KR102680647B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device includes a housing including a receiving space for containing an aerosol-generating article, one or more supports for supporting the aerosol-generating article, and an inlet passage that receives air outside the housing and narrows as it enters the interior of the receiving space. And, it includes an entrance side support portion located at the opening of the receiving space.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device in which air is smoothly supplied to an aerosol generating article.

Recently, the demand for technology to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning a typical cigarette is increasing. For example, an aerosol can be produced from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or an aerosol with a flavor can be supplied by generating vapor from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state scent medium. Research on methods such as these is in progress.

Recently, an aerosol generating device that can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article has been proposed as an alternative to the method of supplying aerosol by burning a cigarette. For example, an aerosol generating device may refer to a device that can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a liquid or solid state to a predetermined temperature using a heater.

When using an aerosol generating device, the user's convenience in smoking can be improved, such as allowing smoking without additional items such as a lighter and allowing the user to smoke as much as they want. Therefore, research on aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing in recent years. there is.

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

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device with improved atomization performance by smoothly supplying air to an aerosol generating article.

Embodiments also provide an aerosol generating device that can precisely detect changes in air flow.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings. It could be.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a housing including an accommodating space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, one or more supports for supporting the aerosol generating article, and air outside the housing, which becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the aerosol generating article. The support may include an inlet passage and an inlet side support located at the opening of the receiving space.

The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve atomization performance by effectively introducing airflow.

Additionally, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes an improved airflow passage and can thus precisely detect changes in air flow.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is an exploded view schematically showing the components of the inlet side support shown in Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a plan view of the inlet side support shown in Figure 5.
Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet side support shown in Figure 5.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 13 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet side support shown in Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 16 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet side support shown in Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet side support shown in Figure 15.
Figure 18 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet side support shown in FIG. 21.
Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the inlet side support shown in Figure 21.
Figure 24 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. Additionally, terms such as “-unit” and “-module” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, a heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when a current flows through the electrically conductive track.

The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. Tobacco rods can be made from sheets, strands, or tobacco sheets can be made from cut fillers. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. A filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, a filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol.

In another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the main body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached or detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while containing the aerosol-generating material therein. However, it is not limited to this, and an aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating material in any one of various states, such as liquid state, solid state, gas state, and gel state. Aerosol-generating materials may include liquid compositions. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

The cartridge is operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. Aerosol may refer to a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air.

In another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may pass through a cigarette and be delivered to a user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and may generate short-period vibration through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol-generating material. The vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (e.g., alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibration may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick. . The aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be converted into a gas phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be lowered by the heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with the lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be converted into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol. , but is not limited to this.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the aerosol-generating article may be heated by generating heat. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be located within the aerosol-generating article.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device can form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a housing 100 into which the aerosol generating article 20 can be inserted.

The housing 100 forms the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device 10 and may include an internal space (or 'placement space') in which components of the aerosol generating device 10 can be placed. Although the housing 100 is shown in the drawing as having a semicircular cross-section, the shape of the housing 100 is not limited to this. For example, the housing 100 may be entirely formed in a cylindrical shape, or may be formed in the shape of a polygonal pillar (eg, a triangular pillar or a square pillar).

In the internal space of the housing 100, components for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article 20 inserted into the housing 100 and components for detecting the user's puff motion may be disposed. A detailed explanation will be provided later.

According to one embodiment, the housing 100 may include an opening 100h through which the aerosol-generating article 20 can be inserted into the interior of the housing 100. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 20 may be inserted or received into the interior of the housing 100 through the opening 100h.

The aerosol-generating article 20 inserted or received within the housing 100 may be heated within the housing 100, resulting in the generation of an aerosol. A user may inhale the aerosol emitted from the aerosol generating article 20.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a display D on which visual information is displayed.

The display D may be arranged so that at least a portion of the display D is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 . The aerosol generating device 10 can provide various visual information to the user through the display D.

For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may provide information regarding whether the user's puff motion has occurred and/or information regarding the remaining number of puffs of the inserted aerosol generating article 20 through the display D. , Information provided through the display (D) can be modified in various ways.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 cut in the direction I-I.

Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100, an inlet side support 200, a heater assembly 300, an airflow passage 400, an end support 500, and a sensor ( 600).

The housing 100 forms the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device 10 and may include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device 10 can be placed. For example, the inlet side support part 200, the heater assembly 300, the airflow passage 400, the end support part 500, and the sensor 600 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 100, but the embodiments It is not limited by the components disposed in the internal space of the housing 100.

According to one embodiment, the housing 100 may include an opening 100h, and at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (not shown) is inserted (or received) into the interior of the housing 100 through the opening 100h. It can be. Although the drawing shows that the opening 100h is formed in one area of the upper part of the housing 100, the arrangement structure of the opening 100h is not limited to the structure shown.

The inlet side support part 200 is located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100 and can support at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100. Additionally, the inlet side support portion 200 may allow air existing outside the aerosol generating device 10 to flow into the aerosol generating device 10.

The inlet side support 200 may include a support 210 for supporting at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article and an inflow passage 220 through which air outside the housing 100 flows into the interior of the housing 100. there is.

The heater assembly 300 is located in the inner space of the housing 100. The heater assembly 300 may heat an aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100 to generate an aerosol.

The heater assembly 300 may include a heater 310 that generates heat as power is supplied. The heater 310 may include a receiving space 300i for accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100. At least one area of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receiving space 300i may be heated by the heater 310. The aerosol-generating article may be heated to mix vaporized particles produced in the aerosol-generating article with the air in the interior space of the housing 100 to generate an aerosol.

The heater 310 includes a coil 311 and a susceptor 312, and can heat at least one area of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receiving space 300i by induction heating.

The coil 311 may be arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the susceptor 312, and may generate an alternating magnetic field through power supplied from a battery (not shown).

The susceptor 312 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receiving space 300i. The susceptor 312 generates heat by the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 311, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receiving space 300i.

As another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater assembly 300 may include a film heater disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100. The film heater includes an electrically conductive track, and as a current flows through the electrically conductive track, the film heater generates heat to heat the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100.

As another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 includes at least one of a needle-type heater, a rod-type heater, and a tubular heater capable of heating the interior of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100. can do. The heater described above may be inserted into at least one area of the aerosol-generating article, for example, to heat the interior of the aerosol-generating article.

The examples are not limited by the specific implementation of the heater, and the heater may be modified in various forms to heat the aerosol-generating article to a specified temperature. In the present disclosure, 'designated temperature' may mean a temperature at which an aerosol-generating material contained in an aerosol-generating article can be heated to generate an aerosol. The designated temperature may be a temperature preset in the aerosol generating device 10. Alternatively, the designated temperature may be changed depending on the type of aerosol generating device 10 and/or the user's operation.

The heater assembly 300 may further include an insulation structure 320 to seal the heater 310.

The insulation structure 320 can seal the heater 310 and prevent heat generated by the heater 310 from being transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100. Even when the temperature of the heater 310 is maintained at a high temperature, high temperature heat can be prevented from being transferred to the user's body (eg, palm) holding the housing 100 by the insulating structure 320.

The insulation structure 320 may be closed by sealing means (not shown). The sealing means can seal the space where the heater 310 is located and prevent droplets generated during the aerosol generation process from leaking out of the heater assembly 300. The sealing means can prevent components of the aerosol generating device 10 from malfunctioning or being damaged by droplets.

The insulation structure 320 may include a first insulation body 321, a second insulation body 322, and an external insulation body 323 having a double wall structure.

The first insulator 321 is located outside the susceptor.

The second insulator 322 is coupled to the top of the first insulator 321 and is positioned to surround a portion of the outer surface of the first insulator 321.

The external insulator 323 is located outside the second insulator 322 and has a double wall structure.

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

The second insulator 322 may be coupled to at least one area of the upper end of the first insulator 321, but the coupling structure of the second insulator and the first insulator is not limited to this. As another example, the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 322 may be formed as one piece.

The airflow passage 400 is located between the susceptor 312 and the first insulator 321 in the internal space of the housing 100. The airflow passage 400 may fluidly communicate (or fluidly connect) the exterior of the aerosol generating device 10 and the receiving space 300i of the heater assembly 300.

The airflow passage 400 is spaced apart from the heater assembly 300 and includes an airflow hole (not shown) of the inlet side support part 200 and an air inlet (not shown) of the end support part 500 located in the receiving space 300i. Can be arranged to connect. For example, the airflow passage 400 may be arranged between the coil 311 and the susceptor 312 to surround the susceptor 312, but the shape of the airflow passage 400 is limited by this arrangement structure. It doesn't work.

Due to the above-described arrangement structure of the airflow passage 400, the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the inside of the receiving space 300i can be in fluid communication.

The end support portion 500 is located at one end (eg, the bottom portion) of the receiving space 300i and may support the bottom region and side region of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100.

The end support 500 may be disposed as an independent element at the lower end of the receiving space 300i to support the aerosol-generating article. By modifying the end support portion 500, the end support portion 500 may be formed at the lower end of the receiving space 300i integrally with the receiving space 300i.

When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receiving space 300i, air in the airflow passage 400 may flow into the aerosol-generating article through the end support 500.

The sensor 600 is located in the inner space of the housing 100 and can detect a user's puff motion or a temperature change of the heater.

The sensor 600 may include a puff sensor 610 to detect pressure changes. The puff sensor 610 can detect a change in pressure in the airflow passage 400 according to the user's puff operation.

The sensor 600 may include a temperature sensor 620 to detect temperature changes. The temperature sensor 620 can detect temperature changes in the heater while the heater is operating.

The puff sensor 610 may be arranged adjacent to the inlet side support portion 200. The temperature sensor 620 is disposed to contact the susceptor 312 in the internal space 300i. The positions of the temperature sensor 620 and the puff sensor 610 may be changed in various ways.

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing some components of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the air movement process in the aerosol generating device according to a user's puff motion.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view specifically showing the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 2.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, we will look in detail at the specific configuration of the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 and the movement of air according to the user's puff motion.

Referring to Figure 3, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100, an inlet side support 200, a heater assembly 300, an airflow passage 400, an end support 500, and a sensor ( 600). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and the overlapping description below will be Please omit it.

According to one embodiment, when the user touches the mouth of the aerosol generating article 20 and performs a puff operation, a pressure difference occurs between the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the inner space of the housing 100. External air may flow into the interior of the housing 100 through the inlet side support portion 200.

External air flowing into the housing 100 may pass through the inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 and the airflow hole 400h to reach the airflow passage 400.

Air moving along the airflow passage 400 may reach the air inlet 500i of the end support 500.

The air that reaches the air inlet 500i draws a U-shape along the shape of the end support 500 and passes through the air outlet 500e to the aerosol generating article 20 inserted into the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). ) flows into the end of the.

The air introduced into the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) may be mixed with vaporized particles generated as the aerosol-generating article 20 is heated to generate an aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol generated in the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) through a puff motion to inhale the aerosol generating article 20.

Figure 4 is a top view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the housing 100 and the inlet side support portion 200 into which the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted in the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 100 and an inlet side support portion 200. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

The inlet side support part 200 is located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100 and can be mounted on the aerosol generating device 10 to support the aerosol generating article 20.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the inlet side support part 200 in the aerosol generating device 10 of Figure 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the internal space of the housing 100 may include an accommodating space 300i for accommodating an aerosol-generating article (not shown). The entrance side support part 200 is located at one end (eg, upper end) of the receiving space 300i and may be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

The inlet side support portion 200 includes one or more supports 210 for supporting at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article and an inflow passage 220 through which air outside the housing 100 flows into the receiving space 300i. It can be included.

Support 210 may support the aerosol-generating article by contacting at least a portion of the exterior of the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, a plurality of supports may be disposed along the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i so as to contact the outside of the aerosol-generating article. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the inlet-side support 200, the support 210 contacts the aerosol-generating article and forms an inflow passage 220 in the space between the inlet-side support 200 and the aerosol-generating article. can do. That is, the inflow passage 220 may be located between adjacent supports 210.

The inflow passage 220 allows air to flow, and may have a shape that becomes narrower as it moves from the outside of the housing 100 into the receiving space 300i. This shape of the inflow passage 220 can provide two advantages with respect to air flow compared to a shape having a constant width along the longitudinal direction of the existing housing 100.

First, among the entire paths of the inlet passage 220, the area of the opening (not shown) of the inlet passage 220 open toward the outside of the housing 100 is the widest, so a sufficient amount of external air flows into the receiving space (300i). ) can flow smoothly into the system. Due to the structure of this inlet passage, the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 10 can be improved.

Second, the size of the inflow passage 220 becomes smaller as it enters the inside of the receiving space 300i from the opening open to the outside of the housing 100. Due to changes in the size of the inlet passage 220, the flow rate of the airflow passing through the inlet passage 220 may change. As the flow rate of the air flow changes, the air pressure in the receiving space 300i changes, and the puff sensor (610 in FIG. 2) can detect the change in air pressure. The controller (not shown) may recognize the occurrence of a puff motion in which the user performs an inhalation motion based on detection of a pressure change by the puff sensor.

The size of the inflow passage 220 may decrease as it enters the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. One inflow passage 220 is surrounded by the support body 210 in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i. The size of the support body 210 may increase as it enters the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

The inlet passage 220 may have a shape that becomes narrower as it goes from the outside of the housing 100 to the inside of the receiving space 300i. The configuration and shape of the inlet side support portion 200 may be modified in various ways.

The inflow passage 220 existing between adjacent supports 210 includes a side wall 220w that is blocked by the support 210 in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i.

Since one inflow passage 220 is surrounded by the support 210 in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i, the side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 is the support 210 facing the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i. It may be a wall on the facing side of.

The side wall 220w extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and may be inclined toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i. Because the side wall 220w is inclined, the size of the inlet passage 220 decreases or the size of the support 210 increases as it enters the receiving space 300i from the outside along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. The shape can be implemented. Embodiments are not limited by the shape of the side wall, and the shape of the side wall 220w may be modified in various ways.

The entrance side support part 200 includes an upper end facing the outside of the housing 100 and a lower end facing the inside of the receiving space 300i in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. That is, the support 210 includes an upper end 210u and a lower end 210l, and the inflow passage 220 also includes an upper end 220u and a lower end 220l.

The length that the inlet passage 220 extends in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i from the upper end 220u of the inlet passage 220 is the length of the inlet passage 220 extending from the lower end 220l of the inlet passage 220 to the receiving space ( It may be longer than the length extending in the circumferential direction of 300i). Contrary to the extended length of the inlet passage 220, the length that the support 210 extends in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i from the lower end 210l of the support 210 is the upper end of the support 210 ( It may be longer than the length extending in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i in 210u).

For this reason, the inlet passage 220 may have a shape that becomes narrower as it goes from the outside of the housing 100 into the inside of the receiving space 300i, but the configuration and shape of the inlet side support portion 200 can be modified in various ways. there is.

Figure 6 is an exploded view schematically showing the components of the inlet side support shown in Figure 5.

FIG. 6 is a developed view schematically showing the support 210, the inlet passage 220, and the airflow hole 400h along the circumferential direction of the inlet side support 200 of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the size of the inlet passage 220 may decrease and the size of the support 210 may increase as it moves from the upper end to the lower end of the developed view of the inlet support portion 200.

The upper part of the developed view is the outside of the housing 100, and the lower part of the developed view faces the inside of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w described above with reference to FIG. 5, the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases as it goes into the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

Figure 7 is a plan view of the inlet side support shown in Figure 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing only the inlet side support 200 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 5 with the inlet side support 200 separated.

Referring to FIG. 7, the inlet side support part 200 may include a coupling part for coupling with the support body 210, the inlet passage 220, and the housing 100. The shape of the inlet side support 200 may be modified in various ways.

Due to the slope of the side wall 220w, the size of the inlet passage 220 may decrease as it enters the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. Contrary to the shape of the inflow passage, the size of the support body 210 may increase as it enters the interior of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

The sizes of the support body 210 and the inlet passage 220 are constant along the radial direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). However, embodiments are not limited by the shape of the inflow passage 220.

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

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VIII-VIII direction when the inlet support portion 200 shown in FIG. 7 is mounted on the aerosol generating device 10.

Referring to FIG. 8, the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and slopes toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). It can be achieved.

As the side wall 220w described above with reference to FIG. 5 is inclined, the size of the inflow passage 220 decreases as it enters the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It may be an example of.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an inlet side support portion mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 is modified along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 when compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to Figures 5 and 9, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to one embodiment and another embodiment commonly extends into the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It can have a shape that gets narrower as you go in.

The side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and is located at one end (e.g., the upper end) of the inlet passage 220. ) can form one continuous plane from the other end (e.g., the lower end).

The side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 may include one or more flat or curved surfaces to form a discontinuous shape (eg, a step shape).

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 is modified along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 when compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to Figures 5 and 10, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to one embodiment and another embodiment is commonly located inside the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It may have a shape that becomes narrower as you go into it.

The side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and extends linearly toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i. An incline can be achieved.

The side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and is curved toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i. A slope can be formed.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the inlet side support 200 in which the shape of the curved slope of the side wall 220w has been modified compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

10 and 11, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the two embodiments has a common receiving space 300i due to the curved slope present in the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220. It may have a shape that becomes narrower as you go into the interior.

The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and may form a concave curved slope in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i.

The side wall 220w of the inflow passage 220 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and may form a convex curved slope in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the shape of the inlet passage 220 is modified along the circumferential direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) when compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

5 and 12, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to one embodiment and another embodiment is commonly located inside the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It may have a shape that becomes narrower as you go into it. Additionally, the inlet passage 220 may have an open shape toward an aerosol-generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10.

The inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may include one or more flat or curved surfaces between the supports 210 and toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i.

The inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 may have a concave shape toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i between the supports 210.

Figure 13 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet side support shown in Figure 12.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing only a portion of the inlet side support 200 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 12 with the inlet side support 200 separated.

Referring to FIG. 13, the inlet side support 200 according to another embodiment may have a structure corresponding to the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 7, see FIG. 12. Therefore, there is a difference in the shape of the inflow passage 220 described above.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and is a diagram for explaining the flow of air in the inflow passage.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the inlet side support 200 in which the shape of the inlet passage 220 is different in terms of air flow compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and the air flow varies depending on the shape of the inlet passage 220. This is a drawing to explain the flow.

5 and 14, the inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to one embodiment and another embodiment is commonly located inside the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It may have a shape that becomes narrower as you go into it. Additionally, the inlet passage 220 may allow air outside the housing 100 to flow into the receiving space 300i.

The inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, and directs the inflow air in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. You can make it flow.

The inflow passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 may include a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 and is curved toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i. there is.

Due to its curved shape, the inlet passage 220 can cause the air flowing along the inlet passage 220 to flow in a vortex shape surrounding an aerosol-generating article (not shown).

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the shape of the inlet passage 220 is modified to become narrower as it enters the receiving space 300i compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 .

5 and 15, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to one embodiment and another embodiment is commonly located inside the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It may have a shape that becomes narrower as you go into it. In other words, the length extending from the inflow passage 220 in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i may be longer than the upper end 220u of the inflow passage 220 than the lower end 220l of the inflow passage 220.

The inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may include an inlet passage 220 that becomes narrower as it enters the receiving space 300i due to the slope of the side wall 220w described above with reference to FIG. 5. You can. However, the sizes of the support body 210 and the inflow passage 220 are constant along the radial direction of the receiving space 300i.

The inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 has no slope in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i on the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220. Instead, the width between the lower end 220l of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article in the radial direction of the receiving space 300i may be narrower than the width between the upper end 220u of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article. there is.

Therefore, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 has an accommodation space ( 300i), it may have a shape that becomes narrower as it goes into the interior.

The size of the support body 210 is constant along the radial direction of the receiving space 300i. However, the embodiments are not limited by the shapes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220 may be modified in various ways.

Figure 16 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet side support shown in Figure 15.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing only a portion of the inlet side support 200 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 15 with the inlet side support 200 separated.

Referring to FIG. 16, the inlet side support portion 200 according to another embodiment may include a support body 210 and an inlet passage 220. The shape of the inlet side support 200 may be modified in various ways.

According to another embodiment, due to the difference in width between each part of the inlet passage 220 described above with reference to FIG. 15 and the aerosol-generating article (not shown), the inlet passage 220 has a receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). ), the further inside it becomes, the narrower it becomes.

The size of the support body 210 is constant along the radial direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) and the circumferential direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). However, embodiments are not limited by the shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220.

Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet side support shown in Figure 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction ⅩⅦ-ⅩⅦ when the inlet side support 200 shown in FIG. 16 is mounted on the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted.

Referring to FIG. 17, in the radial direction of the receiving space 300i according to another embodiment, the width between the lower end 220l of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article 20 is that of the inlet passage 220. It may be narrower than the width between the upper end 220u and the aerosol generating article 20.

This is due to the difference in width between each part of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article 20 described above with reference to FIG. 15, so that the inlet passage 220 narrows as it enters the receiving space 300i. This may be an example.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Figure 18 shows the shape of the side facing the aerosol generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 in the inlet passage 220 housing (100 in Figure 2) compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 15. This is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 deformed along the longitudinal direction.

Referring to Figures 15 and 18, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the two embodiments commonly becomes narrower as it enters the inside of the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It can have a shape.

In the radial direction of the receiving space 300i according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the width between one end of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article changes continuously along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the width described above in the above-described direction may vary discontinuously along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Figure 19 shows the shape of the side facing the aerosol generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 in the inlet passage 220 compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 15, with the length of the housing (100 in Figure 2) This is a perspective view of the entrance side support portion 200 deformed along the direction.

Referring to Figures 15 and 19, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the two embodiments commonly becomes narrower as it enters the inside of the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100. It can have a shape.

In the radial direction of the receiving space 300i according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the width between one end of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol-generating article varies linearly along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the width described above in the above-described direction may vary non-linearly along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Figure 20 shows an inlet side support in which the bending direction of the surface facing the aerosol generating article (not shown) inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 in the inlet passage 220 is different compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 19. This is a perspective view of (200).

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20 , the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to the two embodiments has a width that changes non-linearly along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 in common. It may have a shape that becomes narrower as it goes into the receiving space 300i along the longitudinal direction.

The side facing the aerosol-generating article in the inlet passage 220 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 may be convex.

The above-described side of the embodiment shown in Figure 20 may be concave.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of an inlet side support mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the inlet side support portion 200 in which the shape of the inlet passage 220 is modified to become narrower as it goes into the receiving space 300i compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 15 .

Referring to FIG. 21, the inlet passage 220 of the inlet side support 200 according to another embodiment has a shape that becomes narrower as it goes into the receiving space 300i, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 15. You can have

The inlet side support 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 has no slope in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 300i on the side wall 220w of the inlet passage 220, like the embodiment shown in FIG. 15. However, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the thickness of the support 210 in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i may vary along the longitudinal direction of the housing 100.

In detail, the thickness of the upper end 210u of the support 210 in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i may be thinner than the thickness of the lower end 210l of the support 210.

Since the upper end 210u of the support 210 is not in contact with the aerosol-generating article (not shown), a space is formed between the support 210 and the aerosol-generating article. This space may be part of the inflow passage 220.

The inflow passage 220 between the supports 210 in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i has a constant width between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating article in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i.

The inflow passage 220 formed between the support 210 and the aerosol-generating article may have a shape that becomes narrower as it enters the receiving space 300i due to the difference in thickness of the support 210 described above.

The lower portion 210l of the support 210 may contact the outside of the aerosol-generating article sufficiently to support the aerosol-generating article. However, the embodiments are not limited by the shapes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220 may be modified in various ways.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a portion of the inlet side support shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing only a portion of the inlet side support 200 in the aerosol generating device 10 of FIG. 21 with the inlet side support 200 separated.

Referring to FIG. 22, the inlet side support portion 200 according to another embodiment may include a support body 210 and an inlet passage 220. The shape of the inlet side support 200 may be modified in various ways.

According to another embodiment, due to the difference in the thickness of the support body 210 described above with reference to FIG. 21, the inlet passage 220 may become narrower as it goes into the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2).

The size of the inflow passage 220 between the supports 210 in the circumferential direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) is the radial direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2) and the circumferential direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2). It is constant along. However, embodiments are not limited by the shapes of the support 210 and the inflow passage 220.

Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view when an aerosol generating article is inserted into the inlet side support shown in Figure 21.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken in the direction X

Referring to FIG. 23, in the radial direction of the receiving space (300i in FIG. 2), the thickness of the upper end 210u of the support 210 may be thinner than the thickness of the lower end 210l of the support 210.

This may be an example of a shape in which the inflow passage 220 becomes narrower as it enters the receiving space 300i due to the difference in thickness of the support body 210 described above with reference to FIG. 21 .

The lower portion 210l of the support 210 may contact the outside of the aerosol-generating article sufficiently to support the aerosol-generating article. However, the embodiments are not limited by the shapes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220, and the shapes of the support 210 and the inlet passage 220 may be modified in various ways.

Figure 24 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 2400 includes a control unit 2410, a sensing unit 2420, an output unit 2430, a battery 2440, a heater 2450, a user input unit 2460, a memory 2470, and a communication unit 2480. It can be included. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 2400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 24. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 2400, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 24 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 2420 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 2400 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 2400 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 2410. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 2410 performs various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 2450, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. The aerosol generating device 2400 can be controlled.

The sensing unit 2420 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 2422, an insertion detection sensor 2424, and a puff sensor 2426, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 2422 may detect the temperature at which the heater 2450 (or an aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 2400 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 2450, or the heater 2450 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2422 may be disposed around the battery 2440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 2440.

Insertion detection sensor 2424 can detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 2424 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, where the aerosol-generating article is inserted and/or Signal changes can be detected as it is removed.

The puff sensor 2426 may detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2426 may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the sensors 2422 to 2426 described above, the sensing unit 2420 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), It may further include at least one of a proximity sensor and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The output unit 2430 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 2400 and provide it to the user. The output unit 2430 may include at least one of a display unit 2432, a haptic unit 2434, and an audio output unit 2436, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 2432 and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 2432 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 2432 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 2400 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 2400 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 2440 of the aerosol generating device 2400, the preheating state of the heater 2450, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the aerosol generating state. It may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the device 2400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 2432 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 2432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 2432 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 2434 may convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 2400 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 2434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 2436 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 2400 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 2436 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 2440 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 2400. The battery 2440 may supply power so that the heater 2450 can be heated. In addition, the battery 2440 may be connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 2400 (e.g., sensing unit 2420, output unit 2430, user input unit 2460, memory 2470, and communication unit 2480). It can supply the power required for operation. The battery 2440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 2440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 2450 may receive power from the battery 2440 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 2440 and supplies it to the heater 2450. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 2400 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery 2440 into alternating current power.

The control unit 2410, sensing unit 2420, output unit 2430, user input unit 2460, memory 2470, and communication unit 2480 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 2440. Although not shown in FIG. 24, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 2440 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 2450 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater 2450 may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 2450 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 2450 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

The user input unit 2460 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 2460 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistance type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. In this way, information can be transmitted and received or the battery 2440 can be charged.

The memory 2470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 2400, and can store data processed by the control unit 2410 and data to be processed. The memory 2470 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM. (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 may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 2470 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 2400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 2480 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 2480 may include a short-range communication unit 2482 and a wireless communication unit 2484.

The short-range wireless communication unit 2482 includes 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, and an infrared (IrDA) communication unit. , infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 2484 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 2484 may use subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 2400 within the communication network.

The control unit 2410 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 2400. In one embodiment, the control unit 2410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the present embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The control unit 2410 may control the temperature of the heater 2450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 2440 to the heater 2450. For example, the control unit 2410 may control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 2440 and the heater 2450. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control power supply to the heater 2450 according to a control command from the control unit 2410.

The control unit 2410 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2420 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 2410 may control the power supplied to the heater 2450 to start or end the operation of the heater 2450 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 2420. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 2420, the control unit 2410 adjusts the power supplied to the heater 2450 so that the heater 2450 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. You can control the amount and time at which power is supplied.

The control unit 2410 may control the output unit 2430 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 2420. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 2426 reaches a preset number, the control unit 2410 operates at least one of the display unit 2432, the haptic unit 2434, and the sound output unit 2436. Through this, the user can be notified that the aerosol generating device 2400 will soon be shut down.

In one embodiment, the control unit 2410 controls the power supply time to the heater 2450 and/ Alternatively, the amount of power supply can be controlled. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 20 is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 2410 controls the power supply time to the induction coil (e.g., the induction coil 124 in FIG. 2), so that the aerosol-generating article 20 ) can increase the preheating time compared to the general case.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope of what is stated in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

10: Aerosol generating device
20: Aerosol generating article
100: housing
100h: opening
200: Entrance side support
210: support
210u: upper part of support
210l: lower part of support
220: Inflow passage
220u: upper part of inlet passage
220l: lower part of the inlet passage
220w: sidewall
300: heater assembly
310: heater
300i: Accommodation space
311: induction coil
312: Susceptor
320: Insulating structure
321: first insulator
322: second insulator
323: external insulation
400: airflow passage
400h: airflow hole
500: end support
500i: air inlet
500e: air outlet
600: sensor
610: Puff sensor
620: Temperature sensor

Claims (15)

a housing including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol-generating article; and
It includes one or more supports for supporting the aerosol-generating article, an inflow passage that receives air outside the housing and becomes narrower as it enters the interior of the receiving space, and an inlet side support located at an opening of the receiving space. An aerosol generating device. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device in which the size of the inflow passage decreases as one enters the receiving space along the longitudinal direction of the housing. According to paragraph 2,
At least one side wall of the inlet passage in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and is inclined toward the circumferential direction of the accommodation space. According to paragraph 3,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the side wall is curved and inclined. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device wherein a plurality of the supports are disposed, and the inlet passage has a concave shape between adjacent supports and is open toward the aerosol-generating article. According to paragraph 1,
The inlet passage includes a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and is curved toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space, and the inlet passage allows air flowing along the inlet passage to flow in a swirl shape surrounding the aerosol-generating article. , aerosol generating device. According to paragraph 1,
The length that the opening of the inflow passage facing the outside of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the housing extends along the circumferential direction of the receiving space is such that the portion of the inflow passage located inside the receiving space extends in the circumferential direction of the receiving space. An aerosol-generating device that is longer than a length extending along an aerosol-generating device. According to paragraph 1,
The inflow passage includes an upper end facing the outside of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the housing and a lower end facing the inside of the receiving space, and the width of the lower end is narrower than the width of the upper end in the radial direction of the receiving space. Generating device. According to clause 8,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the width is discontinuously narrowed. According to clause 8,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the width narrows non-linearly. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device wherein a plurality of the supports are disposed along the circumferential direction of the receiving space so as to contact the outside of the aerosol-generating article, and the inflow passage is located between the adjacent supports. According to clause 11,
The size of at least one of the supports increases as it moves from the outside of the housing into the receiving space in the longitudinal direction of the housing. According to clause 12,
An aerosol generating device, wherein a side wall of at least one of the supports facing the circumferential direction of the receiving space extends along the longitudinal direction of the housing and is inclined toward the circumferential direction of the receiving space. According to clause 11,
A length extending along the circumferential direction of the receiving space at the lower end of the support facing the inside of the receiving space in the longitudinal direction of the housing extends along the circumferential direction of the receiving space at the upper end of the support facing outside the housing. An aerosol generating device that is longer than the length of the device. According to clause 11,
The support includes an upper end facing the outside of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the housing and a lower end facing the inside of the receiving space, and the thickness of the upper part in the radial direction of the receiving space is narrower than the thickness of the lower part, and the aerosol Generating device.

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