An aerosol generating device comprising a support for supplying air to an aerosol generating article

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a housing having an internal space for accommodating an aerosol product, a heater arranged outside the aerosol product for heating the aerosol product accommodated in the internal space, and one or more supports arranged in the internal space of the housing, supporting the aerosol product and guiding air flowing into the internal space to one side end of the aerosol product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device including a support portion for supplying air to an aerosol generating article.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In order to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generating device, air must be smoothly supplied to an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette).

[0004] When air flows into an aerosol generating article through an end portion, the flow and amount of air flowing into the aerosol generating article may vary depending on the peripheral structure of the aerosol generating article. The performance related to atomization and taste of the aerosol generating device may be determined by the flow and amount of the inflowing air.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enrich the flow of air flowing into an aerosol generating article and improve the atomization amount and taste.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a housing including an internal space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a heater disposed outside the aerosol generating article so as to heat the aerosol generating article accommodated in the internal space, and one or more support portions disposed in the internal space of the housing, supporting the aerosol generating article, and guiding the air flowing into the internal space to one side end portion of the aerosol generating article.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the performance related to the atomization amount and taste through the inflow of abundant air into the aerosol generating article.

[0009] The effects according to the present embodiment are not limited to those described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In the present embodiment, the terms used 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 on the simple name of the terms but on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0012] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless there is a special contrary description, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and they may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0013] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire components, not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The aerosol generating device also includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric 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.

[0016] 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, the inside or outside of the cigarette can be heated.

[0017] The cigarette also includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can also be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco with a finely cut tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can also include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0019] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that utilizes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0020] The aerosol generating device also includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the main body, or incorporated and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the main body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0021] The cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. 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.

[0022] The cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a 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 gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0023] In yet 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.

[0024] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that utilizes an ultrasonic vibration method to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance by ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0025] The aerosol generating device also includes a vibrator, and through the vibrator, short-period vibrations can be generated to atomize the aerosol generating 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 is not limited thereto.

[0026] The aerosol generating device also further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0027] 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 generating substance absorbed by the wick. The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick is 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.

[0028] For example, heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick, and the aerosol generating substance with reduced viscosity is atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, whereby an aerosol can be generated, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] In yet 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 induction heating.

[0030] 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 applied magnetic field, the aerosol generating article can be heated. Optionally, the susceptor can be located within the aerosol generating article.

[0031] In yet other embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a cradle.

[0032] 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, the heater can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled.

[0033] 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 or implemented in various different forms in the aerosol generating devices of the above-described various embodiments, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] In the following, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 102 according to an embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 102 according to an embodiment also includes a housing 400 into which an aerosol generating article 100 can be inserted.

[0037] The housing 400 can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 102, and components of the aerosol generating device 102 can be arranged in the internal space of the housing 400. For example, a heater and a battery can be arranged in the internal space of the housing 400, but the components arranged in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0038] FIG. 1 only shows the overall external shape of the aerosol generating device 102 formed by the housing 400 as a columnar structure with a semi-circular cross-section, but the shape of the aerosol generating device 102 is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol generating device 102 can be formed as a whole in a cylindrical shape or in the shape of a polygonal column (e.g., a triangular column or a quadrangular column).

[0039] The housing 400 also includes a storage space 300h for storing at least a part of the aerosol generating article 100. The aerosol generating article 100 is inserted (or stored) into the housing 400 through the storage space 300h, and the aerosol generating article 100 inserted into the housing 400 can be heated by a heater inside the housing 400.

[0040] When the aerosol generating article 100 is heated, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating article 100. The user can inhale the aerosol discharged from the aerosol generating article 100.

[0041] The aerosol generating device 102 may further include a display D on which visual information is displayed. The display D may be arranged such that at least a partial area of the display D is exposed outside the housing 400. The aerosol generating device 102 can provide various visual information to the user via the display D.

[0042] For example, the aerosol generating device 102 can provide information related to the occurrence of the user's puff operation or the remaining number of puffs of the inserted aerosol generating article 100 via the display D, but the information provided via the display D can be variously deformed.

[0043] Also, the aerosol generating device 102 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device 102 based on a user input to the display D. For example, the aerosol generating device 102 can control the operation state of the heater or the temperature profile of the heater based on a user input (e.g., touch input) to the display D, but the control operation of the aerosol generating device 102 is not limited thereto.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 102 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 102 also includes a housing 400 that can accommodate the aerosol generating article 100, and a support portion 200 that is disposed inside the housing 400 and supports the aerosol generating device 102.

[0046] Various components of the aerosol generating device 102 can be arranged in the internal space 402 of the housing 400. For example, a heater, an insertion portion, and the support portion 200 can be arranged in the internal space 402 of the housing 400, but the components arranged in the internal space 402 of the housing 400 are not limited thereto.

[0047] The housing 400 also includes an insertion portion for accommodating at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 100. A heater for heating the accommodated aerosol-generating article 100 can be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article 100 in the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0048] The support portion 200 can be disposed in the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0049] The support portion 200 can support at least one of the aerosol-generating article 100 and the heater 101 (FIG. 3). The support portion 200 also includes at least one of an end support portion 203, an outer support portion 202, and a heater support portion 201.

[0050] The end support portion 203 can support at least a part of one surface of one side end of the aerosol-generating article 100. The outer support portion 202 can support at least a part of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 100. The heater support portion 201 can support at least a part of the heater 101.

[0051] The support portion 200 can have a shape that protrudes from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 toward the internal space 402. For example, the protruding shape of the support portion 200 is formed by the heater support portion 201 and the end support portion 203, and the heater support portion 201 and the end support portion 203 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the internal space of the housing 400.

[0052] The layer formed by the heater support portion 201 and the end support portion 203 can also include one or more layers. In FIG. 2, the heater support portion 201 and the end support portion 203 can form two layers. For example, the heights of the two layers are the same. However, it is not limited thereto, and in other examples, the heights of the two layers may also be different from each other. The inner wall of the support portion 200 that connects the heater support portion 201 and the end support portion 203 also becomes the outer support portion 202.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the housing 400 also includes an internal space 402 for accommodating at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol-generating article 100 can also be inserted (or accommodated) into the housing 400 through the internal space 402. The aerosol-generating article 100 inserted into the housing 400 can be heated by a heater 101 inside the housing 400.

[0054] When the aerosol-generating article 100 is heated, the aerosol generated inside the housing 400 is discharged outside the aerosol-generating device 102 through the aerosol-generating article 100, and the user can inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 102 according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating device 102 according to one embodiment also includes a housing 400, an insertion part 300, a support part 200, and a heater 101. At least one of the components of the aerosol-generating device 102 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol-generating device 102 illustrated in FIG. 2, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0057] One embodiment is not limited by the shape of the insertion part 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. The insertion part 300 can have various shapes that can accommodate or insert the aerosol-generating article 100 into the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0058] The insertion part 300 can have an appropriate shape for supporting at least a partial region of the aerosol-generating article 100 accommodated or inserted into the internal space 402 of the housing 400. Further, the insertion part 300 also includes a free space for accommodating the aerosol-generating article 100 in the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0059] The insertion part 300 takes in external air into the internal space 402 of the housing 400 and allows the air to flow into the aerosol generating article 100. The insertion part 300 also includes a hole for taking in external air into the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 102 also further includes an upper frame 410 and an inflow frame 420.

[0061] The upper frame 410 can be coupled to the insertion part 300 and the housing 400. The inflow frame 420 can be coupled to the upper frame 410.

[0062] The inflow frame 420 also includes one or more holes for taking in external air into the internal space 402 of the housing 400. The holes of the inflow frame 420 can be arranged to correspond to the holes of the insertion part 300.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater 101 also surrounds the aerosol generating article 100, but the form of the heater 101 is not limited thereto. The heater 101 can also be in various forms that can heat the aerosol generating article 100 from the outside.

[0064] The heater 101 also includes a flange 103 that is bent outward from one end and / or both ends. By the heater support part 201 of the support part 200 supporting the flange 103 of the heater 101, the heater 101 can be separated from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and toward the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0065] For example, the support part 200 can be formed on a part of the bottom surface 401 or the inner wall 403 of the housing 400. As another example, as shown in FIG. 3, the support part 200 can be separated from the housing 400.

[0066] For example, the bottom surface 401 of the support part 200 and the housing 400 each have protrusions and grooves, and the respective protrusions and grooves can be coupled to each other. The support part 200 and the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 can be deformed into various shapes that can be coupled without being limited to protrusions and grooves.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 102 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0068] The air flow 500 is also diverse due to the arrangement of the insertion part 300 and the support part 200 of the housing 400.

[0069] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the air flow 500 can be formed by external air that enters the internal space 402 of the housing 400 through the inlet hole 301 of the insertion part 300. The air flow 500 can be formed along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 100 (e.g., the direction from one end portion to the other end portion of the aerosol generating article). The air flow 500 can flow through the aerosol generating article 100 through the end portion (e.g., the other end portion) of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0070] The housing 400 further includes the insertion part 300, and the insertion part 300 further includes the inlet hole 301.

[0071] The inlet hole 301 can take in external air into the internal space 402 of the housing 400. The inlet hole 301 is also a round hole. The form of the inlet hole 301 is not limited thereto, and it can also be in various forms that take in external air into the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0072] One or more inlet holes 301 can be included in the insertion part 300. The plurality of inlet holes 301 can be arranged in the insertion part 300 along the circumferential direction of the insertion part 300. External air can flow into the internal space 402 of the housing 400 through the inlet holes 301 of the insertion part 300.

[0073] The amount of the air flow 500 becomes abundant due to the formation of the bottom inner space 404 of the housing 400. The abundant air flow 500 can improve the atomization amount or taste-related performance of the aerosol generating device 102.

[0074] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the bottom inner space 404 can be formed such that one side end of the aerosol generating article 100 is separated from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400. One side end of the aerosol generating article 100 can be separated from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 by the end support portion 203 of the support portion 200.

[0075] When the aerosol generating article 100 is sufficiently separated from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400, the abundant air flow 500 can enter the aerosol generating article 100. The abundant air flow 500 can improve the atomization amount and taste of the aerosol generating device 102.

[0076] The air flow 500 is also diverse depending on the shape of the support portion 200.

[0077] The support portion 200 can have a shape that protrudes from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 toward the inner space 402, or a shape that protrudes from the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 toward the inner space 402.

[0078] When the support portion 200 does not protrude in the middle of the inner wall 403 of the housing 400, the air flow 500 between the inflow hole 301 and the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 can have a certain directionality.

[0079] Since the air flow 500 has a certain directionality, the twist of the air flow 500 in the inner space 402 of the aerosol generating device 102 can be reduced. By reducing the twist of the air flow 500, the abundant air flow 500 can enter one side end of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0080] The enriched air flow 500 can improve the atomization amount and taste-related performance of the aerosol generating device 102.

[0081] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a part of the aerosol generating device 102 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates the insertion portion 300 and the inflow holes 301 of the aerosol generating device 102 which is an embodiment.

[0083] The aerosol generating device 102 also includes the insertion portion 300. The insertion portion 300 also includes one or more inflow holes 301.

[0084] The inflow hole 301 is an air inlet through which external air enters the internal space 402 of the aerosol generating device 102. The inflow holes 301 can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 300.

[0085] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the insertion portion 300 also includes one or more trapezoids.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the insertion portion 300 can be formed in a shape including four positive trapezoids and four negative trapezoids. The positive trapezoids and the negative trapezoids can be arranged alternately one by one in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 300.

[0087] When looking at the insertion portion 300 from above, for the positive trapezoid, the length of the lower side is shorter than that of the upper side, and for the negative trapezoid, the length of the lower side is longer than that of the upper side.

[0088] The negative trapezoid also includes the inflow hole 301 in the lower side.

[0089] The position and size of the inflow holes 301 can determine the position and amount of the air flow 500 flowing into the internal space 402 of the housing 400. The air flow 500 can enter the internal space 402 of the housing 400 through the four inflow holes 301.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, when viewed from above towards the insertion part 300, the air flow 500 can have a cross shape.

[0091] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the air flow.

[0092] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, there can also be a plurality of support parts 200.

[0093] The plurality of support parts 200 can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the housing 400 from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400. An empty space can be formed between the plurality of support parts 200.

[0094] The air flow 500 can enter the aerosol generating article 100 through the empty space formed between the plurality of support parts 200 in the internal space 402 of the housing 400. The empty space formed between the plurality of support parts 200 can determine the direction and amount of the air flow 500.

[0095] For example, referring to FIG. 6, four support parts 200 can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the housing 400 from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400. By arranging the four support parts 200 at regular intervals, an empty space can be formed between the support parts 200 adjacent at regular intervals.

[0096] The air flow 500 can enter the aerosol generating article 100 through the empty space between the four support parts 200 formed at regular intervals. The air flow 500 can have a cross shape when viewed from above towards the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0097] The air flow 500 in the insertion part 300 and the air flow 500 in the support part 200 can have a cross shape, but are not limited thereto.

[0098] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 3, showing the air flow and the height at which the aerosol generating device is separated from the bottom surface.

[0099] The air supply passage 501 is also an air flow passage that enters the aerosol generating article 100 from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0100] The air flow 500 can enter the inner space 402 of the housing 400 along the outside of the aerosol generating article 100, enter the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400, and move to the aerosol generating article 100 through the air supply passage 501.

[0101] For example, the aerosol generating device 102 also includes the insertion part 300 of FIG. 5 and the support part 200 of FIG. 6.

[0102] Four positive trapezoids and four negative trapezoids can be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the insertion part 300 one by one in the insertion part 300. The insertion part 300 also includes four inflow holes 301.

[0103] Four support parts 200 can be arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the housing 400 on the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400. Four air supply passages 501 can be formed by forming four empty spaces between adjacent support parts 200.

[0104] When looking at the insertion part 300 from above, the insertion part 300 and the support part 200 can be arranged so that the positions of the inflow holes 301 and the air supply passages 501 correspond to each other. That is, the inflow holes 301 can be arranged to correspond along the longitudinal direction of the air supply passage 501 and the inner space 402. By the positions of the inflow holes 301 and the air supply passages 501 corresponding to each other, the meandering of the air flow 500 can be reduced in the inner space 402 of the housing 400.

[0105] When viewed from above towards the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400, the air flow 500 in the insertion portion 300 and the air flow 500 in the support portion 200 may have the same form. According to one embodiment, the air flow 500 may both have a cross shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0106] Since the air flows 500 in the insertion portion 300 and the support portion 200 have the same form, the meandering of the air flow 500 in the internal space 402 of the housing 400 can be reduced.

[0107] The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a support portion 200 that protrudes from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 towards the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0108] The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a support portion 200 that protrudes towards the internal space 402 of the housing 400 both at the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and at the inner wall 403 of the housing 400. The aerosol generating device 102 may further include a support portion 200 that protrudes towards the internal space 402 of the housing 400 only at the inner wall 403 of the housing 400.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 102 also includes a support portion 200 that protrudes from the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 towards the internal space 402 of the housing 400 only when protruding together with the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0110] The support portion 200 does not protrude in the middle of the inner wall 403 of the housing 400, and the air flow 500 between the inflow hole 301 and the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 can have a certain directionality.

[0111] Since the air flow 500 has a certain directionality, the meandering of the air flow 500 in the internal space 402 of the housing 400 can be reduced.

[0112] The amount of the air flow 500 entering the aerosol generating article 100 can determine the atomization amount or the flavor-related performance of the aerosol generating device 102. If the amount of the air flow 500 entering the aerosol generating article 100 is abundant, the atomization amount of the aerosol generating device 102 will increase or the flavor will be improved.

[0113] If the meandering of the air flow 500 is reduced, the amount of the air flow 500 entering the aerosol generating article 100 will be abundant.

[0114] Whether the inflow hole 301 of the insertion part 300 and the position of the air supply passage 501 correspond to each other, whether the air flow 500 in the insertion part 300 and the air flow 500 in the support part 200 have the same form, or whether the air flow 500 flowing along the outside of the aerosol generating article 100 has a certain directionality, the meandering of the air flow 500 in the internal space 402 of the housing 400 can be further reduced.

[0115] The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a chamber 405 as an internal component of the housing 400.

[0116] The chamber 405 can accommodate the air flow 500 that enters from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 into the air supply passage 501 of the support part 200 and then enters one side end of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0117] The form of the chamber 405 can be different depending on the form and arrangement of the plurality of support parts 200. The volume of the chamber 405 can be increased by the depression of a part of the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 where the support part 200 is not arranged.

[0118] The shape and volume of the chamber 405 can affect the amount of the air flow 500 that enters the aerosol-generating article 100 inserted or accommodated in the housing 400. By accommodating the air flow 500 at the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400, the chamber 405 can enrich the amount of the air flow 500 that enters the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0119] The degree of separation between the aerosol-generating article 100 and the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 can determine the amount of the air flow 500 that the chamber 405 can accommodate. The amount of the air flow 500 that the chamber 405 can accommodate can determine the atomization amount and taste-related performance of the aerosol-generating device 102.

[0120] The sunken area of the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 can form a side surface where a part of the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 is exposed to the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, the height a is the height of the side surface where the sunken area of the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 is exposed to the internal space 402 of the housing 400. The height a is the vertical distance from the sunken area of the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 to the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 where the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and the support portion 200 are in contact.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, the height b is the vertical distance from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 where the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and the support portion 200 are in contact to the end support portion 203 of the support portion 200.

[0123] The aerosol-generating article 100 can be separated from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 by the end support portion 203 of the support portion 200. As shown in FIG. 7, if the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 includes a sunken area, the aerosol-generating article 100 can be separated from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 by the sum of the height a and the height b.

[0124] The sum of height a and height b can determine the amount of the air flow 500 that enters the aerosol generating article 100.

[0125] When the sum of height a and height b is 0.1 mm or more and 4 mm or less, the amount of the air flow 500 that enters the aerosol generating article 100 can improve the atomization amount and flavor-related performance of the aerosol generating device 102.

[0126] Desirably, when the sum of height a and height b is about 2 mm, the amount of the air flow 500 that enters the aerosol generating article 100 can improve the performance related to the atomization amount and flavor of the aerosol generating device 102.

[0127] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 102 also includes a housing 400 in which the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and the support portion 200 are integrated. In such a case, height b is also 0 mm.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view showing a cutaway of a part of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 9 illustrates the structure of the support portion of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0129] The aerosol generating device 102 also includes a support portion 200 that protrudes toward the internal space 402 of the housing 400 both at the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 and on the inner wall 403 of the housing 400.

[0130] For example, the aerosol generating device 102 also includes a support portion 200 that is separable from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0131] For another example, the aerosol generating device 102 also includes a support portion 200 that is formed integrally with the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0132] For example, when the support part 200 is detachable from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400, the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 or the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 may have protrusions 212 and grooves 211 that can be coupled to the support part 200. Also, the support part 200 may have protrusions 222 and grooves 221 that can be coupled to the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 or the inner wall 403 of the housing 400.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, one groove 211 and two protrusions 212 formed on the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 or the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 may be coupled to two grooves 221 and one protrusion 222 of the support part 200.

[0134] A plurality of support parts 200 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the housing 400 from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0135] If one groove 211 and two protrusions 212 of the housing 400 are coupled to two grooves 221 and one protrusion 222 of the support part 200 to form one coupling part, a plurality of support parts 200 may form a plurality of coupling parts along the circumferential direction of the housing 400 from the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400.

[0136] Not limited to protrusions and grooves, the support part 200, the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400, and the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 may also have other structures that can be coupled to each other.

[0137] When the support part 200 and the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 are of a separable type, the materials of the support part 200 and the housing 400 can be made different.

[0138] The support part 200 also includes a heater support part 201 and an end support part 203. The heater support part 201 can support the heater 102. The end support part 203 can support the aerosol generating article 100.

[0139] For example, at least a partial region of the support portion 200 is also made of a material with high heat resistance in order to support the heater 101 and the aerosol generating article 100.

[0140] The housing 400 is also made of a material that is easy to cast so as to have a form that can be coupled to the support portion 200.

[0141] When the support portion 200 and the bottom surface 401 of the housing 400 are integrated, the housing 400 and the support portion 200 can have the same material.

[0142] For example, at least a partial region of the housing 400 is also made of a material with high heat resistance in order to support the heater 101 and the aerosol generating article 100.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating article 100 also includes a support portion 200 including a heater support portion 201 and an end support portion 203 formed at different heights from each other.

[0144] The heater support portion 201 can protrude from the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 toward the internal space 402 of the housing 400. By including the heater support portion 201 from which the support portion 200 protrudes, the heater 101 can be separated from the inner wall 403 of the housing 400 toward the internal space 402 of the housing 400.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 3, the heater 101 also includes a flange 103 at one end. The flange 103 can be bent toward the outside of the heater 101. The heater support portion 201 can support the flange 103 of the heater 101.

[0146] By the heater 101 including the flange 103, the heater 101 can be separated from the inner wall 403 of the housing 400.

[0147] The heater support portion 201 can support the flange 103 of the heater 101. Due to the structure of the support portion 200, the heater 101 can be separated from the inner wall 403 of the housing 400. The housing 400 is also made of a material with low heat resistance.

[0148] The aerosol generating device 102 may further include an induction coil. The induction coil can be arranged on the outer surface 406 (Figure 2) of the housing 400. The aerosol generating device 102 can pass an electric current through the induction coil to generate an induced magnetic field.

[0149] The heater 101 is also a susceptor. The susceptor can generate heat by the generated induced magnetic field.

[0150] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the aerosol generating device 102 according to another embodiment.

[0151] The aerosol generating device 102 may also include a control unit 10, a sensing unit 20, an output unit 30, a battery 40, a heater 101, a user input unit 60, a memory 70, and a communication unit 80. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 102 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 10. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 102, some of the components shown in Figure 10 may be omitted, or new components may be further added. This should be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment.

[0152] The sensing unit 20 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 102 or the state around the aerosol generating device 102 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 10. Based on the aforementioned sensed information, the control unit 10 can control the aerosol generating device 102 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 101, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0153] The sensing unit 20 includes at least one of the temperature sensor 22, the insertion detection sensor 24, and the puff sensor 26, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] The temperature sensor 22 can sense the temperature at which the heater 101 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 102 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 101, or the heater 101 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 22 is also arranged around the battery 40 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 40.

[0155] The insertion detection sensor 24 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 24 also includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0156] The puff sensor 26 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 26 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0157] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 22, insertion detection sensor 24, and puff sensor 26), the sensing unit 20 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.

[0158] The output unit 30 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 102 and provide it to the user. The output unit 30 includes at least one of a display unit 32, a haptic unit 34, and an acoustic output unit 36, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 32 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 32 can be used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0159] The display unit 32 can visually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 102 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 102 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 40 of the aerosol generating device 102, the preheating state of the heater 101, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 102 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 32 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display panel (OLED), or the like. Further, the display unit 32 is also in the form of an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0160] The haptic unit 34 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide information related to the aerosol generating device 102 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 34 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0161] The acoustic output unit 36 can aurally provide information related to the aerosol generating device 102 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 36 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0162] The battery 40 can supply the power used for the aerosol generating device 102 to operate. The battery 40 can supply power so that the heater 101 can be heated. Also, the battery 40 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 20, the output unit 30, the user input unit 60, the memory 70, and the communication unit 80) provided in the aerosol generating device 102. The battery 40 is a rechargeable battery and also a single-use battery. For example, the battery 40 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] The heater 101 can be supplied with power from the battery 40 and heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 102 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 40 and supplies it to the heater 101. Also, when the aerosol generating device 102 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 102 may further include a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 40 into an AC power source.

[0164] The control unit 10, the sensing unit 20, the output unit 30, the user input unit 60, the memory 70, and the communication unit 80 can be supplied with power from the battery 40 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 10, it may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low drop out) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 40 and supplies it to each component.

[0165] In one embodiment, the heater 101 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include metals such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., or metal alloys, but are not limited thereto. Further, the heater 101 can also be embodied by a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0166] In other embodiments, the heater 101 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 101 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating substance.

[0167] The user input unit 60 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 60 can be a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integrated tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 102 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 can charge the battery 40.

[0168] The memory 70 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 102, and can store the data processed by the control unit 10 and the data to be processed. The memory 70 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. The memory 70 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 102, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user, etc.

[0169] The communication unit 80 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 80 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit 82 and a wireless communication unit 84.

[0170] The short-range communication unit 82 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) 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.

[0171] The wireless communication unit 84 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 84 can also use subscriber information (e.g., the international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 102 within the communication network.

[0172] The control unit 10 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 102. In one embodiment, the control unit 10 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 storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Also, the fact that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware should be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs.

[0173] The control unit 10 can control the temperature of the heater 101 by controlling the supply of the power of the battery 40 to the heater 101. For example, the control unit 10 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 40 and the heater 101. In another example, according to the control instruction of the control unit 10, the heating direct circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 101.

[0174] The control unit 10 can analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 20 and control the subsequent process. For example, based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 20, the control unit 10 can control the power supplied to the heater 101 so that the operation of the heater 101 is started or terminated. Taking another example, based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 20, the control unit 10 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 101 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 101 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0175] The control unit 10 can control the output unit 30 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 20. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 26 reaches a preset number, the control unit 10 can notify the user, via at least one of the display unit 32, the haptic unit 34, and the acoustic output unit 36, that the aerosol generating device 102 is about to end.

[0176] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium containing 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 removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for the storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission media.

[0177] The descriptions related to the foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection 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 scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A housing including an internal space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, A heater disposed outside the aerosol generating article so as to heat the aerosol generating article accommodated in the internal space, An insertion portion for inserting the aerosol generating article into the internal space, One or more support portions disposed in the internal space, supporting the aerosol generating article and the heater, and guiding the air flowing into the internal space to one side end of the aerosol generating article, The insertion portion includes an inflow hole for allowing external air to flow into the internal space, The one or more support portions are arranged in a plurality along the circumferential direction of the internal space, and an air supply passage is formed along the longitudinal direction of the internal space between the adjacent support portions, The aerosol generating device, wherein the inflow hole and the air supply passage are positioned to face each other along the longitudinal direction of the internal space, and the external air flowing into the internal space flows into one side end of the aerosol generating article through the air supply passage.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more support portions include an end support portion that contacts at least a part of the one side end of the aerosol generating article.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more support portions further include an outer support portion for supporting at least a part of the side surface of the aerosol generating article.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more support portions further include a heater support portion for supporting one end of the heater.

5. The one or more support portions include an end support portion that contacts the one side end of the aerosol generating article and a heater support portion for supporting one end of the heater, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the end support portion and the height of the heater support portion are different from each other.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more support portions are detachably coupled to the bottom surface or the inner wall of the housing.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein either one of the bottom surface and the housing includes a protrusion, and the other one of the bottom surface and the housing includes a groove for coupling to the protrusion.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is separated from the inner wall of the housing.

9. The heater according to claim 8 includes a flange with one end bent outward, and the support portion is arranged at a distance from the inner wall and includes a heater support portion for supporting the flange, the aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is located at the one side end of the aerosol generating article and includes a chamber for accommodating air for supplying to the aerosol generating article.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further including an induction coil arranged outside the housing for generating an induction magnetic field, and the heater is a susceptor that generates heat by the induced magnetic field.

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