Aerosol-generating device, and coupling instrument for aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device comprises: an aerosol-generating device body including a cavity for accommodating an aerosol-generating substrate; a cap which is separably coupled to the aerosol-generating device body and which covers at least a portion of the aerosol-generating device body; and a coupling instrument which is disposed on either the cap or the aerosol-generating device body and which separably couples the cap and the aerosol-generating device body to each other.

Description

Aerosol generating device and coupling mechanism for aerosol generating device

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a coupling mechanism for an aerosol generating device that improve the coupling force between the aerosol generating device body and the cap and enable a user to easily operate the aerosol generating device body and the cap to separate or couple them.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes (or "aerosol-generating articles") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette itself.

[0003] An example of an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating device body having a battery that supplies power necessary to heat an aerosol generating substrate, and a cap that covers an area of ​​the aerosol generating device body to protect an area of ​​the aerosol generating device body.

[0004] In general, the aerosol generating device body and cap can be detachably coupled to each other, and a magnetic or hook structure has been conventionally applied to the aerosol generating device.

[0005] In the case of a method using magnetic force, the space for arranging the magnetic force generating component had to be secured in advance, which reduced the space utilization inside the aerosol generating device. In addition, the magnetic force could affect the sensor inside the aerosol generating device, which had to be avoided, making it difficult to design the aerosol generating device.

[0006] In addition, when using a simple hook structure, it was difficult for the user to operate smoothly in the process of separating or combining the main body and cap of the aerosol generating device, and the hook structure was easily worn out due to frequent separation and combination.

[0007] The purpose of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and a coupling mechanism for the aerosol generating device that can improve space utilization and enhance the degree of design freedom of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide an aerosol generating device and a coupling mechanism for an aerosol generating device that improve the coupling force between the aerosol generating device body and the cap and enable a user to easily operate the aerosol generating device body and the cap to separate or couple them.

[0009] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide an aerosol generating device with improved durability and a coupling mechanism for the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: an aerosol generating device body including a cavity for accommodating an aerosol generating substrate; a cap detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body and covering at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body; and a coupling mechanism disposed on either the cap or the aerosol generating device body, the coupling mechanism allowing the cap and the aerosol generating device body to be detachably coupled to each other. The other of the cap or the aerosol generating device body includes a coupling groove into which a portion of the coupling mechanism is inserted. The other of the cap or the aerosol generating device body includes a through hole through which a portion of the coupling mechanism passes. The coupling mechanism may include a coupling protrusion passing through the through hole and inserted into the coupling groove, and an elastic bar coupled to the coupling protrusion and allowing the coupling protrusion to be elastically movable.

[0012] The aerosol generating device and coupling mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve space utilization and design freedom.

[0013] The aerosol generating device and coupling mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the coupling force between the aerosol generating device body and the cap, and improve the ease of operation for a user to separate or couple the aerosol generating device body and the cap.

[0014] The aerosol generating device and coupling mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce maintenance costs because of improved durability.

[0015] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article used therein according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Figure 4.

[0021] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components illustrated in Figure 5.

[0022] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the inside of an aerosol generating device based on line VII-VII of Figure 4.

[0023] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8b is a plan view of the coupling mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIGS. 9A to 9C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a process of coupling a cap to a main body of an aerosol generating device using a coupling mechanism, based on line IX-IX of FIG. 4.

[0025] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 7.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the interior of an aerosol generating device taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to illustrate another example of a coupling mechanism.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the interior of an aerosol generating device taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to illustrate another example of a coupling mechanism.

[0028] Figures 13 and 14 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0029] Fig. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0030] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0031] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0033] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0034] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that electrically heats a cigarette accommodated in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0035] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0036] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0037] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0038] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0039] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0040] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0041] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0042] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0043] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0044] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0046] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0047] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0048] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0050] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0051] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0052] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0053] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the various embodiments of the aerosol generating devices described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0054] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power source (200), a control unit (300), a sensor (400), and a heater (500). At least one of the power source (200), the control unit (300), the sensor (400), and the heater (500) may be disposed inside an aerosol generating device body (100) of the aerosol generating device (1). The aerosol generating device body (100) may provide a space opened upwardly so that an aerosol generating product (2), which is an aerosol generating product, may be inserted. The space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the aerosol generating device body (100) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating product (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of the region containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device body (100), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the aerosol generating device body (100). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0056] The heater (500) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (500) can extend upwardly in a space where the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (500) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (500) can be inserted into the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (500) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0057] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater (500) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (500) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (500) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (500) may be electrically connected to a power source (200). The heater (500) may receive current from the power source (200) and directly generate heat.

[0058] For example, the heater (500) may be a multi-heater. The heater (500) may include a first heater (501) and a second heater (502). The first and second heaters (501, 502) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters (501, 502) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0059] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (500a) surrounding a heater (500). The induction coil (500a) may heat the heater (500). The heater (500) may be a susceptor, and the heater (500) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (500a). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (500) and generate an eddy current within the heater (500). The current may generate heat in the heater (500).

[0060] For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor (SS) may be included inside the aerosol generating article (2), and the susceptor (SS) inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil (500a). The susceptor (SS) may be disposed inside the aerosol generating article (2) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (SS) may be inserted into the insertion space together with the aerosol generating article (2) and may be removed from the insertion space together with the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by the susceptor (SS) inside the aerosol generating article (2). At this time, the aerosol generating device (1) may not be equipped with a heater (500).

[0061] The power source (200) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (200) can be referred to as a battery. The power source (200) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (300), the sensor (400), and the heater (500). The power source (200) can supply power to the induction coil (500a).

[0062] The control unit (300) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (300) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (300) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (200), the sensor (400), and the heater (500). The control unit (300) can control the operation of the induction coil (500a). The control unit (300) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (300) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0063] The control unit (300) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (400) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (300) can control the power supplied to the heater (500) so that the operation of the heater (500) can be started or stopped based on the results detected by the sensor (400). For example, the control unit (300) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (500) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (500) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor (400).

[0064] The sensor (400) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor (400) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (500), the temperature of the power source (200), and the temperature inside and outside the main body (100) of the aerosol generating device. For example, the sensor (400) may sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor (400) may sense whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor (400) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0065] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (1) and an aerosol generating article (2) used therein according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an aerosol generating device body (100) and a cap (600). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above (e.g., the aerosol generating device body (100)), and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted below. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system may be used to mean an aerosol generating device (1) and an aerosol generating article (2).

[0067] The aerosol generating device body (100) may include a body wing (150). The body wing (150) may extend upward from an edge of the upper portion of the aerosol generating device body (100) (e.g., a portion facing the +y direction and the -y direction). The body wings (150) may be formed as a pair facing each other with the upper portion of the aerosol generating device body (100) as the center. The body wings (150) may be formed at a position misaligned with the cap wings (620). Accordingly, when the aerosol generating device body (100) and the cap (600) are coupled, the body wings (150) and the cap wings (620) may be coupled without interfering with each other.

[0068] The cap (600) can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100). The cap (600) can be coupled to the upper side (e.g., in the +z direction) of the aerosol generating device body (100). The cap (600) can cover the upper periphery of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0069] The cap (600) may include a cap wing (620). The cap wing (620) may extend downward (e.g., in the -z direction) from both sides (e.g., in the +x direction and the -x direction) of the cap body (610). In the present disclosure, the cap body (610) may be referred to as an upper cap, and the cap wing (620) may be referred to as an upper case grip. The cap body (610) and the cap wing (620) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0070] When the cap (600) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the cap (600) can form the upper outer surface of the aerosol generating device (1). When the cap (600) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the body wing (150) can cover the side portions of the cap (600) exposed between the cap wings (620) (e.g., portions facing the +y direction and the -y direction). When the cap (600) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100), the cap wing (620) can cover the outer side (e.g., the +x direction and the -x direction) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0071] The cap (600) may include an insertion port (630). An aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the insertion port (630). The cap (600) may further include a door (640) for opening and closing the insertion port (630). The door (640) may slide laterally to open and close the insertion port (630).

[0072] The aerosol generating article (2) used in the aerosol generating device (1) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 below. In addition, in the present disclosure, the object inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is described as the aerosol generating article (2), but the object inserted into the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited thereto. For example, a cartridge, rather than the aerosol generating article (2), may be used in the aerosol generating device (1). The cartridge may store an aerosol generating substance, and the aerosol generating substance may include a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may include a liquid composition including a non-tobacco substance.

[0073] Fig. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a cap (600), and a coupling mechanism (700). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above (e.g., the cap (600)), and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0075] The aerosol generating device body (100) may include a cavity (100a), a coupling groove (100b), and an inner surface (100c).

[0076] An aerosol generating substrate can be accommodated / inserted into the cavity (100a). The cavity (100a) can be communicated with the insertion port (630) of the cap (600). The cavity (100a) is positioned between a pair of main body wings (150) and can be exposed to the outside of the main body (100) of the aerosol generating device before the cap (600) is coupled. The aerosol generating substrate accommodated / inserted into the cavity (100a) can be the aerosol generating article or cartridge described above.

[0077] A part of the coupling mechanism (700) arranged in the cap (600) can be inserted into the coupling groove (100b). As the coupling mechanism (700) is inserted into the coupling groove (100b), the aerosol generating device body (100) and the cap (600) can be coupled to each other. As the coupling mechanism (700) is separated from the coupling groove (100b), the aerosol generating device body (100) and the cap (600) can be separated from each other. For example, the coupling groove (100b) can be formed in the body wing (150) of the aerosol generating device body (100) as illustrated in FIG. 5, but the position at which the coupling groove (100b) can be formed is not limited thereto.

[0078] The coupling groove (100b) may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling protrusion of the coupling mechanism (700). The number of coupling grooves (100b) may be the same as the number of coupling protrusions of the coupling mechanism (700) formed on the aerosol generating device body (100). A plurality of coupling grooves (100b) may be formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the middle portion of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0079] The inner surface (100c) may be one side of the aerosol generating device body (100) facing the cavity (100a). In the present disclosure, the inner surface (100c) may be one side of the body wing (150) facing the cavity (100a). The aforementioned joining groove (100b) may be formed on the inner surface (100c). The joining groove (100b) may be formed by machining a groove of a predetermined depth from the inner surface (100c).

[0080] The cap (600) may include a through hole (600a).

[0081] A part (coupling protrusion) of the coupling mechanism (700) can pass through the passage hole (600a). The passage hole (600a) can be formed in each of the cap body (610) and the lower cap (660) described below. The passage hole (600a) can be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling protrusion of the coupling mechanism (700). The passage hole (600a) can be formed in the cap body (610) in the same number as the coupling protrusion of the coupling mechanism (700). A plurality of passage holes (600a) can be formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the middle portion of the cap (600).

[0082] The coupling mechanism (700) performs a function of allowing the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) to be detachably coupled to each other. The coupling mechanism (700) can be placed on the cap (600). A part (coupling protrusion) of the coupling mechanism (700) can pass through the through hole (600a) and protrude to the outside of the cap body (610), and a part of the protruding coupling mechanism (700) can be inserted into the coupling groove (100b) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0083] Although FIG. 5 and below illustrate an embodiment in which the coupling mechanism (700) is disposed in the cap (600) and the coupling groove (100b) is disposed in the aerosol generating device body (100), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the coupling mechanism (700) may be disposed in the aerosol generating device body (100), and the coupling groove (100b) may be formed on a side (e.g., in the +y direction and the -y direction) of the cap body (610) of the cap (600). In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device body (100) may include a through hole for a part (coupling protrusion) of the coupling mechanism (700) to pass through.

[0084] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 illustrates the coupling relationship between a cap (600) and a coupling mechanism (700).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, the cap (600) may include a cap body (610), a cap wing (620), an insertion port (630), a door (640), a guide (650), a lower cap (660, lower cap), and a lower cap wing (670). At least one of the components of the cap (600) illustrated in FIG. 6 (e.g., the insertion port (630)) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the cap (600) described above, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The guide (650) can guide the movement of the door (640). Although not shown, the guide (650) may have a groove formed into which a portion of the door (640) is inserted. The guide (650) may have an insertion hole (630). The guide (650) may be positioned between the cap body (610) and the coupling mechanism (700).

[0087] The lower cap (660) may be placed on the lower side of the cap body (610, upper cap). A hole communicating with the insertion port (630) may be formed in the lower cap (660), and an aerosol generating substrate inserted into the insertion port (630) may pass through the hole of the lower cap (660) and be inserted into the cavity (100a, illustrated in FIG. 5) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0088] The lower cap wing (670) may be formed at a position that is misaligned with the main body wing (150, illustrated in FIG. 5). Accordingly, when the aerosol generating device main body (100, illustrated in FIG. 5) and the cap (600) are combined, the main body wing (150) and the lower cap wing (670) may be combined without interfering with each other.

[0089] The lower cap wing (670) may extend downward (e.g., in the -z direction) from both sides (e.g., in the +x direction and the -x direction) of the lower cap (660). The lower cap wing (670) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the cap wing (620). The lower cap (660) and the lower cap wing (670) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0090] The coupling mechanism (700) may be positioned between the guide (650) and the lower cap (660). A space may be formed in the lower cap (660) to accommodate the coupling mechanism (700). When the cap (600) and the coupling mechanism (700) are coupled, the upper portion of the coupling mechanism (700) may be supported by contacting the guide (650). Accordingly, the coupling mechanism (700) may be restricted from moving upward, and may be fixed in position without moving even when an external impact or shaking occurs.

[0091] Below, the structure of the coupling mechanism (700) and the coupling relationship between the coupling mechanism (700) and the cap (600) will be examined in detail.

[0092] Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating the interior of an aerosol generating device (1) taken along line VII-VII of Fig. 4. The hatching illustrated by reference numerals 700 and 750 in Fig. 7 does not indicate cross-sections of components, but is illustrated to distinguish components from each other.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a cap (600), a coupling mechanism (700), and a limiting rib (800). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 7 (e.g., the cap (600)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0094] The coupling mechanism (700) may include a coupling projection (710) and an elastic bar (720).

[0095] The coupling protrusion (710) passes through the through hole (600a, illustrated in FIG. 5) of the cap (600) and is inserted into the coupling groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5) of the aerosol generating device body (100). As the coupling protrusion (710) is inserted into the defect groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5), the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) can be coupled to each other. As the coupling protrusion (710) is separated from the defect groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5), the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) can be separated from each other.

[0096] The coupling protrusion (710) can be coupled to the elastic bar (720). The coupling protrusion (710) can be elastically moved during the process in which the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are coupled or separated from each other. The arrows illustrated in FIG. 7 illustrate the direction of movement of the coupling protrusion (710) during the process in which the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are coupled or separated from each other.

[0097] The coupling protrusion (710) may include an outer surface (711) facing the aerosol generating device body (100), and at least a portion of the outer surface (711) may have a shape corresponding to the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0098] The elastic bar (720) is coupled to the coupling protrusion (710) to enable the coupling protrusion (710) to move elastically.

[0099] According to one embodiment, during the process of combining the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100), the combining protrusion (710) and the elastic bar (720) can move inwardly of the aerosol generating device body (100) toward the cavity (100a), so that smooth operation for combining or separating the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) can be achieved. In addition, after the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are combined, the combining protrusion (710) and the elastic bar (720) elastically restore and move outward, so that the combining force of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) can be improved. In the present disclosure, the bonding force is a force that maintains the bond between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100), and may be proportional to the force required to separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0100] In addition, the coupling mechanism (700) can be positioned without interference with other components (e.g., sensors and circuit elements) of the aerosol generating device (1), so that the original performance of the other components can be stably implemented, and the space utilization of the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be improved.

[0101] The elastic bar (720) may include a synthetic resin material to provide elasticity. For example, the elastic bar (720) may include at least one of polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene, or polyethylene. The elastic bar (720) may be manufactured using an injection molding method that injects the above materials into a mold. Accordingly, the manufacturing ease of the elastic bar (720) may be improved.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the coupling mechanism (700) may include a plurality of coupling protrusions (710). Accordingly, by using the plurality of coupling protrusions (710), the coupling force between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) may be improved.

[0103] A plurality of coupling protrusions (710) can be symmetrically coupled to the elastic bar (720) based on the middle portion of the elastic bar (720). Accordingly, a uniform coupling force or separation force between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) can be implemented on both sides based on the middle portion of the elastic bar (720).

[0104] The elastic bar (720) may include an elastic bar body (721), an elastic bar member (722), and a connecting member (723).

[0105] The elastic bar body (721) can be coupled to the cap (600). The elastic bar body (721) can provide support to the elastic bar member (722) so that the elastic bar member (722) can move elastically during the process of coupling or separating the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100). The elastic bar body (721) can be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0106] The elastic bar body (721) may include one side (721a). The one side (721a) may be a side of the elastic bar body (721) facing the upper portion of the cap (600). The one side (721a) may be supported by a guide (650, illustrated in FIG. 6) of the cap (600). As the one side (721a) is supported by the guide (650, illustrated in FIG. 6), the coupling mechanism (700) is restricted from moving upward, so that even if an external impact or shaking occurs, the position may be fixed without moving.

[0107] The elastic bar member (722) can be coupled to the coupling protrusion (710). The elastic bar member (722) can move elastically during the process of coupling or decoupling the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) from each other. That is, during the process of coupling or decoupling the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) from each other, the elastic bar member (722) and the coupling protrusion (710) can move inward of the aerosol generating device body (100) toward the cavity (100a). In addition, when the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are coupled or decoupled, the elastic bar member (722) and the coupling protrusion (710) can move outward of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0108] The elastic bar member (722) may be spaced apart from the inner surface (600b) of the cap (600). The inner surface (600b) of the cap (600) may be a side of the cap (600) facing the cavity (100a).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the elastic bar (720) may include a plurality of elastic bar members (722). The plurality of elastic bar members (722) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle portion of the elastic bar (720).

[0110] As a plurality of elastic bar members (722) are symmetrically arranged based on the middle portion of the elastic bar (720), a space (720a) into which an aerosol generating substrate is inserted can be formed between the plurality of elastic bar members (722). The space (720a) can be connected to the cavity (100a). Since the coupling mechanism (700) includes a structure in which an aerosol generating substrate can be inserted through the space (720a), a compact structure of the aerosol generating device (1) can be implemented.

[0111] The connecting member (723) can connect the elastic bar member (722) and the elastic bar body (721) to each other. A part of the connecting member (723) can move together as the elastic bar member (722) moves elastically.

[0112] The connecting member (723), the elastic bar member (722), and the elastic bar body (721) may be formed integrally. In addition, the elastic bar (720) and the coupling protrusion (710) may also be formed integrally.

[0113] In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism (700) can be detachably coupled to the cap (600). Accordingly, if the coupling mechanism (700) is broken or damaged during use of the aerosol generating device (1), the user can replace the existing coupling mechanism (700) with a new coupling mechanism (700). Accordingly, the maintenance cost of the aerosol generating device (1) can be reduced.

[0114] In order for the coupling mechanism (700) to be detachably coupled to the cap (600), the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a mounting portion (750).

[0115] The mounting portion (750) can be coupled to both ends of the elastic bar (720). Specifically, the mounting portion (750) can be coupled to the elastic bar member (722) of the elastic bar (720). The coupling mechanism (700) can be coupled in a manner of being sandwiched between a pair of mounting portions (750). In the process of coupling the coupling mechanism (700) to or detaching from the mounting portion (750), the pair of mounting portions (750) can move away from each other.

[0116] The mounting portion (750) may be coupled to the lower cap (660, illustrated in FIG. 6). The mounting portion (750) may include a first portion extending upward from the lower cap (660, illustrated in FIG. 6), and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending to the elastic bar (720). The first portion of the mounting portion (750) may contact a side surface of the elastic bar member (722), and the second portion of the mounting portion (750) may contact an upper surface of the elastic bar member (722). The mounting portion (750) may also be formed integrally with the lower cap (660).

[0117] When the aerosol generating device body (100) and the cap (600) are separated from each other or coupled, the coupling protrusion (710) may protrude outward from the outer surface (600c) of the cap (600). According to one embodiment, the protrusion distance (710d) by which the coupling protrusion (710) protrudes through the through hole (600a, illustrated in FIG. 5) may be 0.3 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The protrusion distance (710d) may be the distance between the end of the coupling protrusion (710) and the outer surface (600c) of the cap (600).

[0118] Accordingly, the bonding force between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is improved, while the force required for the user to bond or separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is reduced, thereby enabling smooth operation.

[0119] This effect can be proven by Experiment 1 below.

[0120] [Experiment 1]

[0121] 1. Prepare various coupling mechanisms (700) with different protrusion distances (710d).

[0122] 2. By changing the coupling mechanism (700), the coupling force of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is measured, and the coupling strength and user convenience of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are evaluated and recorded in Table 1 below.

[0123] Protrusion distance (710d) Bonding strength Fastening strength Operation convenience 0.10mm 298gf Very light 0.20mm 342gf Light 0.29mm 362gf Light 0.30mm 388gf High 0.50mm 450gf High 0.60mm 520gf High 0.80mm 584gf High 1.00mm 625gf High 1.01mm 650gf Drop 1.10mm 680gf Drop 1.30mm 745gf Drop 1.50mm 821gf Drop

[0124] In Table 1 above, the bonding force unit, gf, is an abbreviation for gram force, and 1 gf can be equal to 0.00980665 N [Newton]. In addition, the bonding force was measured using OmniTest 0.5 kN, 1 kN, and 2.5 kN models from Mecmesin.

[0125] In addition, in the above Table 1, the fastening strength is the strength of the bonding force of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100), and is expressed as weak / strong / to indicate the strength at which the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are not easily separated while the user is using the aerosol generating device (1). “Weak” means that the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are separated more than 5 times while the user carries the aerosol generating device (1) for 1 hour, and “strong” means that the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are not separated while the user carries the aerosol generating device (1) for 1 hour.

[0126] In addition, in the above Table 1, the operational convenience is expressed as a scale of high / medium / low in which the user can easily combine or easily separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100). The higher the scale, the smoother the user can operate the combination or separation of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0127] Referring to Table 1 above, it can be seen that the fastening strength is weak when the protrusion distance (710d) is less than 0.30 mm. That is, when the protrusion distance (710d) is less than 0.30 mm, the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) were unintentionally separated more than 5 times while the user carried the aerosol generating device (1) for 1 hour. This is because the coupling protrusion (710) protrudes less and is easily separated from the coupling groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5).

[0128] In addition, it can be seen that when the protrusion distance (710d) is less than 0.30 mm, the operation is somewhat inconvenient. This is because the coupling protrusion (710) protrudes less, so that the user can easily couple the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100), but does not feel that the coupling protrusion (710) is inserted into the defect groove (100 b, illustrated in FIG. 5).

[0129] Referring to Table 1 above, it can be seen that when the protrusion distance (710d) exceeds 1.00 mm, the fastening strength is too strong and operation is very inconvenient. This is because the coupling protrusion (710) protrudes excessively and is difficult to easily insert into the coupling groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5), and even if the coupling protrusion (710) is inserted into the coupling groove, it is not easily separated due to the strong fastening force.

[0130] Accordingly, according to one embodiment in which the protrusion distance (710d) is set to be 0.30 mm or more and 1.00 mm or less, the bonding force between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is improved, while the force required for the user to bond or separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is reduced, thereby enabling smooth operation.

[0131] The limiting rib (800) can limit the extent to which the engaging protrusion (710) protrudes from the cap (600). That is, the limiting rib (800) can limit the extent to which the engaging protrusion (710) protrudes from the through hole (600a, illustrated in FIG. 5) of the cap (600). Accordingly, the protrusion distance (710d) of the engaging protrusion (710) can be set to a preset distance (0.3 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less), thereby reducing the force required to engage or disengage the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) due to excessive protrusion of the engaging protrusion (710).

[0132] The limit rib (800) is positioned on the outside of the elastic bar (720) and may protrude from the inner surface (600b) of the cap (600). Specifically, the limit rib (800) is positioned on the outside of the elastic bar member (722) and may limit the distance by which the elastic bar member (722) moves outward when in contact with the elastic bar member (722). The limit rib (800) may be formed integrally with the cap (600).

[0133] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a plurality of restriction ribs (800). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include the same number of restriction ribs (800) as the number of engaging protrusions (710). The plurality of restriction ribs (800) may be positioned adjacent to the engaging protrusions (710). Although four restriction ribs (800) are illustrated in FIG. 7, the number is not limited thereto.

[0134] Below, the structure of the coupling mechanism (700) will be examined in detail with reference to the attached drawing.

[0135] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism (700) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8b is a plan view of a coupling mechanism (700) according to one embodiment.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the coupling mechanism (700) may include a coupling protrusion (710) and an elastic bar (720). At least one of the components of the coupling mechanism (700) illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B (e.g., the coupling protrusion (710)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the coupling mechanism (700) described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0137] A plurality of engaging protrusions (710) may be engaged to different portions of the elastic bar (720). FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate four engaging protrusions, namely, the engaging protrusion (710), the second engaging protrusion (710'), the third engaging protrusion (710''), and the fourth engaging protrusion (710'''), but this is merely exemplary. That is, two, three, five or more engaging protrusions (710) may be engaged to the elastic bar (720). In the present disclosure, the engaging protrusion (710) may be referred to as the first engaging protrusion.

[0138] A plurality of coupling protrusions (710) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle portion of the elastic bar (720). In one embodiment, when the coupling mechanism (700) includes an even number of coupling protrusions (710), a pair of coupling protrusions (710) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle portion of the elastic bar (720). For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second coupling protrusion (710') and the third coupling protrusion (710'') may be omitted together, and the second coupling protrusion (710') and the fourth coupling protrusion (710''') may also be omitted.

[0139] Although not shown, a protective cover may be coupled to each of the plurality of coupling protrusions (710). The protective cover may be coupled to surround the coupling protrusion (710). The protective cover may be coupled in a manner that it fits onto the coupling protrusion (710). The protective cover may be detachably coupled to the coupling protrusion (710). Accordingly, when the protective cover is damaged or broken during use of the coupling mechanism (700), the overall maintenance cost of the coupling mechanism (700) may be reduced by replacing the protective cover with a new protective cover. The protective cover may include a rubber material.

[0140] The elastic bar body (721) of the elastic bar (720) may be positioned to be located above (e.g., in the +z direction) with respect to the elastic bar member (722). That is, one side (721a) of the elastic bar body (721) may be located above with respect to the elastic bar member (722).

[0141] The elastic bar (720) may include the same number of elastic bar members (722) as the number of connecting protrusions (710). In this case, one connecting protrusion (710) may be connected to one elastic bar member (722). A plurality of elastic bar members (722) may be connected to the elastic bar body (721) via connecting members (723).

[0142] In one embodiment, the elastic bar (720) may include four elastic bar members, namely, an elastic bar member (722), a second elastic bar member (722'), a third elastic bar member (722''), and a fourth elastic bar member (722'''), as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B . In the present disclosure, the elastic bar member (722) may be referred to as a first elastic bar member.

[0143] A pair of elastic bar members (722, 722') and another pair of elastic bar members (722'', 722''') can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle portion of the elastic bar body (721).

[0144] Among the four elastic bar members, that is, the first elastic bar member (722), the second elastic bar member (722'), the third elastic bar member (722''), and the fourth elastic bar member (722'''), the first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722') may be connected in parallel to each other, and the third elastic bar member (722'') and the fourth elastic bar member (722''') may be connected in parallel to each other. In addition, the first elastic bar member (722) and the third elastic bar member (722'') may be extended longer than the second elastic bar member (722') and the fourth elastic bar member (722'''). The above-described space (720a) may be formed between the first elastic bar member (722) and the third elastic bar member (722'').

[0145] The first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722') can be connected to the elastic bar body (721) via a connecting member (723), and the third elastic bar member (722'') and the fourth elastic bar member (722''') can be connected to the elastic bar body (721) via a second connecting member (723'). In the present disclosure, the connecting member (723) can be referred to as a first connecting member.

[0146] Although not shown, when three or more coupling protrusions (710) are coupled to the first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722'), the protrusion distance of the coupling protrusions (710) arranged in the middle portions of the first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722') may be smaller than the protrusion distance of the coupling protrusions (710) arranged at the edges of the first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722').

[0147] In one embodiment, the thickness (720d, illustrated in FIG. 8A) of the elastic bar (720) may be greater than or equal to 0.80 mm and less than or equal to 1.50 mm. Here, the thickness may be the thickness (720d) of the elastic bar member (722). In the present disclosure, the thickness (720d) may be the distance between the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the +z direction) and the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction) of the elastic bar member (722).

[0148] Accordingly, while the bonding force between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is improved, the breakage of the elastic bar (720) is prevented, and the force required for the user to bond or separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is reduced, thereby enabling smooth operation.

[0149] This effect can be proven by Experiment 2 below.

[0150] [Experiment 2]

[0151] 1. Prepare various joining mechanisms (700) with different thicknesses (720d).

[0152] 2. By changing the coupling mechanism (700), the coupling strength of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) and the breakage of the elastic bar (720) are measured, and the fastening strength of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) and the user's operating convenience are evaluated and recorded in Table 2 below.

[0153] 3. At this time, the protrusion distance of the coupling protrusion (710) (710d, shown in Fig. 7) is fixed to 0.60 mm.

[0154] Thickness (720d) Bonding strength Elastic bar breakage Convenience of operation 0.40mm 192gf Very weak 0.60mm 265gf Very weak 0.79mm 354gf Weak 0.80mm 398gf Steel X top 1.00mm 520gf Steel X top 1.20mm 557gf Steel X top 1.40mm 622gf Steel X top 1.50mm 640gf Steel X top 1.51mm 668gf Steel X bottom 1.70mm 720gf Steel X bottom 1.90mm 782gf Steel X bottom 2.00mm 821gf Steel X bottom

[0155] In Table 2 above, the bonding force unit, gf, is an abbreviation for gram force, and 1 gf can be equal to 0.00980665 N [Newton]. In addition, the bonding force was measured using OmniTest 0.5 kN, 1 kN, and 2.5 kN models from Mecmesin, as in Experiment 1.

[0156] In addition, in the above Table 2, the fastening strength is the strength of the bonding force of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100), and is expressed as weak / strong, the strength at which the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are not easily separated while the user is using the aerosol generating device (1). “Weak” means that the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are separated more than 5 times while the user carries the aerosol generating device (1) for 1 hour, and “strong” means that the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are not separated while the user carries the aerosol generating device (1) for 1 hour.

[0157] In addition, in the above Table 2, the operational convenience is expressed as a scale of high / medium / low in which the user can easily combine or easily separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100). The higher the scale, the smoother the user can operate the combination or separation of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0158] In addition, in Table 2 above, in relation to the breakage of the elastic bar, if a component of the elastic bar (720) was broken during the experiment, it was marked as “O”, and if it was not broken, it was marked as “X”.

[0159] Referring to Table 2 above, it can be seen that the fastening strength is weak when the thickness (720d) is less than 0.80 mm. That is, when the thickness (720d) is less than 0.80 mm, the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) were separated more than 5 times in unintended situations while the user carried the aerosol generating device (1) for 1 hour. In addition, when the thickness (720d) is less than 0.80 mm, the elastic bar member (722) was broken. This is because the thickness (720d) of the elastic bar (720) is relatively too thin to easily break, the elastic bar member (722) moves easily to not provide sufficient elasticity to the coupling protrusion (710), and sufficient supporting force to support the elastic bar member (722) is not secured.

[0160] In addition, it can be seen that when the thickness (720d) is less than 0.80 mm, the operation is somewhat inconvenient. This is because the elastic bar member (722) cannot provide sufficient elasticity to the coupling protrusion (710), and the elastic bar member (722) is easily broken, so that the coupling protrusion (710) does not feel inserted into the defect groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5).

[0161] Referring to Table 2 above, it can be seen that when the thickness (720d) exceeds 1.50 mm, the fastening strength is too strong and operation is very inconvenient. This is because the elastic bar member (722) becomes very thick and is difficult to move enough to provide elastic force to the coupling protrusion (710).

[0162] Accordingly, according to one embodiment in which the thickness (720d) of the elastic bar (720) is set to be 0.80 mm or more and 1.50 mm or less, the bonding force between the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is improved, while the breakage of the elastic bar (720) is prevented, and the force required for the user to bond or separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) is reduced, thereby enabling smooth operation.

[0163] Below, the specific shape and structure of the coupling protrusion (710) and the process of inserting the coupling protrusion (710) into the coupling groove (100b) will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0164] FIGS. 9A to 9C are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a process in which a cap (600) is coupled to an aerosol generating device body (100) using a coupling mechanism (700) based on line IX-IX of FIG. 4.

[0165] At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C (e.g., elastic bar (720)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device described above, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

[0166] Figure 9a shows a state before the coupling mechanism (700) is coupled to the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0167] Referring to Fig. 9a, when the coupling mechanism (700) is spaced apart from the aerosol generating device body (100), the shape of the elastic bar (720) is not deformed, and no force is applied to the coupling protrusion (710). When the coupling mechanism (700) moves in a direction approaching the aerosol generating device body (100), the coupling protrusion (710) may come into contact with one area of ​​the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0168] The outer surface (711) of the coupling protrusion (710) may include a first outer surface (711a), a second outer surface (711b), and a third outer surface (711c).

[0169] The first outer surface (711a) may be a portion of the outer surface (711) facing the aerosol generating device body (100) from the cap (600). For example, the first outer surface (711a) may be a portion of the outer surface (711) facing downward (e.g., in the -z direction). The first outer surface (711a) may include at least one of a flat surface and a curved surface.

[0170] The second outer surface (711b) may be a portion of the outer surface (711) opposite to the first outer surface (711a). For example, the second outer surface (711b) may be a portion of the outer surface (711) facing upward (e.g., in the +z direction). The second outer surface (711b) may include at least one of a plane and a curved surface.

[0171] The third outer surface (711c) may connect the first outer surface (711a) and the second outer surface (711b). The third outer surface (711c) may include at least one of a plane and a curved surface. The third outer surface (711c), the second outer surface (711b), and the first outer surface (711a) may be formed integrally.

[0172] In one embodiment, the slope of the first outer surface (711a) may be greater than the slope of the second outer surface (711b). Accordingly, after the engaging protrusion (710) comes into contact with one area of ​​the aerosol generating device body (100), the engaging protrusion (710) may smoothly come into contact with the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100) along the first outer surface (711a). Accordingly, the ease with which a user can engage the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) may be improved. The first outer surface (711a) and the second outer surface (711b) may be formed by making the chamfer amount of the lower end (e.g., the portion facing the -z direction) of the engaging protrusion (710) greater than the chamfer amount of the upper end (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) of the engaging protrusion (710).

[0173] Figure 9b illustrates a process in which a coupling mechanism (700) is inserted into a coupling groove (100b) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0174] Referring to FIG. 9b, when the engaging protrusion (710) comes into contact with an area of ​​the main body (100) of the aerosol generating device and continues to move toward the engaging groove (100b), the engaging protrusion (710) may come into contact with the inner surface (100c) of the main body (100) of the aerosol generating device and pass through the passage hole (600a) to move toward the inside of the cap (600). Specifically, at least a portion of the outer surface (711) of the engaging protrusion (710) (e.g., the third outer surface (711c)) comes into contact with the inner surface (100c), thereby pushing the engaging protrusion (710) toward the inside of the cap (600), and the elastic bar (720) may also move toward the inside of the cap (600) together with the engaging protrusion (710), thereby causing the shape to be deformed. At this time, the elastic bar (720) is deformed in shape and can apply force in the opposite direction to the direction in which the coupling protrusion (710) moves (e.g., toward the inner surface (100c)).

[0175] In one embodiment, the third outer surface (711c) and the first outer surface (711a) may be connected to each other so as to have a curved surface without edges. Accordingly, when the first outer surface (711a) first comes into contact with an area of ​​the aerosol generating device body (100) and then the third outer surface (711c) comes into contact with the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100), the engaging protrusion (710) may move smoothly. In addition, since the third outer surface (711c) and the first outer surface (711a) are connected as a continuous surface without edges, the likelihood of the engaging protrusion (710) and the aerosol generating device body (100) being damaged may be reduced.

[0176] Figure 9c shows a state after the coupling mechanism (700) is inserted into the coupling groove (100b) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0177] Referring to Fig. 9c, when the coupling protrusion (710) is inserted into the coupling groove (100b), the coupling of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) can be completed. In the process of inserting the coupling protrusion (710) into the coupling groove (100b), the elastic bar (720) presses the coupling protrusion (710) against the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100), so the coupling protrusion (710) can be easily inserted into the coupling groove (100b) as it is located at a position corresponding to the coupling groove (100b).

[0178] In one embodiment, the slope of the second outer surface (711b) may be smaller than the slope of the first outer surface (711a). That is, the second outer surface (711b) may be gentler than the first outer surface (711a). Accordingly, after the engaging protrusion (710) is completely inserted into the engaging groove (100b), the engaging protrusion (710) may be supported on a portion of the aerosol generating device body (100) through the relatively gentle second outer surface (711b). Accordingly, the coupled state of the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) may be maintained unless a preset force is applied to separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) from each other.

[0179] Referring again to FIG. 9b, in order to separate the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) from each other, if at least one of the cap (600) or the aerosol generating device body (100) is moved in the opposite direction of the other, the coupling protrusion (710) can be separated from the coupling groove (100b). At this time, while the second outer surface (711b) is in contact with one area of ​​the aerosol generating device body (100), the coupling protrusion (710) can move along the second outer surface (711b).

[0180] In addition, when the coupling protrusion (710) continues to move after being separated from the coupling groove (100b), the coupling protrusion (710) may contact the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100) and pass through the passage hole (600a) to move toward the inside of the cap (600). Specifically, at least a part of the outer surface (711) of the coupling protrusion (710) (e.g., the third outer surface (711c)) may contact the inner surface (100c), thereby pushing the coupling protrusion (710) toward the inside of the cap (600), and the elastic bar (720) may also move toward the inside of the cap (600) together with the coupling protrusion (710), thereby causing the shape to be deformed.

[0181] In one embodiment, the third outer surface (711c) and the second outer surface (711b) may be connected to each other to have a curved surface without edges. Accordingly, in the process of separating the engaging protrusion (710) from the engaging groove (100b), the second outer surface (711b) first comes into contact with an area of ​​the aerosol generating device body (100) and then the third outer surface (711c) comes into contact with the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100), so that the engaging protrusion (710) can be smoothly separated from the engaging groove (100b). In addition, since the third outer surface (711c) and the second outer surface (711b) are connected as a continuous surface without edges, the possibility of the engaging protrusion (710) and the aerosol generating device body (100) being damaged may be reduced.

[0182] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 7. In Fig. 10, the cap (600) is omitted.

[0183] At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 10 (e.g., elastic bar (720)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device described above, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 10, the outer surface (711) of the coupling protrusion (710) may include a first portion (7111) and a second portion (7112). In the present disclosure, the first portion (7111) and the second portion (7112) may be a portion of any one of the third outer surface (711c, illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C), the second outer surface (711b, illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C), or the first outer surface (711a, illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C). The first portion (7111) and the second portion (7112) may face the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100).

[0185] In one embodiment, the first portion (7111) may extend in one direction, and the second portion (7112) may extend in a direction different from the first portion (7111). For example, the second portion (7112) may be formed by cutting one end of the engaging protrusion (710). Accordingly, the distance between the engaging protrusion (710) and the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100) may be increased through the second portion (7112). Accordingly, even when the cap (600) and the aerosol generating device body (100) are frequently coupled or separated, the overall possibility of wear of the engaging protrusion (710) due to contact with the inner surface (100c) may be reduced.

[0186] Below, other embodiments of the coupling mechanism (700) will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0187] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the inside of an aerosol generating device (1) based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to explain another example of a coupling mechanism (700).

[0188] Referring to FIG. 11, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a cap (600), a coupling mechanism (700), a mounting portion (750), an elastic member (760), and a limiting rib (800). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., the cap (600)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0189] The elastic member (760) can press the engaging protrusion (710) toward the through hole. That is, the elastic member (760) can press the engaging protrusion (710) toward the inner surface (100c) of the aerosol generating device body (100). Accordingly, while the extent to which the engaging protrusion (710) protrudes from the cap (600) is limited by using the limiting rib (800), the engaging protrusion (710) can be pressed outward by using the engaging protrusion (710), thereby increasing the insertion force with which the engaging protrusion (710) is inserted into the engaging groove (100b, illustrated in FIG. 5).

[0190] The elastic member (760) may be positioned corresponding to the coupling protrusion (710). When the coupling protrusion (710) is coupled to one side of the elastic bar member (722), the elastic member (760) may be coupled to the other side of the elastic bar member (722). One end of the elastic member (760) may be coupled to the elastic bar member (722), and the other end of the elastic member (760) may be coupled to the cap (600). Although not shown, the cap (600) may include a support column extending in one direction (e.g., +z direction) from the lower cap (660) to support the other end of the elastic member (760). For example, the elastic member (760) may be a spring.

[0191] A plurality of elastic members (760) may be arranged on the cap (600). In one embodiment, the same number of elastic members (760) as the number of coupling protrusions (710) may be arranged on the cap (600). Each of the plurality of elastic members (760) may be positioned at a position corresponding to a coupling protrusion (710).

[0192] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the interior of an aerosol generating device (1) based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to explain another example of a coupling mechanism (700).

[0193] Referring to FIG. 12, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating device body (100), a cap (600), a coupling mechanism (700), a mounting portion (750), and a limiting rib (800). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 12 (e.g., the cap (600)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0194] Among the plurality of elastic bar members (722), the first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722') may be arranged parallel to each other but spaced apart from each other. Since other components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged in the space between the first elastic bar member (722) and the second elastic bar member (722'), space utilization may be improved according to one embodiment.

[0195] In addition, among the plurality of elastic bar members (722), the third elastic bar member (722'') and the fourth elastic bar member (722''') may be arranged parallel to each other but spaced apart from each other. Since other components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged in the space between the third elastic bar member (722'') and the fourth elastic bar member (722'''), space utilization may be improved according to one embodiment.

[0196] In one embodiment, the elastic bar (720) may include the same number of connecting members (723) as the elastic bar members (722). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 12, one connecting member (723) may be connected to one elastic bar member (722). Accordingly, a plurality of elastic bar members (722) may be elastically movable independently of one another. The same number of connecting members (723) as the elastic bar members (722) may be connected to one elastic bar body (721).

[0197] Even in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, a space (720a, illustrated in FIG. 7) may be formed between the first elastic bar member (722) and the third elastic bar member (722''). Accordingly, the coupling mechanism (700) may have a structure in which an aerosol generating substrate can be inserted through the space (720a).

[0198] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include the same number of mounting portions (750) as the number of elastic bar members (722). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 12, one mounting portion (750) may be coupled to one elastic bar member (722). Accordingly, the fixing force for fixing the elastic bar (720) to the cap (600) may be improved.

[0199] Meanwhile, although the elastic member (760) is omitted in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 may also include the elastic member (760).

[0200] Hereinafter, examples of aerosol generating articles are described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0201] Figures 13 and 14 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating articles.

[0202] Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 13, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment for performing another function, if necessary.

[0203] The aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (24a), and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d). In addition, the entire aerosol-generating article (2) may be repackaged by a single wrapper (24e). If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (24b, 24c, 24d).

[0204] The tobacco rod (21) contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (21) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (21).

[0205] The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod (21) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0206] The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (22). For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0207] The filter rod (22) may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed onto the filter rod (22), or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the filter rod (22).

[0208] Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0209] If the filter rod (22) includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be manufactured from pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be manufactured from a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described examples, and may be manufactured without limitation as long as it can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0210] Referring to Fig. 14, the aerosol generating article (3) may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) may be positioned on one side of the tobacco rod (31) opposite the filter rod (32). The shear plug (33) may prevent the tobacco rod (31) from escaping to the outside and may prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (31) from flowing into the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0211] The filter load (32) may include a first segment (321) and a second segment (322). Here, the first segment (321) may correspond to the first segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 13, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the second segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 13.

[0212] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (3) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol generating article (2) of Fig. 13. For example, the length of the shear plug (33) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (31) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0213] The aerosol generating article (3) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (35). The wrapper (35) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (35a), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (35b), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (35c), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (35d).

[0214] In addition, the entire aerosol generating article (3) can be repackaged by the fifth wrapper (35e). In addition, at least one perforation (36) can be formed in the fifth wrapper (35e). For example, the perforation (36) can be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (36) can serve to transfer heat generated by the heater to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

[0215] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule (34) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (34) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0216] Fig. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0217] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power source (1100), a control unit (1200), a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), a memory (1700), and at least one heater (1800, 2400). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 15. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1000), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0218] The sensor (1300) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1000) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1200). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1200) can control the aerosol generating device (1000) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0219] The sensor (1300) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1310), a puff sensor (1320), an insertion detection sensor (1330), a reuse detection sensor (1340), a cartridge detection sensor (1350), a cap detection sensor (1360), and a motion detection sensor (1370).

[0220] The temperature sensor (1310) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), or the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0221] The temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). At this time, the temperature sensor (1310) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800).

[0222] A temperature sensor (1310) may be placed around the power source (1100) to monitor the temperature of the power source (1100). The temperature sensor (1310) may be placed adjacent to the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (1100). For example, the temperature sensor (1310) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0223] A temperature sensor (1310) is placed inside the main body of the aerosol generating device and can detect the internal temperature of the main body of the aerosol generating device.

[0224] The puff sensor (1320) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (1320) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (1320) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1000) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (1320) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0225] The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (1330) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article according to a change in the permittivity within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1330) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0226] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0227] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0228] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0229] A reuse detection sensor (1340) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0230] At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (1340) may be positioned in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1000) while passing through the aerosol-generating article, the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0231] The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (1350) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0232] The cap detection sensor (1360) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the aerosol generating device body, the cartridge (19) covered by the cap and a portion of the aerosol generating device body may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (1360) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0233] A motion detection sensor (1370) can detect the movement of an aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (1370) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0234] In addition to the sensors (1310 to 1370) described above, the sensor (1300) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0235] The output unit (1400) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1400) may include at least one of a display (1410), a haptic unit (1420), and an audio output unit (1430), but is not limited thereto. When the display (1410) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (1410) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0236] The display (1410) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1000) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000), the preheating status of the heater (1800), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1000) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display (1410) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (1410) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (1410) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0237] The haptic unit (1420) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (1420) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (1420) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0238] The acoustic output unit (1430) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1430) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0239] The power source (1100) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1000). The power source (1100) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) can be heated. In addition, the power source (1100) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1000), such as a sensor (1300), an output unit (1400), an input unit (1500), a communication unit (1600), and a memory (1700). The power source (1100) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (1100) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0240] Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (1100) and include a switching element.

[0241] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1100) when the voltage level of the power supply (1100) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0242] The heater (1800) can receive power from the power source (1100) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. Although not illustrated in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (1100) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1000) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (1100) into alternating current power.

[0243] The control unit (1200), sensor (1300), output unit (1400), input unit (1500), communication unit (1600), and memory (1700) may receive power from the power source (1100) to perform functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 15, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the power source (1100) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 15, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (1100) and the heater (1800). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (1300), such as an insertion detection sensor (1330).

[0244] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the heater (1800) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0245] In another embodiment, the heater (1800) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (1800) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0246] The input unit (1500) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (1500) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0247] The display (1410) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (1410) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display (1410) panel (add-on type).

[0248] Meanwhile, the input unit (1500) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0249] The memory (1700) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1000), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1200). The memory (1700) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (1700) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1000), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0250] The communication unit (1600) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1600) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0251] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0252] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0253] Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1000) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (1100) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

[0254] The control unit (1200) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1000). In one embodiment, the control unit (1200) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0255] The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the heater (1800) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (1100) to the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) sensed by the temperature sensor (1310). The control unit (1200) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0256] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (1100) between the power supply (1100) and the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (2400), the heater (1800), or the induction coil (18001). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (1200) may control the power supply circuit.

[0257] The control unit (1200) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (1100) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0258] The control unit (1200) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (1100) to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). The control unit (1200) can control the current supplied from the power source (1100) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0259] The control unit (1200) can control the voltage output from the power source (1100) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (1100). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0260] The control unit (1200) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (1100). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power source (1100) to the voltage output from the power source. As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (1800) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0261] The control unit (1200) can control power to be supplied to the heater (1800) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0262] For example, the control unit (1200) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (1800) using the PWM method. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0263] For example, the control unit (1200) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (1200) can control the power supplied to the heater (1800) using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (1800) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0264] The control unit (1200) can prevent the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) from overheating. For example, the control unit (1200) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1200) may determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeding a limit temperature, and may cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400).

[0265] The control unit (1200) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (1100). The control unit (1200) can check the temperature of the power source (1100) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (1310).

[0266] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1000), the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control the power source (1100) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can block charging of the power source (1100).

[0267] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1000) is turned on, the control unit (1200) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can control to use the power stored in the power source (1100). If the temperature of the power source (1100) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (1200) can stop using the power stored in the power source (1100).

[0268] The control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (1100). For example, the control unit (1200) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (1100) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (1100).

[0269] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). The control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor (1330). If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800). For example, the control unit (1200) can supply power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1700).

[0270] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1330). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (1800) is higher than a limited temperature or if the temperature change slope of the heater (1800) is higher than a set slope. If it is determined that an aerosol-generating article is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0271] The control unit (1200) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (1800) according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensor (1300). The control unit (1200) can check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (1200) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article according to the checked level range.

[0272] When the aerosol generating article is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (1200) can control the power supply time to the heater (1800) to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article compared to the normal state.

[0273] The control unit (1200) can determine whether an aerosol-generating article inserted into an insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (1340). For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has not been used. For example, the control unit (1200) can compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been used, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0274] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1350). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0275] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (1200) can preheat the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (1200) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (1200) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (1200) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0276] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (1700). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the heater (2400) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (2400) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0277] The control unit (1200) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (1320). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether a puff has been generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (1200) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1320). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (1200) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800).

[0278] The control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (1360). For example, the control unit (1200) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0279] The control unit (1200) can control the output unit (1400) based on the result detected by the sensor (1300). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1320) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1200) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1000) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (1410), the haptic unit (1420), and the audio output unit (1430). For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that no aerosol generating product exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1200) can notify the user through the output unit (1400) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (1200) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800) to the user through the output unit (1400).

[0280] The control unit (1200) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (1700) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or heater (1800), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1000), initiation of charging of the power source (1100), detection of overcharging of the power source (1100), termination of charging of the power source (1100), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1000). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (1330), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (2400) and / or the heater (1800), etc.

[0281] The control unit (1200) may control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1000) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (1200) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). For example, the control unit (1200) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (1800) when user authentication is completed.

[0282] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (1100) of the aerosol generating device (1000) via a display of the external device.

[0283] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1000). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (1200) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (1420) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (1410) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0284] The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1000) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1000). The control unit (1200) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1000) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0285] The control unit (1200) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1300) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (1600), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (1200) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (1200) can store, in the memory (1700), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (1300) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (1700) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1000) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (1200) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (1300), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory (1700), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0286] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0287] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0288] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0289] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device body including a cavity for accommodating an aerosol generating substrate; A cap detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body and covering at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body; and A coupling mechanism is disposed on either the cap or the aerosol generating device body, and the cap and the aerosol generating device body are detachably coupled to each other; The other one of the cap or the aerosol generating device body includes a coupling groove into which a part of the coupling mechanism is inserted, Either the cap or the aerosol generating device body includes a passage hole through which a part of the coupling mechanism passes, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-mentioned coupling mechanism includes a coupling protrusion that passes through the through hole and is inserted into the coupling groove, and an elastic bar that is coupled to the coupling protrusion and allows the coupling protrusion to move elastically.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-mentioned coupling protrusion comprises a plurality of coupling protrusions coupled to the elastic bar symmetrically based on the middle portion of the elastic bar.

3. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the outer surface of the above-mentioned coupling protrusion includes a first portion extending in one direction and a second portion extending in a direction different from the first portion.

4. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned coupling protrusion includes a first outer surface facing the aerosol generating device body from the cap and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, An aerosol generating device, wherein the slope of the first outer surface is greater than the slope of the second outer surface.

5. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above coupling mechanism is detachably disposed in either the cap or the aerosol generating device body.

6. In paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein either the cap or the aerosol generating device body further includes a mounting portion coupled to both ends of the elastic bar.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein either the cap or the aerosol generating device body further comprises a limiting rib that limits the extent to which the coupling protrusion protrudes from the cap.

8. In paragraph 7, An aerosol generating device wherein the above-mentioned limiting rib is located on the outside of the elastic bar and protrudes from the inside of the cap.

9. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein either the cap or the aerosol generating device body further comprises an elastic member that presses the coupling protrusion toward the passage hole.

10. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the elastic bar comprises an elastic bar body coupled to either the cap or the aerosol generating device body, and an elastic bar member coupled to the elastic bar body and the coupling protrusion and elastically moving together with the coupling protrusion.

11. In paragraph 10, The above elastic bar member includes a plurality of elastic bar members symmetrically connected to the elastic bar body based on the elastic bar body, An aerosol generating device, wherein a space is formed between the plurality of elastic bar members and communicates with the cavity so that the aerosol generating substrate is inserted.

12. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein, before or in a state where the cap and the aerosol generating device are combined, the distance by which the combining protrusion protrudes from the passage hole is 0.3 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

13. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the thickness of the elastic bar is 0.8 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

14. In paragraph 1, The above coupling mechanism is arranged in the cap, The above-mentioned coupling groove is arranged in the main body of the aerosol generating device, In the process of combining the cap and the aerosol generating device body, the combining protrusion comes into contact with an inner surface of the aerosol generating device body and moves toward the inside of the cap, An aerosol generating device, wherein when the cap and the aerosol generating device body are separated or combined with each other, the combining protrusion passes through the passage hole and protrudes outward from the cap.

15. In a coupling mechanism that detachably couples an aerosol generating device body including a cavity that accommodates an aerosol generating substrate and a cap that covers at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body, An elastic bar disposed in either the cap or the aerosol generating device body; and A coupling projection inserted into a coupling groove disposed in the other one of the cap or the aerosol generating device body; A coupling mechanism for an aerosol generating device, wherein the elastic bar comprises an elastic bar body coupled to either the cap or the aerosol generating device body, and an elastic bar member coupled to the elastic bar body and the coupling protrusion and elastically moving together with the coupling protrusion.

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