Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed, comprising: a body; a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and formed to define an inlet opening at one side; the body is formed to define a sensing hole positioned adjacent to the inlet when the cartridge is coupled to the body, the sensing hole being positioned relative to the inlet to form a gap between the sensing hole and the inlet so that air can flow into the gap; and a sensor positioned relative to the sensing hole and sensing the flow of air through the sensing hole, the sensing hole being positioned to overlap the inlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device is used to extract a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium may be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal, and / or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that accurately senses air flow.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that prevents sensor failure.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to increase the degree of freedom in sensor placement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device includes a body; a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and formed to define an inlet open to one side; the body configured to define a sensing hole positioned adjacent to the inlet when the cartridge is coupled to the body, and the sensing hole being positioned relative to the inlet creates a gap between the sensing hole and the inlet, allowing air to flow into the gap; and a sensor positioned relative to the sensing hole and sensing the flow of air through the sensing hole, wherein the sensing hole is positioned to overlap the inlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that accurately senses air flow can be provided.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that prevents sensor failure can be provided.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom in sensor placement can be increased.

[0011] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0017] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between, whereas when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0018] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] 1, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a battery 10, a control unit 20, a heater 30, and a cartridge 300. At least one of the battery 10, the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 300 may be disposed inside the aerosol generating device. The cartridge 300 and the heater 30 may be disposed side by side so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may include an insertion space 124 into which the stick 400 is inserted. The stick 400 and the insertion space 124 may be cylindrical and elongated. The insertion space 124 may be formed around the heater 30. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 124 and exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device. The stick 400 may include a medium made of shredded tobacco, granules, reconstituted tobacco, etc. The medium may be filled with approximately 70% granules. The medium may be a mixture of granules and reconstituted tobacco, or a mixture of shredded tobacco and reconstituted tobacco. The stick 400 may be referred to as an aerosol-generating member 400.

[0021] The battery 10 can supply power to operate at least one of the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 300. The battery 10 can supply power necessary to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device.

[0022] The control unit 20 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device. The control unit 20 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 30, and the cartridge 300. The control unit 20 can control the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device. The control unit 20 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device and determine whether the aerosol generation device is in an operable state.

[0023] The heater 30 can generate heat using power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 30 can surround the insertion space 124. The heater 30 can heat the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generating device to generate aerosol.

[0024] The cartridge 300 can store a liquid. The cartridge 300 can generate an aerosol. The cartridge 300 can include a wick for receiving the liquid therein and a heater for heating the wick to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 300 can be delivered to a user through a stick 400 inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0025] 2 and 3, the body 100 may include an upper body 120 and a lower body 110. The upper body 120 may be located above the lower body 110. The lower body 110 may be elongated vertically. The body 100 may house a structure for driving the device inside. The upper body 120 may provide an insertion space 124 that is open upward. The insertion space 124 may be located inside the upper body 120. The insertion space 124 may be elongated vertically. The insertion space 124 may be formed inside the upper body 120. The upper body 120 may be referred to as a pipe part 120.

[0026] The upper case 200 may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The pipe portion 120 may be inserted into the hollow of the upper case 200. The upper case 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The upper case 200 may surround and cover the pipe portion 120. A lateral portion 211 of the upper case 200 may surround and cover the side wall 121 of the pipe portion 120. An upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 may cover the upper portion of the pipe portion 120 and the extension cover 143. When the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100, the upper case 200 may cover the body 100 and the cartridge 300 together. The cartridge 300 may be disposed inside the upper case 200.

[0027] The insertion opening 214 may be formed by opening the top 212 of the upper case 200. The insertion opening 214 may correspond to the opening of the insertion space 124. The cap 215 may be movably provided on the top 212 of the upper case 200. The slide hole 213 may be provided on the top 212 of the upper case 200, extending to one side from the insertion opening 214. The cap 215 may be movable along the slide hole 213. The cap 215 may open and close the insertion opening 214 and the insertion space 124. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 124 through the insertion opening 214.

[0028] The side wall 121 and the partition wall 122 may form a lateral portion of the pipe portion 120. The side wall 121 and the partition wall 122 may be connected to each other. The side wall 121 may be covered by the inner surface of the upper case 200. The partition wall 122 may separate the coupling space S from the insertion space 124 (see FIG. 5).

[0029] The body 100 may include a seat 130. The seat 130 may extend to one side from the lower portion of one side of the pipe portion 120 or the lower portion of the partition wall 122. The seat 130 may be formed on the upper side of the lower body 110. The bottom surface of the cartridge 300 may be seated and supported on the seat 130.

[0030] The body 100 may include an extension 140. The extension 140 may extend to one side from the upper portion of the pipe portion 120 or the upper portion of the partition wall 122. The extension 140 may cover the upper end surface 312 (see FIG. 5) of the cartridge 300. The extension 140 may extend in the direction in which the seat 130 is formed.

[0031] 3 and 4, a coupling space S may be formed on one side of the pipe section 120. The coupling space S may be defined by the seating section 130, the partition wall 122, and the extension section 140 of the pipe section 120. The bottom of the coupling space S may be covered by the seating section 130. One lateral side of the coupling space S may be covered by the partition wall 122 of the pipe section 120. The upper side of the coupling space S may be covered by the extension section 140. The coupling space S may be open to the outside between the seating section 130 and the extension section 140.

[0032] The cartridge 300 may be inserted into the coupling space S and coupled to one side of the pipe portion 120. The bottom of the cartridge 300 may be seated on the seating portion 130. One side (lateral side) 311a of the cartridge 300 may face the partition wall 122 of the pipe portion 120. A coupler 125 may be formed on the partition wall 122. The one side (lateral side) 311a of the cartridge 300 may be coupled to the coupler 125. The other side (lateral side) 311b of the cartridge 300 may be exposed to the outside of the pipe portion 120 and may be covered by the inner surface of the upper case 200. An upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension portion 140.

[0033] The cartridge 300 may have an inlet 301. The inlet 301 may be formed by opening an upper end surface 312 (see FIG. 5 ) of the cartridge 300. The inlet 301 may open upward. The inlet 301 may communicate with the outside of the cartridge 300. The extension 140 may cover the inlet 301 and the periphery of the inlet 301. The extension 140 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the inlet 301 and the upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300 to form a gap 146 through which air can flow.

[0034] A user can inhale air by holding the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 124 in their mouth. When the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100, air can flow into the inside of the aerosol generating device through the opening 201 formed in the upper case 200. The air can then flow into the inlet 301 through the gap 146. The air can then flow into the cartridge 300 through the inlet 301.

[0035] 5, the partition 122 of the pipe portion 120 may separate the insertion space 124 from the coupling space S (see FIG. 3). The partition 122 may be disposed between the insertion space 124 and the coupling space S. The partition 122 may extend vertically. One side wall 311a of the cartridge 300 may face one surface of the partition 122. The one side wall 311a of the cartridge 300 may be coupled to a coupler 125 (see FIG. 3) formed on the partition 122.

[0036] The pipe portion 120 may provide an insertion space 124. The insertion space 124 may be formed inside the pipe portion 120. The insertion space 124 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The upper end of the insertion space 124 may be open to the outside. The lower end of the insertion space 124 may be open and connected to the connecting channel 123. The connecting channel 123 may open to the coupling space S (see FIG. 3) or the outlet 304 side of the cartridge 300. The connecting channel 123 may connect the insertion space 124 and the outlet 304. The heater 30 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the insertion space 124.

[0037] The cartridge 300 may include a first container 31. The cartridge 300 may include a second container 32. The second container 32 may be coupled to the underside of the first container 31. The cartridge 300 may include a first chamber C1. The first chamber C1 may be formed inside the first container 31. The first chamber C1 may store a liquid. The cartridge 300 may include a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be formed inside the second container 32. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the first chamber C1.

[0038] The wick 321 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 321 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 321 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heater 322 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heater 322 may be wound around the wick 321. The heater 322 may receive power from the battery 10 (see FIG. 1). The heater 322 may heat the wick 321. When the heater 322 heats the wick 321 that has received the liquid, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

[0039] The cartridge 300 may have an inlet 301. The inlet 301 may be formed on one side of the first container 31. The inlet 301 may be formed by opening one side of an upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300. The inlet 301 may be formed to be separated from the first chamber C1.

[0040] The position and opening direction of the inlet 301 are not limited to those described above. For example, the inlet 301 may open laterally at a lateral portion of the cartridge 300. However, in order to prevent the liquid from leaking through the inlet 301, the inlet 301 does not have to open downward at the bottom of the cartridge 300.

[0041] The cartridge 300 may include a chamber inlet 303. The chamber inlet 303 may be formed by opening one side of the second chamber C2 and may communicate with the second chamber C2.

[0042] The cartridge 300 may include an inlet channel 302. The inlet channel 302 may be located between the inlet 301 and the chamber inlet 303. The inlet channel 302 may connect the inlet 301 and the chamber inlet 303. The inlet channel 302 may extend long in the vertical direction. The inlet channel 302 may be separated from the first chamber C1 and formed adjacent to the first chamber C1.

[0043] The cartridge 300 may include an outlet 304. The outlet 304 may be formed by opening the second chamber C2. The outlet 304 may connect the outside of the cartridge 300 to the second chamber C2. The outlet 304 may be located on the opposite side of the chamber inlet 303 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the pipe unit 120, the outlet 304 may be connected to the connecting channel 123. The outlet 304 may connect the connecting channel 123 to the second chamber C2. An outlet port 323 forming the outlet 304 may protrude from one side of the cartridge 300. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the pipe unit 120, the outlet port 323 may be inserted into one end of the connecting channel 123.

[0044] 5 and 6 , the extension 140 may extend to one side from the upper portion of the pipe portion 120. The upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension 140. The lower portion 141 of the extension 140 may face the upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300. The lower portion 141 of the extension 140 may cover the inlet 301 and the periphery of the inlet 301. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the body 100, gaps 146 may be formed between the sensing hole 144 and the inlet 301. Gaps 146 may be formed between the lower portion 141 of the extension 140 and the inlet 301 and between the lower portion 141 of the extension 140 and the upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300. The gaps 146 may connect the inlet 301 to the outside. The gaps 146 may connect to the sensing hole 144. The gap 146 can communicate with an opening 201 formed in the upper case 200 .

[0045] Air can flow into the inlet 301 from the gap 146. The air that flows into the inlet 301 can flow into the second chamber C2 by sequentially passing through the inlet 302 and the chamber inlet 303. The air that flows into the second chamber C2 can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 300 through the outlet 304, along with the aerosol generated around the core 321. The air discharged through the outlet 304 can be supplied to the insertion space 124 and the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 124 through the connecting channel 123.

[0046] The sensor 80 may be provided inside the extension 140. The sensor 80 may be disposed between the lower portion 141 of the extension 140 and the extension cover 143. The sensor 80 may face the upper end surface 312 of the cartridge 300 or the inlet 301. The sensor 80 may be provided adjacent to the inlet 301. The sensor 80 may be located above the inlet 301. The sensor 80 may overlap with the inlet 301 in the vertical direction.

[0047] The sensor 80 may be supported by a lower portion 141 of the extension portion 140. The lower portion 141 of the extension portion 140 may cover a lower portion of the sensor 80. The side portion 142 of the extension portion 140 may cover a side portion of the sensor 80. The extension cover 143 may cover an upper portion of the sensor 80. The extension cover 143 may be coupled and fixed to the extension portion 140. The extension cover 143 may support the sensor 80.

[0048] The sensor 80 can sense the flow of air in the surrounding area. The sensor 80 can be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The sensor 80 can sense the flow of air based on changes in the surrounding air pressure. The sensor 80 can be mounted on a substrate 81 disposed inside the extension 140 and can be electrically connected to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0049] The sensing hole 144 may be formed by opening between the sensor 80 and the gap 146. The sensing hole 144 may be formed by opening the lower portion 141 of the extension portion 140. The sensing hole 144 may connect the sensor 80 and the gap 146. The sensing hole 144 may be formed at a position corresponding to the sensor 80. The sensor 80 may sense the air flow through the sensing hole 144. The sensing hole 144 may be formed at a position corresponding to the inlet 301. The sensing hole 144 may be formed above the inlet 301. The sensing hole 144 may be adjacent to the inlet 301. The sensing hole 144 may connect the gap 146 and the sealer hole 94.

[0050] When the sensor 80 detects air flow, the control unit 20 (see FIG. 1) can control the operation of various connected components. For example, when ambient air flows into the inlet 301, the pressure in the sensing hole 144 decreases as the air flows into the inlet 301, and the sensor 80 can detect the pressure change in the sensing hole 144 and transmit a sensing signal to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 1). For example, when the sensor 80 detects air flow, the control unit 20 can control the heater 322 to heat the wick 321. As another example, when the sensor 80 detects air flow, the control unit 20 can display the air flow or an operation signal on a display.

[0051] The sealer 90 may be disposed inside the extension 140. The sealer 90 may be disposed between the extension 140 and the sensor 80. The sealer 90 may be disposed around the sensing hole 144. The sealer 90 may be tightly attached to the extension 140 around the sensing hole 144. The sealer 90 may be tightly attached to the sensor 80. The sealer 90 may surround the lower part of the sensor 80. The sealer 90 may seal the periphery of the sensing hole 144. The sealer 90 may include a lower sealer portion 91 that is tightly attached to the lower part of the sensor 80 and a side sealer portion 92 that is tightly attached to the side part around the lower part of the sensor 80. The lower sealer portion 91 may be tightly attached to the lower part 141 of the extension 140. The sealer 90 may prevent external foreign matter such as liquid from penetrating into the extension 140 through the sensing hole 144.

[0052] The sealer hole 94 may be formed by opening the sealer 90. The sealer hole 94 may be formed by opening the sealer lower portion 91. The sealer hole 94 may be formed between the sensor 80 and the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may be formed at a position corresponding to the sensor 80. The sealer hole 94 may be formed at a position corresponding to the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may be formed above the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may communicate between the sensor 80 and the sensing hole 144. When air around the inlet 301 flows into the inlet 301, the air in the first sensing hole 144 and the sealer hole 94 may flow into the inlet 301. The sensing hole 144 and the sealer hole 94 may be formed at positions corresponding to each other.

[0053] The sensing hole 144 may overlap the inlet 301 in the vertical direction. The sensing hole 144 may face the inlet 301. The sealer hole 94 may overlap the inlet 301 in the vertical direction. The sealer hole 94 may face the inlet 301.

[0054] Therefore, since the sensing hole 144 and the inlet 301 are located adjacent to each other, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor 80 to the air flow can be improved. In addition, since the sensor 80 is not located on the path after the outlet 304, aerosols carried by the air passing through the cartridge 300 can be prevented from depositing on the sensor 80. In addition, foreign matter can be prevented from penetrating from the cartridge 300 into the space where the sensor 80 and the substrate 81 are disposed.

[0055] 7, the sensing hole 144 may be adjacent to the inlet 301. The sensing hole 144 may be located above the inlet 301. The inlet 301 may open upward. The sensing hole 144 may open downward. The sensing hole 144 may overlap the inlet 301 in the vertical direction.

[0056] The circumference of the sensing hole 144 may be smaller than the circumference of the inlet 301. The circumferences of the sensing hole 144 and the inlet 301 may be the lengths of their edges in the horizontal direction. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the body 100, the width W1 of the sensing hole 144 in the horizontal direction may be smaller than the width W2 of the inlet 301 based on the vertical cross section. The shapes of the sensing hole 144 and the inlet 301 based on the cross section may be circular or rectangular. The sealer hole 94 may be formed to a size corresponding to the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may be formed at a position corresponding to the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may be formed above the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may be in communication with the sensing hole 144. The circumference of the sealer hole 94 may be smaller than the circumference of the inlet 301.

[0057] Therefore, when air flows into the inlet 301, the pressure change in the sensing hole 144 and / or the sealer hole 94 becomes larger, thereby improving the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor 80.

[0058] With respect to the direction in which the inlet 301 opens, the boundary of the sensing hole 144 may be located inside the boundary of the inlet 301. The protruding boundary of the sensing hole 144 facing the gap 146 may be located inside the protruding boundary of the inlet 301 facing the gap 146. If the boundary of the inlet 301 extends in the vertical direction and is open in the vertical direction, the boundary of the sensing hole 144 may be located inside the boundary of the inlet 301 extending in the vertical direction. The boundary of the sealer hole 94 may be located inside the boundary of the inlet 301.

[0059] With respect to the opening direction of the inlet 301, the center line A1 of the sensing hole 144 may be adjacent to or coincident with the center line A2 of the inlet 301. Because the inlet 301 opens in the vertical direction, the center line A1 of the sensing hole 144 and the center line A2 of the inlet 301, which extend in the vertical direction, may be adjacent to or coincident with each other. The center line A1 of the sensing hole 144 may be closer to the center line A1 of the inlet 301 than the boundary of the inlet 301. The center line A1 of the sealer hole 94 may be identical to the center line A1 of the sensing hole 144. The center line A1 of the sealer hole 94 may be formed inside the center line A2 of the inlet 301.

[0060] Therefore, when air flows into the inlet 301, the pressure change in the sensing hole 144 and / or the sealer hole 94 increases, thereby improving the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor 80.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8 , the inlet 301 may open upward. The sensing hole 144 may face the inlet 301. The sensor 80 may be positioned offset from the inlet 301 in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the sensor 80 may be positioned outside the boundary of the inlet 301 in the vertical direction. The sensing hole 144 may open obliquely from the sensor 80 side toward the inlet 301. The sensing hole 144 may extend obliquely. The sensing hole 144 is formed to form an inclined surface that slopes toward the inlet 301. The protrusion of the sensing hole 144 and the end surface of the inlet 301 may overlap each other. The boundary of the outlet portion of the sensing hole 144 may be located inside the boundary of the end of the inlet 301.

[0062] One end of the sensing hole 144 adjacent to the inlet 301 may overlap with the inlet 301 based on the opening direction of the inlet 301. The other end of the sensing hole 144 adjacent to the sensor 80 or the sealer hole 94 may be offset from the inlet 301 based on the opening direction of the inlet 301. The lower end of the sensing hole 144 may be located above the inlet 301. The lower end of the sensing hole 144 may overlap with the inlet 301 in the up-down direction. The upper end of the sensing hole 144 may be offset from the inlet 301 in the up-down direction. The area of ​​the lower end of the sensing hole 144 overlapping with the inlet 301 may be larger than that of the upper end of the sensing hole 144.

[0063] The sealer hole 94 may be located above the sensing hole 144 and may be in communication with the sensing hole 144. The sealer hole 94 may be located at a position corresponding to the upper end of the sensing hole 144. The lower end of the sensing hole 144 may be offset from the sealer hole 94 in the vertical direction. Unlike the drawing, the sealer hole 94 may also extend obliquely in the extension direction of the sensing hole 144.

[0064] Therefore, even if the sensor 80 is disposed offset from the inlet 301, the sensing sensitivity can be improved through the sensing hole 144. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in the installation position of the sensor 80 relative to the inlet 301 can be improved.

[0065] 1 to 8, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body, a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and formed to define an inlet open to one side, the body being formed to define a sensing hole positioned adjacent to the inlet when the cartridge is coupled to the body, the sensing hole being positioned relative to the inlet to form a gap between the sensing hole and the inlet, allowing air to flow into the gap, and a sensor positioned relative to the sensing hole and sensing the flow of air through the sensing hole, the sensing hole being positioned to overlap the inlet.

[0066] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing hole may have a circumference smaller than a circumference of the inlet.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a boundary of the protrusion of the sensing hole facing the gap may be located inside a boundary of the inlet facing the gap.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a central axis of the sensing hole may be closer to a central axis of the inlet than a boundary of a protrusion of the inlet.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing hole may be formed to form an inclined surface that slopes toward the inlet.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the protruding portion of the sensing hole at the inclined surface may overlap an end surface of the inlet facing the gap.

[0071] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a boundary of the protrusion of the sensing hole may be located inside a boundary of the end of the inlet.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet may open upward at a top end of the cartridge.

[0073] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body may include an extension extending to one side to form the gap having the sensing hole and interacting with the inlet, and the sensor may be located within the extension.

[0074] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a sealer in contact with the sensor and the extension and configured to seal around the sensing hole, and the sealer may be configured to define a sealer hole in communication with the sensing hole.

[0075] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the circumference of the sealer hole may be smaller than the circumference of the inlet.

[0076] An aerosol generating device according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include a body; a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and formed to define an inlet; the body configured to define a sensing hole positioned to interact with the inlet when the cartridge is coupled to the body, and when the cartridge is coupled to the body, a gap is formed between the sensing hole and the inlet, allowing air to flow into the sensing hole and the inlet through the gap; and a sensor positioned in the body and relative to the sensing hole to sense the flow of air through the sensing hole, and the sensing hole may be positioned to overlap at least a portion of the inlet.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a central axis of the sensing hole may be closer to a central axis of the inlet than a boundary of a protrusion of the inlet.

[0078] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing hole may be formed to form an inclined surface that slopes toward the inlet.

[0079] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0080] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0081] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Body and a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and configured to define an inlet opening at one side thereof; the body is configured to define a sensing hole located adjacent the inlet when the cartridge is coupled to the body; Since the sensing hole is positioned relative to the inlet, a gap is formed between the sensing hole and the inlet, allowing air to flow into the gap; a sensor positioned relative to the sensing hole and configured to sense airflow through the sensing hole, the sensing hole is positioned to overlap with the inlet; An aerosol generating device in which a virtual projected boundary extended from the boundary of the sensing hole facing the gap is located inside the boundary of the inlet facing the gap.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the circumference of the sensing hole is smaller than the circumference of the inlet.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the central axis of the sensing hole is closer to the central axis of the inlet than to the boundary of the inlet.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensing hole is formed to form an inclined surface that slopes toward the inlet.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the end surface defined by the virtual projected boundary of the sensing hole extended at the inclined surface overlaps with the end surface of the inlet facing the gap.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the virtual projected boundary is located inside a boundary of the end of the inlet.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the inlet is open upward at the upper end of the cartridge.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7 , wherein the body includes an extension extending on one side to form the gap having the sensing hole and interacting with the inlet, and the sensor is located within the extension.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, further comprising a sealer in contact with the sensor and the extension and configured to seal around the sensing hole, the sealer configured to define a sealer hole communicating with the sensing hole.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein the circumference of the sealer hole is smaller than the circumference of the inlet.

11. Body and a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and configured to define an inlet; the body is configured to define a sensing hole positioned to interact with the inlet when the cartridge is coupled to the body; When the cartridge is coupled to the body, a gap is formed between the sensing hole and the inlet, allowing air to flow into the sensing hole and the inlet through the gap; a sensor located on the body and positioned relative to the sensing hole to sense airflow through the sensing hole; the sensing hole is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the inlet; An aerosol generating device in which a virtual projected boundary extended from the boundary of the sensing hole facing the gap is located inside the boundary of the inlet facing the gap.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the central axis of the sensing hole is closer to the central axis of the inlet than to the boundary of the inlet.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the sensing hole is formed to form an inclined surface that slopes toward the inlet.

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