Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge having a storage portion configured to store an aerosol generating material, a storage portion configured to accommodate an aerosol product, a chamber communicating with the storage portion, a heating portion disposed in the chamber to heat the aerosol generating material, and a support assembly disposed in the storage portion and configured to support the aerosol product; and an aerosol generating device body having a cartridge connecting portion detachably connected to the cartridge and a sensor disposed between the cartridge connecting portion and the storage portion to sense moisture in the aerosol product.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus capable of maintaining a constant directionality of aerosols moving toward an aerosol product. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been increasing demand for technologies to replace the conventional method of supplying aerosols by burning cigarettes. For example, research is underway on methods such as generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating materials, or generating vapor from liquid aerosol-generating materials and then passing the generated vapor through a solid fragrance medium to supply a flavored aerosol. An example of an aerosol generator may include one that uses both an aerosol product and a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-generating substance. Such an aerosol generator has a structure in which aerosols are generated by heating the liquid aerosol-generating substance, and the generated aerosols are inhaled by the user via the aerosol product. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] In aerosol generating devices that use aerosol products and liquid aerosol-generating materials, at least a portion of the generated aerosol may be liquefied while moving to the aerosol product. The liquefied aerosol contains some water, and the aerosol (or water) may permeate or remain in the aerosol product.

[0004] On the other hand, in the case of aerosol generators where aerosol products are used together, a usage time for the aerosol products is set to prevent their reuse. One example of how the usage time for aerosol products can be determined is the use of a sensor that detects aerosols (or moisture) absorbed into the aerosol products.

[0005] In other words, the sensor detects the amount of aerosol (or moisture) absorbed into or present in the aerosol product, and if the amount detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value, the user can continue smoking by replacing the aerosol product that has exceeded its usage time with a new one.

[0006] In conventional methods, the direction of aerosols moving towards the aerosol product is not constant, and the position of aerosols (or moisture) absorbed into the aerosol product is not constant. In other words, conventionally, the position of the aerosols (or moisture) that the sensor detects is not fixed, and errors in the sensor's detected value can occur each time. Consequently, conventionally, the reliability and accuracy of the sensor's detected value decreased, and as a result, there was a possibility of reusing aerosol products that had exceeded their usage time.

[0007] The embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus that can improve the directionality of aerosols moving into an aerosol product.

[0008] Furthermore, the embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus that can reliably and accurately determine whether or not to reuse an aerosol product by allowing an aerosol (or moisture) to permeate a specific location on the aerosol product.

[0009] The problems that the embodiments aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art in which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include: a storage section configured to store an aerosol generating substance; a storage section configured to contain an aerosol product; a chamber communicating with the storage section; a heating section disposed in the chamber for heating the aerosol generating substance; a cartridge having a support assembly disposed in the storage section for supporting the aerosol product; and an aerosol generator body having a cartridge coupling section detachably coupled to the cartridge; and a sensor disposed between the cartridge coupling section and the storage section for sensing the moisture content of the aerosol product. The support assembly includes support members protruding from the inner surface of the storage section to support the aerosol product contained in the storage section, and guide holes defined by the support members, so that the aerosol generated in the chamber can move toward a region of the aerosol product through the guide holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention can improve the reliability and accuracy of the process of sensing aerosols (or moisture) absorbed into aerosol products by ensuring a constant directionality of the aerosols moving toward the aerosol product.

[0012] Furthermore, aerosol generating apparatuses according to various embodiments of the present invention can improve the precision and ease of the process of sensing aerosols (or moisture) absorbed into aerosol products.

[0013] The effects of the technical concept of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by an ordinary person of the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment and an aerosol product inserted therein. [Figure 2]The exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the state where the cap and the aerosol generating device body are disassembled. [Figure 3] The exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the state where the cartridge and the aerosol generating device body are disassembled. [Figure 4] The exploded perspective view of the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] The perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment showing the state where the PCB assembly and the cartridge coupling part are coupled. [Figure 6] The exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device body illustrated in FIG. 5 showing the state where the PCB assembly and the cartridge coupling part are disassembled. [Figure 7] The cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating device cut along the line A-A' of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] The flat cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device cut along the line B-B' of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] The enlarged perspective view of the part A of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] The enlarged perspective view of the part B of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] The front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment cut along the line A-A' of FIG. 1 and the aerosol generating article inserted therein. [Figure 12] The front cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to the comparative example and the aerosol generating article inserted therein, with the chamber and the accommodating part enlarged. [Figure 13] The front cross-sectional view of the part C of FIG. 11 enlarged for explaining the support assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] The front cross-sectional view of the part C of FIG. 11 enlarged for explaining the support assembly according to an embodiment including an induction surface. [Figure 15] The front cross-sectional view of the part C of FIG. 11 enlarged for explaining the support assembly according to an embodiment including an intermediate support. [Figure 16]This is a plan view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment in which the cap is separated, illustrating an example of ribs. [Figure 17] This is a plan view of an aerosol generator in one embodiment with a separated cap, illustrating another example of ribs. [Figure 18] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion C in Figure 11, illustrating a support assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include: a storage section configured to store an aerosol generating substance; a storage section configured to contain an aerosol product; a chamber communicating with the storage section; a heating section disposed in the chamber for heating the aerosol generating substance; a cartridge having a support assembly disposed in the storage section for supporting the aerosol product; and a cartridge coupling section detachably coupled to the cartridge; and a sensor disposed between the cartridge coupling section and the storage section for sensing the moisture content of the aerosol product. The support assembly includes support members protruding from the inner surface of the storage section to support the aerosol product contained in the storage section, and guide holes defined by the support members, so that the aerosol generated in the chamber can move toward a region of the aerosol product through the guide holes.

[0016] The heating section may be arranged so as to be separated from the support member in a direction that crosses the direction in which the aerosol generating device body extends.

[0017] The inner wall of the chamber may include a curved surface configured to move the aerosol generated in the chamber toward the induction hole.

[0018] The chamber has an inlet hole into which external air flows, and the inlet hole may be located in a position corresponding to the heating section, along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the aerosol generating device body extends.

[0019] The sensor and the storage unit may be arranged with the outer wall of the housing unit in between, such that the sensor is positioned in a location spatially separated from the storage unit.

[0020] The sensor may include a first sensor for sensing the moisture content of a first region of the aerosol product contained in the housing, and a second sensor for sensing the moisture content of a second region of the aerosol product.

[0021] The first sensor may be positioned closer to the support member than the second sensor.

[0022] The sensor may include a curved surface that corresponds to the outer wall of the housing.

[0023] An aerosol generator according to one embodiment may further include a guide plate positioned between the cartridge and the aerosol generator body, which is inclined with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator body extends, and is configured to guide external air into the chamber.

[0024] The size of the induction hole may be in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product.

[0025] The size of the aforementioned induction hole is also between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0026] The support member supports the edge region of the aerosol product, and the guide hole may be located at a position corresponding to the center of the aerosol product.

[0027] The support member may include a curved surface that guides the aerosol generated in the chamber to flow into the induction hole.

[0028] The support assembly may further include an intermediate support located in the guide hole and ribs connecting the intermediate support and the support member.

[0029] Multiple ribs can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support to connect the intermediate support and the support member.

[0030] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, while taking into account the function of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intent of the articulators, case law, and the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention is not simply a set of names, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" and "...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.

[0032] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one” precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire component, not each of the individual components in the array. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0034] The aerosol generator may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and the heater can be heated when an electric current flows through the conductive track.

[0035] The heater includes tubular heating elements, plate-shaped heating elements, needle-shaped heating elements, and rod-shaped heating elements, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating elements.

[0036] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made in sheet or strand form and may be made of shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod may also be 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0039] An aerosol generator may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may, but is not limited to, be detachably coupled to the main body. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the main body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this; the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while it is coupled to the main body.

[0040] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of several states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may 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 non-tobacco substances.

[0041] The cartridge can perform the function of generating aerosols 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. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol is transmitted to the user through a cigarette.

[0043] 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 refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0044] The aerosol generator includes a transducer that generates short-period vibrations through the transducer, thereby atomizing the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to this range.

[0045] The aerosol generator may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core may be positioned to surround at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0046] 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.

[0047] For example, aerosols can be generated when the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core decreases due to the heat generated from the transducer, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer, but this is not limited to that.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator is also a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained within the aerosol generator using induction heating.

[0049] The aerosol generator may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. 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 due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, it generates heat, which can heat the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0051] The aerosol generator can be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the aerosol generator's battery, or the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that they can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art. The present invention may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the various embodiments of aerosol generating apparatus described previously, or in a variety of different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment and the aerosol product inserted therein.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generator body 200, and a cap 300.

[0056] The cartridge 100 stores an aerosol-generating substance, which can be supplied to a heating unit contained within the cartridge 100. This allows the aerosol-generating substance to be aerosolized by the heating unit within the chamber contained in the cartridge 100. In this invention, "aerosol" refers to particles produced by mixing vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating substance with air, and this term can be used with the same meaning hereafter. A detailed description of the heating unit and chamber will follow later.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1, the cartridge 100 may contain an aerosol product 2 according to one embodiment. Although not shown in Figure 1, the cartridge 100 includes a containment section for containing the aerosol product 2, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 100 can pass through the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1. At this time, the user can bring their mouth into contact with the aerosol product 2 and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 through the aerosol product 2. A specific description of the aerosol product 2 according to one embodiment will be given later.

[0058] The aerosol generator body 200 is located below the cartridge 100 and cap 300 (for example, in the -z direction) and can support the cartridge 100 and cap 300. Components for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 200.

[0059] The cap 300 may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the cartridge 100 and at least a portion of the aerosol generator body 200. For example, the cap 300 may be coupled to the aerosol generator body 200 so as to surround the outside of the cartridge 100. The cap 300 can protect the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generator body 200 from external impacts or the inflow of external foreign matter.

[0060] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the coupling relationship between the aerosol generator body 200 and the cap 300, based on Figure 2.

[0061] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, showing the cap and the main body of the aerosol generator disassembled.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generator body 200, and a cap 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 1, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0063] The cartridge 100 may include a storage section 110 for storing aerosol-generating material and a storage section 120 for containing the aerosol product 2.

[0064] The storage unit 110 is connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the chamber of the cartridge 100, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 can flow into the internal space of the chamber of the cartridge 100.

[0065] In this case, the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage unit 110 may include a tobacco-containing substance containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid composition containing non-tobacco substances.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may contain one of the following components, or a mixture thereof: water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agent may include components that provide the user with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may also be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0067] For example, the liquid composition may contain a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine, and may be present in any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0068] The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected considering the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 1, flavor or aroma, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group.

[0069] The containment section 120 can contain the aerosol product 2 and be positioned on one side of the storage section 110 (for example, in the -x direction). The internal space of the containment section 120 containing the aerosol product 2 is spatially separated from the storage section 110, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 110 does not flow into the internal space of the containment section 120.

[0070] The aerosol generating device body 200 may include a cartridge coupling section 210.

[0071] The cartridge 100 can be detachably connected to the cartridge coupling part 210. By being connected to the cartridge coupling part 210, the cartridge 100 can be connected to the aerosol generating device body 200. The cartridge 100 can also be separated from the aerosol generating device body 200 by being separated from the cartridge coupling part 210.

[0072] The cartridge coupling portion 210 may be located on the upper part of the aerosol generator body 200 (for example, the portion facing the +z direction). The cartridge coupling portion 210 may include a first portion 211 extending in one direction (for example, the z-axis direction) and a second portion 212 extending in a direction transverse to the aforementioned direction (for example, the x-axis direction). The first portion 211 and the second portion 212 may be formed integrally.

[0073] The first portion 211 of the cartridge coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the side of the cartridge 100 (for example, the portion facing the -x direction), and the second portion 212 of the cartridge coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the bottom of the cartridge 100 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction).

[0074] The cap 300 is detachably coupled to the aerosol generator body 200. The cap 300 may be coupled to the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generator body 200 on the upper side (for example, in the +z direction). In one embodiment, when the cap 300 is coupled to the aerosol generator body 200, the cap 300 may be positioned to surround the entire outside of the cartridge 100 and the entire outside of the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0075] The cap 300 may include a cap body 310 that surrounds the outside of the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210, an upper cap 320 that is coupled to the upper part of the cap body 310 (for example, the part facing in the +z direction) and surrounds the upper side (for example, in the +z direction) of the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210, and a housing cap 330 that is coupled to the upper cap 320 so as to cover the housing portion 120.

[0076] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the coupling relationship between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generator main body 200, based on Figure 3.

[0077] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2, showing the cartridge and the main body of the aerosol generator disassembled.

[0078] Referring to Figure 3, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100 and an aerosol generator body 200. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0079] The cartridge 100 may include a storage section 110, a housing section 120, and a chamber 130.

[0080] The storage unit 110 stores the aerosol-generating material and may be located at the top of the chamber 130 (for example, in the +z direction). The internal space of the storage unit 110 may be connected or fluid-connected (=interacted) with the internal space of the chamber 130. In one example, if the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 is depleted, the user may continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100. In another example, if the performance of the components of the cartridge 100 (for example, the heating element or sealing element) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, or if leakage of the aerosol-generating material occurs, the user may replace the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100 to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol or prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material.

[0081] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 has a cartridge 100 that is detachably coupled to the cartridge coupling part 210, thus enabling the replacement of the cartridge 100. That is, in one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may have a structure in which, when the cartridge 100 is replaced, both the storage part 110 for storing the aerosol generating material and the storage part 120 for housing the aerosol product 2 are replaced.

[0082] The housing section 120 includes an outer wall 120a facing the first portion of the cartridge coupling section 210, and the internal space of the housing section 120 and the space between the cartridge coupling section 210 and the housing section 120 can be separated from each other through the outer wall 120a.

[0083] Chamber 130 is positioned below the storage section 110 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction) and below the containment section 120 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction), and can communicate with the storage section 110 and the containment section 120. As a result, aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 110 can flow into the internal space of chamber 130, and aerosols generated in the internal space of chamber 130 can move to the containment section 120.

[0084] A coupling groove 100a and a coupling surface 100b may be formed on the outer surface of the chamber 130 for coupling the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210. The coupling surface 100b may be formed at an angle along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (for example, the z-axis direction).

[0085] The cartridge coupling portion 210 may include a mounting portion 213 on which the cartridge 100 is placed, and coupling protrusions 214 protruding from the inner surface of the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0086] For example, if the cartridge 100 moves toward the mounting portion 213 and the coupling projection 214 is inserted into the coupling groove 100a along the coupling surface 100b which is formed to be inclined toward the outer surface of the chamber 130, the cartridge 100 can be coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210. Also, if the cartridge 100 moves toward the direction away from the mounting portion 213 and the coupling projection 214 is separated from the coupling groove 100a, the cartridge 100 can be separated from the cartridge coupling portion 210.

[0087] While the cartridge 100 can be detachably attached to the aerosol generating device body 200 in the manner described above, the method of attachment between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generating device body 200 is not limited to this.

[0088] According to one embodiment, components for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 200. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 200. However, the battery and processor are merely examples of components that may be arranged inside the aerosol generator body 200, and other components (e.g., user interface, sensors, etc.) may be further arranged inside the aerosol generator body 200 in addition to the components described above.

[0089] The battery can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery can supply power to electrically connect to the heating element of the cartridge 100 so that the heating element can be heated. In other examples, the battery can supply power necessary for the operation of other components of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., a processor).

[0090] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. The processor can be embodied in an array of numerous logic gates, or in a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied from the battery to the heating section of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the processor can control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heating section and the power supply time so that the heating section is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains a specified temperature.

[0092] The aerosol generating device body 200 may further include terminals 220 and an induction plate 230.

[0093] The terminal 220 can perform the function of electrically connecting the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generator body 200. For example, the terminal 220 can electrically connect the heating element of the cartridge 100 to the battery of the aerosol generator body 200. In this case, one end of the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the battery, and the other end may be electrically connected to the heating element of the cartridge 100. When the cartridge 100 is placed on the mounting section 213 and connected to the cartridge coupling section 210, the terminal 220 may be electrically connected to the cartridge 100. At least a portion of the terminal 220 is located on the mounting section 213, and a hole may be formed in the cartridge coupling section 210 so that the terminal 220 is exposed on the upper part of the cartridge coupling section 210.

[0094] The guide plate 230 may be positioned between the cartridge 100 and the cartridge coupling portion 210. The guide plate 230 may perform the function of guiding the air flowing into the aerosol generator 1 to flow into the chamber 130. The guide plate 230 may be inclined with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (for example, the z-axis direction).

[0095] The structure of cartridge 100 will be described in detail below, based on Figure 4.

[0096] Referring to Figure 4, the cartridge 100 may include a storage section 110, a housing section 120, a chamber 130, a heating section 140, and a sealing section 150. However, the components of the cartridge 100 are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least one of the components described above may be omitted or other components may be added.

[0097] Furthermore, at least one of the components of cartridge 100 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0098] Chamber 130 is located below the storage section 110 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction) and below the containment section 120 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction), and can be connected or fluid-connected to the internal space of the storage section 110 and the internal space of the containment section 120, respectively. As a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 110 flows into the internal space of chamber 130, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of chamber 130 (or the aerosol-generating space 130a) flows into the containment section 120 and can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1 via the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120.

[0099] Chamber 130 may include a first chamber 131 and a second chamber 132.

[0100] The first chamber 131 may include an aerosol generation space 130a, which is a space in which an aerosol is generated by the heating unit 140, and a heating unit housing section 130b that houses the heating unit 140. The first chamber 131 may be connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the storage section 110 and the internal space of the housing section 120, respectively. That is, an aerosol-generating substance flowing into the first chamber 131 is heated by the heating unit 140 and converted into an aerosol inside the aerosol generation space 130a, and the generated aerosol may flow from the aerosol generation space 130a toward the housing section 120. The first chamber 131 may be formed so that one side (for example, the portion facing the -x direction) is open.

[0101] The second chamber 132 is positioned to surround the first chamber 131 at its lower end (for example, the portion facing the -z direction). In one embodiment, the second chamber 132 may together with the first chamber 131 to form an aerosol generation space 130a. If the second chamber 132 is positioned to surround the first chamber 131, the second chamber 132 may seal one side of the first chamber 131 (for example, the surface facing the -x direction) to form the aerosol generation space 130a.

[0102] The heating unit 140 is located in the heating unit housing 130b and can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance to the gas phase. In one embodiment, the heating unit housing 130b may include a groove for housing the heating unit 140.

[0103] The heating unit 140 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 110. For example, the heating unit 140 can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 110 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor can be mixed with outside air flowing into the chamber 130. This can generate aerosols.

[0104] The heating section 140 may include a heater (or heating coil) 141 and a wick 142.

[0105] The heater 141 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick 142. The heater 141 may be positioned to be wound around the wick 142. For example, the heater 141 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick 142 using power supplied from the battery of the aerosol generator body 200.

[0106] The heater 141 may include a metallic material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heater 141 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by aerosol-generating substances absorbed into the wick 142, but the metallic material of the heater 141 is not limited to stainless steel. In other examples, the heater 141 may include metallic materials such as copper, nickel, and tungsten.

[0107] The core 142 is positioned inside the first chamber 131 at the lower part of the storage section 110 (for example, the part facing the -z direction) and can absorb aerosol-generating material flowing from the storage section 110 into the internal space of the chamber 130.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the core 142 may include a cotton material. However, the material of the core 142 is not limited to the embodiment described above, and may include other materials (for example, glass or ceramic) depending on the embodiment.

[0109] The core 142 can be housed in the heating housing section 130b of the first chamber 131. By housing the core 142 in the heating housing section 130b, the heating section 140 can be fixed in position inside the first chamber 131.

[0110] The sealing portion 150 can perform the function of preventing the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage portion 110 from leaking to the outside of the cartridge 100, or preventing the aerosol-generating substance from leaking into the containment portion 120. The sealing portion 150 may be positioned between the storage portion 110 and the chamber 130. For example, the sealing portion 150 may be coupled to the storage portion 110 by a fitting method, but the coupling method is not limited to this. The sealing portion 150 may include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0111] An aerosol-generating material inlet 150a may be formed in the sealing section 150. The aerosol-generating material inlet 150a may be connected or fluidly connected to the interior of the chamber 130, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 110 may flow into the internal space of the chamber 130 via the aerosol-generating material inlet 150a. As a result, the aerosol-generating material that flows into the internal space of the chamber 130 may be absorbed by the wick 142 and heated by the heater 141.

[0112] The sealing portion 150 may include a first sealing member 151 and a second sealing member 152.

[0113] The first sealing member 151 may be positioned on the edge of the sealing portion 150 to prevent the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage portion 110 from leaking out of the cartridge 100. The first sealing member 151 may be formed integrally with the body of the sealing portion 150.

[0114] The second sealing member 152 may be positioned between the storage section 110 and the containment section 120 to prevent the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage section 110 from leaking into the containment section 120. The second sealing member 152 may be formed integrally with the main body of the sealing section 150.

[0115] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, showing the PCB assembly and cartridge connector joined together. The PCB cover, which will be described later, is omitted in Figure 5.

[0116] Referring to Figure 5, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include an aerosol generator body 200 and a PCB assembly 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0117] The PCB assembly 400 may include a component for confirming whether or not the aerosol product 2 contained in the housing 120 of the cartridge 100 is contained, and / or a component for measuring the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the housing 120. The PCB assembly 400 may be positioned on the first portion of the cartridge coupling 210. Once the cartridge 100 is placed on the mounting 213 and coupled to the cartridge coupling 210, the PCB assembly 400 may be positioned on one side of the housing 120 (for example, the side facing the -x direction).

[0118] The PCB assembly 400 may include a PCB substrate 410, a sensor 420, and a light source 430. However, the components of the PCB assembly 400 are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least one of the components described above may be omitted or other components may be added.

[0119] The PCB substrate 410 functions as the main body of the PCB assembly 400 and can support the sensor 420 and the light source 430. The PCB substrate 410 can connect the sensor 420 and the light source 430 to components of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., a battery). The PCB substrate 410 can extend along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (e.g., the z-axis direction). In one example, the PCB substrate 410 is also an FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board).

[0120] The sensor 420 is placed on the PCB substrate 410 and may be located on one side of the housing 120 (for example, the side facing the -x direction). The sensor 420 may be powered by the battery of the aerosol generator main body 200.

[0121] The sensor 420 can sense changes in the electromagnetic properties of the cartridge 100 and obtain information related to the cartridge 100. Alternatively, the sensor 420 can sense changes in the electromagnetic properties caused by an object adjacent to the cartridge 100. For example, the sensor 420 may be a capacitance sensor or a magnetic proximity sensor, but the type of sensor 420 is not limited to these.

[0122] Sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423.

[0123] The first sensor 421 can sense the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120. At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a of the chamber 130 may be liquefied as it flows into the containment section 120, and the liquefied aerosol may contain some moisture, which may seep into or be present in the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120. In one embodiment, the first sensor 421 can sense the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that seeps into or is present in the aerosol product 2. Information regarding moisture sensed by the first sensor 421 may be provided to the processor or memory of the aerosol generator main body 200.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first sensor 421 may be positioned lower than the second sensor 422 (for example, in the -z direction). In this case, the first sensor 421 may sense the moisture content of a first region of the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing 120. Here, the first region of the aerosol product 2 is also at least a part of the tobacco rod described later.

[0125] In one embodiment, if moisture seeps into the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120, or if a change occurs in the amount of moisture present, a change in electromagnetic properties occurs, and the first sensor 421 can sense such a change in electromagnetic properties and sense information about the moisture content of the aerosol product 2.

[0126] The second sensor 422 is positioned at a distance from the first sensor 421 and can sense the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the storage section 120. Information regarding the moisture content sensed by the second sensor 422 can be provided to the processor or memory of the aerosol generator main body 200.

[0127] In one embodiment, the second sensor 422 can sense the moisture content of a second region of the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing 120. Here, the second region of the aerosol product 2 is at least a part of the filter rod described later.

[0128] In one embodiment, if moisture seeps into the second region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120, or if a change occurs in the amount of moisture present, a change in electromagnetic properties occurs, and the second sensor 422 can sense such a change in electromagnetic properties and perceive information regarding the moisture content of the aerosol product 2.

[0129] The third sensor 423 can detect changes in the cartridge 100. In one embodiment, if the aerosol product 2 is contained in the storage section 120 or if there is a change in the volume of the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage section 110, a change in electromagnetic properties occurs, and the third sensor 423 can detect such a change in electromagnetic properties.

[0130] For example, suppose a magnetic material is present inside the aerosol generator 1, and a static magnetic field is formed by this magnetic material before the aerosol product 2 is placed in the containment section 120. Subsequently, when the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the containment section 120, a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field may occur. The third sensor 423 can sense such a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field and provide the sensed result to the processor or memory. In this case, if the third sensor 423 senses the placement of the aerosol product 2 and provides the result to the processor, the processor can generate a signal for the operation of a component of the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., a battery).

[0131] The light source 430 is positioned on the PCB substrate 410 at a distance from the sensor 420 and can provide light to the cartridge 100. Specifically, the light source 430 can provide light to the storage unit 110. The light source 430 can be powered by the battery of the aerosol generator main unit 200.

[0132] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the coupling relationships of the PCB assembly 400, based on Figure 6.

[0133] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generator body shown in Figure 5, with the PCB assembly and cartridge connector disassembled. Unlike Figure 5, Figure 6 shows the PCB cover 450.

[0134] Referring to Figure 6, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include an aerosol generator body 200 and a PCB assembly 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 5, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0135] The mounting section 213 of the aerosol generator body 200 may include a first mounting section 213a and a second mounting section 213b. The first mounting section 213a may be formed on the first portion 211 of the cartridge coupling section 210. One side of the cartridge 100 (for example, the portion facing the -x direction) and the PCB assembly 400 may be placed on the first mounting section 213a. The second mounting section 213b may be formed on the second portion 212 of the cartridge coupling section 210. The lower part of the cartridge 100 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction) may be placed on the second mounting section 213b.

[0136] The PCB assembly 400 may include a PCB substrate 410, a sensor 420, a light source 430, a connector 440, a PCB cover 450, and a connecting plate 460. However, the components of the PCB assembly 400 are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least one of the components described above (for example, a PCB cover) may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0137] The PCB substrate 410 may be positioned between the PCB cover 450 and the connecting plate 460. A sensor 420 and a light source 430 may be coupled to the PCB substrate 410, and the sensor 420 and light source 430 may be supported by the PCB substrate 410. The PCB substrate 410 includes a mounting portion 410a extending toward the aerosol generator body 200, and the PCB substrate 410 may be electrically connected to components of the aerosol generator body 200 (e.g., a battery) via the mounting portion 410a.

[0138] The sensor 420 is located on one side of the PCB substrate 410 (e.g., in the +x direction) and may be electrically connected to the PCB substrate 410. The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423 spaced apart from each other on the PCB substrate 410. At least one of the first sensor 421, the second sensor 422, and the third sensor 423 is made of stainless steel or brass, and at least one of the first sensor 421, the second sensor 422, and the third sensor 423 may be nickel (Ni) plated or gold (Au) plated.

[0139] The light source 430 is positioned on one side of the PCB substrate 410 (e.g., in the +x direction) at a distance from the sensor 420 and may be electrically connected to the PCB substrate 410. Multiple light sources 430 may be spaced apart along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (e.g., in the z-axis direction), and the sensor 420 may be located between them.

[0140] The connection portion 440 can perform the function of electrically connecting the first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 to the PCB board 410. In one embodiment, the connection portion 440 is also a C-clip. The first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 can be electrically connected to the PCB board 410 via the connection portion 440. The connection portion 440 may include a first connecting member 441 for connecting the first sensor 421 to the PCB board 410, and a second connecting member 442 for connecting the second sensor 422 to the PCB board 410.

[0141] The PCB cover 450 may be positioned on one side of the PCB substrate 410 (for example, the side facing the +x direction) to cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410. The PCB cover 450 may extend together with the PCB substrate 410 in the direction in which it extends (for example, the z-axis direction). A sensor exposure portion 451 may be formed in the PCB cover 450, and the sensor exposure portion 451 may be formed as a hole that penetrates the PCB cover 450.

[0142] When the PCB cover 450 is positioned to cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410, the first sensor 421 and the second sensor 422 may be exposed to the housing portion 120 of the cartridge 100, which is coupled to the cartridge coupling portion 210, via sensor exposure portions 451. Thus, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment has a structure that can easily sense the moisture content of the aerosol product 2 contained in the housing portion 120. The number of sensor exposure portions 451 on the PCB cover 450 is the same as the number of moisture sensors.

[0143] In one embodiment, the PCB cover 450 may include a transparent material so that light generated by the light source 430 can pass through it.

[0144] The connecting plate 460 may be positioned between the PCB substrate 410 and the cartridge coupling portion 210. The connecting plate 460 may be positioned on the other side of the PCB substrate 410 (e.g., the side facing the -x direction) and may cover at least a portion of the PCB substrate 410. The connecting plate 460 may extend along the direction in which the PCB substrate 410 extends (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0145] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, cut along the line A-A' in Figure 1.

[0146] Referring to Figure 7, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generator body 200, a cap 300, a PCB assembly 400, a support assembly 500, and an airflow passage 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0147] The cartridge 100 may include a storage section 110 for storing aerosol-generating material, a storage section 120 for containing aerosol products 2, a chamber 130 communicating with the storage section 110 and the storage section 120, a heating section 140 for heating the aerosol-generating material, and a sealing section 150 located at the bottom of the storage section 110 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction).

[0148] In one embodiment, the cap 300 may have an air inlet 300a that allows outside air to flow into the aerosol generator 1. For example, the air inlet 300a may be formed between the cap body 310 and the upper cap 320 as shown in Figure 7, but this is illustrative and can be formed on the cap body 310 or the upper cap 320, as long as outside air can flow into the aerosol generator 1 through the air inlet 300a.

[0149] The PCB assembly 400 may include sensors 420 located on the outer wall 120a of the housing 120. The sensors 420 may include a first sensor 421, a second sensor 422, and a third sensor 423 spaced apart on the outer wall 120a of the housing 120 along the direction in which the aerosol generator 1 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). A description of the sensors 420 has been given above, so a detailed description thereafter will be omitted.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, the cartridge 100 may include a support assembly 500.

[0151] The support assembly 500 can support the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120 and perform the function of guiding the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 to flow into the containment section 120. The support assembly 500 may be located between the containment section 120 and the chamber 130.

[0152] The airflow passage 600 can form a flow path through which external air flowing in via the air inlet 300a flows within the aerosol generator 1. The airflow passage 600 is connected to the outside via the air inlet 300a and can be connected to the internal space of the chamber 130 via the inlet hole 130d of the chamber 130 (see Figure 9). That is, air flowing into the aerosol generator 1 via the air inlet 300a can travel along the airflow passage 600 to the aerosol generation space 130a, which is the interior of the chamber 130.

[0153] One region of the airflow passage 600 extends in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on the outside of the cartridge 100 and is formed in the space between the cap body 310 and the cartridge 100, while the other region of the airflow passage 600 may be formed in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) on the underside of the cartridge 100 and in the space between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generator body 200.

[0154] The shapes of the sensor 420 and the support assembly 500 will be described in detail below based on Figure 8.

[0155] Figure 8 is a plan cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, cut along the line B-B' in Figure 1.

[0156] Referring to Figure 8, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0157] The sensor 420 may be located in a position spatially separated from the storage unit 110. That is, the sensor 420 may be placed on the outer wall 120a of the housing unit 120, and the storage unit 110 may be separated from the internal space of the housing unit 120 by the outer wall 120a of the housing unit 120, with the outer wall 120a of the housing unit 120 being placed between the sensor 420 and the storage unit 110. This prevents aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 from leaking into the sensor 420, and thus prevents damage to the sensor 420 by aerosol-generating material.

[0158] Figure 8 shows an example in which only the first sensor 421 is spatially separated from the storage unit 110, but the second sensor 422 and the third sensor 423 can also be arranged to be spatially separated from the storage unit 110.

[0159] At least a portion of the first sensor 421 may include a curved surface 421a that corresponds to the outer wall 120a of the housing 120. As a result, the curved surface 421a of the first sensor 421 may have a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing 120.

[0160] As a result, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure in which the first sensor 421 is positioned closer to the aerosol product 2 compared to the comparative example in which the first sensor 421 is a plate-like structure that extends only in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) and does not include the curved surface 421a. This is because the comparative example has a structure in which the first sensor 421 gradually moves further away from the aerosol product 2 as it extends in one direction (e.g., the +y direction).

[0161] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, the curved surface 421a of the first sensor 421 has a shape corresponding to the outer wall 120a of the housing section 120, so that the first sensor 421 can be positioned at the same distance from the aerosol product 2 along the circumferential direction of the housing section 120. Therefore, the first sensor 420 is positioned even closer to the aerosol product 2, so that it can accurately and precisely sense the moisture absorbed into the aerosol product 2.

[0162] Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which only the first sensor 421 includes a curved surface 421a, but the second sensor 422 may also include a curved surface.

[0163] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520.

[0164] The support member 510 may protrude from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120 toward the guide hole 520 to support the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing 120. By protruding from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120, the support member 510 may support the edges of the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing 120.

[0165] The support member 510 may be located at the lower part of the housing portion 120 (for example, in the -z direction). In one embodiment, the support member 510 may be formed as a circular annular shape and be integrally formed with the housing portion 120.

[0166] The induction hole 520 can perform the function of guiding the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 toward the containment section 120. In one embodiment, the induction hole 520 can guide the aerosol toward a region of the aerosol product 2, where the region of the aerosol product 2 is also the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0167] The induction hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. The induction hole 520 may communicate with the aerosol generation space 130a of the chamber 130 and the internal space of the containment section 120, respectively.

[0168] The process by which external air flows into the chamber 130 will be explained below, based on Figure 9, which shows an enlarged view of the inside of the cartridge 100.

[0169] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A in Figure 7.

[0170] Referring to Figure 9, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generator body 200, a cap 300, and an airflow passage 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0171] First, the outside air that flows in through the air inlet 300a of the cap 300 can move through the first region of the airflow passage 600 formed in the space between the storage section 110 and the cap body 310.

[0172] Next, the air can move through a second region of the airflow passage 600 formed in the space between the chamber 130 and the aerosol generator body 200. Specifically, the second region of the airflow passage 600 is also the space between the second chamber 132 and the guide plate 230.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the guide plate 230 may be positioned so as to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator body 200 extends (for example, the z-axis direction). This can improve the airflow moving through the second region.

[0174] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, a guide groove 230a may be formed in the guide plate 230. The guide groove 230a may have a predetermined depth from the upper surface of the guide plate 230.

[0175] As the user inhales the aerosol product 2, the pressure inside the chamber 130 decreases, allowing outside air to move into the chamber 130 via the airflow passage 600. Here, the guide groove 230a can facilitate the user's inhalation by ensuring space for the air to move through the second region of the airflow passage 600. In other words, the guide groove 230a can reduce the so-called suction resistance, which is the force required for inhaling the aerosol product 2.

[0176] Next, the air can move to a third region of the airflow passage 600, which is the space between the first chamber 131 and the second chamber 132, via the inflow hole 130d formed in the second chamber 132.

[0177] Next, air can flow into the first chamber 131 through the inlet hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131. The aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core 142 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the sealing portion 150 is heated by the heater 141 and vaporized, and the air flowing into the first chamber 131 can be mixed with the generated vapor and aerosolized in the aerosol-generating space 130a.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the inlet hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 may be located in a position corresponding to the heating section 140. That is, the inlet hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 may be located in a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the heating section 140 along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the aerosol generating device body 200 extends (for example, the z-axis direction).

[0179] As a result, the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment can reduce the possibility of air vortex generation within the chamber 130 compared to a comparative example in which the inlet hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 is positioned at a location not corresponding to the heating section 140. In the comparative example, since the inlet hole 130d is positioned at a location separated from the heating section 140 with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generator body 200 extends (for example, the z-axis direction), the air flowing in through the inlet hole 130d must utilize an even longer distance to reach the heating section 140. In particular, if the inlet hole 130d is positioned lower than the heating section 140 (for example, in the -z direction), the air must move upward to reach the heating section 140, which can further increase the possibility of air vortex generation.

[0180] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may have a structure in which an inlet hole 130d formed in the first chamber 131 is located at a position corresponding to the heating section 140, thereby immediately generating aerosols using air flowing in through the inlet hole 130d. This reduces the possibility of air vortex generation inside the first chamber 131 and improves air fluidity, which in turn can increase the amount of aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a.

[0181] Referring to Figure 9, the chamber 130 may further include a first projection 133 and a second projection 134.

[0182] The first projection 133 may be formed in the second chamber 132. The first projection 133 protrudes upward from the top of the second chamber 132 (for example, in the +z direction) and can be inserted into the insertion groove 110a of the storage section 110. In one embodiment, the first projection 133 and the insertion groove 110a of the storage section 110 may be joined by ultrasonic fusion or by adhesive.

[0183] The second projection 134 may be formed in the second chamber 132 at a position spaced apart from the first projection 133. The second projection 134 may include a first portion projecting upward (e.g., in the +z direction) from the top of the second chamber 132 and a second portion projecting sideways (e.g., in the -x direction) from the first portion. The second projection 134 may be inserted into the insertion groove 131a of the first chamber 131. In one embodiment, the second projection 134 and the insertion groove 131a of the first chamber 131 may be joined by ultrasonic fusion or by adhesive.

[0184] The process by which the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 moves to the containment section 120 will be explained below, based on Figure 10, which shows an enlarged view of the inside of the cartridge 100.

[0185] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of portion B in Figure 7.

[0186] Referring to Figure 10, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0187] First, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 110 of the sealing section 150 is absorbed into the wick 142 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the sealing section 150, and the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 142 can be heated by the heater 141 and vaporized. Subsequently, the generated vapor is mixed with air flowing into the first chamber 131, and an aerosol can be generated in the aerosol-generating space 130a.

[0188] The generated aerosol can then flow through the internal space of the chamber 130 and move to the housing 120 through the guide hole 520 located inside the support member 510.

[0189] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner wall of chamber 130 may include a curved surface 130c. Here, the inner wall of chamber 130 is also the inner wall of the second chamber 132 facing the aerosol generation space 130a. In the comparative example that does not include the curved surface 130c, the aerosol flowing on the bottom surface 131b of the first chamber 131 cannot easily move upward (for example, in the +z direction) toward the induction hole 520. That is, in the comparative example, the fluidity of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a may be reduced.

[0190] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, since at least a portion of the inner wall of the chamber 130 includes a curved surface 130c, the aerosol flowing on the bottom surface 131b of the first chamber 131 can easily move upward (for example, in the +z direction) toward the induction hole 520. This can improve the fluidity of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space 130a.

[0191] Next, the aerosol that has moved from the aerosol generation space 130a to the guide hole 520 may move through the guide hole 520 to the containment section 120. In this case, since the guide hole 520 is defined by the support member 510 protruding from the inner surface 120b of the containment section 120, the aerosol passing through the guide hole 520 may move toward the center of the containment section 120.

[0192] Next, the first sensor 421 can detect aerosols (or moisture) that have seeped into or are present in the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120.

[0193] Referring to Figure 10, the chamber 130 may further include a third projection 135.

[0194] The third projection 135 may be formed in the second chamber 132 at a position spaced apart from the first projection 133 and the second projection 134. The third projection 135 may project upward (for example, in the +z direction) from the top of the second chamber 132. The third projection 135 may be inserted into the insertion groove 120c of the housing 120. In one embodiment, the third projection 135 and the insertion groove 120c of the housing 120 may be joined by ultrasonic fusion or by adhesive.

[0195] The directionality of the aerosols moving towards the aerosol product 2 during the process in which the aerosols generated in the chamber 130 move toward the containment section 120 will be explained below with reference to Figures 11 to 18.

[0196] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment and the aerosol product inserted therein, with respect to the line A-A' in Figure 1.

[0197] Referring to Figure 11, an aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generator body 200, a cap 300, a PCB assembly 400, a support assembly 500, and an airflow passage 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 10, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0198] The internal space of the containment section 120 can gradually decrease in size towards the bottom (for example, in the -z direction). This allows the aerosol generator 1, according to one embodiment, to fix the position of the aerosol product 2 within the containment section 120 through a so-called tapered structure of the containment section 120, in addition to being attached to the support member 510. Therefore, even if external impacts or other forces act during the use of the aerosol generator 1, the position of the aerosol product 2 is fixed, allowing the user to stably inhale the aerosol product 2.

[0199] The storage cap 330 is rotatably connected to the cap body 310 and the upper cap 320, and the storage cap 330 can open the upper side of the storage section 120 during the process in which the aerosol product 2 is stored in the storage section 120.

[0200] External air flowing in through the air inlet 300a can flow into the chamber 130 via the airflow passage 600. That is, the air can flow into the chamber 130 by sequentially moving through the space between the outer wall 110b of the storage section 110 and the cap body 310, the space between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generator body 200, the space between the guide plate 230 and the chamber 130, and the inflow hole 130d formed in the chamber 130.

[0201] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 110 flows into the chamber 130 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the sealing section 150, and the heating section 140 can heat the incoming aerosol-generating material. As a result, the air flowing into the chamber 130 and the vapor generated by the heating section 140 can mix to generate an aerosol.

[0202] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a may move directly to the induction hole 520 or move to the induction hole 520 along the curved surface 130c of the chamber 130.

[0203] The heating unit 140 may be positioned at a location separated from the support assembly 500 along a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) that intersects the direction in which the aerosol generating device body 200 extends (e.g., the z-axis direction). Thus, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure that prevents damage to the support member 510 by the heating unit 140, compared to a comparative example in which the heating unit 140 is positioned below the support assembly 500 (e.g., in a part of the -z direction).

[0204] The sensor 420 may include a first sensor 421 and a second sensor 422 that are spaced apart along the outer wall 120a of the housing 120.

[0205] At least a portion of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation space 130a may be liquefied as it flows into the containment section 120. The liquefied aerosol contains moisture and may seep into or remain in the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120.

[0206] Here, the first sensor 421 can sense the amount of aerosol (or moisture) that has permeated or is present in the first region of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120. The first sensor 421 can provide information regarding the aerosol (or moisture) value (i.e., amount) to the processor or memory of the aerosol generator 1.

[0207] The first sensor 421 may be positioned closer to the support assembly 500 than the second sensor 422. This allows the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment to have a structure that can easily measure the amount of aerosol (or moisture) absorbed into the aerosol product 2.

[0208] According to one embodiment, information regarding the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 can be used to determine the usage time of the aerosol product 2. That is, information regarding the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 can be used to prevent the reuse of the aerosol product 2. In other words, if the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 exceeds a predetermined amount, the processor may determine that the usage time of the aerosol product 2 has exceeded the usage life of the aerosol product 2 and provide information regarding this to the user. For example, the processor may provide the user with information regarding the amount of aerosol (or moisture) in the aerosol product 2 or the usage time of the aerosol product 2 via a display.

[0209] Here, if the direction in which the aerosol product 2 is contained in the containment section 120, or regardless of the direction in which the aerosol product 2 is contained in the containment section 120, is not constant, then the location of the aerosol (or moisture) that permeates or is present in the aerosol product 2 may vary each time. This means that the location of the aerosol (or moisture) that the first sensor 421 is sensing is not fixed, and this means that the amount of aerosol (or moisture) sensed by the first sensor 421 may vary each time. Consequently, the reliability and accuracy of the first sensor 421 may decrease, and there is a possibility that the aerosol product 2 that has been used beyond its service life may be reused.

[0210] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 supports the aerosol product 2 via the support member 510 while maintaining a constant directionality of the aerosol moving into the aerosol product 2 via the guide hole 520. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may have a structure that keeps the position of the aerosol (or moisture) absorbed into the aerosol product 2 constant at the center of the containment section 120.

[0211] The following describes various embodiments of the support assembly 500 that maintains a constant position of the aerosol (or moisture) absorbed into the aerosol product 2. First, a comparative example will be described.

[0212] Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the chamber and containment section of an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol product inserted therein, according to a comparative example.

[0213] Referring to Figure 12, the aerosol generating apparatus in the comparative example may include cartridge 100.

[0214] The comparative example has a structure in which the lower side of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containment section 120 is completely open. As a result, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating section 140 can move randomly toward the aerosol product 2.

[0215] For example, the generated aerosol may primarily permeate or reside in the partial WA located on the central side of aerosol product 2 (e.g., in the +x direction). Figure 12 is just one example; the aerosol may also permeate or reside in other central sides of aerosol product 2 (e.g., in the -x direction).

[0216] Thus, in the comparative example, the lower side of the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing section 120 is completely open, so the position of the portion WA where aerosols (or moisture) exist in the aerosol product 2 is not constant. As a result, in the comparative example, the position of the aerosols (or moisture) that the first sensor 421 is sensing is not constant, and errors may occur in the sensing value detected by the first sensor 421.

[0217] Furthermore, as shown in the comparative example in Figure 12, the portion WA into which the aerosol has permeated is formed far from the first sensor 421 located on the outer wall 120a of the containment section 120, which presents a problem in that the first sensor 421 has difficulty accurately detecting the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0218] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion C in Figure 11, illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment.

[0219] Referring to Figure 13, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 11, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0220] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. As a result, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating unit 140 can move along the guide hole 520 toward the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0222] The aerosol, having moved along the induction hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2, can permeate the aerosol product 2, spreading more uniformly from the lower end of the aerosol product 2 upwards (for example, in the +z direction).

[0223] In other words, according to one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 keep the directionality of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA that permeates the aerosol product 2 constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2, which is the target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed to a constant position each time. As a result, the possibility of errors occurring in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0224] Furthermore, compared to the comparative example shown in Figure 12, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment has a structure in which the separation distance between the first sensor 421, which is located on the outer wall 120a of the containment section 120, and the portion WA into which the aerosol (or moisture) has permeated decreases as it goes downstream (for example, in the +z direction). Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the precision and ease of the operation of sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0226] In the comparative example where the size of the induction hole 520 is less than 0.405 of the size of the aerosol product 2, the size of the induction hole 520 is excessively small. Therefore, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 cannot easily pass through the induction hole 520, increasing the user's resistance to inhaling the aerosol.

[0227] Furthermore, in the comparative example where the size of the induction hole 520 exceeds 0.857 times the size of the aerosol product 2, the size of the induction hole 520 is excessively large. Therefore, there is a problem in that the directionality of the aerosol moving into the aerosol product 2 is not consistent.

[0228] In an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment, when the size of the induction hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product 2, the portion WA into which the aerosol has permeated the aerosol product 2 is always kept constant, and the user's suction resistance can be reduced.

[0229] Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion C in Figure 11, illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment including a guide surface.

[0230] Referring to Figure 14, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 13, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0231] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510, a guide hole 520, and a guide surface 530.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. For example, the guide hole 520 may be located in the center of the support member 510. This allows the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating unit 140 to move along the guide hole 520 toward the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0233] The aerosol, having moved along the induction hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2, can permeate the aerosol product 2, spreading more uniformly from the lower end of the aerosol product 2 upwards (for example, in the +z direction).

[0234] In other words, according to one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 keep the directionality of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA that permeates the aerosol product 2 constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2, which is the target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed to a constant position each time. As a result, the possibility of errors occurring in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0235] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure that reduces the separation distance between the first sensor 421, which is located on the outer wall 120a of the containment section 120, and the portion WA into which the aerosol (or moisture) has permeated, compared to the comparative example shown in Figure 12. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the precision and ease of the operation of sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0237] The guiding surface 530 is formed in a region of the support member 510 facing the chamber 130 and can perform the function of guiding the aerosol generated in the chamber 130 to flow into the guiding hole 520. That is, the guiding surface 530 improves the fluidity of the aerosol generated by the heating section 140 and allows the aerosol to flow easily into the aerosol product 2. For example, the guiding surface 530 may be formed in the lower part of the support member 510 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction).

[0238] Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion C in Figure 11, illustrating a support assembly according to one embodiment including an intermediate support.

[0239] Referring to Figure 15, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one component of the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one component of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 13, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0240] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510, a guide hole 520, and an intermediate support 540.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. As a result, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating unit 140 can move along the guide hole 520 toward the center of the aerosol product 2.

[0242] The aerosol, having moved along the induction hole 520 to the center of the aerosol product 2, can permeate the aerosol product 2, spreading more uniformly from the lower end of the aerosol product 2 upwards (for example, in the +z direction).

[0243] In other words, according to one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 keep the directionality of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA that permeates the aerosol product 2 constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2, which is the target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed to a constant position each time. As a result, the possibility of errors occurring in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0244] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure in which the separation distance between the first sensor 421 and the portion WA into which the aerosol (or moisture) has permeated decreases as it goes downstream (for example, in the +z direction), compared with the comparative example shown in Figure 12. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the precision and ease of the operation of sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0246] The intermediate support 540 may be located in the induction hole 520. In one embodiment, the intermediate support 540 may be located in the center of the induction hole 520. In addition to the support member 510, the intermediate support 540 may perform the function of supporting the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing section 120. This may improve the support force for the aerosol product 2.

[0247] Even in this embodiment, regardless of the orientation in which the aerosol product 2 is contained in the containment section 120, the direction of aerosol movement toward the aerosol product 2 is constant, so the portion WA into which the aerosol has permeated the aerosol product 2 is always constant, as shown in Figure 15.

[0248] Figure 16 is a plan view of an aerosol generator in one embodiment with a separated cap to illustrate an example of ribs, and Figure 17 is a plan view of an aerosol generator in one embodiment with a separated cap to illustrate another example of ribs.

[0249] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100 and a support assembly 500. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 15, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0250] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510, a guide hole 520, an intermediate support 540, and a rib 550.

[0251] The rib 550 can connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540. The rib 550 can perform the functions of fixing the intermediate support 540 to the support member 510 and supporting the aerosol product 2 housed in the housing section 120. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the support force for the aerosol product 2.

[0252] Multiple ribs 550 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, and can connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540. In one embodiment, two ribs 550 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, as shown in Figure 16, to connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540. In another embodiment, four ribs 550 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, as shown in Figure 17, to connect the support member 510 and the intermediate support 540. As a result, in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, the ribs 550 are arranged at uniform intervals along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540, and the fixing force that secures the intermediate support 540 to the support member 510 and the supporting force that supports the aerosol product 2 can be improved.

[0253] Since the support assembly 500 includes an intermediate support 540 and ribs 550, the guide holes 520 may be defined by the support member 510, the intermediate support 540, and the ribs 550. In this case, the number of guide holes 520 is the same as the number of ribs 550. For example, two guide holes 520 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 as shown in Figure 16, or four guide holes 520 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support 540 as shown in Figure 17.

[0254] Even in this embodiment, regardless of the orientation in which the aerosol product 2 is contained in the containment section 120, the direction of aerosol movement toward the aerosol product 2 is constant, so the portion WA into which the aerosol has permeated the aerosol product 2 is always constant, as shown in Figure 15.

[0255] Although not shown, in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 17, the support assembly 500 may include a support member 510, a guide hole 520, a guide surface 530, an intermediate support 540, and a rib 550.

[0256] Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion C in Figure 11, illustrating a support assembly according to another embodiment.

[0257] Referring to Figure 18, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 1 may include a cartridge 100, a sensor 420, and a support assembly 500. At least one component of the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one component of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 13, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0258] The support assembly 500 may include a support member 510 and a guide hole 520.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the support member 510 protrudes from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120 toward the guide hole 520, and the guide hole 520 may be defined by the support member 510. As a result, the aerosol generated inside the chamber 130 by the heating unit 140 can move along the guide hole 520 toward the aerosol product 2.

[0260] Here, the support member 510 may protrude asymmetrically from the inner surface 120b of the housing 120 toward the center of the housing 120. For example, the distance 420L1 between the first sensor 421 and one region of the support member 510 may be greater than the distance 420L2 between the first sensor 421 and another region of the support member 510. As a result, the guide hole 520 may be positioned away from the center of the housing 120 toward the first sensor 421 on one side (e.g., in the -x direction).

[0261] In this embodiment as well, the aerosol that moves along the induction hole 520 to the aerosol product 2 can permeate the aerosol product 2 while spreading more uniformly from the lower end of the aerosol product 2 upwards (for example, in the +z direction).

[0262] In other words, according to one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, the support member 510 and the guide hole 520 can keep the directionality of the aerosol moving to the aerosol product 2 constant, thereby keeping the position of the portion WA that permeates the aerosol product 2 substantially constant. That is, the position of the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2, which is the target of the first sensor 421, can be fixed to a constant position each time. As a result, the possibility of errors occurring in the amount of aerosol (or moisture) detected by the first sensor 421 can be reduced. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can improve the reliability and accuracy of the operation of detecting the aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0263] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure that reduces the separation distance between the first sensor 421 and the portion WA into which the aerosol (or moisture) has permeated, compared to the comparative example shown in Figure 12. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may have improved precision and ease in sensing the amount of aerosol (or moisture) permeated into the aerosol product 2.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the size of the induction hole 520 is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product 2. For example, the diameter D1 of the aerosol product 2 may be 7 mm to 7.4 mm, and the diameter D2 of the induction hole 520 may be 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0265] Below, an example of aerosol product 2 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20.

[0266] Figures 19 and 20 are drawings showing examples of aerosol products according to one embodiment.

[0267] Referring to Figure 19, the aerosol product 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part of the aerosol product 2 described above includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part includes the filter rod 22.

[0268] In FIG. 19, the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. That is, the filter rod 22 can be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 can include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 can further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0269] The diameter of the aerosol generating article 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is also about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0270] The aerosol generating article 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 24 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. As an example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 can be superposed and wrapped by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244. Then, the entire aerosol generating article 2 can be re-wrapped by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244.

[0271] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of a general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be porous paper or non-porous paper. Further, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging materials.

[0272] The third wrapper 243 is also made of hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and is preferably included within the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 and can be included within this range. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 is included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and is preferably 125 μm as well.

[0273] The fourth wrapper 244 is also made of oil-resistant hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and is preferably included within the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 and can be included within this range. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is included within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and is preferably 125 μm as well.

[0274] The fifth wrapper 245 is also made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and is preferably 60 g / m 2 as well. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is included within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm and is preferably 67 μm as well.

[0275] A predetermined substance can be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Here, examples of the predetermined substance can include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0276] The fifth trumpet 245 can prevent the aerosol product 2 from burning. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises above its ignition point, the aerosol product 2 may burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth trumpet 245 contains a non-combustible material, the burning of the aerosol product 2 can be prevented.

[0277] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the aerosol generator 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the aerosol product 2. A liquid substance may be generated in the aerosol product 2 by the user's puffing. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., water) may be generated when the aerosol generated in the aerosol product 2 is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the liquid substance generated in the aerosol product 2 from leaking out of the aerosol product 2 by packaging it.

[0278] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0279] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in sheet form or strand form. The tobacco rod 21 can also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. In one example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor.

[0280] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made to have a different shape.

[0281] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited to this range.

[0282] The length of the first segment may be set to an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0283] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. Alternatively, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (e.g., hollow).

[0284] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the aerosol product 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be as long as approximately 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0285] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer-made fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving together separate fibers coated with a fragrance solution and the polymer-made fibers. Alternatively, the second segment may also be formed from a rolled polymer sheet.

[0286] For example, polymers can also be made from materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0287] Since the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0288] For example, the second segment, which consists of a rolled polymer sheet, may be formed from a material having a thickness of approximately 5 μm to approximately 300 μm, for example, approximately 10 μm to approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm ~ approx. 1000mm 2 The range is / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element has a non-surface area of ​​approximately 10mm². 2 / mg ~ approx. 100mm 2 It can be formed from a material that is / mg.

[0289] On the other hand, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component is menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol so that 1.5 mg or more of menthol is provided to the second segment.

[0290] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0291] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may be manufactured so that a fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, an effect of improving the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user may occur.

[0292] Further, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a fragrance or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 is also a structure that covers and wraps a liquid containing a fragrance with a film. The capsule 23 has a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 20, the aerosol generating article 3 may further include a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device 1 during smoking.

[0294] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 19, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 19.

[0295] The diameter and overall length of aerosol product 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of aerosol product 2 in Figure 19. For example, the length of the front plug 33 is approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0296] The aerosol product 3 may be packaged by at least one flaps 35. The flaps 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the front plug 33 may be packaged by a first flaps 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second flaps 352, the first segment 321 by a third flaps 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth flaps 354. The entire aerosol product 3 may then be repackaged by a fifth flaps 355.

[0297] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto.

[0298] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating flavor or the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 is also a structure that encloses a liquid containing a flavor with a coating. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0299] The first wrapper 351 is also a general filter paper to which a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, is bonded. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 53 g / m². 2 But so.

[0300] The second and third wrappers 352 and 353 can also be made from general filter paper. For example, the second and third wrappers 352 and 353 can be porous or non-porous paper.

[0301] For example, the porosity of the second flank 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the second flank 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the second flank 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 But so.

[0302] For example, the porosity of the third flank 353 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the third flank 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the third flank 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 But so.

[0303] The fourth flap 354 can also be made from PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth flap 354 is within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flap 354 is 80 g / m². 2~100g / m 2 It falls within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 But so.

[0304] The fifth trumpet 355 is also made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth trumpet 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It is included within the range, preferably 60 g / m². 2 Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 355 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0305] The fifth trumpet 355 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, any substance that has the above-mentioned properties, even if it is not silicon, may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without limitation.

[0306] The front plug 33 can also be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the front plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the front plug 33 is also 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front plug 33 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front plug 33 is also 28,000.

[0307] Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0308] The tobacco rod 31 can correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above, as shown in Figure 19. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0309] The first segment 321 can also be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can also be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 are the same as the monodenier and total denier of the front plug 33.

[0310] The second segment 322 can also be made from cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also 9.0. The cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 is in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000.

[0311] Figure 21 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0312] The aerosol generator 1 may include a control unit 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figure 21. In other words, a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 21 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0313] The sensing unit 2000 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1000. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1000 can control the aerosol generator 1 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0314] The sensing unit 2000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 2100, the insertion sensing sensor 2200, and the puff sensor 2300.

[0315] The temperature sensor 2100 can sense the temperature at which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2100 may be positioned around the battery 4000 to monitor its temperature.

[0316] The insertion sensing sensor 2200 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 2200 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0317] The puff sensor 2300 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2300 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0318] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 2100-2300, the sensing unit 2000 may further include at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0319] The output unit 3000 may output and provide to the user information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 3000 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the acoustic output unit 3300. If the display unit 3100 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 3100 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0320] The display unit 3100 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating status of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 3100 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 3100 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 3100 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0321] The haptic unit 3200 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0322] The acoustic output unit 3300 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 3300 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0323] The battery 4000 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. The battery 4000 can supply power to heat the heater 5000. The battery 4000 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1 (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000). The battery 4000 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0324] The heater 5000 can be powered by the battery 4000 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 21, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 4000 and supplies it to the heater 5000. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 4000 into an AC power supply.

[0325] The control unit 1000, sensing unit 2000, output unit 3000, user input unit 6000, memory 7000, and communication unit 8000 can perform their functions by being powered by the battery 4000. Although not shown in Figure 21, the system may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to each component.

[0326] In one embodiment, the heater 5000 may consist of 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 5000 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which conductive tracks are arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0327] In other embodiments, the heater 5000 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 5000 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0328] The user input unit 6000 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may be a key pad, dome switch, 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.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but is not limited to these. Although not shown in Figure 21, the aerosol generator 1 may also include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via such a connection interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0329] Memory 7000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 1000 and data being processed. Memory 7000 may include 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 or XD 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 7000 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0330] The communication unit 8000 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8000 may include a short-range communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

[0331] The short-range wireless communication unit (8100) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) 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, and others.

[0332] The wireless communication unit 8200 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 8200 may also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0333] The control unit 1000 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will also be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0334] The control unit 1000 can control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. In another example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply to the heater 5000 by a control command from the direct heating circuit.

[0335] The control unit 1000 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000, the control unit 1000 can control the power supplied to the heater 5000 so that the operation of the heater 5000 starts or stops. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000, the control unit 1000 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 5000 and the power supply time so that the heater 5000 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0336] The control unit 1000 can control the output unit 3000 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 2300 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1000 can notify the user via at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the acoustic output unit 3300 that the aerosol generator 1 will soon shut down.

[0337] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include 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. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0338] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples, and anyone 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 must be determined by the claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

[0339] Those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that it may be embodied in modified forms that do not deviate from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive view. The scope of the invention is shown in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. A cartridge having a storage section configured to store an aerosol-generating substance, a storage section configured to contain aerosol products, a chamber communicating with the storage section, a heating section disposed in the chamber for heating the aerosol-generating substance, and a support assembly disposed in the storage section for supporting the aerosol products; and The aerosol generating apparatus includes a cartridge coupling portion that is detachably coupled to the cartridge, and a sensor disposed between the cartridge coupling portion and the housing portion for sensing the moisture content of the aerosol product; Aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the support assembly includes a support member that protrudes from the inner surface of the housing to support the aerosol product housed in the housing, and is formed so that the aerosol generated in the chamber moves toward the center of the aerosol product, and a guide hole located at a position corresponding to the center of the aerosol product.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating section is arranged to be separated from the support member in a direction that transcends the direction in which the aerosol generating apparatus body extends.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the chamber includes a curved surface configured to move the aerosol generated in the chamber in the direction of the induction hole.

4. The chamber has an inlet hole through which outside air flows in. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflow hole is located in a position corresponding to the heating section, along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the aerosol generating apparatus body extends.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor and the storage unit are arranged on either side of the outer wall of the housing unit such that the sensor is positioned spatially separated from the storage unit.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a first sensor for sensing the moisture content of a first region of the aerosol product contained in the storage section, and a second sensor for sensing the moisture content of a second region of the aerosol product.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first sensor is positioned closer to the support member than the second sensor.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a curved surface corresponding to the outer wall of the housing.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a guide plate positioned between the cartridge and the aerosol generating apparatus body, which is inclined with respect to the direction in which the aerosol generating apparatus body extends, and is configured to guide external air into the chamber.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the induction hole is in the range of 0.405 to 0.857 of the size of the aerosol product.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the induction hole is 3 mm or more and 6 mm or less.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member supports the edge region of the aerosol product.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes a curved surface that guides the aerosol generated in the chamber to flow into the induction hole.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly further includes an intermediate support located in the guide hole and ribs connecting the intermediate support and the support member.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of ribs are arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate support to connect the intermediate support and the support member.

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