An aerosol generating device including a flow passage

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided that includes a susceptor, a coil, a housing, and a first flow passage, the first flow passage including an outer flow passage disposed between the housing and the coil, and an inner flow passage disposed between the coil and the susceptor and configured to be in fluid communication with the outer flow passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device including a flow passage.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance, rather than a method of 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] An aerosol generating article can generate an aerosol when heated by a heater. When a user grips the aerosol generating device, if heat from the heater is transferred, the user may feel inconvenience.

[0004] The generated aerosol is transported by air and provided to the user. The low temperature of the air serving as a carrier of the aerosol may reduce the quality of the aerosol.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. It should be understood that other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the detailed description or practice described herein.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of blocking heat transferred from a heater to a housing for a comfortable gripping feeling of a user.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of using air at an appropriate temperature as a carrier to maintain the quality of the aerosol.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of preventing the occurrence of condensation due to the temperature difference between a high-temperature heater and a low-temperature housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes a housing including an insertion hole into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a susceptor located inside the housing and configured to heat the aerosol generating article, a coil disposed inside the housing so as to surround the susceptor, a housing disposed outside the coil, and a first flow passage configured such that air flows from outside the housing to the aerosol generating article, and the first flow passage includes an outer flow passage disposed between the housing and the coil, and an inner flow passage disposed between the coil and the susceptor and configured to be in fluid communication with the outer flow passage.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the heat generated from the susceptor is insulated by the air in the outer flow passage, so that the user can easily grip the aerosol generating device.

[0011] Also, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the air is heated in the inner flow passage, so that the air having an appropriate temperature is used as a carrier. Thereby, a rich aerosol can be provided to the user.

[0012] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of the present invention, condensation can be prevented by the structure of the flow passage.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. It should be understood that other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the detailed description or practice described in the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 7

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Figure 9

Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In the embodiments, the terms used are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used, taking into account the functions in the present invention. However, this also varies depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof is described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0016] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, it means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and it can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0017] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an arrayed component, it modifies the entire components that are not each of the arrayed components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the components constituting an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes a heater 130, a coil 131, a battery 110, and a control unit 120. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is also possible that the aerosol generating device 100 further includes other general-purpose elements in addition to the elements shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 by induction heating. Induction heating means a method of applying an alternating magnetic field to a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field.

[0023] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy losses due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss occur in the magnetic body, and the lost energy can be released from the magnetic body as thermal energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the greater the thermal energy released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device 100 can release thermal energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic body to the aerosol generating article.

[0024] The magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field is also a susceptor. The susceptor is provided in the aerosol generating device 100 in a shape such as a slice, a thin piece, or a strip. For example, at least a part of the heater 130 disposed inside the aerosol generating device 100 can be formed of a susceptor material.

[0025] At least a part of the susceptor material can be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor material may contain metal or carbon. The susceptor material may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). Also, the susceptor material can include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramics such as zirconia, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co), and metalloids such as boron (B) and phosphorus (P).

[0026] The aerosol generating device 100 can accommodate an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device 100 can also include a space for accommodating the aerosol generating article. A heater 130 can be disposed in the space for accommodating the aerosol generating article. For example, the heater 130 can have a cylindrical accommodation space for accommodating the aerosol generating article inside. Therefore, when the aerosol generating article is accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating article is also accommodated in the accommodation space of the heater 130.

[0027] The heater 130 can surround at least a part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the heater 130 can surround the tobacco medium contained in the aerosol generating article so that heat is more efficiently transferred from the heater 130 to the tobacco medium.

[0028] The heater 130 can heat the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the aerosol-generating device 100. As described above, the heater 130 can heat the aerosol-generating article by induction heating. The heater 130 includes a susceptor material that generates heat with an external magnetic field, and the aerosol-generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130.

[0029] The coil 131 is provided in the aerosol-generating device 100. The coil 131 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130. When power is supplied from the aerosol-generating device 100 to the coil 131, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil 131. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 131, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 131 can be continuously changed. If the heater 130 located inside the coil 131 is exposed to the alternating magnetic field, the heater 130 can generate heat, and the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space of the heater 130 can be heated.

[0030] The coil 131 is wound around the heater 130. For example, the coil 131 is wound along the inner surface of the external housing of the aerosol-generating device 100, whereby the heater 130 located in the internal space is surrounded by the coil 131. When power is supplied to the coil 131, the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 131 is also applied to the heater 130.

[0031] The coil 131 extends in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the vertical direction) of the aerosol-generating device 100. The coil 131 extends to an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the coil 131 may extend to a length corresponding to the length of the heater 130, or may extend longer than the length of the heater 130.

[0032] The coil 131 can be arranged at a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the heater 130. For example, the coil 131 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the heater 130. With such a size and arrangement of the coil 131, the efficiency of applying the alternating magnetic field of the coil 131 to the heater 130 can be improved.

[0033] When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by coil 131 is changed, the degree to which heater 130 heats the aerosol generating article is also changed. Since the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field by coil 131 is changed by the power applied to coil 131, aerosol generating device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol generating article by adjusting the power applied to coil 131. For example, aerosol generating device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to coil 131.

[0034] As an example, coil 131 can also be implemented by a solenoid. Coil 131 is also a solenoid wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of aerosol generating device 100, and heater 130 and the aerosol generating article can be located in the inner space of the solenoid. The material of the wire constituting the solenoid is also copper (Cu). However, it is not limited thereto, and any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them, is also the material of the wire constituting the solenoid.

[0035] Battery 110 can supply power to aerosol generating device 100. Battery 110 can supply power to coil 131. Battery 110 can also include a battery that supplies direct current to aerosol generating device 100 and a conversion unit that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current supplied to coil 131.

[0036] Battery 110 can supply direct current to aerosol generating device 100. Battery 110 is also a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the battery can also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

[0037] The conversion unit can also include a low-pass filter that filters the direct current supplied from the battery and outputs the alternating current supplied to the coil 131. The conversion unit may further include an amplifier for amplifying the direct current supplied from the battery. For example, the conversion unit is implemented through a low-pass filter that constitutes the load network of a class-D amplifier.

[0038] The control unit 120 can control the power supplied to the coil 131. The control unit 120 can control the battery 110 so that the power supplied to the coil 131 is adjusted. For example, the control unit 120 can perform control to keep the temperature at which the heater 130 heats the aerosol-generating article constant based on the temperature of the heater 130.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol-generating device 100 also includes a battery 110, a heater 130, a sensor 140, a user interface 150, a memory 160, and a control unit 120. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 2. A person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 100, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted, or a new configuration may be further added.

[0041] The battery 110 supplies the power used for the aerosol generating device 100 to operate. That is, the battery 110 can supply power so that the heater 130 is heated. Further, the battery 110 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100, that is, the sensor 140, the user interface 150, the memory 160, and the control unit 120. The battery 110 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 100 may also include at least one sensor 140. The result sensed by the at least one sensor 140 is transmitted to the control unit 120, and based on the sensing result, the control unit 120 can control the aerosol generating device 100 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0043] For example, the at least one sensor 140 may include a puff sensor. The puff sensor can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0044] Further, the at least one sensor 140 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater 130 (or the aerosol generating article). The aerosol generating device 100 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heater 130, or instead of including a separate temperature sensor, the heater 130 itself can perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, it is also possible that the heater 130 performs the role of a temperature sensor and the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a separate temperature sensor.

[0045] Furthermore, at least one sensor 140 can also include a temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 100. The ambient temperature is the temperature outside the aerosol generating device 100. The ambient temperature is the temperature of the atmosphere in which the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating device 100 is released. The temperature sensor may be disposed outside the housing so as to be able to measure the ambient temperature, or may be disposed on the path through which outside air flows in. The temperature sensor can transmit the measured value of the ambient temperature to the control unit 120, and the control unit 120 can determine the heating profile used to heat the aerosol generating article based on the ambient temperature.

[0046] Furthermore, at least one sensor can also include a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor can measure the ambient humidity of the aerosol generating device 100. The ambient humidity is the humidity outside the aerosol generating device 100. The ambient humidity is the humidity of the atmosphere in which the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article in the aerosol generating device 100 is released. The humidity sensor may be disposed outside the housing so as to be able to measure the ambient humidity, or may be disposed on the path through which outside air flows in. The humidity sensor can transmit the measured value of the ambient humidity to the control unit 120, and the control unit 120 can determine the heating profile used to heat the aerosol generating article based on the ambient humidity.

[0047] Furthermore, at least one sensor can also include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor can sense whether an aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. In one example, the aerosol generating article includes a metallic substance such as aluminum (Al), and the inductive sensor can sense the change in inductance generated by the insertion of the aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device 100. However, without being necessarily limited thereto, the inductive sensor can be replaced by other types of sensors such as optical sensors, temperature sensors, and resistance sensors.

[0048] If the insertion of the aerosol generating article is detected, the control unit 120 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to start heating automatically without any further external input. For example, if the insertion of the aerosol generating article is detected, the control unit 120 can control the battery 110 to supply power to the coil. However, this is not necessarily restrictive, and the control unit 120 can also control the aerosol generating device 100 to start heating when there is a further external input.

[0049] The user interface 150 can provide the user with information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100. The user interface 150 can include a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, an input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., a button or touch screen) that receives information input by the user or outputs information to the user and performs data communication, or a terminal for receiving charging power, a communication interface for performing wireless communication with an external device (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.), and various other interfacing means.

[0050] However, it is also possible that only some of the above-exemplified various user interfaces 150 are selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0051] The user interface 150 may also include a display that outputs visual information related to the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the visual information related to the aerosol generating device 100 includes all information related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the display may output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the availability of the aerosol generating device), information related to the heater 130 (e.g., preheating start, preheating progress, preheating completion, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (e.g., the remaining capacity of the battery 110, availability, etc.), information related to the reset of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., reset timing, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to the cleaning of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., cleaning timing, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), information related to the charging of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging completion, etc.), information related to puffs (e.g., number of puffs, puff end warning, etc.), or information related to safety (e.g., elapsed usage time, etc.).

[0052] The communication interface is communicatively connected to an external device, an external server, etc. For example, the communication interface may be embodied in a form that supports at least one communication method among various types of digital interfaces, Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN (local area network)) based on an AP (application processor), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), wired / wireless LAN, WAN (wide area network), Ethernet (registered trademark), IEEE 1394, HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) (registered trademark), USB (universal serial bus), MHL (mobile high-definition link), AES (advanced encryption standard) / EBU (European broadcasting union), Optical, Coaxial, etc. Also, the communication interface may include a TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) channel for transmitting video and audio signals, a DDC (Display Data Channel) for transmitting and receiving device information, information related to video or audio (e.g., E-EDID (Enhanced Extended Display Identification Data)), and a CEC (Consumer Electronic Control) for transmitting and receiving control signals. However, it is not limited thereto and can be embodied in various interfaces.

[0053] The memory 160 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and can store the data processed by the control unit 120 and the data to be processed. The memory 160 can be embodied in various types such as RAM (random access memory) like DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), etc.

[0054] Data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user, etc. can be stored in the memory 160.

[0055] The control unit 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor can also be embodied as an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs can understand that it can also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0056] On the other hand, although not shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 can also constitute an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can be charged with power from the battery of the cradle while being housed in the accommodation space inside the cradle, and the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be charged.

[0057] In the following drawings, the up, down, left, and right of the aerosol generating device are considered to be the same as the up, down, left, and right of the drawings.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a first flow passage 260 of the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment includes a susceptor 230, a coil 231, a housing 240, and a first flow passage 260.

[0060] The aerosol generating device 200 also includes an insertion hole 250 configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article. The insertion hole 250 can be disposed at the upper part of the aerosol generating device 200. Specifically, the insertion hole 250 can be disposed on the upper surface of the housing 240.

[0061] The susceptor 230 also corresponds to the heaters in FIGS. 1 and 2. The susceptor 230 can be configured to heat an aerosol generating article. The susceptor 230 can be configured such that a space for accommodating the aerosol generating article is formed inside. For example, the susceptor 230 is cylindrical, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The coil 231 also corresponds to the coils in FIGS. 1 and 2. The coil 231 can be disposed so as to surround the susceptor 230. A shielding wall 232 for blocking electromagnetic waves can be disposed outside the coil 231.

[0063] The housing 240 can be disposed outside the coil 231. The housing 240 can be configured to accommodate the coil 231 and the susceptor 230. Further, the housing 240 can be configured to accommodate a control unit and a battery. The housing 240 can form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 200. The housing 240 may be a single component or an assembly. For example, the housing 240 is also an assembly of a component for accommodating the coil 231 and another component for accommodating the control unit and the battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] The first flow passage 260 can be configured such that air flows from the outside of the housing 240 to the aerosol generating article. The first flow passage 260 can also include a first inlet 263, an outer flow passage 261, a connecting flow passage 265, an inner flow passage 262, and an outlet 264.

[0065] The first inlet 263 can be configured such that air flows from the outside into the outer flow passage 261. The first inlet 263 and the insertion hole 250 can be formed on different surfaces of the housing 240. According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the insertion hole 250 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 240, and the first inlet 263 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 240. Heat can be discharged through the insertion hole 250 while the susceptor 230 is heated. By disposing the first inlet 263 and the insertion hole 250 on different surfaces, it is possible to prevent the air flowing into the first inlet 263 from being affected by the heat discharged through the insertion hole 250.

[0066] The outer flow passage 261 can be disposed between the coil 231 and the housing 240. For example, the outer flow passage 261 can be disposed between the electromagnetic wave shielding wall 232 and the housing 240. The outer flow passage 261 can extend between the housing 240 and the coil 231 such that air flows in the upper direction. Specifically, the outer flow passage 261 can be configured such that air flows in the upper direction when the user inhales.

[0067] The inner flow passage 262 can be disposed between the susceptor 230 and the coil 231. The inner flow passage 262 can extend between the susceptor 230 and the coil 231 such that air flows in the lower direction. Specifically, the inner flow passage 262 can be configured such that air flows in the lower direction when the user inhales.

[0068] The connecting flow passage 265 can extend from the outer flow passage 261 to the inner flow passage 262. For example, the connecting flow passage 265 can be disposed above the upper end 231UE of the coil. Thereby, the outer flow passage 261, the inner flow passage 262, and the connecting flow passage 265 can extend along the coil 231.

[0069] If the user does not inhale, the heat or hot air in the inner flow passage 262 can move to the outer flow passage 261 through the connecting flow passage 265. When the heat or hot air is transmitted to the housing 240, it is not safe for the user to hold the housing 240. Also, if the heat or hot air from the inner flow passage 262 meets the cold housing 240, condensation may occur. To solve such problems, the connecting flow passage 265 can be configured to have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the inner flow passage 262. Also, the connecting flow passage 265 is also connected perpendicular to the inner flow passage 262. The small cross-sectional area and the perpendicular connection can prevent the heat or hot air in the inner flow passage 262 from moving to the connecting flow passage 265.

[0070] The outlet 264 can be configured such that air is discharged from the inner flow passage 262 to the aerosol generating article. The outlet 264 is disposed opposite to the insertion hole 250, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the airflow of the first flow passage 260 of the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0072] If the user inhales, external air also flows into the aerosol generating device 200 through the first inlet 263. The first inlet 263 can be disposed so as not to be affected by the heated susceptor. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the first inlet 263 can be disposed below the lower end 230LE of the susceptor when the aerosol generating device 200 is in the upright position. With such an arrangement, normal temperature external air also flows into the first inlet 263.

[0073] Air flowing downward from the inner flow passage 262 is also heated by the susceptor 230. The heated air can carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 300. When the air is heated in the inner flow passage 262, the air having an appropriate temperature can serve as a carrier. Thereby, a rich aerosol can be provided to the user.

[0074] Air flowing upward through the outer flow passage 261 can form a heat insulating layer. Since the air in the outer flow passage 261 flows in from the outside, its temperature is lower than that of the air in the inner flow passage 262. The heat generated from the susceptor 230 is insulated by the air in the outer flow passage 261, so that the user can easily grip the aerosol generating device 200.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a second flow passage 270 of the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment.

[0076] The aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment includes a second flow passage 270 that allows air to flow from the outside of the housing 240 into the first flow passage 260. Specifically, the second flow passage 270 can be configured to allow air to flow from the outside of the housing 240 into the inner flow passage 262.

[0077] The second inlet 271 can be configured to allow air to flow from the outside into the second flow passage 270. The second inlet 271 and the first inlet 263 can be arranged on different surfaces of the housing 240. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first inlet 263 is arranged on the side surface of the housing 240, and the second inlet 271 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 240. More specifically, the second inlet 271 can be arranged in the vicinity of the insertion hole 250. During heating of the susceptor, heat can be discharged through the insertion hole 250. By arranging the second inlet 271 adjacent to the insertion hole 250, the heat discharged through the insertion hole 250 can increase the temperature of the housing 240 forming the second inlet 271.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the air flow of the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0079] When the user inhales, external air also flows into the aerosol generating device 200 through the first inlet 263 and the second inlet 271. The air flowing into the second inlet 271 flows in the downward direction from the second flow passage 270.

[0080] The air passing through the second flow passage 270 also meets the air flowing from the outer flow passage 261 into the inner flow passage 262. The air passes through the inner flow passage 262, is heated by the susceptor 230, and can be transmitted to the aerosol generating article 300.

[0081] The aerosol generating device 200 needs to be designed considering various factors such as size, suction resistance, etc. Since the aerosol generating device 200 includes the first and second inhalation passages, it can be designed to maintain a balance of various factors. For example, if the size of the aerosol generating device 200 is reduced by reducing the cross-sectional area of the outer flow passage 261, the cross-sectional area of the second flow passage 270 can be enlarged to compensate for the increased suction resistance caused by the reduced outer flow passage 261.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically showing the temperature distribution in the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment.

[0083] Heat is generated from the susceptor 230 heated by the coil 231. FIG. 7 schematically shows the temperature distribution of the aerosol generating device 200 due to the heat of the susceptor 230.

[0084] The first, second, and third regions G1, G2, G3 are regions roughly divided based on the temperature distribution. The temperature is high in the order of the first region G1, the second region G2, and the third region G3. The third region G3 is also a region at normal temperature.

[0085] The second inlet 271 is disposed in the vicinity of the insertion hole 250, and the first inlet 263 is disposed below the lower end of the susceptor 230. As a result, the second inlet 271 is included in the second region G2, and the first inlet 263 is included in the third region G3. That is, the temperature change of the air at the first inlet 263 due to the heated susceptor 230 is smaller than the temperature change of the air at the second inlet 271 due to the heated susceptor 230. Also, the temperature of the portion of the housing 240 forming the second inlet 271 is higher than the temperature of the portion of the housing 240 forming the first inlet 263.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the flow of the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 according to one embodiment.

[0087] While the user is not inhaling, the flow direction of the air in the aerosol generating device 200 is not determined. For example, the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 also flows backward into the outer flow passage 261 or the second flow passage 270. When the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 flows backward into the outer flow passage 261, the low-temperature housing 240 meets the heated air. As a result, condensation may occur.

[0088] On the other hand, since the second inlet 271 and the portion of the housing 240 forming the second inlet receive the heat discharged from the insertion hole 250, even if the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 flows backward into the second flow passage 270, the possibility of condensation occurring is low.

[0089] In order to prevent condensation, it is preferable to design the aerosol generating device 200 such that the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 flows backward into the second flow passage 270 rather than the outer flow passage 261. For this purpose, the second flow passage 270 extends from the inner flow passage 262 to the second inlet 271, and the second flow passage 270 and the inner flow passage 262 can have the same axis. That is, the second flow passage 270 and the inner flow passage 262 can be aligned as shown in FIG. 8.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the second flow passage 270 and the connecting flow passage 265 according to an embodiment.

[0091] As described with reference to FIG. 8, in order to prevent condensation, it is preferable to design the aerosol generating device so that the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 flows backward from the outer flow passage 261 into the second flow passage 270.

[0092] For this purpose, the connecting flow passage 265 extends perpendicular to the inner flow passage 262, and the second flow passage 270 can extend from the inner flow passage 262. Also, the portion 265LE of the connecting flow passage 265 connected to the inner flow passage 262 can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the portion 270LE of the second flow passage connected to the inner flow passage 262.

[0093] With such a structure of the second flow passage 270 and the connecting flow passage 265, condensation can be prevented.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the second flow passage 270 according to an embodiment.

[0095] While the user is not inhaling, the direction of the air flow in the aerosol generating device 200 is not determined. For example, the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 also flows backward into the second flow passage 270. The heated air escaping from the second inlet 271 can cause heat loss.

[0096] To prevent such heat loss, the cross-sectional area of the second inlet 271 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the portion 270LE of the second flow passage connected to the inner flow passage 262. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a step can be formed at the second inlet 271.

[0097] Thus, with the structure of the second flow passage 270, the air heated in the inner flow passage 262 is maintained in the second flow passage 270, thereby preventing heat loss.

[0098] Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will be able to understand that it can be embodied in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a limiting perspective. The scope of the present invention is shown not in the foregoing description but in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing including an insertion hole for accommodating an aerosol-generating article, A susceptor located inside the housing and configured to heat the aerosol-generating article, A coil disposed inside the housing so as to surround the susceptor, A first flow passage configured such that air flows from outside the housing to the aerosol-generating article, including an outer flow passage formed between the housing and the coil, and an inner flow passage formed between the coil and the susceptor, heated by the susceptor and connected to the outer flow passage, A second flow passage configured such that air flows from outside the housing to the inner flow passage, A first inlet configured such that air flows into the outer flow passage from the outside, A second inlet configured such that air flows into the second flow passage from the outside and disposed adjacent to the insertion hole, An aerosol-generating device comprising.

2. The outer flow passage extends between the housing and the coil such that air in the outer flow passage flows in an upward direction toward the insertion hole side in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device by the user's puff, The inner flow passage extends between the coil and the susceptor such that air in the inner flow passage flows in a downward direction opposite to the upward direction by the user's puff. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1.

3. The first inlet is disposed on a side surface of the housing. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1.

4. The first inlet is disposed on a lower side direction opposite to the upward direction toward the insertion hole side in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device from the lower end of the susceptor. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 3.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second flow passage extends from the inner flow passage to the second inlet and is aligned with the inner flow passage.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second inlet has a smaller cross-sectional area than a portion of the second flow passage connected to the inner flow passage.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a temperature change of air at the first inlet by the susceptor heated by the coil is smaller than a temperature change of air at the second inlet by the susceptor heated by the coil.

8. Further comprising a connecting flow passage extending from the outer flow passage to the inner flow passage, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting flow passage is disposed in an upward direction side toward the insertion hole side in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device from an upper end of the coil.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the connecting flow passage extends perpendicular to the inner flow passage.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein a portion of the connecting flow passage connected to the inner flow passage has a smaller cross-sectional area than a portion of the second flow passage connected to the inner flow passage.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the connecting flow passage has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inner flow passage.

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