RU2840253C2 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol generator. Device comprises a housing comprising a housing space configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article. Device also comprises a support on the side of the inlet opening, located in the opening of the accommodation space and comprising at least one support housing configured to support the article for generating the aerosol. Device also has a supply channel which can receive air from outside the housing. Width of the supply channel decreases towards the inner part of the space for arrangement on the outer side of the housing.

EFFECT: increasing the atomization characteristic by effectively introducing air flow.

15 cl, 24 dwg

Description

[Field of technology]

[1] One or more embodiments of the invention relate to an aerosol generating device, in particular to an aerosol generating device in which air is continuously supplied to the aerosol generating article.

[Prior Art]

[2] Recently, there has been an increased demand for a technology that can replace the prior art method of delivering an aerosol by burning a cigarette. For example, studies have been conducted on a method of producing flavoring aerosols by generating aerosols from a liquid or solid aerosol-generating material or generating vapor from a liquid aerosol-generating material and then passing the vapor through a solid flavoring medium.

[3] Recently, as an alternative to the method of delivering an aerosol by burning a cigarette, an aerosol generating article has been proposed that can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may be a device capable of generating aerosols by heating a liquid or solid aerosol generating material to a certain temperature using a heater.

[4] The use of an aerosol generating device makes smoking more convenient for the user, for example by allowing smoking without additional products such as a lighter and allowing the user to smoke for any length of time. Thus, research into aerosol generating devices is currently gradually expanding. Thus, the object KR 20180070454 can be considered as the closest analogue.

[Essence of the invention]

[Technical task]

[5] For effective atomization in an aerosol generating device, air must be continuously supplied to the aerosol generating article placed in such device.

[6] In various embodiments of the invention, a device for generating an aerosol with improved spray characteristics is provided, provided by an uninterrupted supply of air to an aerosol generating article placed in such a device.

[7] In addition, in one or more embodiments of the invention, an aerosol generating device is provided that is capable of accurately recognizing a change in air flow.

[8] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above description, and a person skilled in the art will be able to understand other technical problems based on the embodiments of the invention described below.

[Technical solution]

[9] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a housing comprising a placement space intended for placing an aerosol generating article, and a support on the inlet side, located in the opening of the placement space and comprising at least one support body for supporting the aerosol generating article and an inlet channel configured to receive air from outside the housing, wherein the width of the inlet channel decreases towards the inside of the placement space.

[Beneficial effects of the invention]

[10] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the invention may improve atomization characteristics by effectively introducing an air flow.

[11] Furthermore, since the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the invention comprises an improved air flow passage, the aerosol generating device can accurately recognize a change in air flow.

[12] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not described will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present description and the accompanying drawings.

[Description of drawings]

[13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[14] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[15] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[16] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[17] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[18] FIG. 6 is an exploded view schematically illustrating components of the support assembly from the inlet side of FIG. 5.

[19] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the support assembly from the inlet side shown in FIG. 5.

[20] FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the side of the support assembly from the side of the inlet port shown in FIG. 5.

[21] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[23] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[24] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[25] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 12.

[26] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[27] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[28] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 15.

[29] FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of the side of the support assembly from the side of the inlet port shown in FIG. 15.

[30] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[31] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[32] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[33] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[34] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a portion of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 21.

[35] FIG. 23 shows a sectional view of the side of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 21, into which the aerosol generating article is inserted; and

[36] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[Principle of the invention]

[37] With respect to the terms used to describe various embodiments of the invention, the general terms that are currently widely used are selected in consideration of the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the invention. However, the meanings of the terms may be changed depending on intentions, legal precedent, the emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in some cases, the terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such a case, the meaning of such terms will be described in detail in the relevant part of the description of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present invention should be understood in accordance with the meanings and explanations given in the description of the present invention.

[38] In this case, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the word "comprise" and its forms such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood as implying the inclusion of the specified elements in something, but not as the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms denoting "block", "part" and "module" presented in the description of the invention mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware or software components, as well as combinations thereof.

[39] In this case, when an expression like "at least one" appears before ordered elements, it modifies all the elements, not each ordered element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be construed as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[40] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be designed as a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette placed in its internal space.

[41] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater. In one embodiment of the invention, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may comprise an electrically conductive path, and the heater may heat up when an electrical current flows along the electrically conductive path.

[42] The heater may comprise a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle or rod heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

[43] A cigarette may comprise a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed into sheets, threads, and small pieces cut from a tobacco leaf. In addition, 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, or other materials.

[44] The filter rod may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may comprise at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may comprise a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a specific component contained in the aerosol.

[45] In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[46] The aerosol generating device may comprise a cartridge comprising an aerosol generating material and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected to the main body, but other embodiments are also possible. The cartridge may be integral with the main body or assembled with the main body, and may be secured to the main body in such a way that the user cannot detach it from the main body. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body so that the aerosol generating material is located inside it. However, the description of the invention is not limited to this. The aerosol generating material may be introduced into the cartridge when the cartridge is connected to the main body.

[47] The cartridge may contain an aerosol generating material, which may be, for example, in a liquid, solid, gaseous or gel state. The aerosol generating material may be a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco material that includes a volatile tobacco flavoring component or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[48] The cartridge may be controlled by an electrical signal or a radio signal transmitted from the main body to perform the aerosol generating function by converting the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase. The aerosol may be a gas in which vaporized particles of the aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

[49] In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may move along an air flow channel in the aerosol generating device, and the air flow channel may be configured to deliver the aerosol to the user through the cigarette.

[50] In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations. Currently, the ultrasonic vibration method may be understood as a method of generating an aerosol by spraying an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by an vibration source.

[51] The aerosol generating device may comprise a vibration source and may generate short-period vibrations using the vibration source to convert the aerosol generating material into aerosols. The vibrations generated by the vibration source may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz; other variations are also possible.

[52] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a wick that absorbs a material for generating the aerosol. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one portion of the vibration source or to contact at least one portion of the vibration source.

[53] When a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibration source, the vibration source can generate heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibration source can be transferred to the material absorbed by the wick to generate an aerosol. The material absorbed by the wick to generate an aerosol can be converted into a gas phase under the influence of heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibration source, which makes it possible to generate an aerosol.

[54] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick may be reduced by the action of heat generated by the vibration source, and the aerosol generating material with reduced viscosity may be granulated by the action of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibration source, which makes it possible to generate an aerosol; other options are also possible.

[55] In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by inductively heating an aerosol generating article placed therein.

[56] The aerosol generating device may comprise a current collector and a coil. In one embodiment of the invention, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the current collector. When power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be generated inside the coil. In one embodiment of the invention, the current collector may be a magnetic body that generates heat under the influence of an external magnetic field. When the current collector is placed inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to it, the current collector generates heat to heat the article for generating an aerosol. In addition, optionally, the current collector may be located inside the article for generating an aerosol.

[57] In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a stand.

[58] The aerosol generating device may form a system with a separate stand. For example, the stand may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the heater may be heated when the stand and the aerosol generating device are connected to each other.

[59] The invention proposed below will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present invention are depicted in such a way that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily understand the present invention. The invention can be implemented in forms that can be implemented in aerosol generating devices according to the various embodiments of the invention described above, or can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments of the invention described herein.

[60] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[61] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[62] As shown in FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a housing 100 into which an aerosol generating article 20 may be inserted.

[63] The housing 100 may define the external shape of the aerosol generating device 10 and may include an internal space (or "accommodation space") in which components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be located. Although the housing 100 is shown in the drawing as having a semi-circular cross-section, the shape of the housing 100 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the housing 100 may have a substantially cylindrical shape or form a polygonal pillar (e.g., a triangular or quadrangular pillar).

[64] Components for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article 20 inserted into the housing 100 and components for recognizing a puff of a user may be located in the interior of the housing 100 and will be described in detail below.

[65] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing 100 may comprise an opening 100h through which the aerosol generating article 20 may be inserted into the interior of the housing 100. At least a portion of the aerosol generating article 20 may be inserted into or placed in the interior of the housing 100 through the opening 100h.

[66] The aerosol generating article 20 inserted or placed in the inside of the housing 100 can be heated inside the housing 100, which allows the aerosol to be generated. The user can inhale the aerosol emitted from the aerosol generating article 20.

[67] The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a display D on which visual information is displayed.

[68] The display D may be arranged such that at least a portion of the surface of the display D is exposed outward from the housing 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may provide the user with various visual information via the display D.

[69] For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may provide information about whether the user has taken a puff and/or information about the number of remaining puffs of the inserted aerosol generating article 20 via a display D, wherein the information provided via the display D may be changed in various ways.

[70] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line I-I.

[71] As shown in FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a body 100, an inlet side support portion 200, a heater portion 300, an air flow channel 400, an end portion support portion 500, and a sensor 600.

[72] The housing 100 may define an external shape of the aerosol generating device 10 and may comprise an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be located. For example, the inlet side support portion 200, the heater portion 300, the air flow channel 400, the end portion support portion 500, and the sensor 600 may be located in the internal space of the housing 100, but embodiments of the invention are not limited to components located in the internal space of the housing 100.

[73] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing 100 may comprise an opening 100h, and at least a portion of the aerosol generating article may be inserted (or placed) into the interior of the housing 100 through the opening 100h. Although the opening 100h is shown in the drawing in the region of the upper portion of the housing 100, the design of the opening 100h is not limited to this embodiment.

[74] The inlet-side support portion 200 may be located inside the opening 100h of the housing 100 and support at least a portion of the aerosol generating article inserted into the inside of the housing 100. In addition, the inlet-side support portion 200 may pass air located outside the aerosol generating device 10 into the aerosol generating device 10.

[75] The support unit 200 on the inlet side may comprise a support body 210 supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and a supply channel 220 through which air from outside the body 100 enters the interior of the body 100.

[76] The heater unit 300 may be located in the interior of the housing 100. The heater unit 300 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article inserted into the interior of the housing 100.

[77] The heater unit 300 may comprise a heater 310 that generates heat when power is supplied. The heater 310 may comprise a receiving space 300i for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the interior of the housing 100. At least one region of the aerosol-generating article received in the receiving space 300i may be heated by the heater 310. The aerosol-generating article may be heated, and evaporated particles generated from the aerosol-generating article may be mixed with air in the interior of the housing 100 for generating an aerosol.

[78] The heater 310 may heat at least one region of the aerosol generating article located in the placement space 300i by an induction heating method using the coil 311 and the current collector 312.

[79] The coil 311 may be located around the outer peripheral surface of the current collector 312 and may generate an alternating magnetic field by being powered by a battery.

[80] The current collector 312 may be arranged around at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating article arranged in the accommodation space 300i. The current collector 312 may heat the aerosol generating article arranged in the accommodation space 300i by generating heat under the action of an alternating magnetic field created by the coil 311.

[81] In another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 may comprise an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater assembly 300 may comprise a film heater located around at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the interior of the housing 100. The film heater may comprise an electrically conductive path, and when current flows through the electrically conductive path, the film heater may generate heat to heat the aerosol-generating article inserted into the housing 100.

[82] In another example of the heater assembly 300, the heater assembly 300 may comprise a needle and/or rod and/or tubular heater capable of heating the interior of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the body 100. The above-described heater may be inserted, for example, into at least one region of the aerosol-generating article to heat the interior of the aerosol-generating article.

[83] The embodiments of the invention are not limited to this method of implementing the heater, and the heater can be modified into various forms, as long as it is possible to heat the aerosol-generating article to a predetermined temperature. According to the invention, the "predetermined temperature" may mean a temperature at which the aerosol-generating material included in the aerosol-generating article can be heated to generate an aerosol. The predetermined temperature can be set in the aerosol-generating device 10. Alternatively, the predetermined temperature can be changed depending on the type of the aerosol-generating device 10 and/or the user's actions.

[84] The heater assembly 300 may further comprise a heat-insulating structure 320 for sealing the heater 310.

[85] The heat-insulating structure 320 can prevent the heat generated by the heater 310 from being transmitted to the outer peripheral surface of the body 100 by sealing the heater 310. Even when the temperature of the heater 310 is maintained high, the heat-insulating structure 320 can prevent the high temperature heat from being transmitted to the body (for example, the palm) of the user holding the body 100.

[86] The heat-insulating structure 320 may be closed by a sealing unit. The sealing unit prevents the droplets generated during the aerosol generation process from leaking out of the heater unit 300 by sealing the space in which the heater 310 is located. The sealing unit may prevent failure or damage to the components of the device 10 for generating an aerosol by droplets.

[87] The heat-insulating structure 320 may comprise a first heat-insulating body 321, a second heat-insulating body 322, and an outer heat-insulating body 323 with a double wall.

[88] The first heat-insulating housing 321 may be located outside the current collector 312.

[89] The second heat-insulating body 322 is arranged so that it is connected to the upper end of the first heat-insulating body 321 and surrounds a part of the outer surface of the first heat-insulating body 321.

[90] The outer heat-insulating body 323 is located outside the second heat-insulating body 322 and has a double wall.

[91] The current collector 312 may be located in the internal space formed by the first heat-insulating body 321 and the second heat-insulating body 322.

[92] The second heat-insulating body 322 may be connected to at least one region of the upper end of the first heat-insulating body 321, but the connection structure of the second heat-insulating body 322 and the first heat-insulating body 321 is not limited to this embodiment. In another example, the first heat-insulating body 321 and the second heat-insulating body 322 may be formed as a single unit.

[93] The air flow channel 400 is located between the current collector 312 and the first heat-insulating body 321 in the interior space of the body 100. The air flow channel 400 can be implemented with the possibility of transmitting a fluid medium between the outer side of the aerosol generating device 10 and the space 300i for accommodating the heater unit 300.

[94] The air flow channel 400 may be arranged to connect the air flow hole in the support unit 200 on the inlet side with the air inlet portion of the support unit 500 of the end portion in the space 300i for being arranged in a state of being at a certain distance from the heater unit 300. For example, the air flow channel 400 may be arranged between the coil 311 and the current collector 312, surrounding the current collector 312, but the shape of the air flow channel 400 is not limited to such an arrangement.

[95] The above-described structure of the air flow channel 400 allows the outer side of the aerosol generating device 10 to be connected to the inner part of the accommodation space 300i in a manner that allows the fluid to be transferred.

[96] The end portion support unit 500 may be disposed at an end portion (for example, a lower end portion) of the accommodation space 300i and may support the lower and side portion of the aerosol generating article inserted into the inner portion of the body 100.

[97] The end portion support unit 500 may be arranged as an independent element in the lower end portion of the accommodation space 300i for supporting the aerosol generating article. The end portion support unit 500 may be formed as a single unit with the accommodation space 300i in the lower end portion of the accommodation space 300i by deforming the end portion support unit 500.

[98] When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space 300i, air in the air flow channel 400 may enter the aerosol generating article through the end portion support unit 500.

[99] The sensor 600 may be located in the interior of the housing 100 and detect a user's puff or a change in the temperature of the heater 310.

[100] The sensor 600 may comprise a puff sensor 610 for detecting a change in pressure. The puff sensor 610 may detect a change in pressure in the air flow channel 400 in accordance with a puff of the user.

[101] The sensor 600 may comprise a temperature sensor 620 for detecting a change in temperature. The temperature sensor 620 may detect a change in temperature of the heater 310 during operation of the heater 310.

[102] The puff sensor 610 may be located near the support unit 200 on the inlet side. The temperature sensor 620 may be located near the current collector 312 in the interior space. The position of the temperature sensor 620 and the puff sensor 610 may be changed in various ways.

[103] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention, the diagram illustrating the process of air movement in accordance with a user's puff in the aerosol generating device.

[104] FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2.

[105] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the heater unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 10 and the movement of air in accordance with the user's puff will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[106] As shown in FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may include a body 100, an inlet side support portion 200, a heater portion 300, an air flow path 400, an end portion support portion 500, and a sensor 600. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention may correspond to or be similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and repeated description will be omitted.

[107] In one embodiment of the invention, when the user's mouth contacts the aerosol generating article 20 and a puff is taken, a pressure difference may arise between the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 and the inside of the housing 100, which allows external air to enter the inside of the housing 100 through the support assembly 200 from the inlet side.

[108] The outside air entering the inside of the housing 100 may pass through the inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 from the inlet port side and reach the air flow duct 400 by passing through the air flow opening 400h.

[109] The air passed through the air flow passage 400 can reach the air flow inlet portion 500i in the end portion support unit 500.

[110] The air reaching the air flow inlet portion 500i takes a U-shape along the end portion support unit 500 and passes through the air outlet portion 500e to enter the end portion of the article 20 for generating an aerosol inserted into the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2).

[111] Air supplied to the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) may be mixed with vaporized particles generated by heating the aerosol generating article 20 to generate an aerosol. The user may inhale the aerosol generated in the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) by puffing while inhaling the aerosol generating article 20.

[112] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[113] FIG. 4 shows in plan a housing 100 in which an aerosol generating article 20 is inserted and a support unit 200 on the inlet side of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2.

[114] As shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a body 100 and a support portion 200 on the inlet side. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may correspond to or be similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 2, and repeated description will be omitted.

[115] The support unit 200 on the inlet side may be disposed inside the opening 100h of the housing 100 and mounted on the aerosol generating device 10 to support the aerosol generating article 20.

[116] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[117] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the support assembly 200 from the inlet side of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 4.

[118] As shown in FIG. 5, the interior space of the housing 100 may include a receiving space 300i for receiving an article for generating an aerosol. The support unit 200 on the inlet side may be located at an end portion (for example, an upper end portion) of the receiving space 300i and be open in an outward direction from the housing 100.

[119] The support unit 200 on the inlet side may comprise at least one support body 210 for supporting at least a portion of the aerosol generating article and a supply channel 220 through which air from outside the body 100 enters into the accommodation space 300i.

[120] The support body 210 may contact at least a part of the outer side of the aerosol generating article, forming a support of the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, a plurality of support bodies may be arranged in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i so as to contact the outer side of the aerosol generating article. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the support portion 200 from the inlet side, the support portion 210 may contact the aerosol generating article and simultaneously form a supply channel 220 between the support portion 200 from the inlet side and the aerosol generating article. That is, the supply channel 220 may be located between the support bodies 210.

[121] The inlet duct 220 passes air and may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for placement from the outside of the housing 100. The shape of the inlet duct 220 may provide two advantages with respect to air flow compared to a shape with a constant width in the longitudinal direction of the housing 100 used in the prior art.

[122] First, since the area of the opening of the inlet duct 220, which is opened to the outside from the body 100, is maximized throughout the entire length of the inlet duct 220, a sufficient amount of external air can continuously flow into the accommodation space 300i. The atomization efficiency of the aerosol generating device 10 can be improved due to the structure of the inlet duct 220.

[123] Secondly, the size of the inlet duct 220 decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i from the opening opened to the outside of the body 100. In connection with the change in the size of the inlet duct 220, the flow rate of the air passing through the inlet duct 220 can change. As the flow rate of the air changes, the air pressure in the accommodation space 300i changes, and the puff sensor 610 (see FIG. 2) can recognize the change in the air pressure. The controller can recognize the execution of a puff in which the user inhales based on the recognition of the change in pressure by the puff sensor.

[124] The size of the inlet duct 220 may decrease in the direction of the inner part of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100. One inlet duct 220 is surrounded by support bodies 210 in the peripheral direction of the space 300i for accommodation. The size of the support body 210 may increase in the direction of the inner part of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[125] The inlet duct 220 may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for placement from the outside of the housing 100. The configuration and shape of the support unit 200 on the inlet side may be changed in various ways.

[126] The supply channel 220 between adjacent support bodies 210 comprises a side wall 220w, closed in the peripheral direction of the space 300i for placement by the support body 210.

[127] Since one inlet duct 220 is surrounded by support bodies 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i, the side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 may be a wall on the side surface facing the support body 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[128] The side wall 220w may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 and inclined in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i. Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w, the size of the inlet duct 220 may decrease, and the size of the support body 210 may increase in the direction of the inner part of the accommodation space 300i outside in the longitudinal direction of the body 100. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to such a shape of the side wall, and the shape of the side wall 220 may be changed in various ways.

[129] The support unit 200 on the inlet side includes an upper end portion facing outward from the body 100 and a lower end portion facing inward of the space 300i for accommodating in the longitudinal direction of the body 100. That is, the support body 210 includes an upper end portion 210i and a lower end portion 2101, and the inlet duct 220 also includes an upper end portion 220i and a lower end portion 2201.

[130] The length of the supply duct 220 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i from the upper end portion 220i of the supply duct 220 may exceed the length of the supply duct 220 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i from the lower end portion 2201 of the supply duct 220. Unlike the length of the supply duct 220, the length of the support body 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i from the lower end portion 2101 of the support body 210 may exceed the length of the support body 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i from the upper end portion 210i of the support body 210.

[131] Accordingly, the width of the inlet duct 220 may be reduced toward the inside of the space 300i for accommodation from the outside of the body 100, while the configuration and shape of the support unit 200 on the inlet side may be changed in various ways.

[132] FIG. 6 is an exploded view schematically illustrating components of the support assembly from the inlet side of FIG. 5.

[133] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the support body 210, the inlet duct 220, and the opening 400h for air flow in the circumferential direction of the support unit 200 from the side of the inlet opening.

[134] As shown in FIG. 6, the size of the inlet duct 220 may decrease and the size of the support body 210 may increase in the direction of the lower end portion from the upper end portion in the plan view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side.

[135] The upper end portion in plan is the outer side of the body 100, and the lower end portion in plan is a portion facing the inside of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2). Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w described above with reference to FIG. 5, the size of the inlet duct 220 decreases in the direction of the inside of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[136] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the support assembly from the inlet side of FIG. 5.

[137] In FIG. 7, only the inlet-side support assembly 200 obtained by separating the inlet-side support assembly 200 from the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 5 is shown in plan.

[138] As shown in FIG. 7, the support portion 200 on the inlet side may include a connecting portion for connecting the support body 210, the inlet duct 220, and the body 100 to each other. The shape of the support portion 200 on the inlet side may be changed in various ways.

[139] Due to the inclination of the side wall 220w, the size of the inlet duct 220 can be reduced in the direction of the inner portion of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) in the longitudinal direction of the body 100. In contrast to the shape of the inlet duct 220, the size of the support body 210 can increase in the direction of the inner portion of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[140] The dimensions of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220 are constant in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2). However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the shape of the inlet duct 220.

[141] FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the side of the support assembly from the side of the inlet port shown in FIG. 5.

[142] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII illustrating a state in which the inlet side support portion 200 shown in FIG. 7 is mounted to the aerosol generating device 10.

[143] As shown in FIG. 8, the side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 of the support member 200 on the inlet side may be inclined in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[144] For example, due to the inclination of the side wall 220w described above with reference to FIG. 5, the shape of the inlet duct 220 decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[145] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[146] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inlet channel 220 is changed in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 compared to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

[147] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the inlet channels 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 and the other embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 may generally have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[148] The side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 and form a continuous plane from an end portion (for example, an upper end portion) to another end portion (for example, a lower end portion) of the inlet duct 220.

[149] The side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 of the support assembly 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 may comprise at least one flat or curved surface to form a discrete shape (for example, a staircase shape).

[150] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[151] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the side wall 220w of the inlet channel 220 is changed in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 compared to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

[152] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the inlet channels 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 and the other embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 may generally have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[153] The side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 and linearly inclined in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[154] The side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 and curvedly inclined in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[155] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[156] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the support assembly 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the slope of the curved wall 220w is changed compared to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10.

[157] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inlet ducts 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side in two embodiments of the invention may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i due to the curvilinear inclination of the side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220.

[158] The side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 and form a slope of a concave curved shape in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[159] The side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 and form a slope of a convex curved shape in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[160] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[161] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the inlet channel 220 is changed in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) compared to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

[162] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, the inlet passages 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 and the other embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12 may generally have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100. In addition, the inlet passage 220 may have a shape that opens toward the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 10.

[163] The inlet channel 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 may comprise at least one flat or curved surface between the support bodies 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[164] The inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12 may have a concave shape between the support bodies 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[165] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a portion of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 12.

[166] FIG. 13 shows in plan only a portion of the inlet-side support assembly 200 obtained by separating the inlet-side support assembly 200 from the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 12.

[167] As shown in FIG. 13, the inlet side support unit 200 according to another embodiment of the invention may have a structure corresponding to the inlet side support unit 200 according to the embodiment of the invention described above with reference to FIG. 7, and differs in the shape of the inlet duct 220 described above with reference to FIG. 12.

[168] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention, which is a diagram illustrating the movement of air in the inlet duct.

[169] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the support assembly 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the inlet duct 220 differs in terms of air flow from the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, which schematically shows a change in air flow depending on the shape of the inlet duct 220.

[170] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, the inlet ducts 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 and the other embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 14 may generally have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i in the longitudinal direction of the casing 100. In addition, the inlet duct 220 may pass air from outside the casing 100 into the accommodation space 300i.

[171] The inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet port side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 may have a shape elongated in the longitudinal direction of the casing 100 and pass the introduced air in the longitudinal direction of the casing 100.

[172] The inlet duct 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 14 may be curved in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i and oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[173] Due to its curved shape, the inlet duct 220 can direct air flowing through the inlet duct 220 around the article to generate an aerosol in a vortex pattern.

[174] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[175] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the inlet channel 220 is changed, the width of which decreases towards the inside of the accommodation space 300i, compared to the embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

[176] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 15, the inlet ducts 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 and the other embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15 may generally have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i in the longitudinal direction of the casing 100. In other words, the length from the inlet duct 220 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i may exceed the length from the upper end portion 220i of the inlet duct 220 to the lower end portion 2201 of the inlet duct 220.

[177] The support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5 may include a supply duct 220, the width of which decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i due to the inclination of the side wall 220w described above with reference to FIG. 5. However, the dimensions of the support body 210 and the supply duct 220 are constant in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[178] The inlet-side support unit 200 according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15 does not have an inclination of the side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i. Instead, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i, the width between the lower end portion 2201 of the inlet duct 220 and the aerosol generating article may be smaller than the width between the upper end portion 220i of the inlet duct 220 and the aerosol generating article.

[179] Accordingly, the inlet passage 220 of the support member 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15 may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i due to the difference in width between each part of the inlet passage 220 and the aerosol generating article 20 described above.

[180] The size of the support body 210 is constant in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220, and the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220 can be changed in various ways.

[181] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 15.

[182] FIG. 16 shows in plan only a portion of the inlet-side support assembly 200 obtained by separating the inlet-side support assembly 200 from the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 15.

[183] As shown in FIG. 16, the inlet side support assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention may comprise a support body 210 and a supply channel 220. The shape of the inlet side support assembly 200 may be varied in various ways.

[184] In another embodiment of the invention, due to the difference in width between each part of the inlet channel 220 and the aerosol generating article described above with reference to FIG. 15, the width of the inlet channel 220 may decrease toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2).

[185] The size of the support body 210 is constant in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) and the circumferential direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2). However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220.

[186] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the side of the inlet side support portion shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a sectional view along line XVII-XVII illustrating a state in which the inlet side support portion 200 shown in FIG. 16 is mounted on the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted.

[187] As shown in FIG. 17, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i according to another embodiment of the invention, the width between the lower end portion 2201 of the inlet channel 220 and the aerosol generating article 20 may be smaller than the width between the upper end portion 220i of the inlet channel 220 and the aerosol generating article 20.

[188] This may be an example of a supply duct 220 whose width decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i due to the difference in width between each part of the supply duct 220 and the aerosol generating article 20 described above with reference to FIG. 15.

[189] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[190] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the surface of the inlet channel 220 facing the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 is changed in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 (see FIG. 2) compared to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15.

[191] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the inlet channels 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side in two embodiments of the invention may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[192] In the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15, the width between the end portion of the inlet duct 220 and the aerosol generating article continuously changes in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[193] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 18, the above-mentioned width in the above-described direction may be discretely varied in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[194] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[195] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the surface of the inlet channel 220 facing the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 is changed in the longitudinal direction of the body 100 (see FIG. 2) compared to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15.

[196] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, the inlet channels 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side in two embodiments may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the space 300i for accommodation in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[197] In the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15, the width between the end portion of the inlet duct 220 and the aerosol generating article varies linearly in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[198] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19, the above-mentioned width in the above-described direction may vary non-linearly in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[199] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[200] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the direction of the surface of the inlet channel 220 is curved, the surface facing the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generating device 10 is changed compared with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19.

[201] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the inlet channels 220 of the support units 200 on the inlet side in two embodiments of the invention may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i in the longitudinal direction of the casing 100, due to a non-linear change in width in the longitudinal direction of the casing 100.

[202] The surface of the inlet channel 220 in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19, the surface facing the aerosol generating article, may be convex.

[203] The surface described above in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 20 may be concave.

[204] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a support assembly from the inlet side mounted on an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[205] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the support unit 200 from the inlet side, in which the shape of the inlet channel 220 is changed, the width of which decreases towards the inside of the accommodation space 300i, compared to the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 15.

[206] As shown in FIG. 21, the inlet channel 220 of the support unit 200 on the inlet side according to another embodiment of the invention may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i, as in the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 15.

[207] The support unit 200 on the inlet side according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 21 does not have an inclination of the side wall 220w of the inlet duct 220 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i, as shown in FIG. 15. However, unlike the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15, the thickness of the support body 210 in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i may vary in the longitudinal direction of the body 100.

[208] In particular, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i, the thickness of the upper end portion 210i of the support body 210 may be less than the thickness of the lower end portion 2101 of the support body 210.

[209] Since the upper end portion 210 of the support body 210 does not contact the aerosol generating article, a space is formed between the support body 210 and the aerosol generating article. The space may be a part of the inlet channel 220.

[210] The inlet channel 220 between the support bodies 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i has a constant width relative to the aerosol generating article in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i.

[211] The inlet channel 220 formed between the support body 210 and the aerosol generating article may have a width that decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i due to the difference in thickness of the support body 210 described above.

[212] The lower end portion 2101 of the support body 210 may come into contact with the outer side of the aerosol generating article to a degree that allows supporting the aerosol generating article. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220, and the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220 may be changed in various ways.

[213] FIG. 22 is a plan view of a portion of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 21.

[214] FIG. 22 shows in plan only a portion of the inlet side support assembly 200 obtained by separating the inlet side support assembly 200 from the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 21.

[215] As shown in FIG. 22, the inlet side support assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention may comprise a support body 210 and a supply channel 220. The shape of the inlet side support assembly 200 may be varied in various ways.

[216] In another embodiment of the invention, due to the different thickness of the support body 210 described above with reference to FIG. 21, the width of the inlet channel 220 may decrease towards the interior of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2).

[217] The size of the inlet duct 220 between the support bodies 210 in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) is constant in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2) and the peripheral direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2). However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220.

[218] FIG. 23 shows a sectional view of the side of the support assembly from the side of the inlet shown in FIG. 21, into which the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[219] FIG. 23 is a sectional view along line XXIII-XXIII illustrating a state in which the inlet-side support portion 200 shown in FIG. 22 is mounted on the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted.

[220] As shown in FIG. 23, in the radial direction of the accommodation space 300i (see FIG. 2), the thickness of the upper end portion 210i of the support body 210 may be smaller than the thickness of the lower end portion 2101 of the support body 210.

[221] This may be an example of a supply duct 220 whose width decreases toward the inside of the accommodation space 300i due to the difference in thickness of the support body 210 described above with reference to FIG. 21.

[222] The lower end portion 2101 of the support body 210 may come into contact with the outer side of the aerosol generating article to a degree that allows supporting the aerosol generating article. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220, and the shape of the support body 210 and the inlet duct 220 may be changed in various ways.

[223] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[224] The aerosol generating device 2400 may comprise a controller 2410, a sensor unit 2420, an output unit 2430, a battery 2440, a heater 2450, a user input unit 2460, a memory 2470, and a communication unit 2480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 2400 is not limited to the embodiments shown in FIG. 24. That is, it is obvious to one skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 24 may be absent, or new components may be added in accordance with the design of the aerosol generating device 2400.

[225] The sensor unit 2420 may determine the state of the aerosol generating device 2400 and the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 2400, and transmit the received information to the controller 2410. Based on the received information, the controller 2410 may send commands to the aerosol generating device 2400 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 2450, restricting smoking, recognizing the insertion of an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc.

[226] The sensor unit 2420 may comprise a temperature sensor 2422 and/or an insertion recognition sensor 2424 and/or a puff sensor 2426, as well as other sensors.

[227] The temperature sensor 2422 may determine the temperature to which the heater 2450 (or aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 2400 may comprise a separate temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the heater 2450, or the heater 2450 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2422 may be located around the battery 2440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 2440.

[228] The insertion recognition sensor 2424 may recognize the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion recognition sensor 2424 may be a film sensor and/or a pressure sensor and/or a light sensor and/or a resistive sensor and/or a capacitive sensor and/or an inductive sensor and/or an infrared sensor, and may recognize a change in signal upon insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article.

[229] The puff sensor 2426 may recognize a puff performed by a user based on various physical changes in the air flow path or in the air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2426 may recognize a puff performed by a user based on a change in any of the following parameters: temperature, flow, voltage, and pressure.

[230] The sensor unit 2420 may further comprise at least one of the following components: a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, a position sensor (for example, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, blue (RGB) color sensor (for example, a light sensor), in addition to the temperature sensor 2422, the input recognition sensor 2424, and the puff sensor 2426 described above. Since the purpose of each sensor may be intuitively clear from its name to a person skilled in the art, a detailed description of this purpose may be omitted in this document.

[231] The output unit 2430 can output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 2400 and provide it to the user. The output unit 2430 can comprise a display device 2432 and/or a tactile device 2434 and/or a sound output device 2436, as well as other devices. If the display device 2432 and the touch panel are formed as a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display device 2432 can be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[232] The display device 2432 may visually provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 2400. The information about the aerosol generating device 2400 may include, for example, a charge/discharge state of the battery 2440 of the aerosol generating device 2400, a preheating state of the heater 2450, a state of insertion/removal of the aerosol generating article, a state of limited use (for example, an abnormal object is detected) of the aerosol generating device 2400, and the like, and the display device 2432 may output the information to the outside. The display device 2432 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and the like. In addition, the display device 2432 may be implemented as a light-emitting diode (LED) device.

[233] The haptic device 2434 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 2400 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. The haptic device 2434 may be, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[234] The sound output device 2436 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 2400 in sound form. For example, the sound output device 2436 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[235] The battery 2440 may supply power necessary to control the aerosol generating device 2400. For example, the battery 2440 may supply power to heat the heater 2450. In addition, the battery 2440 may supply power necessary to operate other components (e.g., the sensor unit 2420, the output unit 2430, the user input unit 2460, the memory 2470, and the communication unit 2480) included in the aerosol generating device 2400. The battery 2440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 2440 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery; other options are also possible.

[236] The heater 2450 may be powered by the battery 2440 for heating the material for generating the aerosol. Although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further comprise a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC/DC) converter) that converts the power of the battery 2440 and supplies power to the heater 2450. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 2400 generates the aerosol by the induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) converter that converts the direct current of the battery 2440 into alternating current.

[237] The controller 2410, the sensor unit 2420, the output unit 2430, the user input unit 2460, the memory 2470 and the communication unit 2480 may receive the power necessary to perform their functions from the battery 2440. Although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further comprise a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 2440 and supplies power to the corresponding components.

[238] In one embodiment of the invention, the heater 2450 may comprise any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, a suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like, as well as other metals or alloys. In addition, the heater 2450 may be implemented in the form of a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive path is placed, or a ceramic heating element, as well as in other embodiments.

[239] In another embodiment of the invention, the heater 2450 may be an induction type heater. For example, the heater 2450 may comprise a current collector that heats a material to generate an aerosol by generating heat through a magnetic field induced by a coil.

[240] The user input unit 2460 may receive information from a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 2460 may comprise, in particular, a keyboard, a dome switch, a touch panel (for example, a contact-capacitive type, a resistive film type, an infrared sensor type, a surface ultrasonic conductivity type, an integral voltage measurement type, a piezo effect type, etc.), a switch wheel, a switch, and the like. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 24, the aerosol generating device 2400 may further comprise a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface, for transmitting and receiving information or for charging the battery 2440.

[241] Memory 2470 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 2400 and can store data to be processed and data processed by the controller 2410. Memory 2470 can be at least one of the following types of storage media: flash memory, a hard disk, a multimedia micro-card, a card (e.g., SD or XD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Memory 2470 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 2400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's smoking habits, etc.

[242] The communication unit 2480 may comprise at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 2480 may comprise a short-range wireless communication unit 2482 and a wireless communication unit 2484.

[243] The short-range wireless communication unit 2482 may be, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an IrDA communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit.

[244] The wireless communication unit 2484 may be a cellular network communicator, an Internet communicator, a computer network communicator (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), and other similar devices, but is not limited to these options. The wireless communication unit 2484 may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 2400 in the communication network.

[245] The controller 2410 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 2400 as a whole. In one embodiment of the invention, the controller 2410 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic elements or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. One skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[246] The controller 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 controller 2410 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 2440 and the heater 2450. In another embodiment of the invention, the direct heating circuit may control the supply of power to the heater 2450 in accordance with a control command from the controller 2410.

[247] The controller 2410 may analyze the result obtained by the sensor unit 2420 and control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 2410 may control the power supplied to the heater 2450 to start or stop the operation of the heater 2450 based on the result obtained by the sensor unit 2420. In another embodiment of the invention, the controller 2410, based on the result obtained by the sensor unit 2420, may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 2450 and the time of supplying the power, which allows heating the heater 2450 to a certain temperature or maintaining it at an appropriate temperature level.

[248] The controller 2410 may control the output unit 2430 based on the result obtained by the sensor unit 2420. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 2426 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 2410 may inform the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 2400 will soon end, via the display device 2432 and/or the tactile device 2434 and/or the sound output device 2436.

[249] In one embodiment of the invention, the controller 2410 may control the timing and/or amount of supplying power to the heater 2450 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-generating article 20 in FIG. 1) detected by the sensor unit 2420. For example, when the aerosol-generating article 20 is in an over-wetted state, the controller 2410 may control the timing of supplying power to the inductor (e.g., the coil 311 in FIG. 2) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol-generating article 20 compared to a normal state.

[250] One embodiment of the invention may also be implemented in the form of a storage medium that contains instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executable by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes both non-retentive and power-off-retentive media, and removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may comprise both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. A computer storage medium comprises all of non-retentive and power-off-retentive media, and removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically comprises computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transport mechanisms, and comprises any information transmission media.

[251] The descriptions of the above embodiments are merely examples, and it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and equivalents may be made. Therefore, the protected scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences in the protected scope equivalent to those described in the claims will be interpreted as being included within the protected scope defined by the claims.

Claims (17)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing comprising a space for accommodating, configured to accommodate an article for generating an aerosol; and a support on the side of the inlet opening, located in the opening of the accommodation space and comprising at least one support body configured to support the aerosol generating article, and a supply channel configured to receive air from outside the body, wherein the width of the supply channel decreases towards the inside of the accommodation space from the outside of the body. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the size of the supply channel decreases towards the inside of the space for placement in the longitudinal direction of the housing. 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein at least one side wall of the supply channel in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body and is inclined in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space. 4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein at least one side wall is inclined in a curvilinear manner. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, in which a plurality of support housings are provided, and the inlet channel has a concave shape between adjacent support housings and is open towards the aerosol generating product. 6. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, in which the supply channel is curved in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space and is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body, and the supply channel is designed with the possibility of directing air moving along the supply channel around the aerosol generating product in a vortex pattern. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein in the longitudinal direction of the housing, the length of the opening of the supply channel facing outward from the housing, in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space, exceeds the length of the part of the supply channel located inside the accommodation space, in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet channel comprises an upper end portion facing outward from the housing and a lower end portion facing inward from the housing space in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the width of the upper end portion is less than the width of the lower end portion in the radial direction of the housing space. 9. An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the width of the inlet channel is discretely reduced. 10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the width of the inlet channel decreases nonlinearly. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of support bodies are arranged in a peripheral direction of the accommodation space so that they come into contact with the outer side of the aerosol generating article, and the supply channel is arranged between adjacent support bodies. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the size of at least one of the plurality of support bodies increases towards the interior of the accommodation space from the exterior of the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. 13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the side wall of at least one of the plurality of support bodies in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the body and is inclined in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space. 14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the length of the lower end portion of at least one support body facing the inside of the accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the body, in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space, exceeds the length of the upper end portion of at least one support body facing the outside of the body, in the peripheral direction of the accommodation space. 15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of support bodies comprises an upper end portion facing outward from the body and a lower end portion facing inward of the accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the body, and the thickness of the upper end portion is less than the thickness of the lower end portion in the radial direction of the accommodation space.