Aerosol generator

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating device with improved atomization performance by smoothly supplying air to an aerosol generating article therein.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 100 including an accommodating space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and an inlet-side support 200 positioned at an opening of the accommodating space and including at least one support body 210 for supporting the aerosol generating article, and an inflow passage 220 for receiving air from the outside of the housing, the inflow passage decreasing in width toward the inside of the accommodating space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

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

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0006] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide an aerosol generating apparatus that smoothly supplies air to aerosol products and has improved atomization performance.

[0007] Furthermore, this embodiment provides an aerosol generating device that can precisely sense changes in airflow.

[0008] The problems that are sought to be solved through the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment also includes a housing containing a containment space for containing aerosol products; one or more supports for supporting aerosol products; and an inlet support located at the opening of the containment space, which receives air from outside the housing and narrows as it enters the containment space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of this disclosure can effectively introduce airflow and improve atomization performance.

[0011] Furthermore, since the aerosol generating apparatus according to the various embodiments of this disclosure includes an improved airflow path, it is possible to precisely sense changes in airflow.

[0012] The effects of this embodiment are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing some of the components of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a schematic unfolded view showing the components of the inlet-side support section. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a plan view of the entrance-side support section. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet-side support portion. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of a portion of the entrance-side support section shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a plan view of a portion of the entrance-side support section shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet-side support portion. [Figure 18]It is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion attached to an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a plan view of a part of the inlet side support portion illustrated in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a side sectional view when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the inlet side support portion illustrated in FIG. 21. [Figure 24] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] The terms used in this embodiment are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, they may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Also, in specific cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in that case, 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 on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0015] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it includes other components, not excludes them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" or "~module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0016] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of” precedes a set of elements, it modifies the entire set of elements, rather than each of the elements themselves. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c.

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

[0018] The aerosol generator also includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and if an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0019] The heater may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and depending on the form of the heating elements, it can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette.

[0020] A cigarette also includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco from which the tobacco sheet has been finely cut. The tobacco rod is also surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

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

[0022] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0023] The aerosol generator also includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the main body or incorporated and fixed so that it cannot be attached or detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside. However, it is not limited to this, and the aerosol-generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge while it is coupled to the main body.

[0024] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of a variety of states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may also include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0025] The cartridge can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge to a gas phase, through operation by electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit. This aerosol may refer to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles produced from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then pass through a cigarette and be delivered to the user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, which can be configured so that the aerosol passes through a cigarette and is delivered to the user.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0028] The aerosol generating device includes a transducer, which generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated from the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of these ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to that.

[0029] The aerosol generator may also further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0030] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0031] For example, the heat generated from the transducer may lower the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer may further atomize this low-viscosity aerosol-generating material, thereby generating an aerosol, although this is not the only possible outcome.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using induction heating.

[0033] The aerosol generator also includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can have a magnetic field applied to it. By supplying power to the coil from the aerosol generator, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The aerosol product can be heated when the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, causing it to generate heat. Alternatively, the susceptor can be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator may further include a cradle.

[0035] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the heater can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0036] Hereafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to be readily implementable by a person with ordinary skill in the art. The present disclosure may be implemented in a manner that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described herein, or in a variety of different manners, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 also includes a housing 100 into which the aerosol product 20 can be inserted.

[0040] The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 10 and also includes an internal space (or "arrangement space") in which the components of the aerosol generator 10 can be arranged. In the drawings, the housing 100 is shown to have a semicircular cross-section, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the housing 100 may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape or in a polygonal prism shape (e.g., triangular or rectangular prism).

[0041] The internal space of the housing 100 contains components for heating the aerosol product 20 inserted into the housing 100 to generate an aerosol, and components for detecting the user's puffing action. A detailed explanation of these components will be given later.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the housing 100 also includes an opening 100h into which the aerosol product 20 can be inserted. At least a portion of the aerosol product 20 can be inserted into or housed inside the housing 100 through the opening 100h.

[0043] The aerosol product 20, inserted or contained inside the housing 100, is heated inside the housing 100, which can result in the generation of an aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol emitted from the aerosol product 20.

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

[0045] The display D may be positioned such that at least a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the housing 100. The aerosol generator 10 can provide the user with a variety of visual information via the display D.

[0046] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may provide information via the display D regarding whether or not the user's puffing action has occurred, and / or information regarding the remaining number of puffs for the inserted aerosol product 20, but the information provided via the display D can be modified in various ways.

[0047] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1, cut in the direction II.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2, one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 10 also includes a housing 100, an inlet support 200, a heater assembly 300, an airflow passage 400, an end support 500, and a sensor 600.

[0049] The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 10 and also includes an internal space where components of the aerosol generator 10 can be arranged. For example, the internal space of the housing 100 may contain an inlet support 200, a heater assembly 300, an airflow passage 400, an end support 500, and a sensor 600, but this embodiment is not limited to the components arranged in the internal space of the housing 100.

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

[0051] The inlet-side support portion 200 is located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100 and can support at least a portion of the aerosol product inserted into the housing 100. The inlet-side support portion 200 can also allow air present outside the aerosol generator 10 to flow into the aerosol generator 10.

[0052] The inlet-side support section 200 also includes a support 210 for supporting at least a portion of the aerosol product, and an inlet passage 220 for allowing air from outside the housing 100 to flow into the interior of the housing 100.

[0053] The heater assembly 300 is located in the internal space of the housing 100. The heater assembly 300 can heat the aerosol product inserted inside the housing 100 and generate an aerosol.

[0054] The heater assembly 300 also includes a heater 310 that generates heat when power is supplied. The heater 310 also includes a containment space 300i for containing at least a portion of the aerosol product inserted into the housing 100. At least one region of the aerosol product contained in the containment space 300i may be heated by the heater 310. When the aerosol product is heated, the vaporized particles generated in the aerosol product are mixed with the air in the internal space of the housing 100, and an aerosol may be generated.

[0055] The heater 310 includes a coil 311 and a susceptor 312, and can heat at least one area of ​​the aerosol product contained in the containment space 300i by induction heating.

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

[0057] The susceptor 312 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product contained in the containment space 300i. The susceptor 312 can heat the aerosol product contained in the containment space 300i by generating heat from the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 311.

[0058] Another example of the heater assembly 300 is one in which the heater assembly 300 includes an electrical resistance heater. For example, it may include a film heater that is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of an aerosol product inserted inside the housing 100 of the heater assembly 300. The film heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the film heater generates heat, which heats the aerosol product inserted in the housing 100.

[0059] As yet another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 also includes at least one of a needle-shaped heater, a rod-shaped heater, and a tubular heater that can heat the inside of an aerosol product inserted into the housing 100. The aforementioned heater can be inserted, for example, into at least one region of the aerosol product and heat the inside of the aerosol product.

[0060] The examples are not limited by the specific embodiment of the heater, and the heater can be modified in various ways to heat the aerosol product to a specified temperature. In this disclosure, “specified temperature” may mean the temperature at which the aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol product is heated to produce an aerosol. The specified temperature may also be a temperature already set in the aerosol generator 10, or the specified temperature may be changed depending on the type of aerosol generator 10 and / or user operation.

[0061] The heater assembly 300 also further includes an insulating structure 320 for sealing the heater 310.

[0062] The insulating structure 320 seals the heater 310, preventing the heat generated by the heater 310 from being transferred to the outer surface of the housing 100. Even when the heater 310 is kept at a high temperature, the insulating structure 320 prevents the high temperature from being transferred to the user's body (e.g., palm) when gripping the housing 100.

[0063] The thermal insulation structure 320 can be closed by a sealing means (not shown). This sealing means can seal the space in which the heater 310 is located, preventing droplets generated during the aerosol generation process from flowing out of the heater assembly 300. This sealing means can prevent components of the aerosol generator 10 from malfunctioning or being damaged by droplets.

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

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

[0066] The second insulator 322 is connected to the upper end of the first insulator 321 and is positioned to surround a portion of the outer surface of the first insulator 321.

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

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

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

[0070] The airflow passage 400 is located in the internal space of the housing 100 between the susceptor 312 and the first insulator 321. The airflow passage 400 can fluidly communicate (or fluidly connect) the outside of the aerosol generator 10 with the housing space 300i of the heater assembly 300.

[0071] The airflow passage 400 may be arranged to connect the airflow hole (not shown) of the inlet-side support portion 200 with the air inlet (not shown) of the end support portion 500 located in the containment space 300i, while being separated from the heater assembly 300. For example, the airflow passage 400 may be arranged between the coil 311 and the susceptor 312, surrounding the susceptor 312, but the shape of the airflow passage 400 is not limited by such arrangement.

[0072] Due to the aforementioned arrangement of the airflow passage 400, fluid communication can be established between the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the inside of the containment space 300i.

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

[0074] The end support portion 500 may be positioned as an independent element at the lower end of the containment space 300i to support the aerosol product. The end support portion 500 can be deformed and formed integrally with the containment space 300i at the lower end of the containment space 300i.

[0075] When an aerosol product is inserted into the containment space 300i, air from the airflow passage 400 may flow into the aerosol product via the end support portion 500.

[0076] The sensor 600 is located inside the housing 100 and can detect the user's puffing motion or the temperature change of the heater.

[0077] The sensor 600 also includes a puff sensor 610 for sensing pressure changes. The puff sensor 610 can detect pressure changes in the airflow passage 400 caused by the user's puffing action.

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

[0079] The puff sensor 610 may be positioned adjacent to the inlet-side support portion 200. The temperature sensor 620 is positioned in the internal space to contact the susceptor 312. The positions of the temperature sensor 620 and the puff sensor 610 can be varied in various ways.

[0080] Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the process of air movement caused by the user's puffing action in an aerosol generating device.

[0081] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view specifically illustrating the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0082] In the following, with reference to Figure 3, the specific configuration of the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generator 10 and the movement of air due to the user's puffing action will be described in detail.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generator 10 according to one embodiment also includes a housing 100, an inlet-side support 200, a heater assembly 300, an airflow passage 400, an end support 500, and a sensor 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 10 according to one embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 10 shown in Figure 2, but redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0084] According to one embodiment, when a user brings the mouthpiece to contact the aerosol product 20 and performs a puffing action, a pressure difference is generated between the outside of the aerosol generator 10 and the internal space of the housing 100, and outside air may flow into the inside of the housing 100 through the inlet-side support portion 200.

[0085] External air flowing into the housing 100 can pass through the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support section 200, through the airflow hole 400h, and reach the airflow passage 400.

[0086] The air that has moved along the airflow passage 400 can reach the air inlet 500i of the end support portion 500.

[0087] The air that reaches the air inlet 500i follows the shape of the end support portion 500 in a U-shape, passes through the air outlet 500e, and flows into the end of the aerosol product 20 inserted into the containment space 300i (Figure 2).

[0088] Air flowing into the containment space 300i (Figure 2) is mixed with vaporized particles produced by the heating of the aerosol product 20, thereby generating an aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol generated in the containment space 300i (Figure 2) through a puffing action that inhales the aerosol product 20.

[0089] Figure 4 is a plan view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0090] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the housing 100 into which the aerosol product 20 is inserted and the inlet-side support portion 200 in the aerosol generating apparatus 10 of Figure 2.

[0091] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generator 10 also includes the housing 100 and the inlet-side support portion 200. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 10 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 10 shown in Figure 2, but redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0092] The inlet-side support portion 200 is located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100, is mounted on the aerosol generating device 10, and can support the aerosol product 20.

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

[0094] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the inlet support section 200 in the aerosol generating apparatus 10 of Figure 4.

[0095] Referring to Figure 5, the internal space of the housing 100 also includes a containment space 300i for accommodating aerosol products (not shown). The inlet support 200 is located at one end (e.g., the upper end) of the containment space 300i and may be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

[0096] The inlet-side support section 200 also includes one or more supports 210 for supporting at least a portion of the aerosol product, and an inlet passage 220 for allowing air from outside the housing 100 to flow into the interior of the containment space 300i.

[0097] The support 210 can contact at least a portion of the outside of the aerosol product and support the aerosol product. Therefore, multiple support 210s can be arranged along the periphery of the containment space 300i so as to be in contact with the outside of the aerosol product. When the aerosol product is inserted into the inlet support 200, the support 210 can contact the aerosol product and form an inflow passage 220 in the space between the inlet support 200 and the aerosol product. That is, the inflow passage 220 can be located between adjacent support 210s.

[0098] The inlet passage 220 allows air to flow through, but may have a shape that narrows as it enters the containment space 300i from the outside of the housing 100. Compared to existing shapes that have a constant width along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, such a shape of inlet passage 220 may offer two advantages in relation to airflow.

[0099] Firstly, in the entire path of the inflow passage 220, the area of ​​the opening (not shown) of the inflow passage 220 that is open to the outside of the housing 100 is the largest, so that a sufficient amount of outside air can flow smoothly into the containment space 300i. Such an inflow passage structure can improve the atomization performance of the aerosol generator 10.

[0100] Secondly, the size of the inlet passage 220 decreases as it moves from the opening on the outside of the housing 100 into the interior of the containment space 300i. The change in the size of the inlet passage 220 can change the velocity of the airflow passing through it. This change in airflow velocity changes the air pressure in the containment space 300i, and the puff sensor 610 (Figure 2) can detect this change in air pressure. Based on the detection of the pressure change by the puff sensor, the controller (not shown) can recognize the occurrence of a puff action performed by the user.

[0101] The size of the inflow passage 220 may decrease along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i. One inflow passage 220 is surrounded by a support 210 around the containment space 300i. The size of the support 210 may increase along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i.

[0102] The inlet passage 220 may have a shape that narrows as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i from the outside of the housing 100. The configuration and shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be varied in many ways.

[0103] The inflow passage 220 between adjacent support structures 210 includes a side wall 220w that is blocked by the support structure 210 in the direction surrounding the accommodation space 300i.

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

[0105] The side wall 220w extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can be inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i. By inclining the side wall 220w, a shape can be realized in which the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases or the size of the support 210 increases as one moves from the outside toward the interior of the accommodation space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. This embodiment is not limited by such a side wall shape, and the shape of the side wall 220w can be varied in many ways.

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

[0107] The length of the inflow passage 220 extending around the containment space 300i from its upper end 220u is longer than the length of the inflow passage 220 extending around the containment space 300i from its lower end 220l. Conversely to the extension of the inflow passage 220, the length of the support 210 extending around the containment space 300i from its lower end 210l is longer than the length of the support 210 extending around the containment space 300i from its upper end 210u.

[0108] As a result, the inflow passage 220 may have a shape that narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i from the outside of the housing 100, but the configuration and shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be varied in many ways.

[0109] Figure 6 is a schematic unfolded view showing the components of the inlet-side support section illustrated in Figure 5.

[0110] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the inlet-side support section 200 in Figure 5, showing the support body 210, the inlet passage 220, and the airflow hole 400h in a schematic manner.

[0111] Referring to Figure 6, as you move from the upper end to the lower end of the unfolded view of the inlet-side support section 200, the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases, and the size of the support body 210 may increase.

[0112] The upper end of the unfolded diagram represents the exterior of the housing 100, and the lower end of the unfolded diagram represents the portion that extends into the interior of the storage space 300i (Figure 2). Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w, as explained with reference to Figure 5, the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases as it moves along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and into the interior of the storage space 300i (Figure 2).

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

[0114] Figure 7 is a plan view showing only the inlet-side support section 200, separated from the aerosol generator 10 in Figure 5.

[0115] Referring to Figure 7, the inlet-side support portion 200 also includes a coupling portion for connecting to the support body 210, the inflow passage 220, and the housing 100. The shape of the inlet-side support portion 200 can be varied in many ways.

[0116] Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w, the size of the inflow passage 220 can decrease along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the interior of the accommodating space 300i (Figure 2). Conversely to the shape of the inflow passage, the size of the support 210 can increase along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 as it enters the interior of the accommodating space 300i (Figure 2).

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

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

[0119] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken in the VIII-VIII direction with the inlet support portion 200 shown in Figure 7 attached to the aerosol generating device 10.

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

[0121] The side wall 220w, as explained with reference to Figure 5, is inclined, which is an example of a shape in which the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases as it moves along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and into the interior of the storage space 300i (Figure 2).

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

[0123] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 is deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0124] Referring to Figures 5 and 9, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in an embodiment different from one embodiment may commonly have a shape that follows the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, forming a single continuous plane from one end (e.g., upper end) to the other end (e.g., lower end) of the inflow passage 220.

[0126] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support section 200 also includes one or more planes or curved surfaces so as to form a discontinuous shape (e.g., a staircase shape).

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

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

[0129] Referring to Figures 5 and 10, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in one embodiment and in yet another embodiment may have a shape that runs along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the housing space 300i.

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

[0131] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can be curved inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i.

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

[0133] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, in which the curved inclination shape of the side wall 220w has been deformed compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0134] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support section 200 in both embodiments may have a shape that narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i due to the curved inclination present in the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220.

[0135] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can form a concave curved slope around the accommodation space 300i.

[0136] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and can have a convex curved incline around the accommodation space 300i.

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

[0138] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, in which the shape of the inlet passage 220 is deformed along the direction of the periphery of the accommodation space 300i (Figure 2) compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0139] Referring to Figures 5 and 12, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in one embodiment and in other embodiments may have a shape that follows the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i. In addition, the inflow passage 220 may have a shape that opens toward the aerosol product (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0140] The inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 also includes one or more planes or curved surfaces between the support members 210, oriented in the direction around the accommodation space 300i.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 may have a concave shape between the support members 210, directed in the direction circumferential to the accommodation space 300i.

[0142] Figure 13 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet-side support section shown in Figure 12.

[0143] Figure 13 is a plan view showing only a portion of the inlet-side support section 200, separated from the aerosol generating apparatus 10 in Figure 12.

[0144] Referring to Figure 13, the inlet-side support portion 200 in another embodiment has a structure corresponding to the inlet-side support portion 200 in one embodiment described with reference to Figure 7, and there are differences in the shape of the inflow passage 220 described with reference to Figure 12.

[0145] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an inlet support attached to an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment, and is a diagram for illustrating the airflow in the inflow passage.

[0146] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, in which the shape of the inlet passage 220 is different on the airflow side compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and is a diagram for explaining the different airflows due to the shape of the inlet passage 220.

[0147] Referring to Figures 5 and 14, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in one embodiment and in other embodiments may have a shape that runs along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i. The inflow passage 220 also allows air from outside the housing 100 to flow into the interior of the containment space 300i.

[0148] The inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 includes a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, so that the incoming air flows in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0149] The inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in the embodiment shown in Figure 14 also includes a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 while curving in the direction circumferentially to the accommodation space 300i.

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

[0151] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an inlet-side support attached to an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0152] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, which has been modified in shape to narrow the inflow passage 220 as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0153] Referring to Figures 5 and 15, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in one embodiment and in other embodiments may have a shape that follows the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i. In other words, the length extending from the inlet passage 220 in the direction circumferential to the accommodation space 300i is longer at the upper end 220u of the inlet passage 220 than at the lower end 220l of the inlet passage 220.

[0154] The inlet-side support portion 200 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 also includes an inflow passage 220 that narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, due to the inclination of the side wall 220w as explained with reference to Figure 5. However, the size of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220 is constant along the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[0155] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the inlet-side support portion 200 has no inclination in the direction around the containment space 300i at the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220. Instead, in the radial direction of the containment space 300i, the width between the lower end portion 220l of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product is narrower than the width between the upper end portion 220u of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product.

[0156] Therefore, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 15 may have a shape that narrows as it enters the containment space 300i, due to the difference in width between each part of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol product 20.

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

[0158] Figure 16 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet-side support section shown in Figure 15.

[0159] Figure 16 is a plan view showing only a portion of the inlet-side support section 200, separated from the aerosol generating apparatus 10 of Figure 15.

[0160] Referring to Figure 16, the inlet-side support section 200 in yet another embodiment also includes a support body 210 and an inlet passage 220. The shape of the inlet-side support section 200 can be varied in many ways.

[0161] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, due to the difference in width between each portion of the inflow passage 220, as described with reference to Figure 15, and the aerosol product (not shown), the inflow passage 220 may become narrower as it enters the containment space 300i (Figure 2).

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

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

[0164] Referring to Figure 17, in the radial direction of the containment space 300i according to yet another embodiment, the width between the lower end 220l of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product 20 is narrower than the width between the upper end 220u of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product 20.

[0165] This is also an example of a shape in which the inflow passage 220 narrows as it enters the containment space 300i, due to the difference in width between each part of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product 20, as explained with reference to Figure 15.

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

[0167] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, which, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, has been deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 (Figure 2) to show the shape of the surface on which the aerosol product (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generator 10 is viewed in the inlet passage 220.

[0168] Referring to Figures 15 and 18, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in the two embodiments may have a shape that follows the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i.

[0169] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the radial width of the containment space 300i between one end of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product changes continuously along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

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

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

[0172] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, which, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, has been deformed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 (Figure 2) to show the shape of the surface on which the aerosol product (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generator 10 is viewed in the inlet passage 220.

[0173] Referring to Figures 15 and 19, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in the two embodiments may have a shape that follows the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i.

[0174] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the radial width of the containment space 300i between one end of the inflow passage 220 and the aerosol product changes linearly along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

[0175] In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the aforementioned width may vary non-linearly along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 in the aforementioned direction.

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

[0177] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, which, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 19, has a different curvature direction for the surface that views the aerosol product (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generator 10 in the inlet passage 220.

[0178] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in the two embodiments may have a shape that narrows as it enters the interior of the housing space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, with a width that changes non-linearly.

[0179] In the inflow passage 220 of the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the surface on which the aerosol product is viewed is also convex.

[0180] The aforementioned surface in the embodiment shown in Figure 20 is also concave.

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

[0182] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the inlet-side support portion 200, which has been modified in shape to narrow the inflow passage 220 as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 15.

[0183] Referring to Figure 21, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet-side support portion 200 in other embodiments may have a shape that narrows as it enters the interior of the accommodation space 300i, as shown in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 and 15.

[0184] In the embodiment shown in Figure 21, the inlet-side support portion 200 does not have an inclination in the direction around the accommodation space 300i on the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 15. However, unlike the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the thickness of the support 210 in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i may differ along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

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

[0186] The upper end portion 210u of the support 210 does not come into contact with the aerosol product (not shown), so a space is formed between the support 210 and the aerosol product. This space may become part of the inflow passage 220.

[0187] In the direction surrounding the containment space 300i, the inflow passage 220 between the support structures 210 has a constant width in the radial direction of the containment space 300i, extending to the aerosol product.

[0188] The inflow passage 220 formed between the support 210 and the aerosol product may have a shape that narrows as it enters the containment space 300i, due to the difference in thickness of the support 210.

[0189] The lower end portion 210l of the support 210 can come into contact with the outside of the aerosol product to such an extent that it can support the aerosol product. However, this embodiment is not limited by the shape of such a support 210 and inflow passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and inflow passage 220 can be varied.

[0190] Figure 22 is a plan view of a portion of the entrance-side support section shown in Figure 21.

[0191] Figure 22 is a plan view showing only a portion of the inlet-side support section 200, separated from the aerosol generating apparatus 10 in Figure 21.

[0192] Referring to Figure 22, the inlet-side support section 200 in yet another embodiment also includes a support body 210 and an inlet passage 220. The shape of the inlet-side support section 200 can be varied in many ways.

[0193] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, due to the difference in thickness of the support 210 as described with reference to Figure 21, the inflow passage 220 may become narrower as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i (Figure 2).

[0194] The size of the inflow passage 220 between the support members 210 in the direction circumferential to the containment space 300i (Figure 2) is constant along the radial direction of the containment space 300i (Figure 2) and along the direction circumferential to the containment space 300i (Figure 2). However, this embodiment is not limited by the shape of such support members 210 and inflow passage 220.

[0195] Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet-side support section shown in Figure 21, when an aerosol product is inserted.

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

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

[0198] This is also an example of a shape in which the inflow passage 220 narrows as it enters the interior of the containment space 300i, due to the difference in thickness of the support 210 as explained with reference to Figure 21.

[0199] The lower end portion 210l of the support 210 can come into contact with the outside of the aerosol product to such an extent that it can support the aerosol product. However, this embodiment is not limited by the shape of such a support 210 and inflow passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and inflow passage 220 can be varied.

[0200] Figure 24 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0201] The aerosol generator 2400 also includes a control unit 2410, a sensing unit 2420, an output unit 2430, a battery 2440, a heater 2450, a user input unit 2460, a memory 2470, and a communication unit 2480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 2400 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 24. In other words, it will be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that some of the components shown in Figure 24 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 2400.

[0202] The sensing unit 2420 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 2400 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 2400, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 2410. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 2410 can control the aerosol generator 2400 so that various functions can be performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 2450, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

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

[0204] The temperature sensor 2422 can sense the temperature at which the heater 2450 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 2400 may include a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the heater 2450, or the heater 2450 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2422 may be positioned around the battery 2440 to monitor its temperature.

[0205] The insertion sensing sensor 2424 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 2424 may include 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 signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0206] The puff sensor 2426 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2426 can detect user puffs based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0207] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 2422, insertion sensor 2424, and puff sensor 2426), the sensing unit 2420 also includes at least one of the following: 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). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by an average engineer, so a detailed explanation can be omitted.

[0208] The output unit 2430 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 2400. The output unit 2430 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 2432, the haptic unit 2434, and the acoustic output unit 2436. When the display unit 2432 and the touchpad form a layered structure and are configured as a touchscreen, the display unit 2432 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0209] The display unit 2432 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 2400. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 2400 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 2440 of the aerosol generator 2400, the preheating status of the heater 2450, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 2400 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 2432 can output this information externally. The display unit 2432 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0210] The haptic unit 2434 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli and provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 2400. For example, the haptic unit 2434 may also include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0211] The acoustic output unit 2436 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 2400. For example, the acoustic output unit 2436 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

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

[0213] The heater 2450 is powered by the battery 2440 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 24, the aerosol generator 2400 also further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 2440 and supplies it to the heater 2450. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 2400 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 2400 also further includes a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 2440 into AC power supply.

[0214] The control unit 2410, sensing unit 2420, output unit 2430, user input unit 2460, memory 2470, and communication unit 2480 are powered by the battery 2440 and can perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 24, the system also further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low drop out) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 2440 and supplies it to each component.

[0215] In one embodiment, the heater 2450 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 2450 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks, or a ceramic heating element.

[0216] In other embodiments, the heater 2450 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 2450 may also include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0217] The user input unit 2460 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 2460 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 24, the aerosol generator 2400 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 2440.

[0218] Memory 2470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 2400, and can store data processed by the control unit 2410, as well as data being processed. Memory 2470 also includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) memory or XD (Extreme Digital) memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 2470 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 2400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

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

[0220] The near-field communication unit 2482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared data association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0221] The wireless communication unit 2484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network)) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 2484 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 2400 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0222] The control unit 2410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 2400. In one embodiment, the control unit 2410 also includes at least one processor. This processor can also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0223] The control unit 2410 can control the temperature of the heater 2450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 2440 to the heater 2450. For example, the control unit 2410 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements between the battery 2440 and the heater 2450. Another example is that the direct heating circuit can control the power supply to the heater 2450 by a control command from the control unit 2410.

[0224] The control unit 2410 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420 and control the subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420, the control unit 2410 can control the power supplied to the heater 2450 so that the heater 2450 starts or stops operating. Another example is that, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420, the control unit 2410 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2450 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 2450 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0225] The control unit 2410 can control the output unit 2430 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 2426 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 2410 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 2432, the haptic unit 2434, and the acoustic output unit 2436 that the aerosol generator 2400 will be shut off immediately.

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

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

[0228] The descriptions relating to the embodiments described above are illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention is determined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, A housing including a containment space for containing aerosol products, The housing includes a plurality of supports for supporting the aerosol product, and an inlet passage for receiving air from outside the housing and providing it into the containment space, and includes an inlet-side support located at the opening of the containment space, The plurality of supports are arranged along the direction around the containment space so as to be in contact with the outside of the aerosol product, The inflow passage is formed between adjacent supports among the plurality of supports, The inflow passage includes, in the longitudinal direction of the housing, an upper end facing outwards from the housing and a lower end facing inwards from the housing space. An aerosol generating apparatus in which, in the radial direction of the containment space, the width between the lower end of the inflow passage and the aerosol product is narrower than the width between the upper end of the inflow passage and the aerosol product.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the inflow passage decreases as it extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and into the interior of the containment space.

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

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the side walls is curved inclined.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflow passage has a concave shape and is open toward the aerosol product.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflow passage extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and includes a shape that curves toward the circumferential direction of the containment space, and the inflow passage causes the air flowing along the inflow passage to flow in a vortex shape surrounding the aerosol product.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the length to which the opening of the inflow passage toward the outside of the housing extends along the direction circumferential to the containment space is longer than the length to which the portion of the inflow passage located inside the containment space extends along the direction circumferential to the containment space.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width of the inflow passage narrows discontinuously.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width of the inflow passage narrows non-linearly.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of at least one of the plurality of supports increases in the longitudinal direction of the housing as it moves from outside the housing into the containment space.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the side wall of at least one of the plurality of supports facing the direction circumferential to the housing space extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and is inclined toward the direction circumferential to the housing space.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the length extending along the direction around the housing space from the lower end of at least one of the plurality of supports facing inward is longer than the length extending along the direction around the housing space from the upper end of at least one of the plurality of supports facing outward is longer than the length extending along the direction around the housing space from the upper end of the plurality of supports facing outward.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of supports includes an upper end facing outward from the housing and a lower end facing inward from the housing space in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the thickness of the upper end of each of the plurality of supports in the radial direction of the housing space is thinner than the thickness of the lower end of each of the plurality of supports.

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