JP7785927B2 - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Aerosol generating devices are used to extract specific components from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium can contain a variety of substances. The substances contained in the medium can be flavoring substances with a variety of components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include nicotine, herbal, and/or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted into such aerosol generating devices.

This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to prevent gaps from occurring due to deviations between parts or assembly deviations when assembling a sealing member, thereby improving sealing performance.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the bonding strength of sealing members.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device including an upper body having an insertion space formed therein, a heater for heating the insertion space, and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion that contacts the upper body, and the portion of the seal that contacts the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed, with a boundary therebetween.

At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent gaps from occurring due to deviations between parts or assembly deviations when assembling a sealing member, thereby improving sealing performance.

At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the bonding strength of the sealing member.

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

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "section" used in the following description for components are used solely for ease of explanation. "Module" and "section" do not have distinct meanings or roles.

Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related publicly known technologies will be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

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

When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it is understood that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it is understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one of a battery 10, a control unit 20, a heater 135, and a cartridge 300. At least one of the battery 10, the control unit 20, the heater 135, and the cartridge 300 may be disposed inside the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 1.

The body 100 may have an insertion space S1 formed therein into which the stick 400 can be inserted. The insertion space S1 into which the stick 400 can be inserted may be formed around the heater 135. The insertion space S1 may extend to one side. One end of the insertion space S1 may be open to the outside. The cartridge 300 and the heater 135 may be arranged parallel to each other and facing each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in the figure.

The battery 10 can supply power to operate at least one of the control unit 20, heater 135, and cartridge 300. The battery 10 can also supply the power necessary to operate the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generation device 1.

The control unit 20 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 20 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, heater 20, and cartridge 300. For example, the control unit 20 can control the operation of a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 20 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

The heater 135 can generate heat using power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 135 can heat the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generation device 1.

The cartridge 300 can generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 300 can be delivered to the user through the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the body 100 may include a lower body 110 and an upper body 120. The upper body 120 may be located above the lower body 110. The lower body 110 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The body 100 may house a structure for driving the device inside. The upper body 120 may provide an insertion space 134 that is open to the top. The insertion space 134 may be located inside the upper body 120. The insertion space 134 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space 134 may be formed in a pipe 130 (see Figure 8) located inside the upper body 120.

The upper case 200 may have a hollow shape with an open bottom. The upper body 120 may be inserted into the hollow of the upper case 200. The upper case 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The upper case 200 may surround and cover the upper body 120. The side 211 of the upper case 200 may surround and cover the outer wall 121 of the upper body 120. The upper part 212 of the upper case 200 may cover the upper part 180 or outer cover 180 of the upper body 120. When the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100, the upper case 200 may cover the body 100 and the cartridge 300 together. The cartridge 300 may be disposed inside the upper case 200.

The insertion opening 214 may be formed by opening the top 212 of the upper case 200. The insertion opening 214 may correspond to the opening of the insertion space 134. The cap 215 may be movably provided on the top 212 of the upper case 200. The slide hole 213 may extend to one side from the insertion opening 214 on the top 212 of the upper case 200. The cap 215 may move along the slide hole 213. The cap 215 may open and close the insertion opening 214 and the insertion space 134. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 134 through the insertion opening 214. For example, the stick 400 may be a cigarette.

The outer wall 121 and the partition 125 may form the sides of the upper body 120. The partition 125 may separate the cartridge coupling space 124a from the insertion space 134 (see FIG. 6). The seating portion 122 may extend to one side from the bottom of the partition 125. The extension portion 140 may extend to one side from the top of the partition 125.

The cartridge coupling space 124a may be formed on one side of the upper body 120. The cartridge coupling space 124a may be defined by the seating portion 122, the partition wall 125, and the extension portion 140 of the upper body 120. The bottom of the cartridge coupling space 124a may be covered by the seating portion 122. One side of the cartridge coupling space 124a may be covered by the partition wall 125 of the upper body 120. The top side of the cartridge coupling space 124a may be covered by the extension portion 140. The cartridge coupling space 124a may be open to the outside between the seating portion 122 and the extension portion 140.

The cartridge 300 may be coupled to one side of the upper body 120. The cartridge 300 may be inserted into the cartridge coupling space 124a. The bottom of the cartridge 300 may be seated on the seat 122. One side of the cartridge 300 may face the partition wall 125 of the upper body 120. The other side of the cartridge 300 may be exposed to the outside of the upper body 120. The upper side of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension 140.

The cartridge 300 can store a liquid therein. The cartridge 300 can be electrically connected to the body 100 via cartridge terminals 128 exposed from the seat 122. The cartridge 300 can receive power and generate an aerosol therein.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the upper body 120 may include an outer wall 121 and a partition wall 125. The outer wall 121 and the partition wall 125 may be connected to each other. The pipe installation space 124 may be surrounded by the outer wall 121 and the partition wall 125. The pipe installation space 124 may be open to the upper side. The pipe installation space 124 may extend vertically. The pipe 130 (see Figure 7) may be inserted into the pipe installation space 124 and installed inside the upper body 120.

The partition 125 may extend vertically between the pipe 130 and the cartridge connecting space 124a. The partition 125 may separate the pipe installation space 124 from the cartridge connecting space 124a. One side of the partition 125 may face the pipe installation space 124, and the other side of the partition 125 may face the cartridge connecting space 124a. The connecting port 123 may be formed by opening the lower side of the partition 125. The connecting port 123 may communicate with the pipe installation space 124. The partition 125 may be formed between the insertion space 134 and the cartridge connecting space 124a (see Figure 8).

The partition 125 may include a first partition portion 1251 and a second partition portion 1252. The first partition portion 1251 and the second partition portion 1252 may be formed parallel to each other. The first partition portion 1251 may extend vertically. The second partition portion 1252 may extend vertically. The first partition portion 1251 may face one side of the pipe installation space 124 or the pipe 130. The second partition portion 1252 may face the cartridge connection space 124a.

The partition 125 may provide a first space S1 therein. The first space S1 may be formed between the first partition portion 1251 and the second partition portion 1252. The first space S1 may extend vertically. The first space S1 may be open to the top. One side and the other side of the first space S1 may be covered by the first partition portion 1251 and the second partition portion 1252, respectively. The first partition portion 1251 may separate the pipe installation space 124a and the first space S1. The second partition portion 1252 may separate the cartridge connection space 124a and the second space S2.

The bracket 127 may be positioned in or fixed to the first space S1. The bracket 127 may extend vertically. The bracket 127 may support or fix the second board 162 (see FIG. 7) inserted into the first space S1.

The upper body 120 may include an extension 140. The extension 140 may extend to one side from the upper end of the second partition 1252. The extension 140 may extend in the opposite direction to the pipe installation space 124 or the pipe 130 (see FIG. 8) relative to the partition 125. The extension 140 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the second partition 1252. The extension 140 may cover the top of the cartridge connecting space 124a or the top of the cartridge 300 (see FIG. 8).

The extension portion 140 may include an extension plate 141. The extension plate 141 may extend to one side from the second partition portion 1252. The extension plate 141 may have a thin plate shape.

The extension portion 140 may include a rim portion 142. The rim portion 142 may extend circumferentially along the upper portion of the outer wall 121 of the upper body 120 and the edge of the extension plate 141. The rim portion 142 may include a portion that protrudes upward from the edge of the extension plate 141.

The second space S2 may be formed inside the extension portion 140. The extension plate 141 may cover the lower portion of the second space S2. The rim portion 142 may cover the periphery of the second space S2. The second space S2 may be formed between the extension portion 140 and the inner cover 170 (see FIG. 7). The second space S2 may be connected to the first space S1.

The first sensing hole 144 may be formed by opening the extension plate 141. The first sensing hole 144 may open toward the cartridge connecting space 124a. The sensing hole 144 may connect the second space S2 and the cartridge connecting space 124a. The first sensing hole 144 may face the first inlet 3011 formed in the cartridge 300 (see FIG. 8).

The bottom 129 may cover the lower end of the pipe installation space 124. The bottom 129 may be formed integrally with the seat 122. The bottom 129 may be connected to the partition wall 125. The seat 122 may extend to one side from the bottom 129. One side of the bottom 129 of the upper body 120 may be open to form a first connector hole 1294. The first connector hole 1294 may be in communication with the pipe installation space 124. A connector 163 that electrically connects the sensor 161 to power or a lead wire 133 (see FIG. 7) that electrically connects the heater 135 (see FIG. 7) may pass through the first connector hole 1294. The periphery of the bottom 129 may be surrounded by the periphery of the lower part of the upper body 120.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be formed integrally with the upper body 120. There may be a boundary between the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 and the upper body 120. Here, the configuration in which the sealing members and the upper body are formed integrally and have a boundary therebetween may be a structure in which the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 are joined to the upper body by injection molding, or the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 are fused to the upper body to prevent separation, rather than being joined to the upper body by an adhesive or connecting structure. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be referred to as seals 150, 191, and 192.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be elastic. For example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be made of rubber or silicone material. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 and the upper body 120 may be made of different materials. For example, the upper body 120 may be made of a plastic material.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be attached to the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or dual injection molding. For example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be formed by inserting the upper body 120 into an insert injection mold, and then injecting molten, high-temperature rubber or silicone into the injection mold and allowing it to harden. As another example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be attached to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic welding. For example, with one side of the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 in contact with the upper body 120, the one side of the upper body 120 may be melted and then hardened by ultrasonic welding, thereby attaching the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 to the upper body 120.

This prevents gaps from occurring due to misalignment between parts or assembly misalignment when assembling the sealing member, improving sealing performance. It also improves the bonding strength between parts.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include an upper seal 150. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include a sealing ring 191. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include a lower seal 192.

The upper seal 150 may be disposed in the second space S2. The upper seal 150 may be coupled to the extension portion 140. The upper seal 150 may be in close contact with the extension plate 141 to cover the extension plate 141. The edge of the upper seal 150 may be in close contact with the rim portion 142. The peripheries of the sensor 161 (see FIG. 7) and the substrate 162 (see FIG. 7) may be sealed by the upper seal 150. The upper seal 150 may seal the first space S1 and the second space S2.

The upper seal 150 may be bonded to the extension plate 141 by fusion or by injection molding. The upper seal 150 may be formed in the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or dual injection molding. As another example, the upper seal 150 may be bonded to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic welding. The upper seal 150 may be bonded to the extension plate 141 by melting and then hardening the portion of the upper seal 150 that comes into contact with the extension plate 141.

The upper seal 150 may include at least one of a first sealing portion 151 and a second sealing portion 152. The first sealing portion 151 may have a bar shape extending in one direction. The second sealing portion 152 may have a plate shape. The first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 151 may cover the upper end of the first partition portion 1251. The first sealing portion 151 may be formed integrally with the first partition portion 1251. The second sealing portion 152 may cover at least a portion of the extension plate 141. The second sealing portion 152 may be formed integrally with the extension plate 141.

The upper seal 150 may include a third sealing portion 153. The third sealing portion 153 may be located between the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152. One end of the third sealing portion 153 may be connected to the first sealing portion 151, and the other end may be connected to the second sealing portion 152. The third sealing portion 153 may connect the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152. The third sealing portion 153 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first sealing portion 151. The third sealing portion 153 may extend from the first sealing portion 151 toward the second sealing portion 152. The third sealing portion 153 may have a bar shape. The third sealing portions 153 may be provided in pairs. One of the pair of third sealing portions 153 may be connected to one end of the first sealing portion 151 and one side of the second sealing portion 152, and the other of the pair of third sealing portions 153 may be connected to the other end of the first sealing portion 151 and the other side of the second sealing portion 152.

The substrate insertion hole 154 may be formed by opening the upper seal 150. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be defined as a space formed between the first sealing portion 151, the second sealing portion 152, and a pair of third sealing portions 153. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be open at the top and bottom. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be connected to the first space S1.

The sensor accommodating portion 156 may be formed in the second sealing portion 152. The sensor accommodating portion 156 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first sensing hole 144. The sensor accommodating portion 156 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second sealing portion 152. The sensor accommodating portion 156 may have an accommodating groove 1565 formed inside. The accommodating groove 1565 may be open upward. The lower part of the accommodating groove 1565 may communicate with the second sensing hole 1564 formed by the opening of the bottom of the sensor accommodating portion 156. The second sensing hole 1564 may correspond to the first sensing hole 144. The second sensing hole 1564 may communicate with the first sensing hole 144. The accommodating portion sidewall 1562 may extend around the accommodating groove 1565. The storage section sidewall 1562 is formed at an angle so that the sensing groove 1565 gradually narrows from top to bottom, making it easier to insert the sensor 161 (see Figure 7).

The sealing ring 191 may surround the outer peripheral surface 1261 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The sealing ring 191 may extend circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface 1261 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The sealing ring 191 may be formed in a ring shape.

The sealing ring 191 may be attached to the upper body 120 by injection molding or by fusion. The sealing ring 191 may be formed by insert injection molding or dual injection molding into the upper body 120. As another example, the sealing ring 191 may be attached to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic fusion. The sealing ring 191 may be attached to the upper body 120 by melting and then hardening the portion of the sealing ring 191 that comes into contact with the upper body 120.

The circumferential groove 1264 may be formed by recessing the outer peripheral surface 1261 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120 inward. The circumferential groove 1264 may extend along the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The sealing ring 191 may be inserted into the circumferential groove 1264.

The lower seal 192 may be tightly fitted to the lower surface of the bottom 129 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be tightly fitted to the inner circumferential surface 1262 of the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be open on one side to form a second connector hole 1924 communicating with the first connector hole 1294. The lower seal 192 may be open on the other side to form a cartridge terminal hole 1925. The cartridge terminal 128 may be exposed to the lower side through the cartridge terminal hole 1925.

The lower seal 192 may be attached to the upper body 120 by injection molding or fusion. The lower seal 192 may be formed on the upper body 120 by insert injection molding or dual injection molding. As another example, the lower seal 192 may be attached to the upper body 120 by ultrasonic fusion. The lower seal 192 may be attached to the upper body 120 by melting and then hardening the portion of the seal that comes into contact with the upper body 120.

A coupling hole 1291 may be formed in the lower periphery 126 of the upper body 120. The coupling hole 1291 may open in the thickness direction of the lower periphery 126. A plurality of coupling holes 1291 may be formed. The coupling hole 1291 may include a pair of coupling holes formed on opposite sides of each other. A coupling hook 1292 may be formed near at least one of the coupling holes 1291.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the pipe 130 may extend in the vertical direction. The insertion space 134 may be formed inside the pipe 130. The insertion space 134 may be open to the top. The insertion space 134 may extend vertically. The connecting passage 133 may be formed inside the pipe 130. The connecting passage 133 may be formed below the insertion space 134. One end of the connecting passage 133 may communicate with the outside of the pipe 130, and the other end may communicate with the insertion space 134. The connecting passage 133 may bend to one side from the bottom of the insertion space 134.

The pipe 130 may be inserted into the pipe installation space 124 and connected to the upper body 120. The pipe 130 may be surrounded by the outer wall 121 and the partition wall 125. The connection passage 133 may communicate with the connection port 123.

The heater 135 may be attached to the pipe 130. The heater 135 may surround the insertion space 134. The heater 135 may be cylindrical. The heater 135 may heat the insertion space 134. The heater 135 may heat the stick 400 (see FIG. 1) inserted into the insertion space 134. The lead wire 133 may electrically connect the heater 135 to a power source disposed inside the lower body 110. The lead wire 133 of the heater 135 may pass through the first connector hole 1294 and the second connector hole 1924 and be disposed inside the lower body 110.

The cartridge 300 may include a first chamber C1. The first chamber C1 may store a liquid. The cartridge 300 may include a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be located below the first chamber C1.

The wick 311 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 311 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 311 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heating coil 312 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heating coil 312 may be wound around the wick 311. The heating coil 312 may be electrically connected to the cartridge terminal 128 to receive power. The heating coil 312 may heat the wick 311. When the heating coil 312 heats the wick 311 that has received the liquid, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

The cartridge 300 may include a first inlet 3011. The first inlet 3011 may be formed at the upper end of the cartridge 300. The first inlet 3011 may be connected to the outside of the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may include a second inlet 3012. The second inlet 3012 may be formed on one side of the second chamber C2 and may be connected to the second chamber C2. The inlet channel 302 may connect the first inlet 3011 and the second inlet 3012. The inlet channel 302 may be located between the first inlet 3011 and the second inlet 3012. The inlet channel 302 may extend vertically from the inside of the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may include an outlet 303. The outlet 303 may be formed in the second chamber C2 and may be connected to the outside of the cartridge 300. The outlet 303 may be located on the opposite side of the second inlet 3012 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the upper body 120, the outlet 303 may be connected to the connecting channel 133. The connecting channel 133 may be located below the insertion space 134. The connecting channel 133 may connect the insertion space 134 and the outlet 303.

A user can inhale air by holding the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 134 in their mouth. When the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100, air can flow into the first inlet 3011 through the opening 201 formed in the upper case 200. Air can flow from the outside of the cartridge 300 into the inside of the cartridge 300 through the first inlet 3011. The air flowing into the first inlet 3011 can flow sequentially through the inlet 302 and the second inlet 3012 into the second chamber C2. The air flowing into the second chamber C2, along with the aerosol generated around the core 311, can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 300 through the outlet 303. The air discharged through the outlet 303 can be supplied to the insertion space 134 and the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 134 through the connecting channel 133 and provided to the user.

Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the sensor 161 may be located in the second space S2. The sensor 161 may be disposed in the sensor receiving portion 156 and surrounded by the upper seal 150. The upper seal 150 may be disposed between the sensor 161 and the extension portion 140. The sensor 161 may face the first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564. The first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564 may be adjacent to the first inlet 3011. The sensor 161 may sense air flow around the first inlet 3011 through the first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564. The sensor 161 may be an air flow sensor 161 or a pressure sensor 161.

The board 162 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). However, the type of the board 162 is not limited to this. The board 162 may be inserted into the first space S1. The board 162 may be supported by a bracket 127. The board 162 may be directly or indirectly connected to the battery 10, memory (not shown), control unit 20, etc., or the battery 10, memory (not shown), control unit 20, etc. may be mounted on the board 162. The board 162 may be connected to the sensor 161.

The battery 10 may be disposed inside the lower body 110. The control unit 20 may be disposed inside the lower body 110. The connector 163 may extend from one end of the board 162. The connector 163 may pass through the first and second connector holes 1294, 1924 and protrude from the underside of the upper body 120 into the interior of the lower body 110. The connector 163 may be made of a conductive metal. The connector 163 may indirectly connect the sensor 161 to the control unit 20 or the battery 10.

The sensor 161 can operate by receiving power from the battery 10. The control unit 20 and the sensor 161 can exchange electrical signals. The control unit 20 can control the operation of the sensor 161. When the sensor 161 detects air flow, the control unit 20 can receive a signal from the sensor 161 and control various components connected to the control unit 20. For example, when the sensor 161 detects air flow, the control unit 20 can heat the heating coil 311 or the heater 135.

The cover 180 may be coupled to the upper end of the upper body 120. The cover 180 may cover the first space S1 and the second space S2. The cover 180 may cover the upper end of the pipe 130. The cover 180 may have an opening corresponding to the insertion space 134. The cover 180 may press at least one of the first sealing portion 151, the second sealing portion 152, and the third sealing portion 153 toward the top of the upper body 120.

The upper seal 150 can prevent liquids or foreign matter from passing through the first sensing hole 144 and entering the interior of the first device. The upper seal 150 can prevent liquids or foreign matter from entering the first space S1 and the second space S2 between the upper body 120 and the cover 180. In addition, because the upper seal 150 is formed integrally with the extension 140, no gap is formed between the upper seal 150 and the extension 140 or between the upper seal 150 and the cover 180, preventing liquids or foreign matter from penetrating between them.

The lower body 110 can be coupled to the lower part of the upper body 120. The outer peripheral surface 1261 of the lower part of the upper body 120 can be inserted into the upper part of the lower body 110 and surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 111 of the upper part of the lower body 110 (see FIG. 3).

The sealing ring 191 can seal between the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 can seal between the lower outer peripheral surface 1261 of the upper body 120 and the upper inner peripheral surface 111 of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 can extend circumferentially along the upper inner peripheral surface 111 of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 can be in close contact with the lower outer peripheral surface 1261 of the upper body 120 and the upper inner peripheral surface 111 of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 inserted into the circumferential groove 1264 can be formed integrally with the lower outer peripheral surface 1261 of the upper body 120.

The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 can connect the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 can include a connecting protrusion 112. The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 can include a connecting hole 1291. The connecting protrusion 112 can be inserted into the connecting hole 1291 to fasten the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The connecting protrusion 112 can protrude from the inner peripheral surface 111 of the upper part of the lower body 112. The positions of the connecting protrusion 112 and the connecting hole 1291 can be reversed. The connecting hook 1292 can be hooked around the periphery of the connecting protrusion 112 to connect the upper body 120 and the lower body 110 and prevent them from separating.

The lower seal 192 may be disposed between the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The lower seal 192 may be formed integrally with the bottom 129 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be formed integrally with the inner circumferential surface 1262 of the lower portion of the upper body 120.

The first connector hole 1294 formed by opening the bottom 129 of the upper body 120 and the second connector hole 1924 formed in the lower seal 192 may be connected to each other. The connector 163 and/or lead wire 133 may pass through the first connector hole 1294 and the second connector hole 1924 from inside the upper body 120 and be connected to the control unit 20 inside the lower body 110. The control unit 20 may be connected to the cartridge terminal 128 (see FIG. 5) exposed through the lower seal 129.

Referring to Figures 1 to 9, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper body having an insertion space formed therein, a heater for heating the insertion space, and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion that contacts the upper body, and the portion of the seal that contacts the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other, with a boundary therebetween.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the portion of the seal can be fused to the upper body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seal may be formed in the upper body by injection molding.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper body may include a plastic material and the seal may include a rubber material.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the lower body surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the upper body, and the seal may include a sealing ring that seals a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the upper body and the inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the lower body.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the seal may include a lower seal that is in close contact with the bottom surface of the upper body to seal the gap between the upper body and the lower body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a lead wire extending from the heater into the interior of the lower body, and the lower seal may have a connector hole configured to open and allow the lead wire to pass through.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a cartridge coupled to one side of the upper body and having a cartridge inlet at its upper portion; an extension extending from the upper portion of one side of the upper body to cover the upper portion of the cartridge and having a sensing hole located adjacent to the cartridge inlet; and a sensor positioned adjacent to the sensing hole to sense airflow around the sensing hole, wherein the seal may include an upper seal that surrounds the sensor around the sensing hole and is formed integrally with the extension.

The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The structure or function of any specific element or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

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

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

Claims (9)

an upper body having an insertion space formed therein;
a heater for heating the insertion space;
a seal coupled to the upper body;
an extension extending from an upper portion of one side of the upper body to cover an upper portion of a cartridge coupled to the one side of the upper body, the extension having a sensing hole;
a sensor disposed adjacent to the sensing hole to sense airflow around the sensing hole ;
the seal is elastic and has a portion that contacts the upper body;
the portion of the seal that contacts the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween;
The aerosol generating device, wherein the seal surrounds the sensor around the sensing hole and includes an upper seal formed integrally with the extension portion . The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the portion of the seal is fused to the upper body. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the seal is formed in the upper body by injection molding. the upper body includes a plastic material;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the seal comprises a rubber material. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body. The inner peripheral surface of the upper portion of the lower body surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the upper body,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the seal further includes a sealing ring that seals a gap between an outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the upper body and an inner peripheral surface of the upper part of the lower body. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the seal further comprises a lower seal that is in close contact with a bottom surface of the upper body to seal a gap between the upper body and the lower body. a lead wire extending from the heater to the inside of the lower body;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the lower seal has a connector hole configured to open through the lower seal and allow the lead wire to pass through. The cartridge is coupled to one side of the upper body and has a cartridge inlet at an upper portion thereof,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensing hole is positioned adjacent to the cartridge inlet .