Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device includes: a main body providing an aerosol-generating substance; a heater mounted to the main body and heating the aerosol-generating substance; the fixed body is arranged in the main body; the retainer is arranged on the fixed body; and a vibrator coupled to the holder, in which: the holder includes a support portion protruding from the fixed body and extending in a circumferential direction of the vibrator, and a base portion provided inside the support portion and supporting the vibrator; the support portion includes a first opening formed in a circumferential direction of the support portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may include a multi-component substance. The substance included in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring substance. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and / or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol-generating devices.

[0003] Such an aerosol generating device includes an output device that outputs information to a user, and a vibrator that outputs vibration may be used as the output device. The output device may provide a notification function to the user using vibration generated by operation of the vibrator.

[0004] When there is a gap in the fixing structure for fixing the vibrator in the aerosol generating device, hitting noise (abnormal sound) may be generated due to the vibrator hitting the fixing structure while vibrating, which may shorten the life of the vibrator and cause damage to the fixing structure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating device that enables a vibrator to be fixed or fastened without requiring an additional vibration damper.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device, in which a vibrator can be firmly and stably fixed.

[0008] Technical Solution According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol-generating device includes: a main body that provides an aerosol-generating substance; a heater mounted to the main body and heating the aerosol-generating substance; a fixed body mounted inside the main body; a holder disposed on the fixed body; and a vibrator coupled to the holder. The holder includes: a support portion that protrudes from the fixed body and extends in a circumferential direction of the vibrator; and a base portion that is disposed inside the support portion and supports the vibrator. The support portion includes a first opening formed in a circumferential direction of the support portion.

[0009] Technical Effects According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator can be firmly and stably fixed.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the life of the vibrator from being shortened and the fixing device from being damaged due to being struck by the vibrator.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration of the vibrator can be effectively transmitted while the vibrator is firmly fixed, thereby correctly notifying the user of information.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a vibrator may be fixed without an additional vibration absorber, thereby simplifying the structure of a fixing device and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0013] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a vibrator can be easily attached to and detached from a fixing device, thereby improving efficiency in product production.

[0014] The additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and therefore it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments (such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure) are provided for illustration only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figures 1 to 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 6 to 9 1 and 2 are respectively a front perspective view, an enlarged view, a front view and a rear view of a fixing device included in an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a vibrator coupled to a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 FIG1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a vibrator is coupled to a fixing device.

[0021] Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fixture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Now, a detailed description will be given according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] In the following description, suffixes such as "module" and "section" may be used to refer to a configuration or constituent element. Such suffixes are used herein only to facilitate the description of the specification, and the suffixes themselves are not intended to give any special meaning or function.

[0024] In this disclosure, for the sake of brevity, content that is well known to those skilled in the art is generally omitted. The accompanying drawings are used to facilitate understanding of the technical concepts of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the concepts of this disclosure are not limited by the accompanying drawings. The concepts of this disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any variations, equivalents, and alternatives other than the accompanying drawings.

[0025] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, the element may be directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0027] As used herein, a singular expression is intended to include the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a body 100 and / or a cartridge 200.

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated aerosol-generating device 10 may have a fixing device 300 located in the main body 100. The aerosol-generating device 10 may vibrate when operated by a vibrator 400 housed in the fixing device 300, thereby allowing information to be provided to the user.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 100 having an insertion space to allow the stick 20 to be inserted into a space defined by a housing 101 .

[0031] The stick 20 can be similar to a conventional combustion cigarette. For example, the stick 20 can be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion including a filter, etc. Optionally, the second portion of the stick 20 can also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the second portion.

[0032] The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10, or a portion of the first portion and the second portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion in their mouth. Here, an aerosol may be generated when external air passes through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion to be delivered to the user's mouth.

[0033] The main body 100 may have a structure allowing external air to be introduced into the main body 100 with the wand 20 inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the wand 20 to flow into the user's mouth.

[0034] The heater may be provided in the main body 100 at a position corresponding to the position of the rod 20 when the rod 20 is inserted into the main body 100. In the drawings, the heater is shown as a conductive heater 110 comprising a needle-shaped conductive trace, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aerosol-generating device 10 may include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the insertion space, and the heater 110, as an induction heating element (susceptor), may generate heat via a magnetic field flowing through the induction coil. The heater may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element.

[0035] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the rod 20 by using the power supplied from the battery 16. In this case, an aerosol can be generated in the heated rod 20. Here, the user can draw on one end of the rod 20 with his or her mouth to inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 100 and a cartridge 200 , wherein the main body 100 supports the cartridge 200 and the cartridge 200 contains an aerosol generating substance.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be detachably attached to the main body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the main body 100. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into the interior space defined by the housing 101 of the main body 100, thereby allowing the cartridge 200 to be mounted to the main body 100.

[0038] The main body 100 may have a structure that allows external air to be introduced into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air introduced into the main body 100 may pass through the cartridge 200 to flow into the user's mouth.

[0039] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 200 is attached to or removed from the main body 100 through a cigarette cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cigarette cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current by connecting to one terminal of the cigarette cartridge 200. In this case, the cigarette cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cigarette cartridge 200 is connected or disconnected based on whether the pulse current is received through the other terminal.

[0040] The cigarette cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol-generating substance and / or a storage portion 220 for containing the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid delivery member impregnated with (including) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion 220. The conductive traces of the heater 210 may be wound around the liquid delivery member. When the liquid delivery member is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated. The liquid delivery member may include a wick made of, for example, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0041] The cigarette cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 that allows the rod 20 to be inserted therein. For example, the cigarette cartridge 200 may include an insertion space defined by an inner wall (not shown) that extends circumferentially along the direction in which the rod 20 is inserted. Here, the interior of the inner wall may be vertically open to define the insertion space. The rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 defined by the inner wall.

[0042] The insertion space into which the rod 20 is inserted may have a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the rod 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the rod 20 has a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0043] When the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer peripheral surface of the rod 20 may be surrounded by the inner wall to be in contact with the inner wall.

[0044] The stick 20 can be similar to a conventional combustion cigarette. For example, the stick 20 can be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion including a filter, etc. Optionally, the second portion of the stick 20 can also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules can be inserted into the second portion.

[0045] The entire first part can be inserted into the insertion space 230, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part can be inserted into the insertion space 230, or a portion of the first part and the second part can be inserted into the insertion space 230. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in his or her mouth. Here, an aerosol can be generated when external air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol can pass through the second part to be delivered to the user's mouth.

[0046] The user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in his or her mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 can pass through the stick 20 to be delivered to the user's mouth. Here, the material included in the stick 20 can be added to the aerosol as the aerosol passes through the stick 20, and the aerosol to which the material is added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through the one end of the stick 20.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body 100 and a cartridge 200 , wherein the body 100 supports the cartridge 200 and the cartridge 200 contains an aerosol generating substance. The body 100 may allow the rod 20 to be inserted into the insertion space 130 .

[0048] The aerosol-generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user draws on one end of the stick 20 with his or her mouth, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavor may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through the end of the stick 20.

[0049] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater that heats the rod 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 using the first heater and heating the rod 20 using the second heater.

[0050] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 The aerosol generating device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input / output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16 and / or a control unit 17. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to Figure 4That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 10, the Figure 4 Some of the constituent elements shown may be modified, or new constituent elements may be added.

[0052] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body 100. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be provided in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 10 may be composed of the main body 100 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 10 may be provided in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0053] The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communicating with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, or near-field communication (NFC).

[0054] The input / output interface 12 may include an output device 122 for outputting information to a user. For example, the output device 122 may include a haptic module 122 for outputting tactile information (vibration information) such as a tactile effect. The haptic module 122 may include a fixture 300 and a vibrator 400.

[0055] The output device 122 may also include a display device such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED) for outputting visual information and an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer for outputting auditory information.

[0056] The input / output interface 12 may further include an input device for receiving commands from a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, and the like.

[0057] The aerosol generating module 13 can generate aerosol using an aerosol generating substance. Here, the aerosol generating substance can be any one of liquid, solid or gel substances that can generate aerosol, or a combination of any two or more substances.

[0058] In one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material (having volatile tobacco flavor components). In another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-generating substance may include water, a solvent, nicotine, a plant extract, a flavoring, a flavorant, a vitamin mixture, etc.

[0059] Solid aerosol-generating substances may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials (such as reconstituted tobacco flakes, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco). Furthermore, solid aerosol-generating substances may include solid materials with taste-control agents and flavoring materials. For example, taste-control agents may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, etc. For example, flavoring materials may include natural materials such as herbal granules, or materials such as silica, zeolite, or dextrin containing aromatic components.

[0060] Additionally, the aerosol-generating substance may further include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0061] The aerosol generating module 13 may comprise at least one heater.

[0062] The aerosol generating module 13 may include a resistive heater. For example, the resistive heater may include at least one conductive track. The resistive heater may be heated by a current flowing through the conductive track. Here, the aerosol-generating substance may be heated by the heated resistive heater.

[0063] The conductive traces may include a resistive material. In one example, the conductive traces may be formed using a metal material. In another example, the conductive traces may be formed using a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite material of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0064] The resistance heater may include a conductive track formed in any of various shapes. For example, the conductive track may have any of a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

[0065] The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method, i.e., an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include a conductive coil. The induction heater can generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically by adjusting the current flowing through the conductive coil. In this case, when the alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy may be released as heat energy. Therefore, the aerosol generating substance located near the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object that generates heat due to a magnetic field may be referred to as an induction heating body.

[0066] In addition, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to generate aerosol using the aerosol generating substance.

[0067] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as an atomizing cartridge, an atomizer or a vaporizer.

[0068] When the aerosol-generating device 10 is composed of a main body 100 and a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-generating substance, the aerosol-generating module 13 may be provided in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 .

[0069] The memory 14 may store a program for processing and controlling each signal in the control portion 17. The memory 14 may store data processed by the control portion 17 and data to be processed.

[0070] For example, the memory 14 may store therein applications designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control portion 17. The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored applications in response to a request from the control portion 17.

[0071] For example, the memory 14 may store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 has been charged, the number of times the battery 16 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, charging / discharging, etc. Here, "puff" may refer to the user's inhalation, and "inhalation" may refer to the user's action of inhaling air or other substances into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0072] The memory 14 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0073] The memory 14 may be provided in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. The memory 14 may be provided in each of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about components provided in the main body 100, such as information about the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store cartridge information received from a cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled to the main body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store cartridge information including cartridge identification information (ID information), cartridge type, and the like.

[0074] The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

[0075] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for sensing puff (hereinafter referred to as a "puff sensor"). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented as a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

[0076] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a “temperature sensor”) that senses the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of the aerosol generating substance.

[0077] For example, when the stick is inserted into the body of the aerosol-generating device 10 , the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that senses the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a “stick detection sensor”).

[0078] For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge 200 , the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a “cartridge detection sensor”) that senses installation / removal of the cartridge 200 to / from the body 100 and the position of the cartridge 200 .

[0079] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect. In some embodiments, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the main body 100 and may be electrically connected to an electrode provided in the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100.

[0080] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that senses a voltage applied to a component (eg, the battery 16 ) provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that senses a current.

[0081] For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "motion sensor") that senses the motion of the main body 100 and / or the cigarette cartridge 200 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The motion sensor may be implemented as at least one of a gyroscope sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor may be provided in at least one of the main body 100 and the cigarette cartridge 200.

[0082] The battery 16 can supply power for operating the aerosol-generating device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can also supply power to other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to the communication module included in the communication interface 11, the output device included in the input / output interface 12, the heater included in the aerosol-generating module 13, and the like.

[0083] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the battery 16 is a rechargeable battery, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, for stable use, the battery 16 may be designed to maintain a capacity of at least 80% of its original capacity even after 2000 full charge and discharge cycles.

[0084] The aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The PCM may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16. For example, to prevent overcharging and over-discharging of the battery 16, the PCM may cut off the electrical path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, or when an excessive current flows through the battery 16.

[0085] The aerosol-generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which externally supplied power is input. For example, the charging terminal may be provided on a side of the main body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 can charge the battery 16 using the power supplied via the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be configured as a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0086] The aerosol-generating device 10 can wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 can wirelessly receive power using an antenna for wireless communication included in the communication module. For example, the aerosol-generating device 10 can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0087] The control unit 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. The control unit 17 may be connected to each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10. The control unit 17 may transmit and / or receive signals to and from each of the components, thereby controlling the overall operation of the components.

[0088] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor. The control unit 17 may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a conventional processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be any other hardware-based processor.

[0089] The control unit 17 can execute any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (for example, a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) according to the state of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10, a user command received through the input / output interface 12, and the like.

[0090] The control unit 17 may control the operation of each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 14 (such as a temperature profile and a user's inhalation pattern), the control unit 17 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of power from the battery 16 to the aerosol-generating module 13 for a predetermined time.

[0091] The control unit 17 may determine whether puffing has occurred or not using the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 may check temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, and voltage changes in the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the values sensed by the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 17 may determine whether puffing has occurred or not based on the results of the check values sensed by the puff sensor.

[0092] The control unit 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of puffing and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 may control the temperature of the heater to change or maintain it based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0093] The control unit 17 may control the power supply to the heater to be disconnected according to predetermined conditions. For example, the control unit 17 may control the power supply to the heater to be disconnected in the following situations: when the stick is removed, when the cigarette cartridge 200 is removed, when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are sensed for a predetermined time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[0094] The control portion 17 may calculate the remaining capacity relative to the full charge capacity of the battery 16. For example, the control portion 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 16 based on values sensed by a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0095] The control portion 17 may control the power supplied to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0096] For example, the control portion 17 may control the current pulse supplied to the heater to have a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty cycle using a PWM method. In this case, the control portion 17 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulse.

[0097] For example, the control unit 17 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature curve. In this case, the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0098] For example, the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the temperature curve. The control unit 17 may control the length of the heating period for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating period, etc. The control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

[0099] Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as exemplary methods of controlling the power supplied to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various other control methods such as the Proportional-Integral (PI) method and the Proportional-Differential (PD) method may be used.

[0100] The control unit 17 may determine the temperature of the heater and control the power supplied to the heater according to the temperature of the heater. For example, the control unit 17 may determine the temperature of the heater by checking the resistance value of the heater, the current flowing through the heater, and / or the voltage applied to the heater.

[0101] In addition, the control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater according to predetermined conditions. For example, when the user selects the cleaning function for cleaning the space where the rod is inserted in response to a command input through the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control the supply of predetermined power to the heater.

[0102] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Reference Figure 5The body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be elongated. The body 100 may have a tubular shape having a hollow portion or cavity therein. For example, the body 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners.

[0104] The body 100 may have at least one side open from the cavity formed in the body 100. For example, the body 100 may be open from the cavity in the body 100 at opposite sides thereof in a longitudinal direction.

[0105] The aerosol-generating device 10 may include a head housing 140 defining one side (or first side) of the main body 100. The head housing 140 may cover the open side of the main body 100.

[0106] The head housing 140 may have a hole communicating with the insertion space formed in the body 100, and the rod 20 may be inserted into the insertion space through the hole. The head housing 140 may further include a cap 160. The cap 160 may open and close the insertion space in a sliding manner.

[0107] The aerosol-generating device 10 may include a cover 180 that defines the other side (or second side) of the main body 100. The other side may be opposite to the side on which the head housing 140 is provided. The other side may be the second end of the main body 100 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the head housing 140 may be provided at the first end of the main body 100 in the longitudinal direction, and the cover 180 may be provided at the second end of the main body 100 in the longitudinal direction. The cover 180 may cover the other open side of the main body 100.

[0108] The fixing device 300 may be provided in the main body 100. The fixing device 300 may be provided inside the main body 100 between the head housing 140 and the cover 180. The fixing device 300 may be fixed to one side of the inner surface of the main body 100 inside the main body 100. The main body 100 may include a bracket (not shown) for fixing or securing components such as a battery, a heater, etc., and the fixing device 300 may be fixed to one side of the bracket.

[0109] Despite Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 10 may constitute a system together with an additional cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. Alternatively, the heater may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 10 are coupled to each other.

[0110] Figures 6 to 9 1 and 2 are respectively a front perspective view, an enlarged view, a front view and a rear view of a fixing device included in an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Hereinafter, the orientation of the fixture 300 will be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the fixture 300. Here, with the origin as a reference, the +x-axis direction can be the right (or rightward) direction, and the -x-axis direction can be the left (or leftward) direction. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-to-back direction of the fixture 300. Here, with the origin as a reference, the +y-axis direction can be the rear (or rearward) direction, and the -y-axis direction can be the front (or forward) direction. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the fixture 300. Here, with the origin as a reference, the +z-axis direction can be the up (or upward) direction, and the -z-axis direction can be the down (or downward) direction.

[0112] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the fixing device 300 may be provided in the main body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The fixing device 300 may include a fixing body 310 and a retainer 320 provided on the fixing body 310.

[0113] The fixing body 310 may include a body surface 311 having at least a portion formed as a flat surface in the left-right direction and / or the front-back direction, and the retainer 320 may protrude from the body surface 311 in a direction intersecting with the body surface 311 (e.g., an upward direction).

[0114] The fixing body 310 can be fixed inside the aerosol-generating device 10. For example, the fixing body 310 can be housed in the main body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 10 and can be coupled to or fixed to the main body 100 or a bracket inside the main body 100. The fixing body 310 can include a coupling portion (not shown) to secure the fixing body 310 to the main body 100 or the bracket. The coupling portion can have a retaining wall or a fixing recess that corresponds to a retaining wall formed on the main body 100 or the bracket. However, the coupling portion is not limited thereto, and any type of coupling device capable of securing the fixing body 310 to the main body 100 or the bracket can be used.

[0115] The holder 320 may include a support portion 330 and a base portion 340 .

[0116] The holder 320 may define an accommodation space C therein. The accommodation space C may be open at the top. The vibrator 400 (see FIG. 4 ) that generates vibrations Figure 10 ) can be accommodated in the accommodation space C. The accommodation space C may have a housing 410 (see FIG. 4 ) with the vibrator 400. Figure 10 ) corresponding shape. For example, the accommodation space C may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. The support portion 330 may define the side or side of the accommodation space C, and the base portion 340 may define the bottom of the accommodation space C.

[0117] The support portion 330 may protrude from the body surface 311 in a direction (e.g., upward) that intersects the body surface 311. The support portion 330 may be formed along the circumference of the accommodating space C or the circumference of the vibrator 400. The support portion 330 may surround the edge (or circumference) of the accommodating space C or the edge (or circumference) of the vibrator 400. The support portion 330 may be provided in the form of a lateral wall 320 that surrounds the edge of the accommodating space C or the edge of the vibrator 400. For example, the support portion 330 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0118] The support portion 330 may have a first opening 332 . The support portion 330 may include a top surface on which the first inclined surface 331 is formed, and a sidewall 333 formed vertically and extending in a circumferential direction to surround the accommodation space C. The first opening 332 may be formed in at least a portion of the sidewall 333 of the support portion 330 .

[0119] The base portion 340 may be formed on one side of the body surface 311. The base portion 340 may be formed flat in the direction in which the body surface 311 is formed. The base portion 340 may define a portion of the body surface 311. The base portion 340 may be located inside the support portion 330. The base portion 340 may be provided on the lower side of the accommodation space C. The base portion 340 may cover the bottom of the accommodation space C. The base portion 340 may be in the form of a lower surface 340 covering the bottom of the accommodation space C.

[0120] The holder 320 may include a protrusion 350. The protrusion 350 may protrude from the inner side or inner surface of the support portion 330 along the edge or circumference of the support portion 330 toward the accommodating space C. The protrusion 350 may be arranged to face the inner side or inner surface of the support portion 330, or may be arranged to face the protrusion 350 located on the opposite side. The protrusion 350 may be located between the support portion 330 and the vibrator 400. The protrusion 350 may be spaced apart from the base portion 340. The protrusion 350 may protrude into the accommodating space C at the upper portion of the support portion 330 and may be vertically spaced apart from the base portion 340 covering the bottom of the accommodating space C. The protrusion 350 may be formed integrally with the support portion 330.

[0121] The protrusion 350 may support the vibrator 400 disposed in the accommodation space C, may be in contact with the vibrator 400, or may be in close contact with the vibrator 400. The support portion 330 may surround the lateral portion of the vibrator 400 to support the vibrator 400 laterally, the base portion 340 may surround the lower portion of the vibrator 400 to support the vibrator 400 from below, and the protrusion 350 may press the lateral portion or upper portion of the vibrator 400 to support the vibrator 400 laterally and / or from above (see FIG. Figure 11 and Figure 12 ).

[0122] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The protrusion 350 may include a plurality of fixing protrusions 350. The plurality of fixing protrusions 350 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion 330. The plurality of fixing protrusions 350 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion 330 and may protrude into the interior of the accommodation space C. The plurality of fixing protrusions 350 may be arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner. For example, the protrusion 350 may include three fixing protrusions 350, and the three fixing protrusions 350 may be arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner at intervals of 120 degrees relative to the center of the accommodation space C.

[0123] Since the plurality of fixing protrusions 350 are spaced apart from each other in a rotationally symmetrical manner, the vibrator 400 may be stably supported or fixed in response to lateral movement and / or upward movement of the vibrator 400 .

[0124] The protrusion 350 may protrude inwardly along the circumference of the support portion 330. The protrusion 350 may include a top surface 351, a side surface 352, and a bottom surface 353 (see FIG. Figure 7 The top surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may be located at the top (or upper end) of the protrusion 350, and because the inner upper edge of the support portion 330 is tapered, the top surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may also define an inclined surface. This top surface 351 may be referred to as a second inclined surface 351. The second inclined surface 351 may slope from the top of the protrusion 350 toward the interior of the accommodating space C or toward the vibrator 400. The second inclined surface 351 may be connected to or continuous with the first inclined surface 331 formed on the top of the support portion 330. The first inclined surface 331 of the support portion 330 may slope from the top of the support portion 330 toward the interior of the accommodating space C. The second inclined surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may be connected to or continuous with the accommodating space C and protrude from the inner sidewall 333 of the support portion 330 toward the accommodating space C or the interior of the vibrator 400.

[0125] Furthermore, the top surface of the support portion 330 may define a flat surface in the front-rear and / or left-right directions, and the second inclined surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may be inclined toward the inside of the accommodation space C from the top surface of the support portion 330 .

[0126] The side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may protrude into the interior of the accommodation space C. For example, the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may protrude into the interior of the accommodation space C in a rounded manner. As another example, the side surface 352 may have a polygonal shape that protrudes into the interior of the accommodation space C. The bottom surface 353 of the protrusion 350 may be formed to be flat. The bottom surface 353 may define a flat surface in the direction in which the body surface 311 is formed.

[0127] When the vibrator 400 (see Figure 10 ) is received or inserted into the receiving space C from above the receiving space C, the second inclined surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may contact the side surface 412 (see Figure 14 ), bottom surface 413 (see Figure 14 ) and at least one of the edge (the boundary between the bottom surface 413 and the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400). Since the second inclined surface 351 is inclined toward the inside of the accommodation space C, the vibrator 400 can be easily accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C.

[0128] The holder 320 may be an elastic body. At least one of the support portion 330, base portion 340, and protrusion 350 of the holder 320 may be an elastomer. For example, the holder 320 may be formed from plastic (such as polyurethane), rubber (such as silicone rubber or natural rubber), or other elastic materials. The support portion 330 and protrusion 350 may be made of elastic material and may be integrally formed with each other to provide elasticity.

[0129] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be easily accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C, and noise (abnormal sound) that may be generated by the vibrator 400 accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C hitting the support portion 330, the base portion 340, and the protrusion 350 can be minimized. In addition, the vibration of the vibrator 400 can be effectively transmitted to the electronic device, so that information is accurately notified to the user.

[0130] The fixing body 310 provided with the holder 320 may be an elastic body, and the holder 320 may be integrally formed with the fixing body 310. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0131] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 as well as Figure 6 The support portion 330 may have a first opening 332 . The support portion 330 may include a top surface on which a first inclined surface 331 is formed, and a sidewall 333 formed in an up-down direction and extending in a circumferential direction to surround the accommodation space C. The first opening 332 may be formed in at least a portion of the sidewall 333 of the support portion 330 .

[0132] The first opening 332 may be formed in the lower portion of the sidewall 333. The first opening 332 may be referred to as a first slit 322. The first opening 332 may be formed below the protrusion 350. The protrusion 350 may be formed on a portion of the sidewall 333 along the circumference of the support portion 330, and the first opening 332 may be formed below the protrusion 350. The first opening 332 may be located between the protrusion 350 and the base portion 340. With respect to the vertical direction, the protrusion 350 may be located above the first opening 332, and the base portion 340 may be located below the first opening 332. A plurality of first openings 332 may be provided. The plurality of first openings 332 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion 330. The number of first openings 332 may correspond to the number of fixing protrusions 350 of the protrusion 350.

[0133] The first opening 332 may extend in the circumferential direction of the support portion 330. The first opening 332 may extend in the circumferential direction of the sidewall 333. In the circumferential direction of the support portion 330, the length L1 of the first opening 332 in the circumferential direction may be greater than the length L2 of the protrusion 350 in the circumferential direction (see FIG. Figure 9 The circumferential length L2 of the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350, which protrudes from the side wall 333 of the support portion 330 into the accommodation space C, may be less than the circumferential length L1 of the first opening 332. The protrusion 350 may be disposed above the first opening 332 and may be located between the two circumferential ends (or opposing ends) of the first opening 332. The first end of the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350, which contacts the side wall 333 of the support portion 330, may be spaced apart from the first circumferential end of the first opening 332, and the second end of the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350, which contacts the side wall 333 of the support portion 330, may be spaced apart from the second circumferential end of the first opening 332. The protrusion 350 may be disposed above the first opening 332 at or adjacent to the circumferential center of the first opening 332.

[0134] Compared to the side wall 333 without the protrusion 350 and the first opening 332, the side wall 333 having the protrusion 350 can have a narrower width in the vertical direction because the protrusion 350 is formed on the support portion 330 and the first opening 332 is formed below the protrusion 350. Therefore, the portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed can be more easily deformed than the other portion where the protrusion 350 is not formed.

[0135] When the vibrator 400 is accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C, the portion of the sidewall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed may be easily deformed, thereby facilitating the vibrator 400 to be accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C. Therefore, damage to the vibrator 400 may be prevented.

[0136] A second opening 312 may be formed in the fixed body 310. The second opening 312 may be referred to as a second slit 312. The second opening 312 of the fixed body 310 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first opening 332. For example, the second opening 312 may extend outside the accommodating space C on the body surface 311 of the fixed body 310 and may extend along the circumference of the support portion 330. The second opening 312 may be disposed below the first opening 332 and may be located further outward relative to the accommodating space C than the first opening 332. The second opening 312 may overlap with the first opening 332.

[0137] A third opening 342 may be formed in the base portion 340. The third opening 342 of the base portion 340 may be located at a position corresponding to the first opening 332. For example, the third opening 342 may extend into the interior of the accommodation space C on the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340 and may extend along the circumference of the support portion 330. The third opening 342 may be located below the first opening 332 and may be located further inward relative to the accommodation space C than the first opening 332. The third opening 342 may overlap with the first opening 332.

[0138] The first opening 332, the second opening 312, and / or the third opening 342 may be connected to each other. The first opening 332, the second opening 312, and / or the third opening 342 may define a single opening or slit that is connected to each other. The second opening 312 may be formed below the protrusion 350, the third opening 342 may be formed inside the accommodating space C at an imaginary lower boundary where the second opening 312 and the base portion 340 or the body surface 311 meet, and the first opening 312 may be formed outside the accommodating space C. The second opening 312 and the third opening 342 may each be provided in plurality. The number of second openings 312 and the number of third openings 342 may correspond to the number of first openings 332.

[0139] Since the opening communicating with the first opening 332 is formed not only in the side wall 333 of the support portion 330 but also in the base portion 340 and the fixing body 310 , the protrusion 350 , the side wall 333 provided with the protrusion 350 , and the base portion 340 can be more easily deformed.

[0140] Therefore, the vibrator 400 may be easily accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C. While preventing the vibrator 400 from being damaged, the vibrator 400 may be stably supported by the support portion 330 , the base portion 340 , and the protrusion portion 350 .

[0141] The base portion 340 may be provided with a central opening 341. The central opening 341 may be referred to as a central circle 341. The bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340 may have a shape corresponding to the circumference of the support portion 330. The central opening 341 may be formed inside the bottom surface 343. The central opening 341 may be spaced apart from the third opening 342. The central opening 341 may be formed in the central portion of the bottom surface 343 or in a position adjacent to the central portion of the bottom surface 343.

[0142] Therefore, the vibrator 400 accommodated in the accommodation space C can be easily attached and removed. In addition, when the adhesive portion 380 is provided on the base portion 340, the attachment and removal of the adhesive portion 380 can be facilitated. When removing the vibrator 400 and / or the adhesive portion 380, the user can push the vibrator 400 and / or the adhesive portion 380 upward through the central opening 341. This makes it easy to attach and detach the vibrator 400 to the fixture 300, thereby improving the efficiency of product production.

[0143] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a vibrator coupled to a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 11 and Figure 12 It shows Figure 10 A diagram showing a state where a vibrator is coupled to a fixing device, Figure 13 and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fixture.

[0144] Reference Figure 10 , the vibrator 400 can be accommodated in the accommodation space C of the fixing device 300 (see Figure 6 ). Vibrator 400 may be a vibration motor that converts electrical energy into vibration. Vibrator 400 may include a vibrating portion (not shown) that vibrates in the vertical direction and / or the front-back and left-right directions, and a fixed portion (not shown) disposed adjacent to the vibrating portion. The mutual electromagnetic force between the vibrating portion and the fixed portion causes the vibrating portion to vibrate. However, the structure of vibrator 400 is not limited to this, and various known vibration devices capable of transmitting vibration to the outside may be employed.

[0145] The vibrator 400 may include a housing 410 , an electrode connection portion 430 , a connection member 440 , and an electrode 450 .

[0146] The housing 410 may define the appearance of the vibrator 400. The housing 410 may have a cylindrical shape. The housing 410 may accommodate the vibrating portion and the fixing portion and may have an electrode connecting portion 430 on one side. The housing 410 may include a top surface 411, a bottom surface 413 (see FIG. 414 ). Figure 14) and a side surface 412 extending from the periphery of the top surface 411 and the periphery of the bottom surface 413 in the longitudinal direction. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the bottom surface 413 of the housing 410 can contact the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340.

[0147] The electrode connection part 430 may protrude from one side of the side surface 412 of the housing 410 , and an electrode (not shown) that may apply current to the vibration part and the fixed part may be provided on one surface of the electrode connection part 430 .

[0148] Connector 440 may have a first end that contacts electrode-connecting portion 430 and a second end provided with electrode 450. Connector 440 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The first end of connector 440 may have a width corresponding to the width of electrode-connecting portion 430. Connector 440 may be curved in one direction. For example, connector 440 may have an L-shape.

[0149] The bent portion of the connector 440 may be provided with a bay portion 442 bent toward the inside of the connector 440. The bay portion 442 may be referred to as a recessed portion 442. Since the bay portion 442 is formed at the bent portion of the connector 440, the bent portion of the connector 400 may be prevented from being damaged by vibration generated by the vibrator 400.

[0150] A fixing hole 441 may be formed in one side of the connecting member 440. The fixing hole 441 may be formed at a bent portion of the connecting member 440. The fixing hole 441 may be fixed to one side of the fixing device 300. For example, a protrusion 313 protruding upward from the body surface 311 of the fixing device 300 passes through the fixing hole 441 when the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, thereby allowing the connecting member 440 of the vibrator 400 to be fixed to the fixing body 310 of the fixing device 300.

[0151] The electrode 450 may be provided on the second end of the connector 440. The electrode 450 may be electrically connected to a power source such as a battery, thereby allowing power to be applied to the vibrator 400.

[0152] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 as well as Figure 7 The fixing device 300 may include a connection groove 360 formed by opening one side of the support portion 330. The connection groove 360 may be formed in the circumferential direction of the support portion 330. The length of the connection groove 360 in the circumferential direction may be greater than or equal to the width of the electrode connection portion 430 of the vibrator 400. The support portion 330 may be rounded at both ends 333a and 333b where the support portion 330 and the connection groove 360 meet.

[0153] The retaining wall 370 may be formed between the connecting groove 360 and the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340 (see FIG. Figure 7 The base portion 340 may be recessed downward from the body surface 311 of the fixed body 310. The base portion 340 may form a step descending from the fixed body 310. The bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340 may be positioned downward relative to the body surface 311. The retaining wall 370 may connect the body surface 311 and the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340.

[0154] The blocking wall 370 may be formed to be continuous with the sidewall 333 of the support portion 330. The blocking wall 370 may be provided at a height corresponding to the first opening 332 of the support portion 330 with respect to the up and down directions. The height of the blocking wall 370 may be smaller than that of the first opening 332.

[0155] When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, a portion of the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400 may contact the retaining wall 370. The electrode connection portion 430 formed on the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400 may protrude outside the accommodation space C through the connection groove 360 provided above the retaining wall 370.

[0156] Therefore, the vibrator 400 may be fixed to the accommodation space C stably and securely.

[0157] The adhesive portion 380 may be provided on the base portion 340 (see Figure 12 The adhesive portion 380 may be formed using an elastic material. The adhesive portion 380 may have a shape corresponding to the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340. The adhesive portion 380 may be disposed between the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340 and the vibrator 400. One surface of the adhesive portion 380 may be in contact with the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340, and the other surface thereof may be in contact with one surface of the vibrator 400 accommodated in the accommodation space C.

[0158] The adhesive portion 380 may allow the vibrator 400 accommodated in the accommodation space C to be fixed to the base portion 340. An adhesive material may be applied to one surface of the adhesive portion 380 in contact with the bottom surface 343 of the base portion 340. An adhesive material may be applied to the other surface of the adhesive portion 380 in contact with the vibrator 400.

[0159] Therefore, the vibrator 400 may be firmly fixed in the holder 320 in the up-down direction, and noise that may be generated by the vibrator 400 hitting the base portion 340 and / or the support portion 330 may be prevented.

[0160] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 as well as Figure 8 and Figure 10When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the protrusion 350 may press the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400. The side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may protrude into the interior of the accommodation space C in a rounded manner. When viewed from above, the shortest distance D1 from the center of the accommodation space C or the center of the vibrator 400 to the protrusion 350 may be less than or equal to the radius R2 of the vibrator 400.

[0161] When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodating space C, the portion of the side wall 333 of the support portion 330 where the protrusion 350 is formed may bend in a direction away from the center of the accommodating space C, causing the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400 to be pressed by the restoring force of the side wall 333 and the elasticity of the protrusion 350.

[0162] The portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed may be more easily deformed than other portions where the protrusion 350 is not formed. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed may bend or expand toward the outside of the accommodation space C, thereby pressing the vibrator 400.

[0163] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be firmly fixed. In addition, the housing 410 of the vibrator 400 can be prevented from being damaged due to application of excessive force, thereby preventing the life of the vibrator 400 from being reduced.

[0164] Groove 420 (see Figure 10 ) may be formed in the vibrator 400. A portion of the upper outer edge (or outer periphery) of the housing 410 may be recessed to define a groove 420. The groove 420 may be formed by recessing the boundary between the top surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the housing 410 in the circumferential direction of the vibrator 400.

[0165] The groove 420 may include a top surface 421 and a side surface 422. The top surface 421 may be a surface formed by the top surface 411 of the housing 410 being recessed downward or cut into the housing 410. The top surface 421 of the groove 420 may form a step with the top surface 411 of the housing 410. The side surface 422 of the groove 420 may be a surface formed by the side surface 412 of the housing 410 being recessed in the left-right direction or the front-back direction or cut into the groove 420. The side surface 422 may form a step with the side surface 412 of the housing 410. The side surface 422 may be positioned inward relative to the side surface 412 of the housing 410. The side surface 422 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the side surface 412 of the housing 410. The side surface 422 may be rounded at both ends where the side surface 422 meets the side surface 412 of the housing 410.

[0166] The groove 420 may be provided in plurality and spaced apart from each other along the upper circumference of the housing 410. The fixing protrusions 350 of the protrusion portion 350 may be provided corresponding to the positions of the grooves 420. The number of the fixing protrusions 350 may correspond to the number of the grooves 420.

[0167] In a state where the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the protrusion 350 may be inserted into the groove 420. The bottom surface 353 of the protrusion 350 may contact the top surface 421 of the groove 420, and the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may contact the side surface 422 of the groove 420 (see FIG. Figure 14 ).

[0168] When viewed from above, the shortest distance D1 from the center of the accommodation space C or the center of the vibrator 400 to the protrusion 350 may be less than or equal to the distance D2 from the center of the vibrator 400 to the side surface 422 of the groove 420. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the portion of the sidewall 333 of the support portion 330 where the protrusion 350 is formed may bend in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space C or the center of the vibrator 400, so that the side surface 422 of the groove 420 is pressed by the restoring force of the sidewall 333 and the elasticity of the protrusion 350. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the bottom surface 353 of the protrusion 350 may contact the top surface 421 of the groove 420, thereby supporting the top surface 421.

[0169] The portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed may be more easily deformed than other portions where the protrusion 350 is not formed. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, since the portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed is bent or opened toward the outside of the accommodation space C, the side surface 422 of the groove 420 may be pressed, so that the bottom surface 353 of the protrusion 350 supports the top surface 411 of the groove 420.

[0170] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be firmly fixed. In addition, the housing 410 of the vibrator 400 can be prevented from being damaged due to excessive force applied to the housing 410, thereby suppressing the life of the vibrator 400 from being shortened.

[0171] As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 may be firmly and stably fixed.

[0172] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the life of the vibrator 400 from being shortened and the fixture 300 from being damaged due to being struck by the vibrator 400 .

[0173] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration of the vibrator 400 can be effectively transferred to the device while the vibrator 400 is firmly and stably fixed, thereby correctly notifying the customer of information.

[0174] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 may be fixed without an additional vibration absorber, thereby simplifying the structure of the fixing device 300 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0175] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 may be easily attached to and detached from the fixture 300 , thereby improving the efficiency of product production.

[0176] Reference Figures 1 to 14 An aerosol-generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a main body 100 that provides an aerosol-generating substance; heaters 110 and 210 that are mounted to the main body 100 and heat the aerosol-generating substance; a fixed body 310 that is mounted inside the main body 100; a holder 320 that is disposed on the fixed body 310; and a vibrator 400 that is coupled to the holder 320. The holder 320 may include: a support portion 330 that protrudes from the fixed body 310 and extends in a circumferential direction of the vibrator 400; and a base portion 340 that is disposed inside the support portion 330 and supports the vibrator 400. The support portion 330 may include a first opening 332 formed in a circumferential direction of the support portion 330.

[0177] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support portion 330 may include a plurality of first openings 332 , and the plurality of first openings 332 may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion 330 .

[0178] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second opening 312 may be formed at a position of the fixing body 310 corresponding to the first opening 332, and a third opening 342 may be formed at a position of the base portion 340 corresponding to the first opening 332. The first opening 332, the second opening 312, and the third opening 342 may define one opening that communicates with each other.

[0179] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the holder 320 may include a protrusion 350 located between the support portion 330 and the vibrator 400 , the protrusion 350 protruding from the support portion 330 to come into contact with the vibrator 400 .

[0180] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening 332 may be located between the base portion 340 and the protrusion portion 350 .

[0181] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the length L1 of the first opening 332 may be greater than the length L2 of the protrusion 350 relative to the circumferential direction of the support portion 330. The protrusion 350 may be disposed above the first opening 332 and may be located between both ends of the first opening in the circumferential direction of the first opening 332.

[0182] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support portion 330 and the protrusion portion 350 may be integrally formed with each other to have elasticity.

[0183] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support portion 330 may include a first inclined surface 331 inclined from the top of the support portion 330 toward the vibrator 400. The protrusion 350 may include a second inclined surface 351 formed on an upper end of the protrusion 350, connected to the first inclined surface 331, and inclined toward the vibrator 400.

[0184] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 may have a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 350 may have a side surface 352 protruding in an arc shape toward the vibrator 400. The shortest distance D1 from the center of the vibrator 400 to the protrusion 350 may be less than or equal to the radius R2 of the vibrator 400.

[0185] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 may include a top surface 411, a side surface 412, and a groove 420, wherein the groove 420 is recessed in the circumferential direction of the vibrator 400 at the boundary between the top surface 411 and the side surface 412. The protrusion 350 may be provided corresponding to the position of the groove 420 so as to be inserted into the groove 420. The shortest distance D1 from the center of the vibrator 400 to the protrusion 350 may be less than or equal to the distance D2 from the center of the vibrator 400 to the side surface of the groove 420.

[0186] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the protrusion 350 may have a bottom surface 353 formed flat on the lower end of the protrusion 350. When the vibrator 400 is coupled to the holder 320, the bottom surface 353 of the protrusion 350 may contact the top surface 421 of the groove 420, and the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may contact the side surface 422 of the groove 420. When the support portion 330 bends outward in the radial direction of the vibrator 400, the protrusion 350 may press the side surface 422 of the groove 420.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the holder 320 may further include a central opening 341 formed in the center of the base portion 340 to be spaced apart from the first opening 332 .

[0188] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a connection groove 360 may be provided by opening one side of the support portion 330. The support portion 330 may be rounded at both ends 333a and 333b where the support portion 330 and the connection groove 360 meet.

[0189] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seating portion 340 may form a step descending from the fixing body 310 , and a retaining wall 370 may be formed between the seating portion 340 and the connecting groove 360 .

[0190] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the holder 320 may further include an adhesive portion 380 provided on the base portion 340. The adhesive portion 380 may fix the vibrator 400 to the base portion 340.

[0191] The above-mentioned certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all constituent elements of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or may be combined with each other in structure or function.

[0192] For example, configuration "A" described in one embodiment and the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure and configuration "B" described in another embodiment and the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure may be combined with each other. That is, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, they may be combined except for cases where the combination is described as impossible.

[0193] The above detailed description is to be construed in all aspects as illustrative rather than restrictive.The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes that come within the equivalent range of the present disclosure are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a main body, providing an aerosol-generating substance; a heater mounted to the main body and heating the aerosol-generating substance; A fixed body, installed inside the main body; a retainer, disposed on the fixed body; as well as a vibrator, coupled to the holder, wherein the holder includes a support portion and a base portion, the support portion protruding from the fixing body and extending along the circumferential direction of the vibrator, the base portion being disposed inside the support portion and supporting the vibrator, and Wherein, the support portion includes a first opening formed in a circumferential direction of the support portion.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The support portion includes a plurality of first openings, and The plurality of first openings are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: A second opening is formed at a position of the fixing body corresponding to the first opening. A third opening is formed at a position of the base portion corresponding to the first opening, and The first opening, the second opening and the third opening define an opening that is communicated with each other.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The holder includes a protrusion between the support portion and the vibrator, the protrusion protruding from the support portion to come into contact with the vibrator.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The first opening is located between the base portion and the protrusion portion.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein: In the circumferential direction of the support portion, the length of the first opening is greater than the length of the protrusion, and The protrusion is provided above the first opening and is located between two ends of the first opening in a circumferential direction of the first opening.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The support portion and the protrusion portion are integrally formed with each other to have elasticity.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The support portion includes a first inclined surface inclined from a top of the support portion toward the vibrator, and The protrusion includes a second inclined surface formed on an upper end of the protrusion, connected to the first inclined surface, and inclined toward the vibrator.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The vibrator has a cylindrical shape, wherein the protrusion has a lateral surface protruding in an arc shape toward the vibrator, and The shortest distance from the center of the vibrator to the protrusion is less than or equal to the radius of the vibrator.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The vibrator comprises: top surface; side surfaces; and a groove recessed in the circumferential direction of the vibrator at a boundary between the top surface and the side surface, wherein the protrusion is arranged at a position corresponding to the groove so as to be inserted into the groove, and The shortest distance from the center of the vibrator to the protrusion is less than or equal to the distance from the center of the vibrator to the side surface of the groove.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The protrusion has a bottom surface formed flatly on a lower end of the protrusion, wherein, when the vibrator is coupled to the holder, the bottom surface of the protrusion contacts the top surface of the groove, and the side surface of the protrusion contacts the side surface of the groove, and Wherein, when the support portion bends outward in a radial direction of the vibrator, the protrusion presses the side surface of the groove.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The holder further includes a central opening formed at the center of the base portion to be spaced apart from the first opening.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting groove formed by opening one side of the supporting portion. in, The support portion is rounded at both ends where the support portion meets the connecting groove.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The base portion is formed with a step descending from the fixed body, and Wherein, a retaining wall is formed between the base portion and the connecting groove.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The holder further includes an adhesive portion provided on the base portion, and The adhesive portion fixes the vibrator to the base portion.

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