Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed that includes a main body that provides an aerosol generating material, a heater attached to the main body and heating the aerosol generating material, a fixed body built into the main body, a holder provided in the fixed body, and a vibrator coupled to the holder, wherein the holder includes a support portion protruding from the fixed body and extending along a circumferential direction of the vibrator, and a seat portion located inside the support portion and supporting the vibrator, and the support portion includes a first opening formed in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device is used to extract a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium may be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal, and / or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] The aerosol generating device includes an output device that outputs information to a user, and one such output device is a vibrator that outputs vibrations. The output device can provide a notification function to a user using vibrations generated by the operation of the vibrator.

[0004] If there is a gap in part of the structure that secures the vibrator to the aerosol generator, the vibrator may strike the fixed structure as it vibrates, generating impact noise (abnormal noise), which can shorten the vibrator's lifespan and cause damage to the fixed structure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0006] Another object is to provide an aerosol generating device that does not have a separate shock absorber and can fix the vibrator.

[0007] A further object is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the vibrator can be firmly and stably fixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device includes a main body that provides an aerosol generating material, a heater attached to the main body and heating the aerosol generating material, a fixed body built into the main body, a holder provided on the fixed body, and a vibrator connected to the holder, wherein the holder includes a support portion protruding from the fixed body and extending along a circumferential direction of the vibrator, and a seat portion located inside the support portion and supporting the vibrator, and the support portion includes a first opening formed in a circumferential direction of the support portion. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[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 reduced or the fixing device from being damaged due to the occurrence of an impact.

[0011] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator can be stably fixed and the vibration of the vibrator can be efficiently transmitted to the device, thereby accurately notifying the user of information.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator is fixed without a separate shock absorber, thereby simplifying the structure of the fixing device and reducing manufacturing costs.

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

[0014] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are 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 one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are 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 one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are 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 one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are 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 one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a transducer coupled to a fixation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the transducer of FIG. 10 coupled to a fixation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 shows the transducer of FIG. 10 coupled to a fixation device.

[0021] [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation of the specification, and "module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0024] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between, whereas when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0027] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] 1 to 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 can include a main body 100 and / or a cartridge 200.

[0029] 1 to 3 may include a fixing device 300 in a main body 100. The aerosol generating device 10 can transmit information to a user by vibrating the main body 100 due to the operation of a vibrator 400 housed in the fixing device 300.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 having an insertion space formed by a housing 101 so that a stick 20 can be inserted into the space.

[0031] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0032] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or both the first part and the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 10. A user can inhale the aerosol by holding the second part in their mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0033] The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[0034] The heater may be disposed at a position within the main body 100 corresponding to the position of the stick 20 when the stick 20 is inserted into the main body 100. In the figure, the heater is shown as an electrically conductive heater 110 including a needle-shaped electrically conductive track, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating device 10 may include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the insertion space, and the heater 110 may be a susceptor that can generate heat by a magnetic field flowing through the induction coil. The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element.

[0035] The heater can heat the inside and / or outside of the stick 20 using power supplied from the battery 16. An aerosol can be generated from the heated stick 20. A user can inhale the tobacco-flavored aerosol by inhaling one end of the stick 20 with their mouth.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment can include a body 100 that supports a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.

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

[0039] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached or detached by using a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cartridge 200 is attached or detached based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

[0040] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol-generating substance and / or a reservoir 220 for holding the aerosol-generating substance. For example, a liquid transfer means impregnated (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the reservoir 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transfer means. Here, the aerosol may be generated by heating the liquid transfer means by the heater 210. Here, the liquid transfer means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0041] The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending circumferentially along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

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

[0043] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and can come into contact with the inner wall.

[0044] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material manufactured in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

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

[0046] A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 110 can be delivered to the user's mouth through the stick 20. As the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0047] 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 storing an aerosol-generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 can be inserted into an insertion space 130.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user holds one end of the stick 20 in their mouth and inhales, the aerosol generated by the first heater can pass through the stick 20. Here, as the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be incorporated into the aerosol. The flavored aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the stick 20.

[0049] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater that heats the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 using the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

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

[0051] 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 that shown in FIG. 4. That is, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment relates to that some of the components shown in FIG. 4 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 10.

[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 located 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 that stores an aerosol generating material. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located 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 communication 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 wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, or near field communication (NFC).

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

[0055] The output device 122 may further include a display device that outputs visual information, such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED), and an audio device that outputs audio information, such as a speaker or a buzzer.

[0056] The input / output interface 12 may also include an input device for receiving commands from a user, such as a touch panel, physical buttons, or a microphone.

[0057] The aerosol-generating module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material can be any one or a combination of two or more substances in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, or a gel state, that can generate an aerosol.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance, including a volatile tobacco flavor component. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming material may include water, solvent, nicotine, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, etc.

[0059] The solid-state aerosol-forming material may include a solid material based on tobacco raw materials, such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, or granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-forming material may also include a solid material containing a taste modifier, a flavoring, or the like. For example, the taste modifier may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, or the like. For example, the flavoring may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, or the like containing flavoring ingredients.

[0060] The aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0061] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.

[0062] The aerosol generation module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track and may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. The heated electrical resistive heater may then heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0063] The electrically conductive tracks may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a metal material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0064] The electric resistance heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

[0065] The aerosol generation module 13 may include a heater that uses induction heating. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes may be generated by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. The lost energy may be released as thermal energy, heating the aerosol-generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

[0066] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

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

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

[0069] The memory 14 can store programs for various signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.

[0070] For example, memory 14 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by control unit 17, and may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of control unit 17.

[0071] For example, the memory 14 may store 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, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, a puff may refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may be a situation in which the user inhales through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0072] The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0073] The memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. The memory 14 may be disposed in each of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about the configuration disposed inside the main body 100, such as information about the total capacity of the battery 190. 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 information, etc.

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

[0075] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0076] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that senses the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol generation material, etc.

[0077] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generation device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor).

[0078] For example, if 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 detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge 200 relative to the main body 100.

[0079] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or cartridge detection sensor may be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided in the main body 100, and can 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 detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0081] For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a motion sensor 154) that senses the movement of the main body 100 and / or the cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the motion sensor 154 may be embodied by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0082] The battery 16 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input / output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, etc.

[0083] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured to maintain 80% or more of its total capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0084] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The protection circuit module (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 protection circuit module (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, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, or the like.

[0085] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which externally supplied power is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0086] The aerosol generation device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0087] The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, and can transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0088] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor and may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or a processor based on other hardware.

[0089] The control unit 17 can achieve any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generation device 10 (e.g., preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, a user command received via the input / output interface 12, etc.

[0090] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the control unit 17 can control the battery 16 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data about the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14.

[0091] The control unit 17 can determine whether a puff has occurred through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check changes in temperature, flow rate, pressure, voltage, etc. within the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the confirmed results based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0092] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 10 depending on whether or not a puff is performed and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater temperature to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0093] The control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to be cut off under predetermined conditions, such as when the stick is removed and the cartridge 200 is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time, or when the remaining charge of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value.

[0094] The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 16 based on the sensing values ​​of the voltage sensor and / or the current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0095] The control unit 17 can control the supply of power 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 unit 17 may use a PWM method to control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater, where the control unit 17 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0097] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the heater temperature 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 can control the power supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile. The control unit 17 can control the length of the heating period in which the heater is heated, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating period, etc. The control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

[0099] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0100] The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater and adjust the power supplied to the heater depending on the temperature of the heater. For example, the control unit 17 can 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] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space where the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

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

[0103] 5, the main body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10 may be elongated. The main body 100 may have a pipe shape with a hollow inside. For example, the main body 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded edges.

[0104] The body 100 can be open on at least one side from the hollow interior. For example, the body 100 can be open on both longitudinal sides from the hollow interior.

[0105] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a head case 140 that forms one side of the main body 100. The head case 140 may cover the open side of the main body 100.

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

[0107] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a cover 180 that forms the other side of the main body 100. The other side may be opposite to the side on which the head case 140 is disposed. The other side may be the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body 100. For example, the head case 140 may be disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the main body 100, and the cover 180 may be disposed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the main body 100. The cover 180 may cover the other open side of the main body 100.

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

[0109] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the aerosol generating device 10 can also be used to configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. Alternatively, the heater can be used to heat the aerosol generating device 10 while the cradle and the aerosol generating device 10 are combined.

[0110] 6 to 9 are 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 one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Throughout this specification, the direction of the fixing device 300 may be defined based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the fixing device 300. Here, the direction toward +x from the origin may refer to the rightward direction, and the direction toward -x from the origin may refer to the leftward direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as the front-rear direction of the fixing device 300. Here, the direction toward +y from the origin may refer to the rearward direction, and the direction toward -y from the origin may refer to the frontward direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction of the fixing device 300. Here, the direction toward +z from the origin may refer to the upward direction, and the direction toward -z from the origin may refer to the downward direction.

[0112] 6 and 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 holder 320 provided in the fixing body 310.

[0113] The fixed body 310 is provided with a body surface 311, at least a portion of which is flattened in the left-right and / or front-back directions, and the holder 320 may protrude from the body surface 311 in a direction intersecting the body surface 311 (e.g., upward).

[0114] The fixing body 310 may be fixed inside the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the fixing body 310 may be housed inside the main body 100 of the aerosol generating device 10 and coupled or fixed to the main body 100 or a bracket within the main body. The fixing body 310 may include a coupling portion (not shown) for fixing to the main body 100 or the bracket. The coupling portion may have an engaging protrusion or a fixing groove corresponding to a fixing groove or an engaging protrusion formed on the main body 100 or the bracket. However, the coupling portion is not limited thereto, and any type of coupling means capable of fixing the fixing body 310 to the main body 100 or the bracket may be used.

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

[0116] The holder 320 may have an accommodation space C therein. The accommodation space C may be open at the top. A vibrator 400 (see FIG. 10) that generates vibrations may be accommodated in the accommodation space C. The accommodation space C may be formed in a shape corresponding to the case 410 (see FIG. 10) of the vibrator 400. For example, the accommodation space C may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. The support part 330 may form the side of the accommodation space C, and the seat part 300 may form the bottom of the accommodation space C.

[0117] The support part 330 may protrude from the body surface 311 in one direction (e.g., upward) intersecting with the body surface 311. The support part 330 may be formed along the circumferential direction of the receiving space C or the circumferential direction of the vibrator 400. The support part 330 may surround the periphery of the receiving space C or the periphery of the vibrator 400. The support part 330 may have the form of a lateral wall 320 that surrounds the periphery of the receiving space C or the periphery of the vibrator 400. For example, the support part 330 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0118] The support part 330 may include a first opening 332. The support part 330 may include an upper surface on which a first inclined surface 331 is formed, and a side wall 333 formed in the vertical direction and extending in the circumferential direction to surround the storage space C. The first opening 332 may be formed in at least a portion of the side wall 333 of the support part 330.

[0119] The seat 340 may be formed on one side of the body surface 311. The seat 340 may extend flat in the direction in which the body surface 311 is formed. The seat 340 may form a part of the body surface 311. The seat 340 may be located inside the support part 330. The seat 340 may be disposed below the receiving space C. The seat 340 may cover the bottom of the receiving space C. The seat 340 may have the form of a lower surface 340 that covers the bottom of the receiving space C.

[0120] The holder 320 may include a protrusion 350. The protrusion 350 may be provided along the periphery of the support part 330 and protrude from the inner side or inner surface of the support part 330 toward the receiving space C. The protrusion 350 may be arranged to face the inner side or inner surface of the support part 330, or to face another protrusion 350 on the opposite side. The protrusion 350 may be located between the support part 330 and the vibrator 400. The protrusion 350 may be arranged spaced apart from the seat 340. The protrusion 350 may protrude from the upper side of the support part 330 toward the receiving space C and may be spaced apart in the vertical direction from the seat 340 that covers the bottom of the receiving space C. The protrusion 350 may be formed integrally with the support part 330.

[0121] The protrusion 350 can support the vibrator 400 positioned in the accommodation space C, or can be in contact with or in close contact with the vibrator 400. The support portion 330 surrounds the sides of the vibrator 400 to support it laterally, the seating portion 340 surrounds the lower portion of the vibrator 400 to support it downward, and the protrusion 350 can press against the sides or upper portion of the vibrator 400 to support it laterally and / or upward (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0122] 8 and 9, the protrusion portion 350 may include a plurality of fixing protrusions 350. The plurality of fixing protrusions 350 may be spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the support portion 330. The plurality of fixing protrusions 350 may protrude into the receiving space C at intervals from one another along the periphery of the support portion 330. The plurality of fixing protrusions 350 may be arranged rotationally symmetrically. For example, the protrusion portion 350 may include three fixing protrusions 350, and the respective fixing protrusions 350 may be arranged rotationally symmetrically and spaced apart from one another by 120 degrees with respect to the center of the receiving space C.

[0123] By arranging the multiple fixing protrusions 340 rotationally symmetrically and spaced apart from one another, it is possible to stably support or fix the vibrator 400 against lateral and / or upward movement of the vibrator 400.

[0124] The protrusion 350 may protrude inward along the periphery of the support part 330. The protrusion 350 may have an upper surface 351, a side surface 352, and a lower surface 353 (see FIG. 7). The upper surface 351 of the protrusion 350 is provided at the upper end of the protrusion 350, and since the inner edge of the upper end of the support part 330 is inclined, the upper surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may also be formed as an inclined surface. The upper surface 351 may be referred to as a second inclined surface 351. The second inclined surface 351 may have a shape inclined from the upper end of the protrusion 350 toward the inside of the receiving space C or a shape inclined toward the vibrator 400. The second inclined surface 351 may be connected or joined to the first inclined surface 331 formed at the upper end of the support part 330. The first inclined surface 331 of the support part 330 is inclined from the upper end of the support part 330 toward the inside of the accommodating space C, and the second inclined surface 351 of the protrusion part 350 is connected or joined by the first inclined surface 331 and may be a surface that protrudes from the inner wall 333 of the support part 330 toward the inside of the accommodating space C or the vibrator 400.

[0125] Meanwhile, the upper surface of the support portion 330 may be flat in the front-rear and / or left-right directions, and the second inclined surface 351 of the protrusion 350 may be formed obliquely from the upper surface of the support portion 330 toward the inside of the receiving space C.

[0126] A side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may protrude into the receiving space C. For example, the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 may protrude into the receiving space C in a rounded shape. As another example, the side surface 352 may have a polygonal shape protruding into the receiving space C. A lower surface 353 of the protrusion 350 may be formed flat. The lower surface 353 may be formed flat in the direction in which the body surface 311 is formed.

[0127] When the vibrator 400 (see FIG. 10) is accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C from above, the second inclined surface 351 of the protrusion 350 can come into contact with at least one of the side surface 412 (see FIG. 14), the bottom surface 413 (see FIG. 14), and the edge (the boundary between the vibrating 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 made of an elastic material. At least one of the support portion 330, the seat portion 340, and the protrusion portion 350 of the holder 320 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the holder 320 may be made of plastic such as polyurethane, rubber such as silicone rubber or natural rubber, or other elastic material. The support portion 330 and the protrusion portion 350 may include an elastic material, be integrally formed, and have elasticity.

[0129] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be easily accommodated or inserted into the receiving space C, and noise (abnormal noise) that may be generated when the vibrator 400 accommodated or inserted into the receiving space C strikes the support part 330, the seat part 340, the protrusion part 350, etc. Also, the vibration of the vibrator can be efficiently transmitted to the electronic device, thereby accurately notifying the user of information.

[0130] The fixed body 310 with the holder 320 may be made of an elastic material, and the holder 320 may be integrally formed with the fixed body 310, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] 8 and 9 together with FIG. 6, the support portion 330 may include a first opening 332. The support portion 330 may include an upper surface on which a first inclined surface 331 is formed, and a sidewall 333 formed in the vertical direction and extending in the circumferential direction to surround the receiving 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 a lower portion of the side wall 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 in a portion of the side wall 333 of the support part 330 along the periphery of the support part 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 seat 340. In the vertical direction, the protrusion 350 may be located above the first opening 332, and the seat 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 located spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the support part 330. The number of first openings 332 may correspond to the number of fixing protrusions 340 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 side wall 333. A length L1 of the first opening 332 extending in the circumferential direction of the support portion 330 may be greater than a circumferential length L2 of the protrusion 350 (see FIG. 9 ). A circumferential length L2 of a side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 protruding from the side wall 333 of the support portion 330 toward the inside of the accommodation space C may be smaller than the circumferential length L1 of the first opening 332. The protrusion 350 may be disposed above the first opening 332 and between both ends of the first opening 332 in the circumferential direction. One end where the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 meets the side wall 333 of the support portion 330 may be spaced apart from one circumferential end of the first opening 332, and the other end may be spaced apart from the other circumferential end of the first opening 332. The protrusion 350 may be located above the first opening 332 at or adjacent to the circumferential center of the first opening 332 .

[0134] Since the protrusion 350 is formed on the support portion 330 and the first opening 332 is formed below the protrusion 350, the side wall 333 on which the protrusion 350 is formed may have a smaller width in the vertical direction than the side wall 333 on which the protrusion 350 and the first opening 332 are not formed. Therefore, the portion of the side wall 333 on which the protrusion 350 is formed can be deformed more easily than the portion on which the protrusion 350 is not formed.

[0135] When the vibrator 400 is accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space C, the portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed is easily deformed, and the vibrator 400 can be easily accommodated or inserted inside the accommodation space C. Therefore, damage to the vibrator 400 can 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 from the body surface 311 of the fixed body 310 to the outside of the accommodating space C and extend along the periphery of the support part 330. The second opening 312 may be disposed below the first opening 332 and may be disposed further outside 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 seating portion 340. The third opening 342 of the seating portion 340 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first opening 332. For example, the third opening 342 may extend from the lower surface 343 of the seating portion 340 toward the inside of the accommodation space C and extend along the periphery of the support portion 330. The third opening 342 may be disposed below the first opening 332 and may be disposed more inward in the accommodation space C than the first opening 332. The third opening 342 may overlap the first opening 332.

[0138] The first opening 332, the second opening 312, and / or the third opening 342 may be in communication with one another. The first opening 332, the second opening 312, and / or the third opening 342 may form a single opening or slit that are in communication with one another. The second opening 312 may be formed below the protrusion 350, and the third opening 342 may be formed inside the accommodation space C at an imaginary lower boundary where the second opening 312 meets the seating portion 340 or the body surface 311, and the first opening 312 may be formed outside the accommodation space C. A plurality of second openings 312 and third openings 342 may be provided. The number of second openings 312 and third openings 342 may correspond to the number of first openings 332.

[0139] Since openings communicating with the first opening 332 are formed not only in the side wall 333 of the support part 330 but also in the seating part 340 and the fixed body 310, the protrusion 350, the side wall 333 on which the protrusion 350 is formed, and the seating part 340 can be more easily deformed.

[0140] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be easily accommodated or inserted inside the accommodation space C. Damage to the vibrator 400 can be prevented, and the vibrator 400 can be stably supported by the support portion 330, the seat portion 340, and the protrusion portion 350.

[0141] A central opening 341 may be formed in the seating portion 340. The opening 341 may be referred to as a center circle 341. A lower surface 343 of the seating portion 340 may have a shape corresponding to the periphery of the support portion 330. The central opening 341 may be formed inside the lower surface 343. The central opening 341 may be disposed spaced apart from the third opening 342. The central opening 341 may be formed in the central portion of the lower surface 343 or at a position adjacent thereto.

[0142] Therefore, it is possible to easily attach and detach the vibrator 400 accommodated inside the accommodating space C. Furthermore, when the adhesive part 380 is disposed on the upper part of the seating part 340, it is possible to easily attach and detach the adhesive part 380. When separating the vibrator 400 and / or the adhesive part 380, the user can separate the vibrator 400 and / or the adhesive part 380 by pushing the vibrator 400 and / or the adhesive part 380 upward through the central opening 341. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach and detach the vibrator 400 to and from the fixing device 300, thereby improving product production efficiency.

[0143] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a vibrator coupled to a fixation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing the vibrator of FIG. 10 coupled to a fixation device, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of the fixation device.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 10, the vibrator 400 may be accommodated in the accommodation space C of the fixing device 300 (see FIG. 6). The vibrator 400 may be a vibration motor that converts electrical energy into vibration. The vibrator 400 includes a vibration unit (not shown) that vibrates in the up-down and / or down-front and left-right directions, and a fixed unit (not shown) disposed adjacent to the vibration unit, and the vibration unit can vibrate due to the mutual electromagnetic force between the vibration unit and the fixed unit. However, the structure of the vibrator 400 is not limited thereto, and various known types of vibration devices that can transmit vibrations to the outside can be applied.

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

[0146] The case 410 may form the exterior of the vibrator 400. The case 410 may have a cylindrical shape. The case 410 may accommodate a vibrating part and a fixed part therein, and may have an electrode connecting part 430 formed on one side. The case 410 may have an upper surface 411, a lower surface 413 (see FIG. 14 ), and a side surface 412 extending in the length direction from the periphery of the upper surface 411 and the lower surface 413. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the lower surface 413 of the case 410 may come into contact with the lower surface 343 of the seating part 340.

[0147] The electrode connector 430 protrudes from one side of the side surface 412 of the case 410, and an electrode (not shown) capable of applying a current to the vibration and fixing portion may be disposed on one surface of the electrode connector 430.

[0148] The connector 440 may have one end that contacts the electrode connecting portion 430 and the other end that has the electrode 450 formed thereon. The connector 440 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). One end of the connector 440 may have a width that corresponds to the width of the electrode connecting portion 430. The connector 440 may be bent in one direction. For example, the connector 440 may have an L-shape.

[0149] A bay portion 442 may be formed inside the connector 440 at a portion where the connector 440 bends. The bay portion 442 may be referred to as a recess 442. By forming the bay portion 442 at a portion where the connector 440 bends, it is possible to prevent the bent portion of the connector 400 from being damaged by vibrations generated by the vibrator 400.

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

[0151] An electrode 450 may be disposed on the other end of the connector 440. The electrode 450 may be electrically connected to a power source, such as a battery, so that power can be applied to the transducer 400.

[0152] 11 and 12 together with FIG. 7, the fixing device 300 may include a connecting groove 360 ​​formed by opening one side of the support portion 330. The connecting groove 360 ​​may be formed in the circumferential direction of the support portion 330. The length of the connecting groove 360 ​​in the circumferential direction may be equal to or greater than the width of the electrode connecting portion 430 of the vibrator 400. Both ends 333a and 333b of the support portion 330 where the connecting groove 360 ​​meet may be rounded.

[0153] A locking step 370 may be formed between the connecting groove 360 ​​and the lower surface 343 of the seat 340 (see FIG. 7). The seat 340 may be formed by being recessed downward from the body surface 311 of the fixed body 310. The seat 340 may form a step that is lowered downward from the fixed body 310. The lower surface 343 of the seat 340 may be located lower than the body surface 311. The locking step 370 may connect the body surface 311 and the lower surface 343 of the seat 340.

[0154] The locking step 370 may be formed to be connected to the side wall 333 of the support part 330. In terms of the up-down direction, the locking step 370 may be disposed at a height corresponding to the first opening 332 of the support part 330. The height of the locking step 370 may be lower than the height 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 can contact the locking step 370. The electrode connection portion 430 formed on the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400 can protrude to the outside of the accommodation space C through the connection groove 360 ​​arranged above the locking step 370.

[0156] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be fixed in the accommodation space C stably and firmly.

[0157] An adhesive part 380 may be provided on the upper part of the seating part 340 (see FIG. 12 ). The adhesive part 380 may be made of an elastic material. The adhesive part 380 may have a shape corresponding to the lower surface 343 of the seating part 340. The adhesive part 380 may be disposed between the lower surface 343 of the seating part 340 and the vibrator 400. One side of the adhesive part 380 may contact the lower surface 343 of the seating part 340, and the other side may contact one side of the vibrator 400 accommodated in the accommodation space C.

[0158] The adhesive part 380 can fix the vibrator 400 accommodated in the accommodation space C to the seating part 340. An adhesive material may be applied to one surface of the adhesive part 380 that contacts the lower surface 343 of the seating part 340. An adhesive material may be applied to the other surface of the adhesive part 380 that contacts the vibrator 400.

[0159] Therefore, the vibrator 400 can be stably fixed in the holder 320 in the vertical direction, and noise that may be generated when the vibrator 400 strikes the seating portion 340 and / or the support portion 330 can be prevented.

[0160] 13 and 14 together with FIGS. 8 and 10, when vibrator 400 is accommodated in accommodation space C, protrusion 350 can press against side surface 412 of vibrator 400. Side surface 352 of protrusion 350 can protrude in a rounded shape into the interior of accommodation space C. When viewed from above, the shortest distance D1 from the center of accommodation space C or the center of vibrator 400 to protrusion 350 can be equal to or smaller than radius R2 of the vibrator.

[0161] When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the portion of the side wall 333 of the support part 330 on which the protrusion 350 is formed bends in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space C, and the restoring force of the side wall 333 and the elasticity of the protrusion 350 can press against the side surface 412 of the vibrator 400.

[0162] The portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed can be deformed more easily than the portion 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 can bend or expand outward from the accommodation space C and press against the vibrator 400.

[0163] Therefore, it is possible to stably fix the vibrator 400. In addition, it is possible to prevent the case 410 of the vibrator 400 from being damaged by being pressed with an excessive force, and to prevent the life of the vibrator 400 from being shortened.

[0164] A groove 420 (see FIG. 10 ) may be formed in the vibrator 420. The groove 420 may be formed by recessing a portion of the upper periphery of the case 410. The groove 420 may be formed by recessing the boundary between the upper surface 411 and the side surface 412 of the case 410 in the circumferential direction of the vibrator 400.

[0165] The groove 420 may have an upper surface 421 and a side surface 422. The upper surface 421 of the groove 420 may be a surface formed by the upper surface 411 of the case 410 being recessed or cut out downward into the interior of the case 410. The upper surface 421 may form a step with respect to the upper surface 411 of the case 410. The side surface 422 of the groove 420 may be a surface formed by the side surface 412 of the case 410 being recessed or cut out into the interior of the groove 420 in the left-right or front-back direction. The side surface 422 may form a step with respect to the side surface 412 of the case 410. The side surface 422 may be located more inward of the side surface 412 of the case 410. The side surface 422 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the periphery of the side surface 412 of the case 410. The sides 422 may be rounded at both ends where the side surface 422 meets the side surface 412 of the case 410.

[0166] A plurality of grooves 420 may be formed spaced apart from one another along the upper periphery of the case 410. The fixing protrusions 340 of the protrusion 340 may be arranged to correspond to the positions of the grooves 420. The number of fixing protrusions 340 may correspond to the number of grooves 420.

[0167] When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the protrusion 350 can be inserted into the groove 420. The lower surface 353 of the protrusion 350 can contact the upper surface 421 of the groove 420, and the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 can contact the side surface 422 of the groove 420 (see FIG. 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 equal to or smaller than 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 side wall 333 of the support part 330 where the protrusion 350 is formed bends in a direction away from the center of the accommodation space C or the center of the vibrator 400, and can press against the side surface 422 of the groove 420 due to the restoring force of the side wall 333 and the elasticity of the protrusion 350. When the vibrator 400 is accommodated in the accommodation space C, the lower surface 353 of the protrusion 350 can come into contact with the upper surface 421 of the groove 420 and support the upper surface 421.

[0169] The portion of the side wall 333 where the protrusion 350 is formed can be deformed more easily than the portion 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 bends or spreads outward from the accommodation space C and presses against the side surface 422 of the groove 420, and the lower surface 353 of the protrusion 350 can support the upper surface 411 of the groove 420.

[0170] Therefore, it is possible to stably fix the vibrator 400. In addition, it is possible to prevent the case 410 of the vibrator 400 from being damaged by being pressed with an excessive force, and to prevent 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 can be fixed firmly and stably.

[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 reduced or the fixing device 300 from being damaged due to the occurrence of an impact.

[0173] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 can be stably fixed, and the vibration of the vibrator 400 can be efficiently transmitted to the device, thereby accurately notifying the user of information.

[0174] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 is fixed without a separate shock 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 can be easily attached to and detached from the fixing device 300, thereby improving the production efficiency.

[0176] 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 material, heaters 110, 210 attached to the main body 100 and heating the aerosol generating material, a fixed body 310 built into the main body 100, a holder 320 provided on the fixed body 310, and a vibrator 400 coupled to the holder 320, wherein the holder 320 includes a support portion 330 protruding from the fixed body 310 and extending along the circumferential direction of the vibrator 400, and a seat portion 340 positioned inside the support portion 330 and supporting the vibrator 400, and the support portion 330 includes a first opening 332 formed in the 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, which may be spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the support portion 330.

[0178] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second opening 312 is formed in the fixed body 310 at a position corresponding to the first opening 332, and a third opening 342 is formed in the seating portion 340 at a position corresponding to the first opening 332, and the first opening 332, the second opening 312, and the third opening 342 can form a single opening that is connected to each other.

[0179] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor may include a protrusion 350 positioned between the support 330 and the vibrator 400 , protruding from the support 330 and contacting the vibrator 400 .

[0180] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first opening 332 can be located between the seat 340 and the protrusion 350 .

[0181] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in the circumferential direction of the support portion 330, the length L1 of the first opening 332 is greater than the length L2 of the protrusion portion 350, and the protrusion portion 350 may be positioned above the first opening 332 and between the circumferential ends 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 and have elasticity.

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

[0184] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 has a cylindrical shape, the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 protrudes in a rounded shape toward the vibrator 400, and the shortest distance D1 from the center of the vibrator 400 to the protrusion 350 may be equal to or smaller than the radius R2 of the vibrator 400.

[0185] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vibrator 400 includes an upper surface 411, a side surface 412, and a groove 420 recessed in a circumferential direction of the vibrator 400 at the boundary between the upper surface 411 and the side surface 412, the protrusion 350 is positioned to correspond to the position of the groove 420 and is inserted into the groove 420, and the shortest distance D1 from the center of the vibrator 400 to the protrusion 350 may be equal to or smaller than 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, a lower surface 353 is formed flat at the lower end of the protrusion 350, and when the vibrator 400 is coupled to the holder 320, the lower surface 353 of the protrusion 350 contacts the upper surface 421 of the groove 420, and the side surface 352 of the protrusion 350 contacts the side surface 422 of the groove 420, so that the support portion 330 bends radially outward of the vibrator 400, and the protrusion 350 presses against 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 at the center of the seating portion 340 and spaced apart from the first opening 332 .

[0188] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one side of the support portion 330 may further include a connecting groove 360 ​​formed by opening the connecting groove 360, and both ends 333a and 333b of the support portion 330 where the support portion 330 meets the connecting groove 360 ​​may be rounded.

[0189] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seating portion 340 may have a step that is lowered downward from the fixed body 310, and a locking step 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 disposed on the seating portion 340, and the adhesive portion 380 may fix the vibrator 400 to the seating portion 340.

[0191] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0192] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0193] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. a body providing an aerosol-generating material; a heater attached to the body and configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; a fixed body built into the main body; a holder provided on the fixed body; a vibrator coupled to the holder; The holder is a support portion protruding from the fixed body and extending along a circumferential direction of the vibrator; a seat portion located inside the support portion and supporting the vibrator, The support portion is An aerosol generating device including a first opening formed in a circumferential direction of the support portion.

2. the support portion includes a plurality of first openings; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first openings are spaced apart from one another along the periphery of the support portion.

3. a second opening is formed in the fixed body at a position corresponding to the first opening; a third opening is formed in the seating portion at a position corresponding to the first opening; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening form a single opening that communicates with each other.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a protrusion located between the support and the vibrator, protruding from the support and contacting the vibrator.

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

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

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

8. The support portion is a first inclined surface that forms an inclination from an upper end of the support portion toward the vibrator; The protrusion is The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , further comprising 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 vibrator has a cylindrical shape, The side surface of the protrusion protrudes in a rounded shape toward the vibrator, The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the shortest distance from the center of the vibrator to the protrusion is equal to or smaller than the radius of the vibrator.

10. The vibrator is The top surface and The sides and a recessed groove recessed in a circumferential direction of the vibrator at a boundary between the top surface and the side surface, The protrusion is disposed to correspond to the position of the groove and is inserted into the groove; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the shortest distance from the center of the vibrator to the protrusion is equal to or shorter than the distance from the center of the vibrator to the side surface of the groove.

11. The lower surface is formed flat at the lower end of the protrusion, When the vibrator is coupled to the holder, a lower surface of the protrusion contacts an upper surface of the groove, and a side surface of the protrusion contacts a side surface of the groove; The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 , wherein the support portion bends outward in the radial direction of the vibrator, and the protrusion presses against a side surface of the groove.

12. The holder is The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a central opening formed in the center of the seat and spaced apart from the first opening.

13. One side of the support portion further includes a connecting groove formed to be open, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein both ends where the support portion meets the connecting groove are rounded.

14. the seating portion forms a step that is lowered downward from the fixed body, The aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein a locking step is formed between the seating portion and the connecting groove.

15. The holder is further comprising an adhesive portion disposed on the seating portion; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the adhesive portion fixes the vibrator to the seating portion.

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