Aerosol generation device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes: a storage tank configured to store aerosol generating material; a core configured to absorb the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank; a vibrator configured to atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed in the core into aerosols by generating ultrasonic vibrations; an exhaust channel configured to exhaust the aerosols to the outside of the aerosol generating device; and a structural member located at one end of the exhaust channel and configured to press the core toward the vibrator to maintain contact between the core and the vibrator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments relate to aerosol generating apparatuses, and more particularly, to aerosol generating apparatuses including structures capable of maintaining contact between the core and the vibrator by pressing the core toward the vibrator. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, there has been a growing demand for alternatives to overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for aerosol generating devices that produce aerosols by heating aerosol-generating substances instead of burning cigarettes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] In recent years, an aerosol generating device has been proposed that generates aerosols by atomizing aerosol-generating substances using ultrasonic vibration. For example, an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generating device includes a core and a vibrator. The core absorbs aerosol-generating substances, and the vibrator contacts the core and atomizes the aerosol-generating substances absorbed in the core through ultrasonic vibration to generate aerosols.

[0005] However, in conventional ultrasonic aerosol generators, the vibrator and core may separate due to the ultrasonic vibration of the vibrator. As a result, the aerosol-generating material may not be supplied smoothly to the vibrator, and the atomization performance of the aerosol generator may deteriorate.

[0006] The technical problems addressed in this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be derived from the embodiments described below.

[0007] Solutions to the problem

[0008] This disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned problems by providing an aerosol generating apparatus that can stably maintain contact between the vibrator and the core during the generation of ultrasonic vibrations by pressing the core toward the vibrator.

[0009] An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment may include: a storage tank configured to store aerosol generating material; a core configured to absorb the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank; a vibrator configured to atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed in the core into aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations; an exhaust channel configured to exhaust the aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating apparatus; and a structural member located at one end of the exhaust channel and configured to press the core toward the vibrator such that contact between the core and the vibrator is maintained.

[0010] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0011] According to the embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus can stably maintain contact between the vibrator and the core when generating ultrasonic vibrations from the vibrator by pressing the core toward the vibrator.

[0012] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment can stably maintain contact between the vibrator and the core, so that the aerosol generating material is smoothly supplied to the vibrator, and as a result, the atomization performance can be improved.

[0013] The effects of each embodiment are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand any effects not mentioned from this application and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged view of a partial configuration of the aerosol generation device.

[0017] Figure 4A This is a side view showing the structure and emission channel of the aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the structure and emission channels.

[0019] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A The diagram shows a bottom view of the structure and emission channels.

[0020] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the structure and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The diagram shows a bottom view of the structure and emission channels.

[0022] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the structure and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the structure and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7AThis is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A A three-dimensional diagram of the structure and emission channels of the aerosol generation device.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9A It shows Figure 8 The diagram shows a side view of the structure and emission channel of the aerosol generation device.

[0028] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the structure and emission channels. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The solution of the present invention

[0030] Regarding the terminology used to describe various embodiments, generally used terms are selected in consideration of the function of the structural elements in the various embodiments of this disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms may change depending on intent, judicial precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in some cases, less commonly used terms may be selected. In such cases, the meaning of the term will be described in detail in the corresponding section of the description of this disclosure. Therefore, the terminology used in the various embodiments of this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the description provided herein.

[0031] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "comprising" and variations such as "including" or "including" will be understood to mean including the stated element but not excluding any other element. Additionally, the terms "device," "component," and "module" described in the application refer to a unit for performing at least one function and / or operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0032] As used in this article, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements when placed before the list of elements, and do not modify any individual element in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood as including only a, including only b, including only c, including both a and b, including both a and c, including both b and c, or including a, b, and c.

[0033] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "above," "on top of," "over," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly located above, on top of, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly above," "directly over," "directly above," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to," there are no intermediate elements or layers present. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0034] In this disclosure, "implementation methods" are arbitrarily categorized for the purpose of describing the invention, and each implementation method is not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a configuration disclosed in one implementation method may be applied and / or implemented in other implementation methods, and may be modified, applied and / or implemented without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the "aerosol generating device" can be a device that generates aerosols using aerosol generating substances. The aerosols can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0036] The terminology used in this disclosure is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, singular forms also include plural forms.

[0037] In the following description, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a processor 110, a battery 120, a sensor 130, a user interface 140, a memory 150, and an atomizer 400. In some embodiments, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator for atomizing aerosol-generating substances into aerosols by generating ultrasonic vibrations. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown is based on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 Some of the hardware components shown may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may consist only of the main body, in which case the hardware components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 are located within the main body.

[0041] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a main body and a cartridge, in which case the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 are located in the main body and the cartridge, respectively. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located in the main body and the cartridge, respectively.

[0042] The operation of each component in the assembly will be described below, not limited to the location of the aerosol generating device 1000 in a specific space.

[0043] Processor 110 is a hardware component configured to control the routine operation of aerosol generation device 1000. Processor 110 may be implemented as an array of logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0044] The processor 110 analyzes the sensing results of at least one sensor 130 and controls the subsequent processing to be performed.

[0045] The processor 110 can control the power supplied to the atomizer 400 based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 130, thereby starting or stopping the atomizer 400's operation. Additionally, based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 130, the processor 110 can control the amount of electricity supplied to the atomizer 400 and the duration of power supply, so that the atomizer 400 generates an appropriate amount of aerosol. For example, the processor 110 can control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator, causing the vibrator of the atomizer 400 to vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0046] In this embodiment, the processor 110 can start the atomizer 400 to operate after receiving input from the user regarding the aerosol generating device 1000. Additionally, the processor 110 can start the atomizer 400 to operate after detecting a user's inhalation using a suction detection sensor. Furthermore, the processor 110 can stop supplying power to the atomizer 400 when the number of inhalations reaches a preset number after counting the number of inhalations using the suction detection sensor.

[0047] The processor 110 can control the user interface 140 based on the sensing results of at least one sensor 130. For example, when the number of aspirations is counted using a suction detection sensor and a preset number of aspirations is reached, the processor 110 can notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1000 is about to be terminated by using at least one of a light emitter, a motor, or a speaker.

[0048] Battery 120 supplies power to enable the aerosol generating device 1000 to operate. That is, battery 120 provides power to cause the atomizer 400 to atomize the aerosol-generating material. Additionally, battery 120 provides power to enable other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 1000, namely processor 110, sensor 130, user interface 140, and memory 150, to operate. Battery 120 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0049] For example, battery 120 is a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride or nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium cobalt battery, lithium phosphate battery, lithium titanate battery, lithium-ion battery, or lithium polymer battery). However, the type of battery 120 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the batteries described above. If desired, battery 120 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor 130. The results sensed by the at least one sensor 130 are transmitted to a processor 110, and the processor 110 may control the aerosol generating device 1000 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the atomizer 400, restricting smoking, determining whether a cigarette (or cartridge) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0051] For example, the at least one sensor 130 may include a suction detection sensor. The suction detection sensor may detect the user's suction based on any of the following: temperature change, flow rate change, voltage change, and pressure change. The suction detection sensor may detect the start and end times of the user's suction, and the processor 110 may determine suction and non-suction phases based on the detected start and end times of suction.

[0052] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor can be a sensor capable of receiving user input, such as a switch, physical button, or touch sensor. For example, the user input sensor may be a capacitive sensor. In this case, when a user touches a predetermined area formed of a metallic material, the capacitance changes, and the capacitive sensor can detect the user input by detecting the change in capacitance. The processor 110 can determine whether user input has occurred by comparing the values ​​received from the capacitive sensor before and after the capacitance change. When the difference between the values ​​before and after the capacitance change exceeds a preset threshold, the processor 110 can determine that user input has occurred.

[0053] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a motion sensor. Motion information about the aerosol generating device 1000, such as the tilt angle, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 1000, can be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor can detect the state of motion of the aerosol generating device 1000, the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 being stationary, the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 being tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for suction, and the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 being tilted at an angle different from the range for suction. The motion sensor can obtain the motion information of the aerosol generating device 1000 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include an accelerometer capable of measuring acceleration in the x, y, and z axes, and a gyroscope sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in the three directions.

[0054] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor is a sensor that detects the presence of an object or the distance to an object based on an electromagnetic field or infrared light without mechanical contact, and this proximity sensor can detect whether a user is approaching the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0055] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include an image sensor. The image sensor may include, for example, a camera for acquiring images of objects. The image sensor can identify objects based on images acquired by the camera. The processor 110 can analyze the images acquired by the image sensor to determine whether a user intends to use the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, when a user brings the aerosol generating device 1000 close to their lips to use it, the image sensor can acquire an image of the lips. The processor 110 can analyze the acquired image and determine that the user intends to use the aerosol generating device 1000 upon recognizing the lips from the image. In this way, the aerosol generating device 1000 can pre-operate the atomizer 400 or preheat the heater.

[0056] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a consumable removal sensor capable of detecting the installation or removal of consumables (e.g., cartridges, cigarettes, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. For example, the consumable removal sensor may use an image sensor to detect whether a consumable has been attached to or removed from the aerosol generating apparatus 1000. Alternatively, the consumable removal sensor may be an inductive sensor that detects changes in the inductance of a coil that interacts with a mark on the consumable, or a capacitive sensor that detects changes in the capacitance of a capacitor that interacts with a mark on the consumable.

[0057] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the heater (or aerosol generating substance) of the atomizer 400. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater. Alternatively, instead of including a separate temperature sensor, the heater may also serve as a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the temperature sensor can detect not only the temperature of the heater but also the temperature of internal components of the aerosol generating device 1000, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and a battery.

[0058] Additionally, at least one sensor 130 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the surrounding environment, etc.

[0059] Sensor 130 is not limited to the types described above and may also include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes the iris pattern of the pupil, a vein recognition sensor that detects the infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin in veins from an image of the palm, a facial recognition sensor that identifies feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth and facial contours in a 2D or 3D manner, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor.

[0060] The aerosol generating device 1000 can combine and utilize information sensed by at least one of the aforementioned sensors.

[0061] User interface 140 can provide users with information about the status of aerosol generating device 1000. User interface 140 may include various interface devices, such as a display or light emitter for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input / output (I / O) interface devices (e.g., buttons or touch screens) for receiving or outputting information from or to the user, terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and communication interface modules (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.) for wireless communication with external devices.

[0062] However, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can be implemented by selecting only some of the various interface devices mentioned above.

[0063] The memory 150 may be a hardware component configured to store various data processed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1000, and the memory 150 may store data processed or to be processed by the processor 110. The memory 150 may include various types of memory, such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0064] The memory 150 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of inhalations, the current number of inhalations, at least one temperature profile, data about the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0065] The atomizer 400 receives power from the battery 120 under the control of the processor 110. The atomizer 400 can receive power from the battery 120 to atomize the aerosol generating substances stored in the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0066] When the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 400 can be positioned within the cartridge or positioned across the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 400 is located within the cartridge, it can receive power from the battery 120 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, when the atomizer 400 is positioned across the main body and the cartridge, components in the atomizer 400 requiring power can be supplied with power from the battery 120 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

[0067] Atomizer 400 generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance contained in a cartridge. In this disclosure, "aerosol" refers to a suspension of fine liquid and / or solid particles dispersed in a gas. That is, the aerosol generated by atomizer 400 can be a mixture of air and vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance. For example, atomizer 400 can convert the phase of the aerosol-generating substance into a gaseous phase through vaporization and / or sublimation. Alternatively, atomizer 400 can generate an aerosol by atomizing liquid and / or solid aerosol-generating substances into fine particles.

[0068] In one embodiment, the atomizer 400 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method can refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0069] Although Figure 1 Not shown, but the aerosol generation system can consist of an aerosol generation device 1000 and a separate tray. For example, the tray can be used to charge the battery 120 of the aerosol generation device 1000. For example, when the aerosol generation device 1000 is housed in the receiving space of the tray, it can be supplied with power from the battery of the tray to charge the battery 120 of the aerosol generation device 1000.

[0070] One implementation can also be in the form of a computer-readable recording medium, which includes computer-executable instructions, such as computer-executable program modules. The computer-readable recording medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer and can include volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. Additionally, the computer-readable recording medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media, implemented by any method or technology, for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals, such as program modules or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a housing 100, a storage tank 200, a core 300, a vibrator 400, an emission channel 500, and a structural component 600.

[0073] At least one component of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment can be connected with Figure 1 At least one component of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 is the same as or similar to the components. The previously given description will be omitted below.

[0074] The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be disposed within the internal space of the housing 100. According to embodiments, in addition to the components for generating aerosols inside the housing 100 (e.g., storage tank 200, core 300, vibrator 400, discharge channel 500, and / or structural member 600), additional components for driving the aerosol generating device 1000 can be provided.

[0075] In one example, a processor 110 for controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 and / or a battery 120 for supplying power to the components of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be provided inside the housing 100, but the components provided inside the housing 100 are not limited to these.

[0076] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a mouthpiece portion 100m for supplying aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user while in contact with the user's mouth.

[0077] The mouthpiece portion 100m is located at one end of the housing 100 and can be formed in a shape that allows easy contact with the user's mouth. For example, the mouthpiece portion 100m can be oriented with its end facing the end of the housing 100 (e.g., towards). Figure 2 The shape gradually narrows in the z-direction, but the shape of the mouthpiece portion 100m is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0078] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece portion 100m may include an outlet 100e for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, aerosol atomized by the vibrator 400 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the outlet 100e after passing through the discharge channel 500, and the user may inhale the aerosol discharged through the outlet 100e when the mouthpiece portion 100m is placed in the user's mouth.

[0079] The storage tank 200 can be formed as a hollow cylindrical shape including an internal space, and the aerosol-generating material can be stored in the internal space of the storage tank 200. The aerosol-generating material stored in the internal space of the storage tank 200 can include, for example, a liquid composition.

[0080] The liquid composition may include at least one of nicotine, propylene glycol, and glycerin. Nicotine may be contained in tobacco substances obtained by shaping or reconstructing tobacco leaves. Additionally, nicotine may be natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine. For example, nicotine may include free nicotine, nicotine salts, or combinations thereof.

[0081] The liquid composition may contain nicotine or nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid to nicotine, including organic or inorganic acids. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0082] The acid used to form nicotine salts can be appropriately selected by considering factors such as the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, the flavoring or fragrance, and the solubility. For example, the acid used to form nicotine salts can be a single acid selected from the following or a mixture of acids selected from the following: benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, sucralose, and malonic acid or malic acid, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] The propylene glycol and glycerin contained in the liquid composition are aerosol forming agents, and when the propylene glycol and glycerin are atomized, they can generate aerosols. For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio with added nicotine.

[0084] The liquid composition may include, for example, any one of the following components: water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and various fruity flavorings. The flavoring agent may include ingredients capable of providing the user with a variety of fragrances or flavors. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E.

[0085] In one embodiment, the storage tank 200 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 and be configured to surround the discharge channel 500 through which the aerosol flows, but is not limited thereto. In this disclosure, "longitudinal direction" may refer to parallel to... Figure 2 The direction of the z-axis, and the corresponding expression can be used with the same meaning in the following text.

[0086] The core 300 can receive aerosol-generating substances from the storage tank 200. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the core 300 can be inserted into the interior space of the storage tank 200 to contact the aerosol-generating substances stored in the storage tank 200. The aerosol-generating substances stored in the interior space of the storage tank 200 can be absorbed into the core 300 through direct contact. Therefore, the core 300 can receive aerosol-generating substances from the storage tank 200.

[0087] The core 300 may include, for example, at least one of absorbent cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers and porous ceramics, to absorb liquid aerosol generating substances or gel-type aerosol generating substances stored in the internal space of the storage tank 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The vibrator 400 can contact at least a portion of the core 300 and can generate aerosols by atomizing aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 200 to the core 300.

[0089] In one embodiment, the vibrator 400 may be positioned below the core 300 to contact at least a portion of the core 300, and may generate short-term vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core 300 into aerosols. In this case, the vibration generated by the vibrator 400 may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be, for example, from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The phase of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core 300 is transformed into a gas phase by ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator 400, thereby generating an aerosol. In other words, the vibrator 400 can generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibration. In this disclosure, "ultrasonic vibration method" can refer to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibration, and can be used in the same sense below.

[0091] The aerosol generated or atomized by the vibrator 400 can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the discharge channel 500, which connects the internal space of the housing 100 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000. The user can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the discharge channel 500.

[0092] In one embodiment, the vibrator 400 can be fixed to the interior space of the housing 100 by a support member 410. Additionally, at least one area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator 400 can be enclosed by a sealing member 420, which prevents aerosol-generating substances from leaking into other components of the aerosol-generating device 1000. As a result, failure or malfunction of the aerosol-generating device 1000 can be prevented.

[0093] In one embodiment, the discharge channel 500 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 to connect the interior space of the housing 100 with the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1000, but the shape of the discharge channel 500 is not limited thereto.

[0094] Structural member 600 may be configured in the discharge channel 500 to contact at least one area of ​​core 300, and may be configured on the vibrator 400 toward core 300 (i.e., Figure 2 Apply pressure in the -z direction (i.e., Figure 2 (in the -z direction) to continuously maintain contact between the core 300 and the vibrator 400.

[0095] In the absence of a structure for pressing the core 300 toward the vibrator 400, the core 300 may separate from the vibrator 400 due to the ultrasonic vibrations generated within the vibrator 400. If the core 300 separates from the vibrator 400, the supply of aerosol-generating material to the vibrator 400 may not be performed smoothly, and as a result, the aerosol generation efficiency (i.e., atomization performance) of the aerosol generation device may decrease.

[0096] In this regard, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment can maintain continuous contact between the core 300 and the vibrator 400 by using a structural member 600 capable of pressing the core 300 toward the vibrator 400. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can smoothly supply aerosol generating material to the vibrator 400, even when vibration is generated in the vibrator 400, thereby preventing a reduction in the efficiency of generating aerosols by vibration.

[0097] In one embodiment, the structural member 600 may be coupled to a region (i.e., an end portion) of the discharge channel 500 adjacent to the core 300 to press the core 300 in a direction toward the vibrator 400. For example, the structural member 600 may be coupled to the region of the discharge channel 500 by various coupling methods such as threaded connections, interference fits, etc. As another example, the structural member 600 may be supported by a protruding member formed in the discharge channel 500, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

[0098] like Figure 2As shown, the structural member 600 can be formed in a curved shape such that the curved portion contacts the core 300, thereby pressing the core 300 toward the vibrator 400. For example, the structural member 600 can be formed in a convex shape that bends toward the core 300, but the shape of the structural member 600 is not limited to this.

[0099] In one embodiment, the structural member 600 may include a flexible material such that vibrations generated in the vibrator 400 are not affected by pressure exerted by the structural member 600 on the core 300 toward the vibrator 400. The structural member 600 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of, rubber, plastic, and metal with elastic properties.

[0100] If the structural component 600 is made of a non-elastic material, the vibration generated by the vibrator 400 may be weakened or the waveform of the vibration may be deformed as the structural component 600 presses against the core 300 towards the vibrator 400. This may result in a deterioration of the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0101] In this respect, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment can prevent the vibration generated by the vibrator 400 from being weakened and can prevent the waveform of the vibration from being changed, because the structural member 600 that presses the core 300 toward the vibrator 400 is elastic.

[0102] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 The process of pressing the core 300 towards the vibrator 400 via the structural component 600 is described in detail.

[0103] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged view of a partial configuration of the aerosol generation device. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The enlarged view of the core 300 and structural member 600 shown is provided below, and the previously given description will be omitted in the following text.

[0104] Reference Figure 3 The structural member 600 may be configured in the discharge channel 500 to contact at least one area of ​​the core 300, thereby pressing the core 300 toward the vibrator 400.

[0105] In one embodiment, the structural member 600 may be coupled to one end of the discharge channel 500 adjacent to the core 300, and at least one region of the structural member 600 may be bent toward the core 300. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the side, structural member 600 can be formed in a convex shape that bends toward core 300. The curvature of the bent region of structural member 600 can vary depending on the embodiment.

[0106] The curved area of ​​the structural member 600 can contact at least one area of ​​the core 300, such that the core 300 is pressed toward the vibrator 400 through the contact between the core 300 and the structural member 600.

[0107] When the core 300 is pressed toward the vibrator 400 by the structural member 600, the distance between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 can be reduced. The relationship between the distance between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 when the core 300 is compressed by the structural member 600 and the thickness of the core 300 in the uncompressed state can be expressed as Equation 1 below.

[0108] [Equation 1]

[0109] b≥a

[0110] In Equation 1, "a" refers to the distance between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 when the core 300 is pressed by the structural member 600, while "b" refers to the thickness of the core 300 when it is not pressed by the structural member 600.

[0111] In this disclosure, "distance between vibrator and structure" refers to the shortest distance between vibrator 400 and structural member 600, and the expression may be used in the same sense below.

[0112] Furthermore, the core 300 can be divided into a first part 300a and a second part 300b. The first part 300a contacts the vibrator 400, and the second part 300b connects the first part 300a to the internal space of the storage tank 200. In this disclosure, "thickness of the core" refers to the thickness of the first part 300a, and the expression can be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0113] As shown in Equation 1, when the core 300 is pressed towards the vibrator 400 by the structural member 600, the distance between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 can be reduced. Therefore, the distance a between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 can be less than or equal to the thickness b of the core 300 in the uncompressed state.

[0114] Preferably, as shown in Equation 2 below, the distance a between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 can be less than or equal to the thickness b of the core 300 in the uncompressed state and greater than or equal to b / 2.

[0115] [Equation 2]

[0116]

[0117] When a pressure equal to or greater than a certain value is applied to the core 300, the pressure applied from the structural member 600 to the core 300 is transmitted to the vibrator 400, and the vibration generated in the vibrator 400 may be weakened or the waveform of the vibration may be deformed. As a result, the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 1000 may deteriorate. For example, if the vibrator 400 normally generates a vibration of about 2.7 MHz, when pressure is applied to the core 300, the vibration frequency weakens to about 2.5 MHz, which may reduce the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0118] In this disclosure, "specified value" can refer to the pressure value that causes the vibration generated in the vibrator 400 to weaken or the waveform of the vibration to begin to deform by applying pressure to the core 300 in the structural member 600. The specified value can be obtained experimentally and can be modified according to the shape and / or material of the structural member 600.

[0119] When a pressure equal to or greater than a specified value is applied to the core 300, the distance 'a' between the vibrator 400 and the structural member 600 may become less than 'b / 2'. In this case, the vibration generated in the vibrator 400 may weaken or the waveform may be deformed, thereby deteriorating the atomization performance.

[0120] In this respect, according to the embodiment, the structural member 600 presses the core 300 so that the distance a between the structural member 600 and the vibrator 400 does not decrease to less than b / 2. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment can prevent the vibration generated from the vibrator 400 from deforming, while maintaining continuous contact between the core 300 and the vibrator 400.

[0121] Figure 4A This is a side view showing a structural component that presses the core and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The three-dimensional diagram of the structure and emission channels shown, and Figure 4C yes Figure 4A The diagram shows a bottom view of the structure and emission channels.

[0122] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of a structural component that presses the core and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and... Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The diagram shows a bottom view of the structure and emission channels.

[0123] Figures 4A to 4C and / or Figures 5A to 5B The emission channel 500 and structural component 600 shown can be applied to Figure 2 and Figure 3Examples of the emission channel 500 and structural component 600 of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown herein will omit the previously given description.

[0124] Reference Figures 4A to 4C and Figures 5A to 5B According to the embodiment, the structural member 600 may include a flange 610, at least one pressing portion 620 and at least one hole 600h.

[0125] The flange 610 can be configured to surround the region of the discharge channel 500 adjacent to the core 300. According to the embodiment, the discharge channel 500 can be formed in various shapes, and the flange 610 of the structural member 600 can also be formed in various shapes according to the shape of the discharge channel 500.

[0126] Reference Figures 4A to 4C For example, the discharge channel 500 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and the flange 610 may be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical discharge channel 500. In other words, when viewed from the bottom, the flange 610 is formed in an annular shape, and the flange 610 may be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the discharge channel 500.

[0127] Reference Figures 5A to 5B As another example, the exhaust channel 500 can be formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular column, and the flange 610 can be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust channel 500, which has the shape of a rectangular column. That is, when viewed from the bottom, the flange 610 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular strip and can be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust channel 500.

[0128] However, the shape of the discharge channel 500 and the flange 610 is not limited to the above embodiment, and in other embodiments, the discharge channel 500 and the flange 610 may be formed in different shapes.

[0129] In one embodiment, the flange 610 can reduce the gap between the discharge channel 500 and the structural member 600 and securely fix the structural member 600 to the discharge channel 500 by making surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge channel 500.

[0130] For example, when the discharge channel 500 and the flange 610 are in point and / or line contact, a gap may exist between the discharge channel 500 and the flange 610, making it possible that the structural member 600 may not be securely fixed to the discharge channel 500. As a result, when the aerosol generating device 1000 is in use, the structural member 600 may separate from the discharge channel 500, and therefore the core 300 may not be oriented towards the vibrator (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 Press the vibrator (400).

[0131] On the other hand, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1000 can minimize the space between the emission channel 500 and the structural member 600 through surface contact between the flange 610 and the emission channel 5000, thereby minimizing the installation or arrangement space of the structural member 600 in the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the design convenience of the aerosol generating device is improved, and the size of the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

[0132] In addition, since the structural member 600 is firmly fixed to the emission channel 500 through the surface contact between the flange 610 and the emission channel 500, it is possible to prevent the structural member 600 from separating from the emission channel 500 during the use of the aerosol generating device.

[0133] At least one pressing portion 620 may be formed in a curved shape and may press the core 300 in a particular direction by contacting a region of the core 300.

[0134] For example, at least one pressing portion 620 may be formed in a convex shape bent toward the core 300, and may be in the direction toward the vibrator (e.g., in...). Figure 2 Press the core 300 in the -z direction.

[0135] In one embodiment, at least one pressing portion 620 may extend from one point of flange 610 to another point of flange 610, and when viewed from the side, at least one pressing portion 620 may be formed in a shape with a specific curvature. For example, when viewed from the side, at least one pressing portion 620 may be formed in a "U" shape. In this case, the convex portion of at least one pressing portion 620 may contact a surface of core 300 facing the discharge channel 500, such that core 300 may be pressed toward the vibrator.

[0136] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in another embodiment, at least one pressing portion 620 may be formed to extend in a curved shape from one point of the flange 610 toward the core 300. In other words, at least one pressing portion 620 according to another embodiment may not extend from one point of the flange 610 to another point, but may be formed to protrude in a curved shape from the flange 610 toward the core 300.

[0137] exist Figures 4A to 4C In this embodiment, the different pressing portions 620 are arranged to intersect at right angles, but the implementation is not limited to this. According to the embodiment, the different pressing portions 620 may be arranged in parallel or may be arranged to intersect at different angles.

[0138] in addition, Figures 4A to 5BThe structural member 600 is shown to include two pressing portions 620, but the number of pressing portions 620 is not limited thereto. For example, the structural member 600 may include only one pressing portion 620 or three or more pressing portions 620.

[0139] At least one hole 600h may be formed through at least one region of the structure 600, and at least one hole 600h may be used as a channel for aerosol to flow into the discharge channel 500.

[0140] In one embodiment, at least one hole 600h may be provided between the flange 610 and at least one pressing portion 620, and the elastic properties of the at least one pressing portion 620 may be improved by the above arrangement of the at least one hole 600h. Therefore, the at least one pressing portion 620 may minimize the attenuation of vibrations generated by the vibrator or the deformation of the waveform, while maintaining contact between the core 300 and the vibrator.

[0141] The shape and / or number of at least one hole 600h are not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and the shape and / or number of at least one hole 600h may be changed according to the embodiments.

[0142] In one embodiment, structural member 600 may be connected to the region of discharge channel 500 adjacent to core 300.

[0143] For example, the discharge channel 500 may include a protruding member 510 projecting radially from the outer periphery of the discharge channel 500 onto a surface, and the protruding member 510 may be inserted into at least one hole 600h to support at least one region of the structure 600, such that the discharge channel 500 and the structure 600 can be coupled. The protruding member 510 may support, but is not limited to, the region of the flange 610 in contact with the surface of the discharge channel 500 when inserted into at least one hole 600h.

[0144] In another embodiment, the discharge channel 500 may further include a fixing member 520 for restricting movement of the structural member 600 in a particular direction. For example, as Figure 4A As shown, the fixing member 520 may be arranged radially along the outer peripheral surface of the discharge channel 500 to prevent the structural member 600 from moving upward, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0145] Although the movement of the structural member 600 toward the core 300 may be restricted by the protruding member 510, the structural member 600 may move in another direction due to vibrations generated by the vibrator. For example, if the structural member 600 moves away from the core 300 (i.e., if the structural member 600 moves upward), separation may occur between the structural member 600 and the core 300, and the core 300 may not be pressed toward the vibrator.

[0146] In this respect, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment can restrict the movement of the structural member 600 in the opposite direction to the core 300 by means of a fixing member 520 formed in the discharge channel 500. That is, since the structural member 600 can be firmly fixed to the discharge channel 500 by means of the fixing member 520, separation of the structural member 600 from the core 300 can be prevented during use of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0147] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, in another embodiment, the structural member 600 may be secured to the discharge channel 500 by a threaded connection or by forced fitting to the discharge channel 500. For example, for the threaded connection of the structural member 600 and the discharge channel 500, a circular threaded surface may be formed at the portion where the structural member 600 and the discharge channel 500 are joined to each other.

[0148] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the structure and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and... Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the structure and emission channel of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0149] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B The structural component 600 of the aerosol generating device is connected to the area of ​​the emission channel 500, and the structural component 600 may include at least one hole 600h, a flange 610, at least one pressing portion 620 and a contact portion 630.

[0150] In Figures 4A to 5B Compared to the implementation method, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The structural component 600 may also include a contact portion 630. Therefore, the previously given description of other components will be omitted in the following text.

[0151] The contact portion 630 of the structural member 600 may be positioned in a region of at least one pressing portion 620 to contact a surface of the core 300 facing the discharge channel 500. For example, the contact portion 630 may contact a region of the core 300 and orient the core 300 toward the vibrator (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 Press the vibrator (400).

[0152] In one embodiment, the contact portion 630 may be configured to make surface contact with the core 300, and the structural member 600 may press the core 300 more effectively by making surface contact between the contact portion 630 and the core 300.

[0153] Reference Figure 6AThe contact portion 630 may be disposed at the intersection of at least one pressing portion 620. However, the arrangement of the contact portion 630 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0154] Reference Figure 6B The contact portion 630 can be arranged to connect a point of one pressing portion 620 to a point of another pressing portion 620, such that the contact portion 630 can press the core 300 toward the vibrator.

[0155] Additionally, according to the embodiment, the contact portion 630 can be formed in a circular shape, such as... Figure 6A As shown, or it can be formed in a polygonal (e.g., quadrilateral) shape, such as Figure 6B As shown in the figure, but the shape of the contact portion 630 is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0156] In one embodiment, the contact portion 630 may include at least one through-hole 631 extending through a region of the contact portion 630. The at least one through-hole 631 may serve as a channel for moving aerosols atomized by the vibrator toward the discharge channel 500.

[0157] For example, the aerosol atomized by the vibrator can move or flow into the discharge channel 500 through at least one hole 600h and / or at least one through hole 631. Through the discharge channel 500, the aerosol can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device and supplied to the user.

[0158] Figure 7A This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment, and Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A A three-dimensional diagram of the structure and emission channels of the aerosol generation device. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A An enlarged view of region A of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0159] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a housing 100, a processor 110, a battery 120, a storage tank 200, a core 300, a vibrator 400, an emission channel 500, a structural component 600, and a medium 700.

[0160] When with Figure 2 and Figure 4B In comparison, Figure 7A and Figure 7B The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may also include a protruding portion 640 and a medium 700. Therefore, descriptions of other components previously given will be omitted below.

[0161] A medium 700 may be arranged in the emission channel 500 that connects the internal space of the housing 100 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 to supply or add fragrance to the aerosol passing through the emission channel 500.

[0162] Medium 700 may include ingredients capable of providing a variety of flavors and / or aromas to a user. In one example, medium 700 may be solid and may be provided in the form of small-sized particles such as powder or microparticles, allowing aerosols to pass through the medium. In another example, medium 700 may include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavoring ingredients, or may include additive materials (e.g., flavoring agents, wetting agents, or organic acids), aromatic materials (e.g., menthol), humectants, plant extracts, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, or various combinations of these ingredients.

[0163] When the aerosol passes through the medium 700 in the emission channel 500 before being emitted to the outside, fragrance and / or aroma can be added to the aerosol, and as a result, the user can inhale the supplied fragrance and / or aroma aerosol.

[0164] In one embodiment, the structural member 600 may further include a protrusion 640 for generating eddies in at least one hole 600h. For example, the protrusion 640 may be formed to protrude in a direction from at least one pressing portion 620 toward at least one hole 600h.

[0165] Figure 7B The position and shape of the protrusion 640 shown are merely examples, and the position and / or shape of the protrusion 640 are not limited to the embodiments shown.

[0166] The aerosol atomized by the vibrator 400 can contact the protrusion 640 as it passes through at least one hole 600h toward the discharge channel 500, and as a result, eddies can be generated inside the discharge channel 500 and / or at least one hole 600h.

[0167] Aerosols passing through at least one orifice 600h and exhaust channel 500 can be uniformly diffused throughout the entire exhaust channel 500 by the vortex generated inside the exhaust channel 500 and / or at least one orifice 600h.

[0168] As the aerosol is uniformly distributed throughout the emission channel 500, the contact area, contact time, and / or number of contact points between the aerosol passing through the emission channel 500 and the medium 700 can be increased, and as a result, the flavor and / or aroma of the aerosol passing through the medium 700 can be improved. Therefore, the user's smoking experience can be improved through the protruding portion 640 of the structural member 600 and the medium 700.

[0169] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. Figure 9A It shows Figure 8 A side view of the structure and emission channel of the aerosol generating device shown, and Figure 9B yes Figure 9A The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the structure and emission channels.

[0170] Reference Figure 8 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 may include a housing 100, a processor 110, a battery 120, a storage tank 200, a core 300, a vibrator 400, an emission channel 500, and a structural component 600. Compared to the other embodiments described above, Figure 8 The aerosol generating apparatus 1000 can make the structural component 600 have different shapes. Therefore, the description of other components previously given will be omitted below.

[0171] The structural member 600 may be disposed at one end of the discharge channel 500 adjacent to the core 300, and the structural member may be formed in a curved shape. In one embodiment, at least one pressing portion 620 includes a first portion extending toward the core 300 and a second portion that is angled relative to the first portion and contacts the core 300.

[0172] Therefore, the curved region of the structural member 600 (i.e., the second part) can make surface contact with the core 300 and face the vibrator 400 (e.g., in...). Figure 2 Pressing the core 300 in the -z direction (in the middle) results in a stable contact between the core 300 and the vibrator 400.

[0173] In one example, structural member 600 may be made of an elastic material. Therefore, when the core 300 is pressed toward the vibrator 400, structural member 600 may not reduce the vibration generated by the vibrator 400.

[0174] Examples of materials used for structural component 600 may include, but are not limited to, rubber, plastics, and metals with elastic properties. As a result, vibrations generated by vibrator 400 can be prevented from being weakened or altered by structural component 600.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the structural member 600 may include a flange 610, at least one pressing portion 620 and at least one hole 600h, and the structural member 600 may be connected to at least one region of the discharge channel 500.

[0176] The flange 610 is configured to surround a region of the discharge channel 500 adjacent to the core 300, and thus the flange 610 can make surface contact with the discharge channel 500. The shape of the flange 610 can correspond to the shape of the discharge channel 500. That is, according to the embodiment, the flange 610 can be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical discharge channel 500, or it can be configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the polygonal discharge channel 500. The shape of the discharge channel 500 and / or the flange 610 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0177] In one embodiment, the flange 610 can reduce the distance between the discharge channel 500 and the structural member 600. For this purpose, the flange can be securely fixed to the discharge channel 500 by surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge channel 500.

[0178] If the discharge channel 500 and the flange 610 are in point contact and / or line contact, a gap may exist between the discharge channel 500 and the flange 610, and the structural member 600 may not be securely fixed to the discharge channel 500. As a result, when the aerosol generating device 1000 is in use, the structural member 600 may be separated from the discharge channel 500, and therefore the core 300 may not be pressed toward the vibrator 400.

[0179] On the other hand, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the embodiment can reduce the space between the emission channel 500 and the structural member 600 by means of a flange 610 that contacts the surface of the emission channel 500. As a result, the installation space or arrangement space of the structural member 600 inside the aerosol generating apparatus can be minimized.

[0180] In addition, since the structural component 600 is securely fixed to the discharge channel 500 by the flange 610, it can prevent the structural component 600 from separating from the discharge channel 500 during the use of the aerosol generating device.

[0181] At least one pressing portion 620 may have an angled curved portion such that the curved portion contacts the surface of the core 300 and presses the core 300 toward the vibrator 400.

[0182] For example, at least one pressing portion 620 may extend from one point of flange 610 to another point of flange 610, but is not limited thereto. As another example, at least one pressing portion 620 may not extend from one point of flange 610 to another point, but may be formed to protrude toward core 300. In this case, at least one pressing portion 620 may have a curved shape.

[0183] Figure 9A and Figure 9BDifferent pressing portions 620 intersecting at right angles are shown, but the arrangement of the pressing portions 620 is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figures. According to the embodiment, the different pressing portions 620 may be arranged in parallel or may be arranged to intersect at a predetermined angle.

[0184] In addition, although Figure 9A and Figure 9B The structural member 600 shown includes two intersecting pressing portions 620, but the number of pressing portions is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the structural member 600 may include only one pressing portion 620 or may include three or more pressing portions 620.

[0185] At least one hole 600h is formed through at least one region of the structural member 600 and can be used as a channel for moving aerosols to the emission channel 500.

[0186] In one embodiment, at least one hole 600h may be provided between the flange 610 and at least one pressing portion 620, and the elastic properties of the at least one pressing portion 620 can be improved by the above arrangement of the at least one hole 600h. Therefore, the at least one pressing portion 620 can minimize the attenuation or alteration of vibrations generated by the vibrator while maintaining contact between the core 300 and the vibrator.

[0187] The shape and / or number of at least one hole 600h are not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, and the shape and / or number of at least one hole 600h may be changed according to the embodiments.

[0188] As previously mentioned, structural member 600 may also include contact portions (e.g., Figure 6A and Figure 6B The contact portion 630 is located in a region of at least one pressing portion 620 and is in contact with a region surface of the core 300.

[0189] The aerosol generating device 1000 can more effectively maintain contact between the core 300 and the vibrator 400 through the aforementioned contact portion of the structural member 600. Therefore, the aerosol generating material can be smoothly supplied to the vibrator 400, and the atomization performance of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be improved.

[0190] In other words, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 according to the above embodiment can stably maintain the contact between the core 300 and the vibrator 400 during the generation of vibration from the vibrator 400 by using a structural member 600 for pressing the core 300 toward the vibrator 400.

[0191] As a result, the atomization performance can be prevented from deteriorating due to the separation of the core 300 from the vibrator 400.

[0192] In addition, the structural component 600 is securely fixed to the emission channel 500 through surface contact, and the arrangement space or installation space of the structural component 600 can be minimized, thereby reducing the size of the aerosol generating device 1000 and improving the design freedom of the aerosol generating device.

[0193] The description of the above embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and equivalent substitutions can be made to the above embodiments. The disclosed methods should be considered only in a descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. The scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims will be understood to be included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, wherein, The aerosol generating device includes: A storage tank configured to store aerosol-generating substances; The core is configured to absorb the aerosol-generating substances stored in the storage tank; A vibrator configured to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core into an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations. An emission channel configured to emit the aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating device, the emission channel including at least one protruding member projecting from an outer surface of the emission channel; and A structural member located at one end of the emission channel, the structural member including at least one hole formed through at least one region of the structural member, and the at least one hole serving as a channel for aerosol flow into the emission channel, the structural member being supported by at least one protruding member inserted into and contacting the structural member, and the structural member being configured to press the core toward the vibrator such that contact between the core and the vibrator is maintained.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The structural component includes a flexible material.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The structural component is connected to the end of the discharge channel adjacent to the core.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the core is pressed by the structural member, the distance between the structural member and the vibrator is less than or equal to the thickness of the core when it is not pressed by the structural member.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, When the core is pressed by the structural member, the distance between the structural member and the vibrator is greater than or equal to half the thickness of the core when it is not pressed by the structural member.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The structural component also includes: A flange, the flange being arranged around one end of the discharge channel; and At least one pressing portion extending from the flange toward the core, such that the at least one pressing portion presses the core toward the vibrator; and The at least one hole of the structural member is formed on the structural member by the arrangement of the at least one pressing portion and the flange, so that the aerosol flows into the discharge channel through the at least one hole.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The flange is in surface contact with the discharge channel.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one pressing portion extends from one point of the flange to another point of the flange, and the at least one pressing portion has a portion that bends toward the core.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The structural component also includes a contact portion located in the at least one pressing portion and configured to make surface contact with the core.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The contact portion includes at least one through-hole configured to allow the aerosol to flow through to the discharge channel.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The discharge channel also includes a fixing member configured to prevent the structural member from moving away from the core.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a medium disposed in the emission channel, and the medium being configured to add a fragrance to the aerosol passing through the emission channel. in, The structural member further includes a protrusion that protrudes from at least one pressing portion toward the at least one hole, and the protrusion is configured to generate vortices when the aerosol passing through the at least one hole contacts the protrusion.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The structural member includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending toward the core, and the second portion being angled relative to the first portion such that the second portion contacts the core.

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