Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generator includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a main passage for supplying air to the aerosol generator or for discharging aerosols or air generated by the aerosol generator, a branch passage connected on one side to one region of the main passage and on the other side to the other region of the main passage, and a puff sensor connected to the branch passage for detecting the flow of at least one of the air or aerosol in the branch passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that can be conveniently used through a relaxed inhalation operation.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there has been an increase in demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using an aerosol generating device, rather than the method of generating aerosols by burning cigarettes.

[0003] As demand for aerosol generating devices has increased, aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols using an aerosol-generating substance and can improve user smoking convenience have emerged. For example, aerosol generating devices that detect a user's puff operation via a sensor and operate based on the detected puff operation have been proposed.

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by Invention

[0004] An aerosol generating device includes a sensor for detecting a user's puff operation. For the sensor to detect the puff operation, sufficient air pressure must be formed for the airflow passing through the airflow passage.

[0005] In addition, in order for a user to comfortably perform the operation of inhaling aerosol through the aerosol generating device, the pressure of the airflow passing through the airflow passage must be appropriately formed. For example, if the airflow pressure becomes excessively high, and when the user performs a puff operation, the "suction resistance", which is the airflow pressure experienced by the user, increases, the user may feel discomfort.

[0006] The pressure of an airflow is affected by the size of the airflow passage. For example, if the airflow passage is large, the airflow pressure decreases and the suction resistance decreases, but the airflow pressure may also be insufficient for the sensor to operate. Conversely, if the airflow passage is small, the airflow pressure increases and the sensor operates normally, but the suction resistance may increase.

[0007] To precisely control the operation of an aerosol generator, the sensors must be able to function accurately. Depending on the operating environment of the aerosol generator, the sensors may not function correctly.

[0008] For example, a preheating operation performed before the user's suction action may generate a heated airflow. Another example is that after the user's suction action is complete, a heated airflow may be generated by the heat produced by the heater of the aerosol generator.

[0009] Furthermore, during the carrying process of the aerosol generator, vibrations transmitted to the aerosol generator can generate airflow. If the sensor is activated by heated airflow or airflow caused by vibrations and mistakenly detects that the user has inhaled, the aerosol generator may operate in a manner unintended by the user.

[0010] The embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generating device having suction resistance suitable for the user's suction action.

[0011] Furthermore, the embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can precisely detect changes in airflow.

[0012] Furthermore, the embodiment aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can minimize false detections by sensors.

[0013] The problems to be solved through these embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Additional aspects are described below, some of which may become apparent or inferred from the implementation of the embodiments provided in this disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a main passage for supplying air to the aerosol generator or for discharging aerosols or air generated by the aerosol generator, a branch passage connected on one side to one region of the main passage and on the other side to the other region of the main passage, and a puff sensor connected to the branch passage for detecting the flow of at least one of the air or aerosol in the branch passage.

[0016] The width of the main passage may be wider than the width of the branch passage.

[0017] The branch passage may include a first passage connected to one of the regions of the main passage.

[0018] The system may further include a second passage connected to the other region of the main passage and connected to the first passage.

[0019] The puff sensor may be connected to the first passage.

[0020] The width of the second passage may be wider than the width of the first passage.

[0021] The width of the main passageway may be wider than the width of the second passageway.

[0022] At least a portion of the main passage may extend so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator.

[0023] The aerosol generator may comprise a housing for accommodating an aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol.

[0024] The aerosol generator may further comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] The main passage may be connected to the housing, and air may be supplied to the housing through the main passage.

[0026] The aerosol generator may further comprise a generation chamber for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance.

[0027] The main passage may be connected to the generation chamber.

[0028] As an example, air may be supplied to the generation chamber through the main passage. As another example, the aerosol and air generated in the generation chamber may be discharged.

[0029] The puff sensor may detect a change in any one of the pressure, flow rate, flow velocity of the flow, or a combination thereof.

[0030] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a filtering element located in the branch passage. The filtering element may filter droplets and foreign matters contained in air or aerosol.

[0031] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an additional branch passage connected to the main passage in parallel with the branch passage.

[0032] The aerosol-generating device may extend along one direction, and with reference to the one direction, the branch passage may be located closer to the end of the aerosol-generating device in the one direction than the main passage.

[0033] The aerosol generating apparatus extends in one direction, and with respect to that one direction, the main passage may be located closer to the end of the aerosol generating apparatus in that direction than the branch passage.

[0034] At least a portion of the main passage and at least a portion of the branch passage may extend in a direction that crosses one direction in which the aerosol generating device extends.

[0035] The aerosol generator may further include a supply block located outside the aerosol generator. At least one of the main passage and the branch passage may pass through the supply block.

[0036] The aerosol generator may further include a containment section for containing the aerosol product.

[0037] The main passage may be formed by the space between the outer surface of the aerosol product contained in the containment section and the inner wall of the containment section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the above-described embodiment can achieve a low level of suction resistance so that the user can perform a puffing action with ease.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating apparatus of the embodiment, the puff sensor can precisely and quickly detect the flow of air or aerosol, or the flow of both air and aerosol.

[0040] Furthermore, in the aerosol generator according to the embodiment, a branch passage is connected in parallel to the main passage through which the main stream of air and aerosol is generated, and a puff sensor is connected to the branch passage. Therefore, air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage, and the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator can be discharged to the outside, while the puff sensor connected to the branch passage, which is arranged in parallel to the main passage, can precisely detect the user's inhalation action.

[0041] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Aspects, features, and advantages that differ from the aforementioned aspects of the specific embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description, along with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a drawing showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a drawing showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a drawing showing an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a front perspective view of an aerosol generator to which the embodiments shown may be applied. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the aerosol generator. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing some of the components of a modified aerosol generating device from the embodiment shown in Figure 6, separated from the original. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled state of the parts. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] Furthermore, this is a schematic perspective view showing a part of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] These are block diagrams that schematically show the coupling relationships of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, while taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention is not simply a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0045] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0046] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of the following” precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire group of components, not each of the individual components in the array. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0048] The aerosol generator may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated when an electric current flows through the conductive track.

[0049] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the pattern of the heating element can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0050] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made in sheet or strand form and may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by cutting tobacco sheets into small pieces. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0051] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0052] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0053] An aerosol generator may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the main body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this; the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0054] The cartridge can contain an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0055] The cartridge can perform the function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase, through operation by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol is delivered to the user through a cigarette.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0058] The aerosol generator includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize aerosol-generating materials. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and while the frequency range of ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, it is not limited to this range.

[0059] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0060] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0061] For example, aerosols can be generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is further atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not the only way in which aerosols can be generated.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generator using induction heating.

[0063] The aerosol generator may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, it generates heat, which can heat the aerosol product. Furthermore, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may further include a cradle.

[0065] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the aerosol generator's battery, or the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art. The present invention can be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0068] Figure 1 is a drawing showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, and a heater 18. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, sensor 13, and heater 18 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The body 10 may provide an upwardly open space into which a stick S, which is an aerosol product, can be inserted. The upwardly open space is also referred to as the insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing into the body 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick S can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the body 10. The user may inhale air by putting the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, into their mouth.

[0070] The heater 18 is an example of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from a stick S. The aerosol generator may include a housing section 102p which includes an insertion space for housing the stick S, and a heater 18 which is positioned in the housing section 102p and generates heat for heating the stick S.

[0071] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 may extend upward in the vicinity of the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 may also be tubular with a hollow interior. The heater 18 may be positioned around the insertion space. The heater 18 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0072] For example, referring to Figure 1, heater 18 is also a resistive heater. For example, heater 18 may include a conductive track, and heater 18 may be heated by current flowing through the conductive track. Heater 18 may be electrically connected to a power supply 11. Heater 18 may be directly heated by current supplied from power supply 11. Heater 18 may be positioned as a hollow heater to surround at least a portion of a stick S inserted into an insertion space and heat the outside of the inserted stick S, or as a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, tubular, or other heater to be inserted inside the stick S inserted into the insertion space and heat the inside.

[0073] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11 and the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the induction coil 181. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0074] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater 18 so that the operation of the heater 18 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and the duration for which power is supplied so that the heater 18 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0075] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, or an insertion sensing sensor. For example, sensor 13 may sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside or outside the body 10. For example, sensor 13 may sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 may sense whether or not the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space.

[0076] For example, "the sensor unit 13 includes a puff sensor" can mean that the sensor unit 13 shown in Figure 1 is connected to the puff sensor 132, the sensor unit 13 supplies power to the puff sensor 132, receives the signal generated by the puff sensor 132, and performs functions such as converting the signal from the puff sensor 132 into a "puff signal" for transmission to the control unit 12. The "puff signal" may be a signal indicating that an inhalation action (puff action) performed by the user has been detected.

[0077] The aerosol generator 1 includes a main passage 150 and a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage 150. The aerosol generator 1 also includes an opening 150i that is open to the outside in order to introduce outside air into the interior of the aerosol generator 1.

[0078] One end of the main passage 150 is connected to the opening 150i of the aerosol generator 1. The other end of the main passage 150 is connected to the supply port 150d of the containment section 102p. Air can be supplied to the containment section 102p via the supply port 150d. Therefore, air that flows into the aerosol generator 1 from the outside through the opening 150i can be supplied to the containment section 102p via the main passage 150.

[0079] The branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150. "Connected in parallel" can be explained from the perspective of the fluid flow passing through the main passage 150. In other words, the connection of the branch passage 160 in parallel to the main passage 150 means that when the fluid passes through the main passage 150, a fluid flow can also be generated in the branch passage 160.

[0080] In order to connect the branch passage 160 in parallel with the main passage 150, one side 160a of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the main passage 150, and the other side 160b of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the main passage 150.

[0081] A puff sensor 132 is connected to the branching passage 160. The puff sensor 132 can detect the flow of air and / or aerosols passing through the branching passage 160 and generate a signal.

[0082] The branch passage 160 includes a first passage 161 connected to one region of the main passage 150 and a second passage 162 connected to the other region of the main passage 150. The puff sensor 132 can be connected to the first passage 161.

[0083] The first passage 161 may extend along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. The second passage 162 may extend along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends.

[0084] A filtering element 180 may be placed in the branching passage 160 to filter out foreign matter such as droplets or dust contained in the fluid flow. The filtering element 180 may be placed in the second passage 162 of the branching passage 160.

[0085] The filtering element 180 may include, for example, a mesh material manufactured from metal, plastic, and fiber, or a combination thereof. As another example, the filtering element 180 may be embodied by synthetic fibers that filter liquids and allow air to pass through. As yet another example, the filtering element 180 may be embodied by at least one projection or protruding structure formed to project from the wall surface of the second passage 162.

[0086] The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160. More specifically, the width of the second passage 162 of the branch passage 160 is wider than the width of the first passage 161, and the width of the main passage 150 is wider than the width of the second passage 162.

[0087] The main passage 150 includes a first main passage 151 that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generator 1 extends, and a second main passage 152 that connects the first main passage 151 and the supply port 150d.

[0088] One end of the second main passage 152 is connected to the first main passage 151 and the second passage 162 of the branch passage 160. The second main passage 152 extends along the direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 so as to connect the first main passage 151 and the supply port 150d.

[0089] The aerosol generator 1 can extend for a long distance in one direction (the Z-axis direction). The aerosol generator 1 may include one end in one direction (the Z-axis direction) and the other end in the other direction (the -Z-axis direction). An open port 150i and an insertion port for the stick S may be formed at one end of the aerosol generator 1.

[0090] With reference to the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (the Z-axis direction), the branch passage 160 can be positioned even closer to one end of the aerosol generator 1 than the main passage 150.

[0091] With a structure in which the branch passage 160 is located closer to one end of the aerosol generator 1 than the main passage 150, it is possible to minimize the flow of droplets generated by the cooling of aerosols in the main passage 150, etc., into the puff sensor 132. When a user grasps the aerosol generator 1, the orientation of the aerosol generator 1 is approximately the same as the Z-axis direction shown in Figure 1. Therefore, even if droplets are generated in the main passage 150 or the branch passage 160, etc., it is difficult for the droplets to flow into the puff sensor 132, which is connected to the upper part of the first passage 161 that extends horizontally with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0092] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, a branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150, which connects the housing section 102p that houses the stick S and the opening 150i. Therefore, when the user performs a suction operation, external air can pass through the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 before being supplied to the stick S. As air flows into the heated stick S, the aerosol generated by mixing the steam produced from the stick S with the air can be smoothly supplied to the user.

[0093] If the aerosol generator 1 includes only one passage for transmitting air to the stick S, the width of that passage must be determined considering both the operation of the puff sensor 132 and the suction resistance associated with the user's inhalation. The narrower the width of the passage, the more precisely the puff sensor 132 can operate. However, if the width of the passage is set too narrow, the "suction resistance," which is the fluid resistance felt by the user when they inhale, will increase, which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0094] Conversely, if the width of one of the passages that transmits air to the stick S is too large, the puff sensor 132 may not function precisely.

[0095] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the user inhales the aerosol, sufficient air is supplied to the stick S via the wide main passage 150, providing sufficient "suction resistance" that allows the user to feel comfortable. Furthermore, since air also flows through the narrow branch passage 160 while the user is inhaling the aerosol, the puff sensor 132 can operate precisely.

[0096] Furthermore, if only one passage is used to transmit air to the stick S, the puff sensor 132 may "malfunction" after the user's inhalation action (puffing action) has finished. A "malfunction" of the puff sensor 132 can mean that the puff sensor 132 generates a signal indicating that the user has performed an inhalation action, even when the user has not performed an inhalation action.

[0097] Even when the user does not perform a suction action, the air heated by the heat surrounding the stick S may be naturally discharged to the outside through one passage. For example, the heater 18 can preheat the stick S before the user performs a suction action, and the preheating action of the heater 18 allows the heated air surrounding the stick S to flow to the outside through one passage.

[0098] As another example, even after the user has finished the suction operation, heated air may flow to the outside through one passage due to the heated air around the stick S or residual heat present in the heater 18.

[0099] As another example, even when the user is not performing an inhalation action, if the user moves quickly while carrying the aerosol generator 1 or shakes the aerosol generator 1, an airflow may be generated within one of the passages.

[0100] Therefore, if the aerosol generator 1 includes one passage and a puff sensor 132 connected to the passage, as described above, fluid flow may occur in the passage even when the user does not perform an inhalation action. Due to this phenomenon, the puff sensor 132 may malfunction and generate a signal indicating that an inhalation action has been detected, even when the user does not perform an inhalation action.

[0101] According to the aerosol generating device 1 of the above-described embodiment, air is supplied to the housing section 102p that houses the stick S via the main passage 150, and a branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150, thereby minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0102] Preheating or residual heat may generate heated air around the stick S, or the vibration of the aerosol generator 1 may create a natural airflow in the main passage 150 and branch passage 160. "Natural airflow" can refer to the airflow along the main passage 150 and branch passage 160 when the user is not performing an inhalation action.

[0103] Since the width of the main passage 150 is set wider than the width of the branch passage 160, the flow resistance against the airflow is greater in the branch passage 160 than in the main passage 150. Of the natural airflow, a large amount of air passes through the main passage 150, which has low flow resistance. A small amount of air passes through the branch passage 160, which has relatively high flow resistance. Therefore, even if natural airflow occurs in both the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160, a small amount of air passes through the branch passage 160, thus minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0104] In the following embodiments, when the same reference numerals are used for the same elements shown in the drawings, it will be understood that the elements having those names have the same function.

[0105] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to another embodiment.

[0106] The heater 18 of the aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil 181 can generate heat in the heater 18. The heater 18 is a susceptor, and the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 181. The magnetic field penetrates the heater 18 and can generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0107] In Figure 2, the heater 18 is positioned outside the housing section 102p, but the embodiment is not limited to this structure of housing section 102p and heater 18. For example, the housing section 102p can be removed, and the heater 18, which functions as a susceptor, can house the stick S. In such a case, the shape of the heater 18 may be deformed into a cup shape, such as the housing section 102p shown in Figure 2. When the heater 18 is deformed into a cup shape, the heater 18 can house the stick S, supply air to the stick S, and heat the stick S.

[0108] On the other hand, a susceptor can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by the magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil 181.

[0109] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 can be called a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control unit 12, the sensor unit 13, and the heater 18. If the aerosol generator 1 includes an induction coil 181, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil 181.

[0110] The aerosol generator 1 includes a main passage 150 and a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150.

[0111] One side 160a of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the main passage 150, and the other side 160b of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the main passage 150.

[0112] The branch passage 160 includes a first passage 161 connected to one region of the main passage 150 and a second passage 162 connected to the other region of the main passage 150. The puff sensor 132 may be connected to the first passage 161. A filtering element 180 may be located in the second passage 162 of the branch passage 160.

[0113] The first passage 161 can extend along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) or the extension direction of the aerosol generator 1. The second passage 162 can extend along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the aerosol generator 1.

[0114] The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160. More specifically, the width of the second passage 162 of the branch passage 160 is wider than the width of the first passage 161, and the width of the main passage 150 is wider than the width of the second passage 162.

[0115] The main passage 150 includes a first main passage 151 that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generator 1 extends, and a second main passage 152 that connects the first main passage 151 and the supply port 150d.

[0116] The aerosol generator 1 can extend for a long distance along one direction (the Z-axis direction). With respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (the Z-axis direction), the main passage 150 can be located closer to one end of the aerosol generator 1 than the branch passage 160.

[0117] With a structure in which the main passage 150 is located closer to one end of the aerosol generator 1 than the branch passage 160, it is possible to minimize the flow of droplets generated by the cooling of aerosols in the main passage 150 and branch passage 160 into the puff sensor 132. When a user grasps the aerosol generator 1, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 is approximately the same as the Z-axis direction shown in Figure 1. Droplets generated in the main passage 150 and branch passage 160, etc., collect in the second passage 162 located at the bottom of Figure 2. Therefore, droplets are less likely to flow into the puff sensor 132 connected to the first passage 161 which extends along the extending direction (Z-axis) of the aerosol generator 1.

[0118] According to the aerosol generating device 1 of the above-described embodiment, air is supplied to the housing section 102p that houses the stick S via the main passage 150, and a branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150, so that the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132 can be minimized.

[0119] Preheating or residual heat may generate heated air around the stick S, or the vibration of the aerosol generator 1 may create a natural airflow in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160.

[0120] Since the width of the main passage 150 is set wider than the width of the branch passage 160, the flow resistance against the airflow is greater in the branch passage 160 than in the main passage 150. A large amount of air from the natural airflow passes through the main passage 150, which has low flow resistance. A small amount of air from the natural airflow passes through the branch passage 160, which has relatively high flow resistance.

[0121] Heated air has a lower density than the surrounding air and tends to move in the opposite direction to gravity, that is, upward. Due to the upward tendency of heated air, most of the heated air around the stick S flows into the first main passage 151 of the main passage 150 before reaching the second passage 162 of the branch passage 160. Then, a small amount of the natural airflow flows into the branch passage 160.

[0122] Therefore, even if a natural airflow occurs in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160, only a small amount of air passes through the branch passage 160, thus minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0123] Figure 3 is a drawing showing an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0124] Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator 1 according to other embodiments may include a main body 10 and a cartridge 19. The aerosol generator 1 may include at least one of a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. At least one of the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the sensor 13 may be located inside the main body 10. The main body 10 may be fitted with a cartridge 19 containing an aerosol generating substance. The user can inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19 into their mouth.

[0125] The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in its internal chamber C0 that is in one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0126] The cartridge 19 can be detachably attached to the main unit 10. By being attached to the main unit 10, the cartridge 19 can be installed in the main unit 10.

[0127] The main unit 10 may have a structure that allows outside air to flow into the main unit 10 while the cartridge 19 is attached. In this case, the outside air that flows into the main unit 10 can pass through the cartridge 19 and flow into the user's mouth via the main passage 150.

[0128] The cartridge 19 may include a storage space 31 containing aerosol-generating material and / or a heater 24. The heater 24 may heat the chamber C0 and / or the aerosol-generating material in chamber C0. The cartridge 19 may include a liquid transfer means 25 for absorbing the aerosol-generating material. Here, the liquid transfer means 25 may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The conductive track of the heater 24 may consist of a coiled structure that winds the liquid transfer means 25 or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid transfer means 25. The heater 24 may be referred to as a "cartridge heater".

[0129] Cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated when the liquid delivery means 25 is heated by the heater 24. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's mouth through the main passage 150.

[0130] The heater 24 and liquid transfer means 25 of cartridge 19 are another example of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include an aerosol generation chamber C1 for generating aerosols. At least one of the heater 24 and liquid transfer means 25 may be located in the aerosol generation chamber C1.

[0131] The aerosol generator 1 includes a main passage 150 and a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator can be discharged to the outside via the main passage 150.

[0132] One end of the main passage 150 is open to the outside, and the other end of the main passage 150 may be connected to the aerosol generation chamber C1. The main passage 150 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 1. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generation chamber C1 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 through the main passage 150.

[0133] One side 160a of the branch passage 160 is connected to one region of the main passage 150, and the other side 160b of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other region of the main passage 150. The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0134] A puff sensor 132 is connected to the branching passage 160. The puff sensor 132 can detect changes in the flow of air and / or aerosols passing through the branching passage 160 and generate a signal.

[0135] According to the aerosol generating apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator is discharged to the outside via the main passage 150, and since the branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator can be supplied to the user after passing through the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 when the user performs a suction operation.

[0136] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, a sufficient flow rate of aerosol can be provided to the user via the wide main passage 150. Therefore, the aerosol generator 1 can provide sufficient "suction resistance" to make the user feel comfortable while performing the suction action. In addition, since an aerosol flow is also generated via the narrow branch passage 160 while the user is inhaling the aerosol, the puff sensor 132 can operate precisely.

[0137] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, since the aerosol generator is connected to a main passage 150 and a branch passage 160, when heated air flows due to the preheating operation of the heater 24 or residual heat after the operation of the heater 24 is completed, a large amount of the heated air can be discharged through the main passage 150, which has low flow resistance.

[0138] Since the width of the main passage 150 is set wider than the width of the branch passage 160, the flow resistance against the airflow is greater in the branch passage 160 than in the main passage 150. A large amount of air from the natural airflow passes through the main passage 150, which has low flow resistance. A small amount of air from the natural airflow passes through the branch passage 160, which has relatively high flow resistance. Therefore, even if natural airflow occurs in both the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160, only a small amount of air passes through the branch passage 160, thus minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0139] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 can extend along the direction of extension (Z-axis direction) of the aerosol generator 1. For example, at least a portion of the main passage 150 and at least a portion of the branch passage 160 can extend parallel to each other along the direction of extension of the aerosol generator 1.

[0140] The structure in which the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 extend in the same direction minimizes the flow of droplets generated by the cooling of aerosols in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 into the puff sensor 132. When a user grasps the aerosol generator 1, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 approximately coincides with the direction of gravity. Since droplets generated in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 flow downward along the direction of gravity, it becomes difficult for droplets to flow into the puff sensor 132 connected to the branch passage 160 which extends along the direction of the aerosol generator 1.

[0141] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the aerosol generator 1 to which the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be applied, and Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the aerosol generator 1 of Figure 4.

[0142] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, and sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, control unit 12, and sensor 13 may be located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1. The features of the power supply 11, control unit 12, and sensor 13 can be similarly applied to those described in Figures 1 to 3.

[0143] Body 10 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 1 and may include an internal space where the components of the aerosol generator 1 are arranged. Although only embodiments in which body 10 has a semicircular cross-section as a whole are shown in the drawings, the shape of body 10 is not limited thereto, and body 10 may have a cylindrical or polygonal prism shape as a whole.

[0144] The body 10 may include a first body surface 10A (e.g., a top surface of the body), a second body surface 10B (e.g., a bottom surface of the body) opposite to the first body surface 10A, and at least one third body surface 10C (e.g., a side surface of the body) between the first body surface 10A and the second body surface 10B.

[0145] Referring to Figure 5, the body 10 may have an insertion space 102 formed inside. The insertion space 102 may be formed in the upper part of the body 10. The insertion space 102 may have an opening on the upper side. The insertion space 102 may have a long cylindrical shape extending vertically. At least a portion of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the upper opening 101 of the insertion space 102. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a cigarette, such as the stick (S) shown in Figures 1 and 2, but the form of the aerosol-generating material is not limited thereto. The depth of the insertion space 102 may correspond to the length of the region in the stick S that contains the aerosol-generating substance or medium.

[0146] The heater 240 (for example, heater 18 in Figures 1 and 2) may surround at least a portion of the outside of the insertion space 102. The heater 240 may extend vertically along the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may also be a cylindrical electrical resistive heater surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102. For example, the heater 240 may include a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space 102 and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. The heater 240 may heat the outside of the stick S housed in the insertion space 102. At least one region of the stick S housed in the insertion space 102 is heated by the heater 240, and vaporized particles generated by the heating of the stick S may be mixed with air flowing into the internal space of the body 10 through the opening 101 to produce an aerosol.

[0147] A display 141 may be positioned on one side of the body 10. At least a portion of the display 141 may be exposed to the outside of the body 10.

[0148] The display 141 can provide the user with a variety of visual information. The display 141 may include a display panel and / or a touch panel. The display 141 may include a cover glass.

[0149] The cover glass, together with the body 10, may form the appearance of the aerosol generator 1. The cover glass may come into contact with a part of the user's body. The cover glass may protect the display panel and / or touch panel from external impacts.

[0150] The display panel may be positioned inward toward the body 10 by the cover glass. The display panel may also be positioned parallel to the cover glass.

[0151] A touch panel can detect touches corresponding to contact with objects. For example, a touch panel can detect touches corresponding to contact with a part of the user's body. A touch panel can receive user input.

[0152] A cover 104 may be provided on the upper side of the body 10. The cover 104 also has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening 101 of the body 10. For example, the opening 101 of the body 10 may be circular, and the cover 104 may also be circular with a larger diameter than the diameter of the opening 101.

[0153] The cover 104 may be movably connected to a guide 103 formed in the body 10. The cover 104 may move by the guide 103. For example, the guide 103 may be a groove formed on one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may include a projection that slides when inserted into the groove of the body 10. As another example, the guide 103 may be a projection protruding from one surface of the body 10, and the cover 104 may have a groove into which the projection is inserted and slide along the projection.

[0154] The cover 104 can open and close the opening 101 of the body 10 by moving along the guide 103. For example, the cover 104 can close the opening 101 in a first position and open the opening 101 in a second position. The position of the cover 104 can be moved manually by the user. Alternatively, the aerosol generator 1 may be equipped with a drive mechanism that moves the position of the cover 104.

[0155] Body 10 may include a connecting terminal (not shown). The connecting terminal may include a connector to which the aerosol generator 1 can be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connecting terminal may include at least one of the following, or a combination thereof: an HDMI® connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0156] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0157] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 6 includes an aerosol generator for generating aerosols, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150, and a puff sensor 132 connected to the branch passage 160 for detecting changes in airflow. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150.

[0158] Inside the main body 10, components such as an aerosol generator, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160, and a puff sensor 132 may be arranged. When the cover 104 moves relative to the main body 10, a part of the main body 10 is opened, a part of the stick S is inserted into the main body 10, and the other part of the stick S is exposed to the outside of the main body 10.

[0159] The aerosol generator includes a housing section 102p which contains an insertion space into which a stick S can be inserted, a support cylinder 18s for supporting the outer surface of the stick S housed in the housing section 102p, and a heater disposed on the outer surface of the support cylinder 18s which generates heat for heating the stick S.

[0160] The stick S is heated by the heater 18 to generate an aerosol. The stick S is also called a cigarette. The stick S is an example of an aerosol product. The examples are not limited to the method of generating an aerosol by heating the stick S of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 6. The aerosol generator may generate an aerosol using, for example, a heater inserted into the stick S that generates heat, or by heating a liquid aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol, or by generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol generating substance by ultrasonic vibration.

[0161] The housing 102p includes a supply chamber 102c and an inlet 102i. Air can be supplied to the stick S inserted into the housing 102p via the supply chamber 102c. The inlet 102i is open to the outside of the housing 102p. The inlet 102i may be formed to protrude outward from the housing 102p. Air can be supplied to the supply chamber 102c via the inlet 102i.

[0162] A supply block 150b is positioned outside the containment section 102p. Air can be supplied to the containment section 102p via the supply block 150b. The aerosol generator 1 includes a main passage 150 and a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150. The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0163] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 may be arranged to form flow paths inside the supply block 150b. For example, the supply block 150b may be formed by an injection molding process in which resin is injected into a mold and cured. The injection molding process may form the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 inside the supply block 150b, having positions and structures predetermined by the mold.

[0164] The method for forming the main passage 150 and branch passages 160 is not limited to the "injection molding process." For example, after manufacturing a block shape using metal or plastic material, the supply block 150b including the main passage 150 and branch passages 160 can be completed by drilling the inside of the block shape.

[0165] One end of the main passage 150 is connected to the opening 150i of the aerosol generator 1. The other end of the main passage 150 includes a supply port 150d. Air can be supplied to the inlet 102i through the supply port 150d. The supply port 150d of the main passage 150 may be formed to protrude from the supply block 150b toward the containment section 102p. Thus, air flowing in from the outside through the main passage 150 can be supplied to the containment section 102p.

[0166] The supply port 150d of the main passage 150 and the inlet 102i of the storage section 102p can be tightly connected by a sealing portion 160r. "Tightly connected" can mean that a sealed state is achieved so that air, liquid, etc., cannot pass through the connection portion between the supply port 150d and the inlet 102i. The sealing portion 160r may be formed from, for example, rubber or an elastic resin material.

[0167] The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the stick S, which protrudes from the outside of the main unit 10, in their mouth. The action of the user inhaling while holding the stick S in their mouth can be called a "puffing action" or "inhaling action." When a puffing action is performed, an airflow is generated through the stick S, which can transmit the aerosol generated from the stick S to the user.

[0168] External air can be supplied to the stick S during the puffing operation. As shown in Figure 6, the state in which part of the stick S is inserted into the main body 10 corresponds to the state in which part of the cover 104 is open to the main body 10. External air from the main body 10 flows into the main body 10 through the gap between the cover 104 and the main body 10.

[0169] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 are fluidly connected to the supply chamber 10c of the housing section 102p. Air flowing in from outside the main body 10 passes through the opening 150i, the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160, the supply port 150d, the inlet 102i, and the supply chamber 10c before being supplied to the stick S.

[0170] One side 160a of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the main passage 150, and the other side 160b of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the main passage 150.

[0171] A puff sensor 132 is connected to the branch passage 160. The puff sensor 132 is mounted on a circuit board 132b. The circuit board 132b with the puff sensor 132 mounted on it is placed in the supply block 150b so that it is located outside the branch passage 160.

[0172] The circuit board 132b may be a printed circuit board made of a rigid or flexible material. The circuit board 132b can supply electricity to the puff sensor 132 and transmit the sensing signal generated by the puff sensor 132 to the control unit.

[0173] The puff sensor 132 can detect the flow of air and / or aerosols passing through the branched passage 160. The puff sensor 132's detection of flow allows it to generate a signal based on changes in the flow of air and / or aerosols.

[0174] For example, the puff sensor 132 can detect changes in the pressure, flow rate, or flow velocity of air that flows from outside the aerosol generator 1 into the main body 10, or it can generate a signal based on changes in various combinations of physical quantities related to air flow.

[0175] For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can generate a signal corresponding to a change in the air pressure in the branch passage 160.

[0176] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the user inhales the aerosol, sufficient air is supplied to the stick S via the wide main passage 150, providing sufficient "suction resistance" that the user can comfortably feel. In addition, since air also flows through the narrow branch passage 160 while the user is inhaling the aerosol, the puff sensor 132 can operate precisely.

[0177] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the main passage 150 is connected to the housing section 102p for housing the stick S. The main passage 150 is wide so that a sufficient amount of air is supplied to the housing section 102p. A narrow branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the wide main passage 150, and the puff sensor 132 is connected to the narrow branch passage 160, so that the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132 can be minimized.

[0178] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 can extend along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. With a structure in which at least a portion of the main passage 150 and at least a portion of the branch passage 160 extend in the same direction, it is possible to minimize the flow of droplets generated by the cooling of aerosols in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 into the puff sensor 132.

[0179] The embodiment is not limited to the arrangement structure of the supply block 150b, main passage 150, and branch passage 160 shown in Figure 6, and various arrangement structures can be used. For example, either the main passage 150 or the branch passage 160 may be formed inside the supply block 150b, and the other of the main passage 150 or branch passage 160 may be arranged outside the supply block 150b. The other of the main passage 150 or branch passage 160 arranged outside the supply block 150b may be embodied, for example, as a pipe or a tube.

[0180] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing some of the components of the aerosol generator 1, which is a modified version of the embodiment shown in Figure 6, separated from the original. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the components shown in Figure 7 assembled together.

[0181] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, supply block 150b and branch block 160t are used to realize the main passage 150 and branch passage 160.

[0182] A main passage 150 is formed inside the supply block 150b. A branch passage 160 is formed inside the branch block 160t. The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0183] Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150. The main passage 150 connects an opening 150i formed at the upper end of the supply block 150b and a supply opening 150d formed at the lower end of the supply block 150b so as to protrude from one surface.

[0184] The branching block 160t is connected to the other side of the supply block 150b. One side 160a and the other side 160b of the branching passage 160 are formed to protrude from one side of the branching block 160t.

[0185] On the other side of the supply block 150b facing one side of the branch block 160t, connection holes 154 and 155 are formed to expose one region of the main passage 150 and the other region to the outside of the supply block 150b.

[0186] When one side of the branch block 160t is connected to the other side of the supply block 150b, one side 160a and the other side 160b of the branch block 160t are connected to the connection holes 154 and 155 of the supply block 150b. Therefore, when the branch block 160t is connected to the supply block 150b, one side 160a of the branch passage 160 is connected to one region of the main passage 150, and the other side 160b of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other region of the main passage 150.

[0187] The circuit board 132b is coupled to the outside of the branch block 106t. When the circuit board 132b, on which the puff sensor 132 is mounted, is coupled to the other side of the branch block 106t, the puff sensor 132 is connected to the branch passage 160.

[0188] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 may be arranged in such a way that they form flow paths inside the supply block 150b and the branch block 106t. For example, each of the supply block 150b and the branch block 106t may be formed by an injection molding process in which resin is injected into a mold and cured. By joining the supply block 150b and the branch block 106t completed by the injection molding process, the branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150.

[0189] The embodiments are not limited to a method in which the main passage 150 and branch passage 160 are formed by an injection molding process; one or both of the main passage 150 and branch passage 160 can be realized using a separate pipe or tube.

[0190] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 can extend along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. With a structure in which at least a portion of the main passage 150 and at least a portion of the branch passage 160 extend in the same direction, it is possible to minimize the flow of droplets generated by the cooling of aerosols in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 into the puff sensor 132.

[0191] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0192] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 9 includes an aerosol generator 241 for generating aerosols, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160 connected in parallel to the main passage 150, and a puff sensor 132 connected to the branch passage 160 for detecting airflow. The aerosol or heated air generated by the aerosol generator 241 is discharged to the outside via the main passage 150, or both the aerosol and the air can be discharged to the outside.

[0193] The aerosol generator 241 includes a chamber C1 in which aerosols are generated, a liquid transfer means 25 located inside the chamber C1, and a heater 24 that heats the liquid transfer means 25 to generate aerosols.

[0194] One end of the main passage 150 may be open to the outside of the aerosol generator 1, and the other end of the main passage 150 may be connected to the aerosol generation chamber C1. At least a portion of the main passage 150 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generation chamber C1 can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 via the main passage 150.

[0195] One side 160a of the branch passage 160 is connected to one region of the main passage 150, and the other side 160b of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other region of the main passage 150. The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0196] A puff sensor 132 is connected to the branching passage 160. The puff sensor 132 can detect changes in the flow of air or aerosols passing through the branching passage 160 and / or changes in physical quantities related to the fluid, and generate a signal.

[0197] Air from outside the aerosol generator 1 flows into the aerosol generator 1 through the intake passage 158 of the main body 10. The air that flows into the intake passage 158 flows into the chamber C1 where the aerosol is generated, and then the aerosol formed in the chamber C1 is mixed with the air and discharged to the outside through the main passage 150. The user can inhale the aerosol by putting the mouthpiece 10m provided at one end of the aerosol generator 1 into their mouth.

[0198] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the user performs a suction operation, the flow of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator can be supplied to the user after passing through the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160. A sufficient flow rate of aerosol can be provided to the user via the wide main passage 150.

[0199] Furthermore, since an aerosol flow is also generated through the narrow branching passage 160 while the user is inhaling the aerosol, the puff sensor 132 can operate precisely.

[0200] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, a wide main passage 150 and a narrow branch passage 160 are connected in parallel to the aerosol generator. As a result, most of the airflow generated by preheating and residual heat can be discharged to the outside through the main passage 150, thereby minimizing malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0201] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0202] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 10 includes an aerosol generator, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160 connected in parallel to the main passage 150, and a puff sensor 132 connected to the branch passage 160 to generate a signal related to the fluid. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150.

[0203] The aerosol generator includes a housing section 102p which includes a housing space for housing a stick S, and a heater 18 which at least a portion of which is located inside the housing section 102p and generates heat for heating the stick S. The aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11 for supplying power to the heater 18.

[0204] As shown in Figure 10, when the stick S is inserted into the housing 102p, a portion of the heater 18 can be inserted into the end of the stick S. At least one projection 102g is formed on the bottom surface of the housing space inside the housing 102p, projecting toward the end of the stick S. The projection 102g can function to support the end of the stick S inserted into the housing 102p.

[0205] Furthermore, air flowing into the housing section 102p from the outside can be supplied to the end of the stick S through the space between the protrusions 102g. Since the protrusions 102g are spaced apart from each other, air flowing into the housing section 102p can be supplied to the end of the stick S by passing through the spaced-apart space between the protrusions 102g.

[0206] The main passage 150 can be formed by the space between the inner wall surface 102s of the containment section 102p and the outer surface of the stick S. One end of the main passage 150 is open to the outside of the aerosol generator 1, and the other end of the main passage 150 is connected to the end of the stick S into which the heater 18 is inserted. The main passage 150 can extend along the direction of extension of the aerosol generator 1. Therefore, air flowing into the containment section 102p from the outside can be supplied to the end of the stick S via the main passage 150.

[0207] One side of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the main passage 150, and the other side of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the main passage 150. The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0208] A puff sensor 132 is connected to the branching passage 160. The puff sensor 132 can detect the flow of air and / or aerosols passing through the branching passage 160 and generate a signal.

[0209] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0210] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11 is generally similar in configuration to the aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, but the structure of the main passage 150 has been changed.

[0211] In the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the main passage 150 is located inside the containment section 102p. With the stick S inserted into the containment section 102p, the inner wall surface of the containment section 102p can support the outer surface of the stick S inserted into the containment section 102p. There is no space between the inner wall surface of the containment section 102p and the stick S. Therefore, unlike the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11, no air flows into the space between the inner wall surface of the containment section 102p and the stick S.

[0212] The main passage 150 is located inside the housing section 102p and extends along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. One end of the main passage 150 is open to the outside of the aerosol generator 1, and the other end of the main passage 150 is open to the end of the stick S into which the heater 18 is inserted. Thus, air from outside the aerosol generator 1 can be supplied to the end of the stick S via the main passage 150.

[0213] One side of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the main passage 150, and the other side of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the main passage 150. The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0214] A puff sensor 132 is connected to the branching passage 160. The puff sensor 132 can detect changes in the flow of air or aerosols passing through the branching passage 160 and / or changes in physical quantities related to the fluid, and generate a signal.

[0215] The housing section 102p may be manufactured, for example, by an injection molding process in which resin or molten metal is injected into a mold and cured. The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 may be formed during the injection molding process based on the shape of a passage pre-provided in the mold. As another example, the housing section 102p may be prepared to form the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160, and then holes may be made in the housing section 102p to form the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160.

[0216] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0217] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12 includes an aerosol generator, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150, and a puff sensor 132 connected to the branch passage 160 that generates a signal related to the fluid. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150.

[0218] The aerosol generator includes a housing section 102p which contains a housing space for housing a stick S, and a heater 18 which generates heat for heating the stick S, with at least a portion of it being supported by the housing section 102p. The main passage 150 may be formed to penetrate the housing section 102p.

[0219] A cartridge 19 can be attached to one side of the housing section 102p that houses the stick S. The cartridge 19 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. When the cartridge 19 is attached to the main body 10, the outlet 19e of the cartridge 19 is connected to the main passage 150 of the housing section 102p.

[0220] One end of the main passage 150 is open toward the stick S. The other end of the main passage 150 is connected to the outlet 19e of the cartridge 19. Therefore, at least one of the air and aerosol transmitted through the outlet 19e of the cartridge 19 can be supplied to the stick S via the main passage 150. For example, if the aerosol generator 1 is operated to heat only the stick S with the cartridge 19 stopped, air may be supplied from the cartridge 19 to the main passage 150.

[0221] The branch passage 160 may be formed inside the housing section 102p so as to be connected in parallel to the main passage 150. One side of the branch passage 160 is connected to one region of the main passage 150, and the other side of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other region of the main passage 150. The width of the main passage 150 may be formed to be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0222] The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 may be provided by forming flow channels inside the housing section 102p. For example, the housing section 102p may be formed by an injection molding process in which resin is injected into a mold and cured. The main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 may be formed inside the housing section 102p during the injection molding process.

[0223] Cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 inside. Chamber C0 can store an aerosol-generating substance that is in any state, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel.

[0224] With the cartridge 19 inserted into the main unit 10, outside air can flow into the main unit 10. The outside air can flow into the aerosol generation chamber C1 inside the cartridge 19 through the inlet 19i of the cartridge 19.

[0225] The cartridge 19 may include a heater 24 for heating the aerosol-generating material in the chamber C0 containing the aerosol-generating material. A liquid transfer means 25 for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material may be located inside the chamber C0.

[0226] Cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol can be generated by heating the liquid transfer means 25 with the heater 24. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generation chamber C1 of cartridge 19 can be transferred to the stick S by passing through the outlet 19e, the main passage 150, and the branch passage 160.

[0227] According to the aerosol generating device 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the user performs a suction operation, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 19 can be supplied to the user after passing through the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160. A sufficient flow rate of aerosol can be provided to the user through the wide main passage 150 and the stick S.

[0228] Furthermore, since an aerosol flow is also generated through the narrow branching passage 160 while the user is inhaling the aerosol, the puff sensor 132 can operate precisely.

[0229] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, air and / or aerosols are supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150, and a branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150. As a result, most of the airflow generated by preheating and residual heat is discharged through the main passage 150 towards the aerosol generation chamber C1 of the cartridge 19, thereby minimizing malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0230] The embodiments are not limited by the arrangement of the main passage 150, branch passage 160, and puff sensor 132 shown in Figure 12. For example, the main passage 150, where the puff sensor 132 and branch passage 160 are located, may be formed between the cartridge 19 and the housing 102p, or it may be formed as a passage for transmitting air to the cartridge 19. In other words, the structure shown in Figure 12 may be modified so that the main passage 150, branch passage 160, and puff sensor 132 are located at either the outlet 19e or the inlet 19i.

[0231] As another example, the puff sensor 132, branch passage 160, and main passage 150 may be placed in all or some of the housing section 102p, outlet 19e, and inlet 19i.

[0232] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0233] The aerosol generating apparatus 1 shown in Figure 13 is similar in structure to the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0234] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 13 includes an aerosol generator, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150, and an additional branch passage 170 connected to the main passage 150 in parallel with the branch passage 160. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150.

[0235] The aerosol generator may include a housing section 102p that includes an insertion space for housing a stick S, and a heater 240 disposed in the housing section 102p that generates heat for heating the stick S.

[0236] The main passage 150 includes a first main passage 151 that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device 1 extends, and a second main passage 152 that connects the first main passage 151 to the housing section 102p for housing the stick S.

[0237] One side of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the main passage 150, and the other side of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the main passage 150.

[0238] The branch passage 160 includes a first passage 161 connected to a first region of the main passage 150 and a second passage 162 connected to a second region of the main passage 150. The puff sensor 132 may be connected to the first passage 161.

[0239] The first passage 161 of the branch passage 160 can extend along the direction of extension of the aerosol generator 1 (Z-axis direction). The second passage 162 can extend along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generator 1 extends.

[0240] One side of the additional branch passage 170 is connected to the third region of the main passage 150, and the other side of the additional branch passage 170 is connected to the fourth region of the main passage 150. Therefore, the additional branch passage 170 and the branch passage 160 are connected in parallel to the main passage 150.

[0241] The additional branch passage 170 includes a first additional passage 171 connected to a third area of ​​the main passage 150 and a second additional passage 172 connected to a fourth area of ​​the main passage 150.

[0242] The first additional passage 171 of the additional branch passage 170 can extend along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. The second additional passage 172 can extend along the direction of extension (Z-axis direction) of the aerosol generator 1.

[0243] The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the additional branch passage 170. Furthermore, the width of the additional branch passage 170 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0244] The aerosol generator 1 can extend for a long distance along one direction (the Z-axis direction). With respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (the Z-axis direction), the main passage 150 can be located closer to one end of the aerosol generator 1 than the branch passage 160.

[0245] Furthermore, with reference to the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (the Z-axis direction), the additional branch passage 170 can be positioned even closer to one end of the aerosol generator 1 than the main passage 150.

[0246] With the arrangement of the main passage 150, additional branch passage 170, and branch passage 160 as shown in Figure 13, it is possible to minimize the flow of droplets generated by the cooling of aerosols in the main passage 150, additional branch passage 170, and branch passage 160 into the puff sensor 132.

[0247] When a user grasps the aerosol generator 1, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 is approximately the same as the Z-axis direction shown in Figure 1. Droplets generated in the main passage 150, branch passage 160, additional branch passage 170, etc., collect in the second passage 162 located at the bottom. Therefore, droplets are less likely to flow into the puff sensor 132 connected to the first passage 161, which extends along the extending direction (Z-axis) of the aerosol generator 1.

[0248] According to the aerosol generating device 1 of the above embodiment, air is supplied to the housing section 102p that houses the stick S via the main passage 150, and the branch passage 160 and the additional branch passage 170 are connected in parallel to the main passage 150, thereby minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0249] Preheating or residual heat may generate heated air around the stick S, or the vibration of the aerosol generator 1 may create a natural airflow in the main passage 150, the additional branch passage 170, and the branch passage 160.

[0250] The widths of the main passage 150, the additional branch passage 170, and the branch passage 160 are as follows:

[0251] Main passage width 150 > Additional branch passage width 170 > Branch passage width 160

[0252] Therefore, the flow resistance against the airflow formed in the main passage 150, the additional branch passage 170, and the branch passage 160 is as follows:

[0253] Flow resistance of branch passage 160 > Flow resistance of additional branch passage 170 > Flow resistance of main passage 150

[0254] First, the largest volume of air from the natural airflow is discharged into the main passage 150. Then, of the remaining natural airflow after discharge into the main passage 150, a large volume of air is discharged through the additional branch passage 170. Finally, the remaining small amount of air from the natural airflow is discharged through the branch passage 160.

[0255] Therefore, even if natural airflow occurs in the main passage 150, the additional branch passage 170, and the branch passage 160, only a small amount of airflow passes through the branch passage 160, thus minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0256] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to yet another embodiment.

[0257] The aerosol generator 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 14 includes an aerosol generator, a main passage 150, a branch passage 160 connected to the main passage 150, and a puff sensor 132 connected to the branch passage 160. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator via the main passage 150.

[0258] The aerosol generator may include a housing section 102p that includes an insertion space for housing a stick S, and a heater (not shown) disposed in the housing section 102p for generating heat to heat the stick S.

[0259] The main passage 150 includes a first main passage 151 connected to a housing section 102p for housing the stick S, and a second main passage 152, one end of which is open to the outside of the housing section 102p and the other end of which is connected to the first main passage 151. External air can be supplied to the first main passage 151 via the second main passage 152. Air can be supplied to the stick S via the first main passage 151.

[0260] One side of the branch passage 160 is connected to one area of ​​the second main passage 152, and the other side of the branch passage 160 is connected to the other area of ​​the second main passage 152.

[0261] The width of the main passage 150 may be wider than the width of the branch passage 160.

[0262] In Figure 14, the second main passage 152, which is part of the main passage 150, extends along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. Similarly, a part of the branch passage 160 also extends along a direction that crosses the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends. The center of the second main passage 152 and the center of the branch passage 160 can extend horizontally in the direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (Z-axis direction).

[0263] According to the aerosol generating device 1 of the above-described embodiment, air is supplied to the housing section 102p that houses the stick S via the main passage 150, and a branch passage 160 is connected in parallel to the main passage 150. Therefore, when the user performs a suction operation, external air can be supplied to the stick S after passing through the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160. As air flows into the heated stick S, the aerosol generated from the stick S can be smoothly supplied to the user.

[0264] According to the aerosol generator 1 of the above-described embodiment, when the user inhales the aerosol, sufficient air is supplied to the stick S via the wide main passage 150, providing sufficient "suction resistance" that allows the user to feel comfortable. Furthermore, since air also flows through the narrow branch passage 160 while the user is inhaling the aerosol, the puff sensor 132 can operate precisely.

[0265] In the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 are connected to the housing section 102p that houses the stick S. Therefore, when a flow of heated air is generated due to preheating or residual heat, most of the airflow can be discharged through the wide main passage 150. Even if a natural airflow is generated in the main passage 150 and the branch passage 160 due to preheating or residual heat, only a small amount of airflow passes through the narrow branch passage 160, thus minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions of the puff sensor 132.

[0266] Figure 15 is a block diagram schematically showing the coupling relationships of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 14.

[0267] Referring to Figure 15, the aerosol generator 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 40, an input unit 70, a communication unit 50, a memory 60, and at least one stick heater 18. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 15. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 15 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0268] Sensor 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (for example, heater 24 in Figure 3) and / or the stick heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (not shown) and / or cartridge (not shown) are inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0269] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: temperature sensor 131, puff sensor 132, insertion sensor 133, reuse sensor 134, cartridge sensor 135, cap sensor 136, and motion sensor 137.

[0270] The temperature sensor 131 can sense the temperature at which the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 (for example, the heater 18 in Figures 1 and 2) is heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, or the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor.

[0271] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18. This can also be embodied by a thermistor or other element that utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may consist of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18.

[0272] The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned around the power supply 11 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 131 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0273] The temperature sensor 131 is located inside the body (not shown) and can sense the internal temperature of the body.

[0274] The puff sensor 132 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 is also a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0275] The insertion sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion sensor 133 can detect a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion sensor 133 may be provided around the insertion space. The insertion sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick by a change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensor 133 is also an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0276] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0277] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of a coil.

[0278] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if a stick including a metal ferrule is inserted into the insertion space, the ferrule of the stick may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0279] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 is also a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the hue of the stick. The color sensor can detect the hue of a portion of the flared edge surrounding the stick. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical property corresponding to the hue of an object, based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical property is also the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented in one configuration with the proximity sensor, or in a separate configuration distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0280] At least a portion of the trumpet that makes up the stick may change hue due to aerosols. The reuse sensing sensor 134 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the trumpet whose hue changes due to aerosols is located when the stick is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick is used by the user, at least a portion of the trumpet has a first hue. In this case, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1 passes through the stick, at least a portion of the trumpet may be wetted by the aerosol, causing the hue of at least a portion of the trumpet to change to a second hue. On the other hand, the hue of at least a portion of the trumpet may remain at the second hue after being changed from the first hue to the second hue.

[0281] The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. The cartridge sensing sensor 135 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0282] The cap sensing sensor 136 can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body, a portion of the cartridge and body that was covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0283] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 137 may be embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0284] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (131 to 137), the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from the name thereof, a specific description may be omitted.

[0285] The output unit 40 outputs information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1 and can provide the information to a user. The output unit 40 may include at least one of a display 41, a haptic unit 42, and a sound output unit 43, but is not limited thereto. When the display 41 and a touch pad form a layered structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display 41 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0286] The display 41 (e.g., the display 130 in FIG. 4) can visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1 refers to various types of information including a charging / discharging state of the power source 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, a preheating state of the stick heater 18, an insertion / removal state of a stick and / or a cartridge, an attachment / removal state of a cap, or a state where use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 41 can output the information to the outside. For example, the display 41 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 41 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0287] The haptic unit 42 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus, and can haptically provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to a user. For example, the haptic unit 42 can generate a vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18 for a set period of time. The haptic unit 42 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0288] The acoustic output unit 43 can aurally provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1 to a user. For example, the acoustic output unit 43 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output the same to the outside.

[0289] The power source 11 can supply electric power used for operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The power source 11 can supply electric power such that the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18 is heated. Further, the power source 11 can supply electric power required for operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1, namely the sensor 13, the output unit 40, the input unit 70, the communication unit 50, and the memory 60. The power source 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0290] Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power source 11 and can include a switching element.

[0291] The power protection circuit can cut off an electric path to the power source 11 under a predetermined condition. For example, the power protection circuit can cut off the electric path to the power source 11 when a voltage level of the power source 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can cut off the electric path to the power source 11 when a voltage level of the power source 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0292] The stick heater 18 can be powered by the power supply 11 to heat the medium or aerosol-generating material inside the stick. Although not shown, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 11 to AC power.

[0293] The control unit 12, sensor 13, output unit 40, input unit 70, communication unit 50, and memory 60 can perform their functions by being powered by the power supply 11. Although not shown in Figure 1, the circuit may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the power supply 11 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 1, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the stick heater 18. The noise filter is also a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the stick heater 18. The low-pass filter can prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, such as the insertion sensing sensor 133.

[0294] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 may consist of any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The stick heater 18 may also be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which a conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0295] In other embodiments, the stick heater 18 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the stick heater 18 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0296] The input unit 70 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit 70 is also a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an ultrasonic touch sensor (surface acoustic wave touch sensor), or an infrared touch sensor.

[0297] The display 41 and the touch panel can be realized as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display 41 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added on to the display panel (add-on type).

[0298] On the other hand, the input section 70 may include, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0299] Memory 60 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data being processed. Memory 60 may include at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 60 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0300] The communication unit 50 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 50 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0301] The short-range wireless communication unit 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 infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

[0302] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

[0303] Although not shown in the diagram, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, which can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0304] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, and may also be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It may also be embodied as other forms of hardware, as will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0305] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the stick heater 18 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the stick heater 18. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

[0306] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power source 11 between the power source 11 and the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater, the stick heater 18 or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be embodied by a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT), a Field Effective Transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0307] The control unit 12 may control power supply by controlling switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is also an inverter that converts DC power output from the power source 11 into AC power. For example, the inverter may be configured with a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0308] The control unit 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source 11 to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18. The control unit 12 may turn off the switching element so that the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18 is cut off. The control unit 12 may adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to the switching element to adjust the current supplied from the power source 11.

[0309] The control unit 12 may control the voltage output from the power source 11 by controlling switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power source 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a Buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be embodied through a Buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0310] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element is sustained, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the voltage level output from the power supply 11. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit may be. The stick heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0311] The control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the stick heater 18 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0312] For example, the control unit 12 can use a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the stick heater 18. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the stick heater 18.

[0313] For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the stick heater 18 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the stick heater 18 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0314] The control unit 12 can prevent the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 is interrupted if the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 by a certain percentage if the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 exceeds a previously set limit temperature. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge has been exhausted if the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature and cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater.

[0315] The control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0316] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above a first limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to be charged based on a previously set charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the first limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can shut off the charging of the power supply 11.

[0317] With the power supply of the aerosol generator 1 turned on, the control unit 12 can check whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the second limiting temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is below the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can control the power supply 11 to use the stored power. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or above the second limiting temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the stored power.

[0318] The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 relative to the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0319] The control unit 12 can determine whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space via the insertion sensing sensor 133. Based on the output signal of the insertion sensing sensor 133, the control unit 12 can determine that a stick has been inserted. If it determines that a stick has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 60.

[0320] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not the stick has been removed from the insertion space through the insertion sensing sensor 133. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the stick has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the stick heater 18 is above a limit temperature, or if the temperature change gradient of the stick heater 18 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 12 determines that the stick has been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18.

[0321] The control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the stick heater 18 based on the state of the stick sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can determine the level range that includes the signal level of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the amount of moisture in the stick based on the determined level range.

[0322] If the stick is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 controls the power supply time to the stick heater 18, and may increase the preheating time of the stick compared to the normal state.

[0323] The control unit 12 can determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space is being reused via the reuse sensing sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor's signal with a first reference range that includes a first hue, and if the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it may determine that the stick is not being used. For example, the control unit 12 may compare the sensing value of the reuse sensing sensor's signal with a second reference range that includes a second hue, and if the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it may determine that the stick has been used. If it is determined that the stick has been used, the control unit 12 may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the stick heater 18.

[0324] The control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge via the cartridge sensing sensor 135. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to connect and / or remove the cartridge based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0325] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 12 can preheat the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds the limit temperature, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, it can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18.

[0326] The control unit 12 can determine whether or not to use a cartridge. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 60, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. For example, the control unit 12 may determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the total time the heater has been heated is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater is greater than or equal to a previously set maximum amount of power.

[0327] The control unit 12 can make decisions regarding the user's inhalation via the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether or not a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. If the number of puffs reaches the pre-set maximum number of puffs, or if no puff is detected for a pre-set period of time or longer, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18.

[0328] The control unit 12 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap via the cap sensing sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether to attach and / or remove the cap based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0329] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 40 based on the results sensed by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 132 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 12 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut off via at least one of the display 41, the haptic unit 42, and the acoustic output unit 43. For example, based on the determination that there is no stick in the insertion space, the control unit 12 can inform the user via the output unit 40 that there is no stick in the insertion space. For example, based on the determination that the cartridge and / or cap is not installed, the control unit 12 can inform the user via the output unit 40 that the cartridge and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can transmit information related to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18 to the user via the output unit 40.

[0330] The control unit 12 can store and update a history of events in the memory 60 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events may include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as detection of stick insertion, start of stick heating, puff detection, end of puffing, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, end of stick heating, on / off of the aerosol generator 1, start of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharge of the power supply 11, and end of charging of the power supply 11. The history related to an event may include the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is detection of stick insertion, the log data corresponding to the event may include data related to the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data relating to the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, the current flowing through the cartridge heater and / or stick heater 18, and so on.

[0331] The control unit 12 can be controlled to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. Here, the authentication data may include data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication via the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, etc., and can receive data related to the right to use the aerosol generator 1 from an external server. Based on the data related to the right to use, the external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1. If user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1. For example, if user authentication is completed, the control unit 12 can remove restrictions related to the use of the heating function that supplies power to the stick heater 18.

[0332] The control unit 12 can transmit data related to the status of the aerosol generator 1 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the operating mode, etc., via the external device's display.

[0333] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generator 1 based on an input that initiates a location search for the aerosol generator 1. When the control unit 12 receives a location search request from the external device, it may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search, based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 42 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 41 may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0334] The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update if it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether a new firmware version exists. If the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it can receive the new firmware data and transmit the new firmware data to the aerosol generator 1. Upon receiving the new firmware data, the control unit 12 can control the aerosol generator 1 to perform a firmware update.

[0335] The control unit 12 transmits data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 50, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server via machine learning such as deep learning. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store sensing value data from at least one sensor 13 and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 60. For example, the memory 60 can store a database related to each component of the aerosol generator 1, weights and biases that make up the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 12 learns data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 13 stored in the memory 60, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., and can generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0336] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The respective configurations or functions of the embodiments of the present invention described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other.

[0337] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0338] The detailed description set forth herein should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention shall be included within the scope of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0339] The embodiment relates to an aerosol generating device that can be conveniently used with a simple suction operation.

Claims

1. an aerosol generator for generating aerosols, A main passage for supplying air to the aerosol generator or for discharging aerosols and air generated by the aerosol generator, A branch passage is connected on one side to one region of the main passage and on the other side to the other region of the main passage. an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a puff sensor connected to the branch passage for detecting the flow of at least one of air or aerosol in the branch passage.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width of the main passage is wider than the width of the branch passage.

3. The branch passage includes a first passage connected to one region of the main passage, and a second passage connected to the other region of the main passage and connected to the first passage. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the puff sensor is connected to the first passage.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the width of the second passage is wider than the width of the first passage, and the width of the main passage is wider than the width of the second passage.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the main passage extends so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating apparatus.

6. The aerosol generator includes a container for containing aerosol products for generating aerosols, and a heater for heating the aerosol products. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main passage is connected to the housing section and air is supplied to the housing section via the main passage.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator includes a generation chamber for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance, the main passage is connected to the generation chamber, and air is supplied to the generation chamber via the main passage, or the aerosol and air generated in the generation chamber are discharged.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the puff sensor detects any change in the pressure, flow rate, flow velocity, or combination thereof of the flow.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filtering element located in the branching passage for filtering out droplets and foreign matter contained in the air or aerosol.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an additional branch passage connected in parallel to the main passage with respect to the branch passage.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus extends in one direction, and with respect to the one direction, the branch passage is located closer to the end of the aerosol generating apparatus in the one direction than the main passage.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus extends in one direction, and with respect to the one direction, the main passage is located closer to the end of the aerosol generating apparatus in the one direction than the branch passage.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the main passage and at least a portion of the branch passage extend in a direction that crosses one direction in which the aerosol generating apparatus extends.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a supply block located outside the aerosol generator, wherein at least one of the main passage and the branch passage is formed to penetrate the supply block.

15. The aerosol generator includes a containment section for containing the aerosol product, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main passage is formed by the space between the outer surface of the aerosol product contained in the containment section and the inner wall of the containment section.

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