Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product; and an inlet side support portion located at the opening of the storage space, the inlet side support portion including one or more supports for supporting the aerosol product and an inflow passage that receives air outside the housing and becomes narrower as it enters the storage space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device in which air is smoothly supplied to an aerosol generating article.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of burning ordinary cigarettes and supplying aerosols. For example, research has been conducted on methods such as generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol generating substances, or generating vapor from a liquid aerosol generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid perfume medium to supply flavored aerosols.

[0003] Recently, as an alternative to the method of burning cigarettes and supplying aerosols, an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating article has been proposed. For example, the aerosol generating device may mean a device that can heat a liquid or solid aerosol generating substance to a predetermined temperature via a heater to generate aerosols.

[0004] When using an aerosol generating device, smoking can be possible without additional supplies such as lighters, and the smoking convenience of users can be improved so that users can smoke as desired. Therefore, recently, research related to aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to ensure the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device, air must be smoothly supplied to the aerosol generating article.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device that smoothly supplies air to an aerosol generating article and has improved atomization performance.

[0007] Further, the present embodiment provides an aerosol generating device that can precisely sense changes in the air flow.

[0008] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article; one or more supports for supporting the aerosol generating article, an inflow passage that receives air outside the housing and narrows toward the inside of the accommodation space, and an inlet-side support portion located at an opening of the accommodation space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively introduce an air flow and improve atomization performance.

[0011] Further, since the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes an improved air flow path, it can precisely sense changes in the air flow.

[0012] The effects according to the present embodiment are not limited to the foregoing effects, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] The terms used in this embodiment are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, they may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not only on the name of the simple terms but also on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, unless there is a special statement to the contrary, it means that it not only includes that component but also further includes other components, rather than excluding other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware or software, or also by the combination of hardware and software.

[0016] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an array of components, it modifies the entire set of components rather than each individual component in the array. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0018] The aerosol generating device also includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater also includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0019] The heater also includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, it can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0020] A cigarette also includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco with finely cut tobacco sheets. Also, the tobacco rod is surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0021] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0022] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that uses a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0023] The aerosol generating device also includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the body, incorporated, or fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance can also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0024] The cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel states. The aerosol generating substance also includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0025] The cartridge can perform the function of converting the phase of the aerosol product substance inside the cartridge into the gas phase by being activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, etc., and generating an aerosol. The aerosol can mean a vaporized particle generated from the aerosol product substance and a gas in a state where air is mixed.

[0026] In still another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can pass through a cigarette and be transmitted to the user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol passes through a cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0027] In still another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that uses an ultrasonic vibration method to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product substance. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method can mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol product substance by ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0028] The aerosol generating device also includes a vibrator, and through the vibrator, short-period vibrations can be generated to atomize the aerosol product substance. The vibrations generated from the vibrator are also ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is also in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but it is not limited thereto.

[0029] The aerosol generating device also further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol product substance. For example, the wick can be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0030] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core. The aerosol product substance absorbed by the core can be converted into the gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0031] For example, due to the heat generated from the vibrator, the viscosity of the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core becomes low, and the aerosol product substance with reduced viscosity is atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, whereby an aerosol can be generated, but it is not limited thereto.

[0032] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by an induction heating method.

[0033] The aerosol generating device also includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and heat is generated by the application of a magnetic field, the aerosol generating article can be heated. Also, optionally, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0034] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a cradle.

[0035] The aerosol generating device can form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device coupled together, the heater can be heated.

[0036] In the following, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a realizable form in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or can be implemented in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] In the following, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment also includes a housing 100 into which an aerosol generating article 20 can be inserted.

[0040] The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 10 and also includes an internal space (or "arrangement space") in which the components of the aerosol generating device 10 can be arranged. In the drawings, the housing 100 is illustrated as having a semi-circular cross-section, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 100 can be formed entirely in a cylindrical shape or also in a polygonal prism shape (e.g., triangular prism shape or quadrangular prism shape).

[0041] In the internal space of the housing 100, components for heating the aerosol generating article 20 inserted into the housing 100 to generate an aerosol and components for detecting the puff operation of the user are arranged, but specific descriptions thereof will be described later.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the housing 100 also includes an opening 100h through which the aerosol generating article 20 can be inserted into the interior of the housing 100. At least a part of the aerosol generating article 20 can be inserted or accommodated into the interior of the housing 100 through the opening 100h.

[0043] The aerosol generating article 20 inserted or accommodated into the interior of the housing 100 can be heated inside the housing 100, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated. The user can inhale the aerosol discharged from the aerosol generating article 20.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 10 also further includes a display D on which visual information is displayed.

[0045] The display D can be arranged such that at least a partial region of the display D is exposed outside the housing 100. The aerosol generating device 10 can provide various visual information to the user via the display D.

[0046] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can provide information related to the occurrence of the user's puff operation and / or information related to the remaining puff count of the inserted aerosol generating article 20 via the display D, but the information provided via the display D can be variously modified.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 cut in the I-I direction.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment also includes a housing 100, an inlet-side support portion 200, a heater assembly 300, an air flow path 400, an end support portion 500, and a sensor 600.

[0049] The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 10 and also includes an internal space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 10 can be arranged. For example, an inlet side support 200, a heater assembly 300, an air flow passage 400, an end support 500, and a sensor 600 can be arranged in the internal space of the housing 100, but the present embodiment is not limited to the components arranged in the internal space of the housing 100.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the housing 100 also includes an opening 100h, and at least a part of an aerosol generating article (not shown) can be inserted (or accommodated) into the housing 100 through the opening 100h. In the drawings, the opening 100h is illustrated as being formed in a region at the upper part of the housing 100, but the arrangement structure of the opening 100h is not limited to the illustrated structure.

[0051] The inlet side support 200 is located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100 and can support at least a part of the aerosol generating article inserted into the housing 100. Further, the inlet side support 200 can allow air existing outside the aerosol generating device 10 to flow into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0052] The inlet side support 200 also includes a support 210 for supporting at least a part of the aerosol generating article and an inflow passage 220 for guiding air outside the housing 100 to flow into the housing 100.

[0053] The heater assembly 300 is located in the internal space of the housing 100. The heater assembly 300 can heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the housing 100 to generate an aerosol.

[0054] The heater assembly 300 also includes a heater 310 that generates heat when power is supplied. The heater 310 also includes a storage space 300i for storing at least a part of the aerosol-generating article inserted inside the housing 100. At least one region of the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space 300i can be heated by the heater 310. When the aerosol-generating article is heated, the vaporized particles generated by the aerosol-generating article and the air in the internal space of the housing 100 can be mixed to generate an aerosol.

[0055] The heater 310 includes a coil 311 and a susceptor 312, and at least one region of the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space 300i can be heated by an induction heating method.

[0056] The coil 311 is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the susceptor 312 and can generate an alternating magnetic field via the power supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0057] The susceptor 312 can be arranged to surround at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space 300i. The susceptor 312 can heat the aerosol-generating article stored in the storage space 300i by generating heat due to the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 311.

[0058] As another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 also includes an electric resistance heater. For example, it also includes a film heater arranged to surround at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article inserted inside the housing 100 of the heater assembly 300. The film heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the film heater can generate heat and heat the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100.

[0059] As yet another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 may also include at least one of a needle heater, a rod heater, and a tube heater that can heat the interior of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100. The aforementioned heater can be inserted into at least one region of the aerosol-generating article, for example, and can heat the interior of the aerosol-generating article.

[0060] The illustration is not limited by the specific embodiment of the heater, and the heater can be deformed into various forms so as to heat the aerosol-generating article to a specified temperature. In the present disclosure, the "specified temperature" may mean a temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol-generating article is heated to generate an aerosol. The specified temperature is also the preset temperature of the aerosol-generating device 10. Alternatively, the specified temperature can be changed according to the type of the aerosol-generating device 10 and / or the operation of the user.

[0061] The heater assembly 300 may also further include a heat-insulating structure 320 for enclosing the heater 310.

[0062] The heat-insulating structure 320 can enclose the heater 310 and prevent the heat generated by the heater 310 from being transmitted to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100. Even when the temperature of the heater 310 is maintained at a high temperature, the heat-insulating structure 320 can prevent high-temperature heat from being transmitted to the body (e.g., the palm) of the user holding the housing 100.

[0063] The heat-insulating structure 320 can be closed by a sealing means (not shown). The sealing means can seal the space where the heater 310 is located and prevent droplets generated during the aerosol generation process from flowing out of the heater assembly 300. The sealing means can prevent the components of the aerosol-generating device 10 from being malfunctioned or damaged by the droplets.

[0064] The heat insulation structure 320 also includes a first heat insulator 321, a second heat insulator 322, and an external heat insulator 323 with a double-wall structure.

[0065] The first heat insulator 321 is located outside the susceptor.

[0066] The second heat insulator 322 is coupled to the upper end of the first heat insulator 321 and is positioned so as to surround a part of the outer surface of the first heat insulator 321.

[0067] The external heat insulator 323 is located outside the second heat insulator 322 and has a double-wall structure.

[0068] The susceptor can be located in the internal space formed by the first heat insulator 321 and the second heat insulator 322.

[0069] The second heat insulator 322 can be coupled to at least one region of the upper end of the first heat insulator 321, but the coupling structure between the second heat insulator 322 and the first heat insulator 321 is not limited thereto. As another example, the first heat insulator 321 and the second heat insulator 322 can be integrally formed.

[0070] The air flow path 400 is located between the susceptor 312 and the first heat insulator 321 in the internal space of the housing 100. The air flow path 400 can fluidly communicate (or be fluidly connected) between the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the accommodation space 300i of the heater assembly 300.

[0071] The air flow path 400 can be arranged to connect an air flow hole (not shown) of the inlet side support portion 200 and an air inlet portion (not shown) of the end support portion 500 located in the accommodation space 300i in a state of being separated from the heater assembly 300. For example, the air flow path 400 can be arranged to surround the susceptor 312 between the coil 311 and the susceptor 312, but the shape of the air flow path 400 is not limited by such an arrangement structure.

[0072] Due to the above-described arrangement structure of the air flow path 400, the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the inside of the accommodation space 300i can be in fluid communication.

[0073] The end support portion 500 is located at one end (e.g., the lower end) of the accommodation space 300i and can support the lower end region and the side surface region of the aerosol generating article inserted into the housing 100.

[0074] The end support portion 500 can be arranged as an independent element at the lower end of the accommodation space 300i so as to support the aerosol generating article. The end support portion 500 can be deformed and integrally formed with the accommodation space 300i at the lower end of the accommodation space 300i.

[0075] When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space 300i, the air in the air flow path 400 can flow into the aerosol generating article through the end support portion 500.

[0076] The sensor 600 is located in the internal space of the housing 100 and can detect the puff operation of the user or the temperature change of the heater.

[0077] The sensor 600 also includes a puff sensor 610 for sensing a pressure change. The puff sensor 610 can detect the pressure change in the air flow path 400 due to the puff operation of the user.

[0078] The sensor 600 also includes a temperature sensor 620 for sensing a temperature change. The temperature sensor 620 can detect the temperature change of the heater while the heater is operating.

[0079] The puff sensor 610 can be arranged adjacent to the inlet side support portion 200. The temperature sensor 620 is arranged to contact the susceptor 312 in the internal space. The positions of the temperature sensor 620 and the puff sensor 610 can be variously deformed.

[0080] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing some components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and is a drawing for explaining the air movement process due to the puff operation of the user in the aerosol generating device.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view specifically showing the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 2.

[0082] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the specific configuration of the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 and the air movement due to the puff operation of the user will be specifically described.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment also includes a housing 100, an inlet side support portion 200, a heater assembly 300, an air flow path 400, an end support portion 500, and a sensor 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2, but the overlapping explanations will be omitted below.

[0084] According to an embodiment, when the user brings the mouth into contact with the aerosol generating article 20 and performs a puff operation, a pressure difference is generated between the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the internal space of the housing 100, and external air can flow into the housing 100 through the inlet side support portion 200.

[0085] The external air flowing into the housing 100 can pass through the air flow hole 400h through the inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 and reach the air flow path 400.

[0086] The air moving along the air flow path 400 can reach the air inlet portion 500i of the end support portion 500.

[0087] The air that reaches the air inlet portion 500i passes through the air outlet portion 500e in a U-shape along the shape of the end support portion 500 and flows into the end of the aerosol generating article 20 inserted into the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2).

[0088] The air that flows into the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2) is mixed with the vaporized particles generated by heating the aerosol generating article 20, and an aerosol can be generated. The user can inhale the aerosol generated in the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2) through a puffing operation of inhaling the aerosol generating article 20.

[0089] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the housing 100 into which the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted and the inlet side support portion 200 in the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 2.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 10 also includes a housing 100 and an inlet side support portion 200. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and the following overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0092] The inlet side support portion 200 is located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100, is attached to the aerosol generating device 10, and can support the aerosol generating article 20.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the inlet side support portion 200 in the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 4.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 5, the internal space of the housing 100 also includes an accommodation space 300i for accommodating an aerosol generating article (not shown). The inlet side support portion 200 is located at one end (e.g., the upper end) of the accommodation space 300i and can be exposed toward the outside of the housing 100.

[0096] The inlet side support portion 200 also includes one or more supports 210 for supporting at least a part of the aerosol generating article and an inflow passage 220 for allowing air outside the housing 100 to flow into the interior of the accommodation space 300i.

[0097] The support 210 can contact at least a part of the outside of the aerosol generating article and support the aerosol generating article. Therefore, a plurality of supports 210 can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i so as to contact the outside of the aerosol generating article. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the inlet side support portion 200, the support 210 can contact the aerosol generating article and form the inflow passage 220 in the space between the inlet side support portion 200 and the aerosol generating article. That is, the inflow passage 220 can be located between adjacent supports 210.

[0098] The inflow passage 220 allows air to flow and can have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters from the outside of the housing 100 into the interior of the accommodation space 300i. Such a shape of the inflow passage 220 is related to the air flow and can provide two advantages compared to the existing shape having a constant width along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0099] First, in the entire path of the inflow passage 220, since the area of the opening (not shown) of the inflow passage 220 open toward the outside of the housing 100 is the largest, a sufficient amount of external air can smoothly flow into the accommodation space 300i. With such a structure of the inflow passage, the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 10 can be improved.

[0100] Second, the size of the inflow passage 220 becomes smaller from the opening open to the outside of the housing 100 toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i. Due to the change in the size of the inflow passage 220, the flow velocity of the airflow passing through the inflow passage 220 can change. When the flow velocity of the airflow changes, the air pressure in the accommodation space 300i changes, and the puff sensor 610 (FIG. 2) can detect the change in air pressure. A controller (not shown) can recognize the occurrence of a puff operation in which the user performs an inhalation operation based on the detection of the pressure change by the puff sensor.

[0101] The size of the inflow passage 220 can be reduced along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i. One inflow passage 220 is surrounded by the support 210 in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i. The size of the support 210 can increase along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i.

[0102] The inflow passage 220 can have a shape that becomes narrower from the outside of the housing 100 toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i. The configuration and shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be variously deformed.

[0103] The inflow passage 220 existing between adjacent supports 210 includes side walls 220w that are blocked in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i by the supports 210.

[0104] Since one inflow passage 220 is surrounded by the support 210 in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 is also the wall of the opposing side surface of the support 210 facing in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0105] The side wall 220w extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can be inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i. When the side wall 220w is inclined, along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, the size of the inflow passage 220 can be reduced or the shape in which the size of the support 210 increases as it enters from the outside into the interior of the accommodation space 300i can be realized. The present embodiment is not limited by such a shape of the side wall, and the shape of the side wall 220w can be variously deformed.

[0106] The inlet side support portion 200 includes an upper end portion facing the outside of the housing 100 and a lower end portion facing the inside of the accommodation space 300i in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. That is, the support 210 includes an upper end portion 210u and a lower end portion 210l, and the inflow passage 220 also includes an upper end portion 220u and a lower end portion 220l.

[0107] The length by which the inflow passage 220 extends in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i from the upper end portion 220u of the inflow passage 220 is longer than the length by which the inflow passage 220 extends in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i from the lower end portion 220l of the inflow passage 220. Contrary to the extended length of the inflow passage 220, the length by which the support 210 extends in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i from the lower end portion 210l of the support 210 is longer than the length by which the support 210 extends in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i from the upper end portion 210u of the support 210.

[0108] Thereby, the inflow passage 220 can have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters from the outside of the housing 100 into the interior of the accommodation space 300i, but the configuration and shape of the inlet side support portion 200 can be variously deformed.

[0109] FIG. 6 is a developed view schematically showing the components of the inlet side support portion shown in FIG. 5.

[0110] FIG. 6 is a developed view schematically showing the support 210, the inflow passage 220, and the air flow holes 400h, which are developed along the circumferential direction of the inlet side support portion 200 of FIG. 5.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 6, the size of the inflow passage 220 may decrease and the size of the support 210 may increase from the upper end to the lower end of the developed view of the inlet-side support portion 200.

[0112] The upper end of the developed view is outside the housing 100, and the lower end of the developed view is a portion facing the inside of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2). Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w described with reference to FIG. 5, the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the inside of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2).

[0113] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the inlet-side support portion shown in FIG. 5.

[0114] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing only the inlet-side support portion 200 separated from the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 5.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 7, the inlet-side support portion 200 also includes a support 210, an inflow passage 220, and a coupling portion for coupling to the housing 100. The shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be variously deformed.

[0116] Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w, the size of the inflow passage 220 can be reduced along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the inside of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2). Contrary to the shape of the inflow passage, the size of the support 210 can increase along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the inside of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2).

[0117] The sizes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220 are constant along the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2). However, this embodiment is not limited by such a shape of the inflow passage 220.

[0118] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet-side support portion shown in FIG. 5.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VIII-VIII direction in a state where the inlet-side support portion 200 illustrated in FIG. 7 is attached to the aerosol generating device 10.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2) while extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0121] The side wall 220w described with reference to FIG. 5 is also an example of a shape in which the size of the inflow passage 220 is reduced as it enters the inside of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 by being inclined.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200 in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 is deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 when compared with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to an embodiment different from the one illustrated in FIG. 5 may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the inside of the accommodation space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0125] The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can form one continuous plane from one end portion (e.g., upper end portion) to the other end portion (e.g., lower end portion) of the inflow passage 220.

[0126] The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 also includes one or more planes or curved surfaces so as to form a discontinuous shape (e.g., a stepped shape).

[0127] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0128] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 is deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 when compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the inflow passages 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to one embodiment and yet another embodiment may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i.

[0130] The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can be linearly inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0131] The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can be curvedly inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0132] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0133] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the curved inclinometer shape of the side wall 220w is deformed when compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the inflow passages 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to the two embodiments may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower and enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the curved inclination present on the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220.

[0135] The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can form a concave curve inclination in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0136] The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can form a convex curve inclination in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0137] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0138] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200 in which the shape of the inflow passage 220 is deformed along the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2) when compared with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 12, the inflow passages 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to one embodiment and still another embodiment can commonly have a shape that narrows along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i. Further, the inflow passage 220 can have a shape that is open toward an aerosol generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0140] The inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 includes one or more planes or curved surfaces in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i between the supports 210.

[0141] The inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 can have a concave shape in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i between the supports 210.

[0142] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a part of the inlet-side support portion illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0143] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 12 with the inlet side support portion 200 separated and only a part of the inlet side support portion 200 illustrated.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 13, the inlet side support portion 200 according to still another embodiment has a structure corresponding to the inlet side support portion 200 according to one embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7, and there is a difference in the shape of the inflow passage 220 described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0145] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment, and is a drawing for explaining the flow of air in the inflow passage.

[0146] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 with the shape of the inflow passage 220 made different on the air flow side surface when compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and is a drawing for explaining the different air flows depending on the shape of the inflow passage 220.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 14, the inflow passages 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to one embodiment and still another embodiment may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and enters the inside of the accommodation space 300i. Further, the inflow passage 220 allows the air outside the housing 100 to flow into the inside of the accommodation space 300i.

[0148] The inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a shape extended along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, and causes the inflowed air to flow in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0149] The inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 also includes a shape that is warped toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i while being extended along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0150] Due to the curved shape, the inlet passage 220 causes the air flowing along the inlet passage 220 to surround the aerosol generating article (not shown) and flow in a swirling shape.

[0151] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0152] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 having a shape in which the inlet passage 220 becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, as compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 15, the inlet passages 220 of the inlet side support portion 200 according to one embodiment and still another embodiment may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i. In other words, the length extending in the circumferential direction around the accommodation space 300i from the inlet passage 220 is longer at the upper end portion 220u of the inlet passage 220 than at the lower end portion 220l of the inlet passage 220.

[0154] The inlet side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 also includes an inlet passage 220 that becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the inclination of the side wall 220w described with reference to FIG. 5. However, the sizes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220 are constant along the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0155] In the inlet side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, there is no inclination in the circumferential direction around the accommodation space 300i in the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220. Instead, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i, the width between the lower end portion 220l of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol generating article is narrower than the width between the upper end portion 220u of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol generating article.

[0156] Therefore, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 may have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the width difference between each portion of the aforementioned inflow passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article 20.

[0157] The size of the support 210 is constant along the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i. However, the present embodiment is not limited by such shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220 can be variously deformed.

[0158] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a part of the inlet-side support portion illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0159] FIG. 16 is a plan view in which the inlet-side support portion 200 is separated from the aerosol-generating device 10 of FIG. 15 and only a part of the inlet-side support portion 200 is illustrated.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 16, the inlet-side support portion 200 according to still another embodiment also includes a support 210 and an inflow passage 220. The shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be variously deformed.

[0161] According to still another embodiment, due to the width difference between each portion of the inflow passage 220 described with reference to FIG. 15 and an aerosol-generating article (not shown), the inflow passage 220 can become narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2).

[0162] The size of the support 210 is constant along the radial direction and the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2). However, the present embodiment is not limited by such shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220.

[0163] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet-side support portion illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken in the XVII-XVII direction with the inlet-side support portion 200 illustrated in FIG. 16 attached to the aerosol-generating device 10 and the aerosol-generating article 20 inserted therein.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 17, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i according to still another embodiment, the width between the lower end portion 220l of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol generating article 20 is narrower than the width between the upper end portion 220u of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol generating article 20.

[0165] This is also an example of a shape in which the inflow passage 220 becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the width difference between each portion of the inflow passage 220 described with reference to FIG. 15 and the aerosol generating article 20.

[0166] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0167] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200 in which the shape of the surface for viewing an aerosol generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 in the inflow passage 220 is deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 (FIG. 2) when compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, the inflow passages 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the two embodiments may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0169] In the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the width between one end portion of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol generating article continuously changes along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0170] In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, in the aforementioned direction, the aforementioned width may change discontinuously along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0171] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0172] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion 200 in which the shape of a surface for viewing an aerosol-generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 in the inlet passage 220 is deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 when compared with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 19, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the two embodiments may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0174] In the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the widths of one end of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article linearly change along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0175] In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, in the aforementioned direction, the aforementioned width may change non-linearly along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0176] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol-generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0177] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200 in which the bending direction of the surface for viewing the aerosol-generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10 in the inlet passage 220 is different when compared with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the two embodiments may commonly have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 with a non-linearly changing width along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0179] In the inlet passage 220 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the surface for viewing the aerosol-generating article is also convex.

[0180] The aforementioned surface of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 is also concave.

[0181] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0182] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200 having a shape in which the inflow passage 220 becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, as compared with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 15.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 21, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to still another embodiment may have a shape in which it becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 15.

[0184] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, the inlet-side support portion 200 is not inclined in the circumferential direction around the accommodation space 300i on the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15. However, unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the thickness of the support 210 in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i may vary along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0185] Specifically, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i, the thickness of the upper end portion 210u of the support 210 is thinner than the thickness of the lower end portion 210l of the support 210.

[0186] Since the upper end portion 210u of the support 210 does not contact an aerosol generating article (not shown), a space is formed between the support 210 and the aerosol generating article. This space may be a part of the inflow passage 220.

[0187] In the circumferential direction around the accommodation space 300i, the inflow passage 220 between the supports 210 has a constant width in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i up to the aerosol generating article.

[0188] The inflow passage 220 formed between the support 210 and the aerosol generating article may have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the aforementioned difference in thickness of the support 210.

[0189] The lower end portion 210l of the support 210 can contact the outside of the aerosol generating article so as to support the aerosol generating article. However, the present embodiment is not limited by such shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220 can be variously deformed.

[0190] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a part of the inlet-side support portion illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0191] FIG. 22 is a plan view in which the inlet-side support portion 200 is separated from the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 21 and only a part of the inlet-side support portion 200 is illustrated.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 22, the inlet-side support portion 200 according to still another embodiment also includes a support 210 and an inflow passage 220. The shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be variously deformed.

[0193] According to still another embodiment, due to the difference in thickness of the support 210 described with reference to FIG. 21, the inflow passage 220 can become narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2).

[0194] In the circumferential direction around the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2), the size of the inflow passage 220 between the supports 210 is constant along the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2) and the circumferential direction around the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2). However, the present embodiment is not limited by such shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220.

[0195] FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the inlet-side support portion illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0196] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XXIII-XXIII direction with the inlet-side support portion 200 shown in FIG. 22 attached to the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 20 inserted therein.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 23, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (FIG. 2), the thickness of the upper end portion 210u of the support 210 is thinner than the thickness of the lower end portion 210l of the support 210.

[0198] This is also an example of a shape in which the inflow passage 220 becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the difference in thickness of the support 210 described with reference to FIG. 21.

[0199] The lower end portion 210l of the support 210 can contact the outside of the aerosol generating article so as to support the aerosol generating article. However, the present embodiment is not limited by such shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220 can be variously deformed.

[0200] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0201] The aerosol generating device 2400 also includes a control unit 2410, a sensing unit 2420, an output unit 2430, a battery 2440, a heater 2450, a user input unit 2460, a memory 2470, and a communication unit 2480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 2400 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 24. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment will be able to understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 24 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 2400.

[0202] The sensing unit 2420 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 2400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 2400, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 2410. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 2410 can control the aerosol generating device 2400 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 2450, smoking restriction, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0203] The sensing unit 2420 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 2422, an insertion sensing sensor 2424, and a puff sensor 2426, but is not limited thereto.

[0204] The temperature sensor 2422 can sense the temperature at which the heater 2450 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 2400 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 2450, or the heater 2450 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2422 is also arranged around the battery 2440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 2440.

[0205] The insertion sensing sensor 2424 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 2424 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0206] The puff sensor 2426 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2426 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0207] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 2422, insertion detection sensor 2424, and puff sensor 2426), the sensing unit 2420 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions can be omitted.

[0208] The output unit 2430 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 2400 and provide it to the user. The output unit 2430 includes at least one of a display unit 2432, a haptic unit 2434, and an acoustic output unit 2436, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 2432 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 2432 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0209] The display unit 2432 can visually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 2400 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 2400 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 2440 of the aerosol generating device 2400, the preheating state of the heater 2450, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 2400 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 2432 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 2432 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD: liquid crystal display), an organic light-emitting diode display panel (OLED: organic light-emitting diode), etc. Further, the display unit 2432 is also in the form of an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0210] The haptic unit 2434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus, and tactually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 2400 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 2434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0211] The acoustic output unit 2436 can aurally provide information related to the aerosol generating device 2400 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 2436 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0212] The battery 2440 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 2400. The battery 2440 can supply power so that the heater 2450 can be heated. Also, the battery 2440 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 2420, the output unit 2430, the user input unit 2460, the memory 2470, and the communication unit 2480) provided in the aerosol generating device 2400. The battery 2440 can be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, the battery 2440 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0213] The heater 2450 is supplied with power from the battery 2440 and can heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 2440 and supplies it to the heater 2450. Also, when the aerosol generating device 2400 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further include a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 2440 into an AC power source.

[0214] The control unit 2410, the sensing unit 2420, the output unit 2430, the user input unit 2460, the memory 2470, and the communication unit 2480 can be powered by the battery 2440 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 24, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 2440 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low drop out) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0215] In one embodiment, the heater 2450 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. Further, the heater 2450 can also be embodied by a metal wire, a metal hot plate with conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0216] In other embodiments, the heater 2450 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 2450 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0217] The user input unit 2460 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 2460 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch method, piezoresistive pressure method, infrared sensing method, surface acoustic wave conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 2440.

[0218] Memory 2470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 2400, and can store the data processed by the control unit 2410 and the data to be processed. Memory 2470 also includes at least one type of recording medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD (secure digital) memory or XD (extreme digital) memory, etc.), 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, or optical disk. Memory 2470 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 2400, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0219] The communication unit 2480 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 2480 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit 2482 and a wireless communication unit 2484.

[0220] The short-range communication unit 2482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) 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, etc.

[0221] The wireless communication unit 2484 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 2484 can also use subscriber information (e.g., the international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 2400 within the communication network.

[0222] The control unit 2410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 2400. In one embodiment, the control unit 2410 also includes at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. Also, the fact that it can be implemented by other forms of hardware should be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs.

[0223] The control unit 2410 can control the temperature of the heater 2450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 2440 to the heater 2450. For example, the control unit 2410 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 2440 and the heater 2450. As another example, according to the control command of the control unit 2410, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 2450.

[0224] The control unit 2410 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420 and control the subsequent processes. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420, the control unit 2410 can control the power supplied to the heater 2450 so that the operation of the heater 2450 is started or terminated. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420, the control unit 2410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2450 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 2450 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0225] Based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420, the control unit 2410 can control the output unit 2430. For example, if the counted puff number reaches a preset number via the puff sensor 2426, the control unit 2410 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 2400 will end soon through at least one of the display unit 2432, the haptic unit 2434, and the acoustic output unit 2436.

[0226] In one embodiment, the control unit 2410 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 2450 according to the state of the aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article 20 (FIG. 1)) sensed by the sensing unit 2420. For example, when the aerosol generating article 20 is in an over-wet state, the control unit 2410 can control the power supply time to the induction coil (e.g., the induction coil 311 (FIG. 2)), and can extend the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article 20 is in a general state.

[0227] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is also any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes any method or technology embodied in volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media for storing information such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0228] The descriptions related to the foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary, and those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true protection scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A housing including a storage space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, one or more supports for supporting the aerosol generating article, an inlet passage that receives air outside the housing and narrows as it enters the interior of the storage space, and an inlet-side support portion located at an opening of the storage space, wherein the supports are arranged in a plurality along a circumferential direction of the storage space so as to contact the outside of the aerosol generating article, and the inlet passage is located between adjacent ones of the supports, wherein the inlet passage includes an upper end portion facing outside the housing and a lower end portion facing inside the storage space in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and a length in the circumferential direction of the storage space at the upper end portion of the inlet passage is longer than a length in the circumferential direction of the storage space at the lower end portion of the inlet passage, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a size of the inlet passage is reduced along a longitudinal direction of the housing as it enters the interior of the storage space.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein at least one side wall of the inlet passage in a circumferential direction of the storage space extends along a longitudinal direction of the housing and is inclined toward the circumferential direction of the storage space.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the side wall is inclined in a curved shape.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the supports are arranged, the inlet passage has a concave shape between adjacent ones of the supports, and is open toward the aerosol generating article.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet passage includes a shape warped toward a circumferential direction of the storage space while extending along a longitudinal direction of the housing, and the inlet passage causes air flowing along the inlet passage to flow in a vortex shape surrounding the aerosol generating article.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein in a radial direction of the storage space, a width of the lower end portion of the inlet passage is narrower than a width of the upper end portion of the inlet passage.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the width becomes narrower discontinuously.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the width becomes narrower non-linearly.

10. The size of at least one of the support bodies increases from the outside of the housing to the inside of the accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the housing. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

11. The side wall of at least one of the support bodies facing in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and is inclined in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

12. In the longitudinal direction of the housing, the length of at least one lower end portion of the support body facing the inside of the accommodation space extending along the circumferential direction of the accommodation space is longer than the length of at least one upper end portion of the support body facing the outside of the housing extending along the circumferential direction of the accommodation space. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

13. The support body includes an upper end portion facing the outside of the housing and a lower end portion facing the inside of the accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the thickness of the upper end portion of the support body in the radial direction of the accommodation space is thinner than the thickness of the lower end portion of the support body. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

Images