, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100 and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 15, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0250] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 , guide holes 520 , an intermediate support 540 , and a rib 550 .

[0251] The ribs 550 may connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540. The ribs 550 may perform the function of fixing the intermediate support 540 to the support member 510 and the function of supporting the aerosol product 2 contained in the container 120. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have an improved supporting force for supporting the aerosol product 2.

[0252] A plurality of ribs 550 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 to connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540. In one embodiment, two ribs 550 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 to connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540, as shown in FIG. 16 . In another embodiment, four ribs 550 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 to connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540, as shown in FIG. 17 . As a result, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment, the ribs 550 are arranged at uniform intervals along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, which may improve the fixing force for fixing the intermediate support 540 to the support member 510 and the supporting force for supporting the aerosol product 2.

[0253] Because the support assembly 500 includes the intermediate support 540 and the rib 550, the guide holes 520 may be defined by the support member 510, the intermediate support 540, and the rib 550. In this case, the number of guide holes 520 may be the same as the number of ribs 550. For example, two guide holes 520 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 as shown in FIG. 16, or four guide holes 520 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 as shown in FIG. 17.

[0254] Even in such an embodiment, the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 is constant regardless of the storage direction of the aerosol product 2 stored in the storage section 120, so the portion WA where the aerosol has soaked into the aerosol product 2 is always constant, as shown in Figure 15.

[0255] Although not shown, in an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 17, the support assembly 500 may include a support member 510, a guide hole 520, a guide surface 530, an intermediate support 540, and a rib 550.

[0256] FIG. 18 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of part C in FIG. 11 for illustrating a support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0257] 18, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 13, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0258] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520 .

[0259] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the receiving portion 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. As a result, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating portion 140 may move along the guide hole 520 to the aerosol product 2.

[0260] Here, the support member 510 may protrude asymmetrically from the inner surface 120b of the receiving portion 120 toward the center of the receiving portion 120. For example, a distance 420L1 between the first sensor 421 and one region of the support member 510 may be greater than a distance 420L2 between the first sensor 421 and another region of the support member 510. As a result, the induction hole 520 may be disposed away from the center of the receiving portion 120 toward the first sensor 421 on one side (e.g., in the −x direction).

[0261] Even in such an embodiment, the aerosol that moves along the induction hole 520 to the aerosol product 2 can spread evenly from the bottom end of the aerosol product 2 toward the top (e.g., in the +z direction) and soak into the aerosol product 2.

[0262] That is, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment, the support member 510 and the guide holes 520 can make the direction of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby making the position of the portion WA soaked in the aerosol product 2 approximately constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) soaked in the aerosol product 2, which is the detection target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed constant every time. This can reduce the possibility of an error in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) soaked in the aerosol product 2.

[0263] 12, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which the distance between the first sensor 421 and the portion WA permeated with aerosol (or moisture) is reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment may have improved accuracy and ease in sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction holes 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 times the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction holes 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0265] An example of an aerosol product 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0266] 19 and 20 are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol products according to one embodiment.

[0267] 19, the aerosol product 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. A first portion of the aerosol product 2 includes the tobacco rod 21, and a second portion includes the filter rod 22.

[0268] 19 illustrates the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but is not limited to this. That is, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function.

[0269] The diameter of the aerosol product 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, but not limited to, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is about 12 mm.

[0270] The aerosol product 2 may be packaged using at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. As an example, the aerosol product 2 may be packaged using one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol product 2 may be packaged by overlapping two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged using a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged using wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire aerosol product 2 may then be repackaged using a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged using one of the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0271] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material.

[0272] The third wrapper 243 is also made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and is preferably 125 μm.

[0273] The fourth wrapper 244 is also made of oil-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and is preferably 125 μm.

[0274] The fifth wrapper 245 may also be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and is preferably 67 μm.

[0275] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. An example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0276] The fifth flap 245 can prevent the aerosol product 2 from being burned. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises above the ignition point, the aerosol product 2 can be burned. Even in this case, the fifth flap 245 can prevent the aerosol product 2 from being burned because it contains a non-combustible substance.

[0277] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generation device 1 from being contaminated by the substance generated in the aerosol product 2. A liquid substance can be generated in the aerosol product 2 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) can be generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 2 is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper 245 encases the aerosol product 2, thereby preventing the liquid substance generated in the aerosol product 2 from leaking outside the aerosol product 2.

[0278] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0279] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. In one example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste.

[0280] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured to have a different shape.

[0281] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0282] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment is 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0283] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of plasticizer used during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow) of the first segment.

[0284] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the aerosol product 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0285] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrance liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers to which the fragrance liquid has been applied. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0286] For example, the polymer may be made of 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.

[0287] When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0288] For example, the second segment made of a crimped polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness of about 5 μm to about 300 μm, for example, about 10 μm to about 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment can be about 300 mm 2 / mm ~ approx. 1000mm 2 / mm. The aerosol cooling element also has a non-surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm 2 / mg ~ approx. 100mm 2 / mg of material.

[0289] The second segment, on the other hand, can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, such as, but not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol in the second segment.

[0290] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0291] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the third segment to generate a flavor. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of improving the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user may be achieved.

[0292] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor or to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0293] 20, the aerosol production product 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and may prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generation device 1 during smoking.

[0294] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 19, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG.

[0295] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 2 of Figure 19. For example, but not limited to, 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.

[0296] The aerosol product 3 may be packaged using at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged using a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged using a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be packaged using a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be packaged using a fourth wrapper 354. The entire aerosol product 3 may then be repackaged using a fifth wrapper 355.

[0297] Additionally, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto.

[0298] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0299] The first wrapper 351 may be a general filter wrapper with a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded to it. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 53 g / m 2 It is also.

[0300] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of common filter wrapping paper, for example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0301] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 It is also.

[0302] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 is within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 It is also.

[0303] The fourth wrapper 354 may also be made of PLA interleaving paper. Here, the PLA interleaving paper refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 It is also.

[0304] The fifth wrapper 355 may also be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably within the range of 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and is preferably 67 μm.

[0305] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. An example of the predetermined substance may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., resistance to various chemicals), water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0306] The front end plug 33 may also be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow is within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 is 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may also be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 is 28,000.

[0307] Also, if desired, the front end plug 33 includes at least one channel, the cross-sectional shape of which can be made to vary.

[0308] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 19. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0309] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as those of the front end plug 33.

[0310] The second segment 322 is also made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0311] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0312] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a control unit 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 that shown in Fig. 21. That is, a person skilled in the art related to this embodiment would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 21 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0313] The sensing unit 2000 may sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1000. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 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 product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0314] The sensing unit 2000 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 2100, an insertion detection sensor 2200, and a puff sensor 2300, but is not limited thereto.

[0315] The temperature sensor 2100 may sense the temperature to which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2100 may be disposed around the battery 4000 to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

[0316] The insertion detection sensor 2200 may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 2200 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product product.

[0317] The puff sensor 2300 may sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0318] The sensing unit 2000 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 2100 to 2300. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0319] The output unit 3000 may output and provide to a user information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 3000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 3100, a haptic unit 3200, and an audio output unit 3300. When the display unit 3100 and the touchpad have a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 3100 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0320] The display unit 3100 may visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1 may include various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating status of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), 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 display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 3100 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0321] The haptic unit 3200 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide a user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0322] The acoustic output unit 3300 can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 3300 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0323] The battery 4000 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. The battery 4000 may supply power so that the heater 5000 can be heated. The battery 4000 may also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000). 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.

[0324] The heater 5000 may heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 4000. Although not shown in Fig. 21 , the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to the heater 5000. Furthermore, when the aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 4000 into AC power.

[0325] The control unit 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 4000. Although not shown in FIG. 21 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to each component.

[0326] In one embodiment, the heater 5000 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 5000 may also be embodied by, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0327] In other embodiments, heater 5000 is an induction heater. For example, heater 5000 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0328] The user input unit 6000 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 21 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0329] The memory 7000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and may store data that has been processed by the control unit 1000 and data to be processed by the control unit 1000. The memory 7000 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 7000 may store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0330] The communication unit 8000 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8000 may include a short-range communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

[0331] The short-range wireless communication unit 8100 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0332] The wireless communication unit 8200 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 8200 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generation device 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0333] The control unit 1000 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0334] The control unit 1000 can control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. In another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 5000 in response to a control command from the control unit 1000.

[0335] The control unit 1000 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1000 may control the power supplied to the heater 5000 to start or stop operation of the heater 5000 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. As another example, the control unit 1000 may control the amount and duration of power supplied to the heater 5000 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 to heat the heater 5000 to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0336] The control unit 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 through the puff sensor 2300 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1000 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the audio output unit 3300 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down.

[0337] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in 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 delivery media.

[0338] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

[0339] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a cartridge having a storage portion configured to store an aerosol generating material, a container portion configured to accommodate an aerosol product, a chamber communicating with the container portion, a heating portion disposed in the chamber to heat the aerosol generating material, and a support assembly disposed in the container portion and configured to support the aerosol product; and an aerosol generating device body having a cartridge connecting portion detachably connected to the cartridge, and a sensor disposed between the cartridge connecting portion and the storage portion for sensing moisture in the aerosol product; the support assembly includes a support member protruding from an inner surface of the container to support the aerosol product contained in the container, and a guide hole defined by the support member; The aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generated in the chamber moves toward the one region of the aerosol product through the induction hole.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heating unit is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the support member in a direction transverse to a direction in which the aerosol generating device body extends.

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

4. The chamber has an inlet hole through which external air is introduced, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the inflow hole is located at a position corresponding to the heating unit in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the aerosol generating device body.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor and the storage section are arranged on either side of the outer wall of the storage section so that the sensor is positioned at a position spatially separated from the storage section.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a first sensor for sensing moisture in a first region of the aerosol product contained in the container, and a second sensor for sensing moisture in a second region of the aerosol product.

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

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor includes a curved surface that corresponds to an outer wall of the container.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an induction plate disposed between the cartridge and the aerosol generating device body, inclined with respect to the extension direction of the aerosol generating device body, and configured to induce external air to flow into the chamber.

10. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the size of the induction holes is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the size of the induction hole is 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

12. the support member supports an edge region of the aerosol product article; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the induction hole is located at a position corresponding to the center of the aerosol product.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the support member includes a curved surface that guides the aerosol generated in the chamber to flow toward the guide hole.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the support assembly further comprises an intermediate support positioned in the induction hole and a rib connecting the intermediate support and the support member.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , wherein a plurality of the ribs are arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support and connect the intermediate support and the support member.

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