CA3233727A1 - Aerosol-generating device - Google Patents
Aerosol-generating device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3233727A1 CA3233727A1 CA3233727A CA3233727A CA3233727A1 CA 3233727 A1 CA3233727 A1 CA 3233727A1 CA 3233727 A CA3233727 A CA 3233727A CA 3233727 A CA3233727 A CA 3233727A CA 3233727 A1 CA3233727 A1 CA 3233727A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- stick
- column
- insertion space
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 130
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 130
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 70
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 70
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 70
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 36
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 22
- UHCLFIWDCYOTOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2,4,5-tetrachloro-3-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)benzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC=C(Cl)C(C=2C(=C(Cl)C=C(Cl)C=2Cl)Cl)=C1 UHCLFIWDCYOTOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 15
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
Landscapes
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
Abstract
An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes a cartridge formed to be elongated and containing liquid therein, a column formed on one side of the cartridge so as to be elongated, a cap configured to cover the cartridge and the column, and an insertion space into which a stick is inserted. The cap includes a stick support portion formed to be elongated and disposed between the cartridge and the column, and the insertion space is defined by the outer wall of the cartridge and the stick support portion.
Description
Description Title of Invention: AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE
Technical Field [11 The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.
Background Art
Technical Field [11 The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.
Background Art
[2] An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multi-component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component.
Recently, various research on aerosol-generating devices has been conducted.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
Recently, various research on aerosol-generating devices has been conducted.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[3] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.
[4] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having an insertion space defined therein by a body, a cartridge, and a cap so that a stick is inserted thereinto.
[51 It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device enabling use of a stick in the state in which all of a body, a cartridge, and a cap are coupled to each other.
Solution to Problem [6] An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for ac-complishing the above and other objects may include a cartridge formed to be elongated and containing liquid therein, a column formed on one side of the cartridge so as to be elongated, a cap configured to cover the cartridge and the column, and an insertion space into which a stick is inserted. The cap may include a stick support portion formed to be elongated and disposed between the cartridge and the column, and the insertion space may be defined by the outer wall of the cartridge and the stick support portion.
Advantageous Effects of Invention [71 According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, an insertion space, into which a stick is inserted, may be defined by a body, a cartridge, and a cap.
[8] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of a stick may be fixed in the state in which all of a body, a cartridge, and a cap are coupled to each other.
91 Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should he understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.
Brief Description of Drawings [10] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in con-junction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[11] FIGs. 1 to 12 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention [12] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[13] In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.
[14] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations in-corporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the ac-companying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the ac-companying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.
[15] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.
[16] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to"
another component, there are no intervening components present.
[17] As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[18] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 10 may include at least one of a body 100, a cartridge 200, or a cap 300.
[19] The body 100 may include at least one of a lower body 110 or an upper body 120.
The lower body 110 may accommodate various components necessary for power supply or control, such as a battery or a controller. The lower body 110 may form the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 10. The upper body 120 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the upper body 120. The body 100 may be referred to as a main body 100.
[20] The upper body 120 may include at least one of a mount 130 or a column 140. The mount 130 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The mount 130 may provide a space 134 into which the lower portion of the cartridge 200 is inserted. The mount 130 may have an open upper side, and may define therein the space 134. The mount may surround the lower portion of the cartridge 200 inserted into the space 134. The mount 130 may fix the cartridge 200. The mount 130 may support the lower portion of the cartridge 200.
[21] The column 140 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The column 140 may have an elongated shape. The column 140 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 130. The column 140 may face one side wall of the cartridge 200. The column may be disposed parallel to the cartridge 200. The column 140 may have a shape that covers a portion of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may support a portion of the cartridge 200.
[22] The cartridge 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 200 may provide space for storing liquid therein. The insertion space 214 may be defined by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200. The insertion space 214 may be disposed in the cartridge 200. At least a portion of the insertion space 214 may be defined as space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200.
[23] The cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210 or a second container 220. The second container 220 may be coupled to the first container 210.
[24] The first container 210 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 220.
The first container 210 may provide space for storing liquid therein. The first container 210 may have an open upper side, and may have formed therein the insertion space 214, which is elongated in the vertical direction. A stick 400 (refer to FIG.
7) may be inserted into the insertion space 214. The first container 210 may be disposed on the mount 130.
[25] The second container 220 may be coupled to the lower side of the first container 210.
The second container 220 may provide space for mounting a wick 261 (refer to FIG. 6) and a heater 262 (refer to FIG. 6) therein. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space 134 provided by the mount 130. The space 134 in the mount 130 may be referred to as a cartridge accommodation space 134. The mount 130 may surround the second container 220. The second container 220 may be coupled to the mount 130.
[26] The cap 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. The cap 300 may cover at least a portion of the body 100. The cap 300 may protect the cartridge 200 and/or at least a portion of the body 100 from the outside. A user may separate the cap 300 from the body 100 in order to replace the cartridge 200.
[27] The cap 300 may be coupled to the upper portion of the body 100. The cap 300 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body 110. The cap 300 may cover the upper body 120. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. A side wall 301 of the cap may surround the side portion of the cartridge 200. The side wall 301 of the cap 300 may surround the side portion of the upper body 120. An upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge 200. The upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may cover the upper portion of the column 140.
[28] The cap 300 may have an insertion hole 304 formed therein. The upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may be open to form the insertion hole 304. The insertion hole 304 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 214. The insertion hole 304 may communicate with one end or the upper end of the insertion space 214.
[29] The cap 300 may have a cap inlet 304a formed therein. One side of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 304a. For example, the upper wall 303 of the cap may be open to form the cap inlet 304a. For example, the side wall 301 of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 304a. The cap inlet 304a may communicate with the outside. Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device 10 through the cap inlet 304a.
[30] Referring to FIG. 2, the mount 130 may provide a space 134 having an open top. The inner side surface 131 and the bottom 133 of the mount 130 may surround at least a portion of the space 134. The inner side wall 141 of the column 140 may surround one side of the space 134. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space provided by the mount 130. The mount 130 may surround the second container 220 inserted into the space 134.
[31] The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the mount 130 in a snap-fit manner. The second container 220 may be coupled to the mount 130 in a snap-fit manner. The second container 220 may be detachably engaged with the mount 130. When the second container 220 is inserted into the space 134 in the mount 130, a depressed portion 221a formed in the second container 220 and a protruding portion 131a formed on the mount 130 may be engaged with each other.
[32] The depressed portion 221a may be formed so as to be recessed into the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The depressed portion 221a may be formed in a plural number, and the plurality of depressed portions 221a may be respectively formed in one side and the opposite side of the side wall 221 of the container 220. The protruding portion 131a may be formed so as to protrude from the inner side surface 131 of the mount 130. The protruding portion 131a may be provided in a plural number, and the plurality of protruding portions 131a may be respectively formed on one side and the opposite side of the inner side surface 131 of the mount 130. The protruding portions 131a may be formed at positions corresponding to the depressed portions 221a.
[33] When the second container 220 is coupled to the mount 130, the first container 210 may be disposed on the mount 130. The first container 210 may have a shape that protrudes further in a lateral direction than the second container 220. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space 134 surrounded by the mount 130, and the first container 210 may cover the upper portion of the mount 130.
[34] The mount 130 may support the lower portion of the cartridge 200. The mount 130 may support the side portion and the bottom of the second container 220. The mount 130 may support the lower edge of the first container 210.
[35] The column 140 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 130. The column 140 may surround one side of the space 134 in the mount 130. The inner side wall 141 of the column 140 may be integrally formed with and extend from the inner side surface 131 of the mount 130. The outer side wall 142 of the column 140 may be in-tegrally formed with and extend from the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130.
[36] The column 140 may extend to a height corresponding to the height of the cartridge 200. The upper wall 143 of the column 140 may be formed to a height corresponding to the upper end of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may be formed parallel to the cartridge 200.
[37] The column 140 may cover a portion of the cartridge 200, in which the insertion space 214 is formed. A portion of the cartridge 200 may slide along the inner side wall 141 of the column 140, and may be inserted into the mount 130.
[38] Referring to FIGs. 3 to 5, the cap 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100.
The cap 300 may protect the cartridge 200 and a portion of the body 100 from the outside. The user may separate the cap 300 from the body in order to replace the cartridge 200.
[39] The upper body 120 may have coupling protrusions 132a and 132b formed on the outer side surfaces 132 and 142 thereof. The coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may be formed on the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130. The coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may be formed on the outer side wall 142 of the column 140. The coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may include a first coupling protrusion 132a and a second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a and the second coupling protrusion 132b may be disposed vertically relative to each other.
[40] The first coupling protrusion 132a may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface of the upper body 120. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be provided in plural. One of the plurality of first coupling protrusions 132a may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130.
This first coupling protrusion 132a may be formed at a position opposite the column 140. The other of the plurality of first coupling protrusions 132a may he formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side wall 142 of the column 140.
[41] The first coupling protrusion 132a may protrude further outwards than the second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be disposed below the second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be narrower than the second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a may have a shape in which the width thereof in the lateral direction is relatively small.
The first coupling protrusion 132a may have a shape in which the width thereof gradually decreases from the lower side thereof toward the upper side thereof.
[42] The second coupling protrusion 132b may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface of the upper body 120. The second coupling protrusion 132b may protrude in a convex or round shape. The second coupling protrusion 132b may be provided in plural. One of the plurality of second coupling protrusions 132b may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130.
This second coupling protrusion 132b may be formed at a position opposite the column 140. This second coupling protrusion 132b may have a shape that is elongated along the circumference of the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130. The other of the plurality of second coupling protrusions 132b may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side wall 142 of the column 140. This second coupling protrusion 132b may have a shape that is elongated along the circumference of the outer side wall 142 of the column 140.
[43] Coupling recesses 302a and 302b may be fainaed in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The coupling recesses 302a and 302b may be formed at positions corre-sponding to the coupling protrusions 132a and 132b. When the cap 300 covers the cartridge 200 and the upper body 120, the coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may be fitted into the coupling recesses 302a and 302b, and accordingly, the cap 300 may be coupled to the upper body 120. The coupling recesses 302a and 302b may include a first coupling recess 302a and a second coupling recess 302b. The first coupling recess 302a and the second coupling recess 302b may be disposed vertically relative to each other.
[44] The first coupling recess 302a may be fainted so as to be recessed outwards in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The first coupling recess 302a may be formed in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300 at a position corresponding to the first coupling protrusion 132a. The first coupling recess 302a may be formed in plural. The first coupling recesses 302a may have a shape in which the width thereof gradually decreases toward the upper side thereof. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be inserted into the first coupling recess 302a. When the first coupling protrusion 132a is inserted into the first coupling recess 302a, the first coupling protrusion 132a and the first coupling recess 302a may guide placement of the cap 300 at the correct position.
[45] The second coupling recess 302b may be formed so as to be recessed outwards in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The second coupling recess 302b may be recessed in a convex or round shape. The second coupling recess 302b may be foimed in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300 at a position corresponding to the second coupling protrusion 132b. The second coupling recess 302b may be formed in plural.
The second coupling recesses 302b may have a shape that is elongated along the cir-cumference of the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The second coupling protrusion 132b may be inserted into and engaged with the second coupling recess 302b in a snap-fit manner. The second coupling protrusion 132b and the second coupling recess 302b may be detachably engaged with each other.
[46] An upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may protrude further outwards than the upper body 120. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may extend along the cir-cumference of the upper body 120. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may be disposed below the upper body 120. When the cap 300 is coupled to the body 100, the lower end of the side wall 301 of the cap 300 may be brought into contact with the upper edge 113 of the lower body 110. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may prevent the cap 300 from moving to a position below the upper body 120.
[47] Referring to FIG. 5, the cap 300 may include at least one of a cap body 320, a lower head 330, or an upper head 340. The cover 310 may be pivotably mounted to the cap 300. The cover 310 may be disposed so as to close the insertion hole 304. The cover 310 may have a plate shape. The cover 310 may include a peripheral portion formed to be round along the circumference of the insertion hole 304.
[48] A shaft 311 may be formed at an end of the cover 310. The shaft 311 may be in-tegrally formed with the cover 310. The shaft 311 may have a shape that is elongated in one direction. The cover 310 may pivot about the direction in which the shaft 311 extends. The shaft 311 may function as a pivot shaft of the cover 310. The shaft 311 may protrude from the end of the cover 310 in two opposite directions. The shaft 311 may be referred to as a cover shaft 311.
[49] A spring may be wound around the shaft 311. The spring may move the cover 310 in a second direction using the elastic force or the restoring force thereof. The cover 310 may be moved in the second direction by the spring 312, thereby closing the insertion space 214 and/or the insertion hole 304. One end of the spring wound around the shaft 311 may extend toward the cover 310, and the other end thereof may extend in a direction opposite the one end thereof.
[50] The cap body 320 may form the side wall 301 of the cap 300.
The cap body 320 may have a vertically open and hollow shape. The cap body 320 may cover the side portion of the cartridge 200 and the side portion of the upper body 120. The cap body 320 may include a coupling rib 322. The coupling rib 322 may he formed so as to protrude inwards from the inner side surface 302 of the cap body 320. The coupling rib 322 may have a shape that extends along the circumference of the side wall 301 of the cap body 320. The coupling rib 322 may be formed at the upper portion of the cap body 320.
[51] The lower head 330 and the upper head 340 may be coupled to each other in the vertical direction to form the upper portion of the cap 300. The lower head 330 may be coupled to the lower side of the upper head 340. The lower head 330 may surround the lower side of the insertion hole 304.
[52] The lower head 330 may include a head rib 332. The head rib 332 may have a shape that extends along the circumference of the lower head 330. The head rib 332 may be disposed below the coupling rib 322. The head rib 332 may catch on the lower portion of the coupling rib 322.
[53] The upper head 340 may include a head latch 343. The head latch 343 may be formed so as to protrude downwards from the circumference of the upper head wall 303. When the circumference of the upper head wall 303 catches on the coupling rib 322, the head latch 343 may be engaged with the coupling rib 322.
[54] A screw 334 may fix the lower head 330 and the upper head 340 to each other. The screw 334 may penetrate the lower portion of the lower head 330, and may be fixed to the upper head 340.
[55] The cap 300 may include a second guide 306. The second guide 306 may be formed at the lower head 330. The second guide 306 may be formed near the insertion hole 304. The second guide 306 may be disposed below the insertion hole 304. The second guide 306 may be disposed between the insertion hole 304 and the insertion space 214.
The second guide 306 may be formed so as to be inclined downwards. The second guide 306 may extend from a portion near the insertion hole 304 in the cap 300 so as to be inclined toward one end or the upper end of the insertion space 214 (refer to FIG.
6). The second guide 306 may be referred to as a stick guide 306.
[56] The cap 300 may include a third guide 350. The third guide 350 may be formed at the lower head 330. The third guide 350 may be formed near the insertion hole 304.
The third guide 350 may have an elongated shape. The third guide 350 may be connected to the second guide 306. The third guide 350 may extend downwards from an end portion of the second guide 306.
[57] The third guide 350 may be disposed between the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the column 140. The third guide 350 may face the column 140. The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may be in contact with a window 170 (refer to FIG. 6).
The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may have a shape corresponding to the window 170. The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may have a shape that is rounded so as to correspond to the window 170.
[58] The inner side surface of the third guide 350 may define the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may be defined by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350. The outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may surround the side portion of the insertion space 214. The outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may be connected to each other to have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction so as to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214. The inner side surface of the third guide 350 may have a shape corresponding to the circumference of the stick 400. The outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may support the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214.
[59] The cap 300 may include a stick stopper 355. The stick stopper 355 may be formed at the third guide 350. The stick stopper 355 may be formed at the lower side of the third guide 350. The stick stopper 355 may protrude toward the inside of the cap 300.
The stick stopper 355 may be provided in plural.
[60] The third guide 350 may be referred to as a stick support portion 350.
The inner side surface of the third guide 350 may be referred to as a front surface of the third guide 350. The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may be referred to as a rear surface of the third guide 350.
[61] The upper head 340 may be coupled to the upper portion of the cap body 320 to form the upper wall 303 of the cap 300. The upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may be referred to as an upper head wall 303. The upper head 340 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower head 330. The circumference of the upper head wall 303 may catch on the upper side of the coupling rib 322.
[62] The cap 300 may have defined therein the insertion hole 304, which communicates with one end of the insertion space 214. The cap 300 may include an insertion hole wall 305, which defines the circumference of the insertion hole 304. A portion of the upper head wall 303 of the cap 300 may be open to form the insertion hole 304.
The insertion hole wall 305 may have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction.
The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may surround the cir-cumference of the insertion hole 304.
[63] The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may be formed to be round. The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may be formed to be convex inwards. The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may have a shape that gradually narrows the insertion hole 304 and then gradually widens the insertion hole 304 from the upper side thereof toward the lower side thereof.
[64] An end portion or the circumference of the cover 310 may catch on the lower side of the insertion hole wall 305. When the cover 310 closes the insertion hole 304, the insertion hole wall 305 may come into contact with the cover 310, thereby restricting the movement of the cover 310. The insertion hole wall 305 may come into contact with the end portion or the circumference of the cover 310, thereby preventing the cover 310 from pivoting to a position above the insertion hole 304. The cover 310 may be larger than the insertion hole 304.
[65] Referring to FIG. 6, the cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210, a second container 220, a sealing member 250, a wick 261, or a heater 262. The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 or a frame 240.
[66] The first container 210 may provide the first chamber Cl and the insertion space 214.
The space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be provided as the first chamber Cl. The space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the third guide 350 may be provided as the insertion space 214.
[67] The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround the side portion of the first chamber Cl. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may have a shape that extends so as to surround the circumference of the first chamber Cl. The upper wall 213 of the first container 210 may cover the upper portion of the first chamber Cl. The upper wall 213 of the first container 210 may be connected to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210.
[68] The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround the side portion of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may have a shape that is elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space 214 may have open upper and lower end portions.
[69]
[70] The second container 220 may provide the second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the insertion space 214. The second chamber C2 may com-municate with the insertion space 214.
[71] The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 or a frame 240. The lower case 230 may form the external appearance of the second container 220. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the outer wall 211 or the circumference of the first container 210. The lower case 230 may provide an accommodation space therein. The lower case 230 may support the frame 240. The side wall of the lower case 230 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 224. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the lower case 230.
[72] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the second chamber C2 from leaking out of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.
[73] The lower case 230 may include at least one of an accommodation portion 231 or an extension portion 232. The accommodation portion 231 may provide an accom-modation space therein. The accommodation portion 231 may surround the accom-modation space. The accommodation portion 231 may accommodate at least a portion of the frame 240 therein. The side wall of the accommodation portion 231 may be the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The side wall of the accommodation portion 231 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 224. The extension portion 232 may extend outwards from the upper end of one side of the accommodation portion 231.
The extension portion 232 may support a portion of the frame 240. The accom-modation portion 231 may be referred to as a case portion 231. The accommodation portion 231 may be referred to as a case part 231.
[74] The frame 240 may be disposed in the lower case 230. The frame 240 may define the second chamber C2. The frame 240 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The lower case 230 may surround the remaining portion of the second chamber C2. The frame 240 may form the bottom of the first chamber Cl.
[75] The frame 240 may include at least one of a first frame portion 241 and a second frame portion 242. The first frame portion 241 may define the bottom of the first chamber Cl. The first chamber Cl may be surrounded by the outer wall 211, the upper wall 213, and the first frame portion 241 of the first container 210. The first frame portion 241 may also be referred to as a first frame 241. The second frame portion 242 may also be referred to as a second frame 242.
[76] The frame 240 may include at least one of a first frame portion 241 or a second frame portion 242. The first frame portion 241 may form the bottom of the first chamber Cl.
The first chamber Cl may be surrounded by the outer wall 211, the inner wall 212, the upper wall 213, and the first frame portion 241 of the first container 210.
[77] The second frame portion 242 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The second frame portion 242 may define the second chamber C2. The side wall of the second frame portion 242 may surround at least a part of the side portion of the second chamber C2. The bottom of the second frame portion 242 may form the bottom of the second chamber C2. A chamber inlet 2424 may be formed in the side wall of the second frame portion 242. The chamber inlet 2424 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The second frame portion 242 may be disposed adjacent to the lower side of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the second chamber C2.
[78] The first frame portion 241 and the second frame portion 242 may be connected to each other. The first frame portion 241 may extend from the second frame portion 242 so as to cover the bottom of the first chamber Cl.
[79] The accommodation portion 231 may accommodate the second frame portion therein. The accommodation portion 231 may support the bottom of the second frame portion 242. The accommodation portion 231 may define the second chamber C2 together with the second frame portion 242. The extension portion 232 may support the first frame portion 241. The second frame portion 242 may he disposed in the accom-modation portion 231, and the first frame portion 241 may be disposed on the extension portion 232.
[80] A connection passage 2314 may be formed in the accommodation portion 231. The frame 240 may define the connection passage 2314 in the lower case 230. The connection passage 2314 may be formed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424 to interconnect the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424.
The first frame portion 241 may cover the upper portion of the connection passage 2314. The second frame portion 242 may cover the side portion of the connection passage 2314.
[81] A blocking wall 2317 may be formed in the connection passage 2314. The blocking wall 2317 may be formed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424.
The blocking wall 2317 may have an elongated shape. The blocking wall 2317 may extend upwards from the bottom of the lower case 230 or the bottom of the frame 240.
The blocking wall 2317 may extend to a position higher than the cartridge inlet 224.
The blocking wall 2317 may extend to a position higher than the chamber inlet 2424.
[82] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the second chamber C2 from leaking out of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.
[83] A sealing member 250 may be disposed between the first chamber Cl and the second container 220. The sealing member 250 may surround and be in close contact with the edge of the first chamber Cl. The sealing member 250 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing member 250 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicon. The sealing member 250 may prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl from leaking from the first chamber Cl into gaps between components.
[84] The sealing member 250 may include at least one of a first sealing portion 251 or a second sealing portion 252. The first sealing portion 251 may extend along the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may surround the edge of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may be disposed between and be in close contact with the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240. The first sealing portion 251 may be disposed between and be in close contact with the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the first frame portion 241.
[85] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl from leaking through the gap between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240.
[86] The second sealing portion 252 may extend from the first sealing portion 251 along the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The second sealing portion 252 may surround and be in close contact with the edge of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The second sealing portion 252 may he disposed between and be in close contact with the inner wall of the first container 210 and the frame 240. The second sealing portion 252 may be disposed between and be in close contact with the inner wall of the first container 210 and the second frame portion 242. The second sealing portion 252 may be inserted into the frame 240. The second sealing portion 252 may be inserted into the second frame portion 242. The lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may press the second sealing portion 252 toward the frame 240.
[87] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl from leaking into the gap between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240.
[88] The mount 130 may include a sensor accommodation portion 137. The sensor ac-commodation portion 137 may provide space that is formed at the lower portion of one side wall of the mount 130. The second sensor 180 may be accommodated in the sensor accommodation portion 137. The lower case 230 may cover the sensor accom-modation portion 137. The lower case 230 may surround one side of the sensor accom-modation portion 137. The lower case 230 may cover one side of the sensor accom-modation portion 137. One side wall of the accommodation portion 231 of the lower case 230 may face the side portion of the sensor accommodation portion 137.
The extension portion 232 of the lower case 230 may cover the upper portion of the sensor accommodation portion 137.
[89] A gap through which air flows may be formed between the sensor accommodation portion 137 and the lower case 230. Air may pass through the gap between the sensor accommodation portion 137 and the lower case 230, and may be introduced into the cartridge inlet 224. The second sensor 180 may sense the flow of air into the cartridge inlet 224 through the gap between the sensor accommodation portion 137 and the lower case 230.
[90] The inner side surface 131 of the sensor accommodation portion 137 may be open to form a sensing hole 137a. The sensing hole 137a may be formed between the sensor accommodation space 137b and the cartridge accommodation space 134 to in-terconnect the sensor accommodation space 137b and the cartridge accommodation space 134. The sensing hole 137a may be adjacent to the cartridge inlet 224.
The sensing hole 137a may face the cartridge inlet 224.
[91] The sensing hole 137a may be open in the lateral direction. The side portion of the second container 220 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 224, and the sensing hole 137a, which is open in the lateral direction, may face the cartridge inlet 224.
[92] Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, the cartridge 200 may include a stick stopper 217, which protrudes inwards from the circumference of the insertion space 214 at a position adjacent to the opposite end or the lower end of the insertion space 214. The stick stopper 217 may protrude in the radially inward direction. The stick stopper 217 may be formed on the outer wall 211 of the first container 210.
[93] The stick stopper 217 may be provided in a plural number. Three stick stoppers 217 may be provided. A plurality of stick stoppers 217 may be arranged along the cir-cumference of the insertion space 214. The stick stoppers 217 may be arranged in the circumferential direction. The stick stoppers 217 may be spaced apart from each other.
The stick stoppers 217 may be formed in the shape of a rib or a ring that extends in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the insertion space 214.
The stick 400 may be seated over the stick stoppers 217. The stick stoppers 217 may have a shape that gradually widens in the upward direction.
[94] Accordingly, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214, the end of the stick 400 may be brought into contact with the stick stoppers 217, with the result that the stick 400 may be prevented from moving to the second chamber C2 beyond the insertion space 214.
[95] In addition, it is possible to minimize a reduction in the amount of air flowing from the second chamber C2 to the insertion space 214.
[96] In addition, the stick stoppers 217 may not impede the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2 from extracting a certain component from the medium in the stick 400.
[97] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, the cartridge 200 may include at least one of the first container 210, the second container 220, the wick 261, or the heater 262. The cartridge 200 may include the sealing member 250.
[98] The first container 210 may be formed to have a hollow shape. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround the inner space. The first container 210 may provide the first chamber Cl storing liquid therein. One side or the lower side of the first chamber Cl may be open.
[99] The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may extend in the circumferential direction to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the insertion space 214.
[100] The second container 220 may be coupled to the first container 210.
The second container 220 may be coupled to one side or the lower side of the first container 210.
The second container 220 may block the open side of the first chamber Cl. The second container 220 may provide therein the second chamber C2 communicating with the insertion space 214. The wick 261 may be disposed in the second container 220.
[101] The cartridge inlet 224 may communicate with the second chamber C2 and the outside of the cartridge 200. The cartridge inlet 224 may allow the second chamber C2 to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 200. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at the outer wall of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed in the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 may be open in the lateral direction. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom 222 of the second container 220. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent droplets in a connection passage 2314 from leaking out of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.
[102] The second container 220 may include at least one of the lower case 230 or the frame 240. The lower case 230 may form the external appearance of the second container 220. The lower case 230 may be disposed below the first container 210. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the first container 210. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The lower case 230 may ac-commodate at least a portion of the frame 240 in the accommodation space 2310.
The lower case 230 may support the frame 240.
[103] The lower case 230 may include a peripheral portion 2322, which is coupled to the circumference of the first container 210. The peripheral portion 2322 may extend from the upper end of the lower case 230 along the circumference of the lower case 230.
The peripheral portion 2322 may extend along the circumference of each of the receiving portion 231 and the extension portion 232. The peripheral portion 2322 may have the shape of a continuous band. The peripheral portion 2322 may have a shape that protrudes upwards from the circumference of the lower case 230. The peripheral portion 2322 may be coupled to the lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be recessed upwards so that the peripheral portion 2322 is inserted thereinto.
The pe-ripheral portion 2322 and the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be attached to each other using an adhesive member. The adhesive member may be, for example, a sheet of tape or glue. The adhesive member is not limited thereto.
[104] Referring to FIG. 10, the upper body 120 may include the column 140, which extends upwards. The column 140 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 130. The side walls 141 and 142 of the column 140 may be connected to the side walls 131 and 132 of the mount 130. The column 140 may cover a portion of the space provided by the mount 130. The inner wall 141 of the column 140 may have a shape that is concavely recessed outwards.
[105] The column 140 may accommodate the PCB assembly 150. The PCB assembly may provide light to the cartridge 200, or may sense information about the cartridge 200. For example, the information about the cartridge 200 may include at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the extent of use or the availability of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the cartridge 200 having the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 is coupled to the body 100, or information about the type of cartridge 200 coupled thereto. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to the aforementioned information. The column 140 may accommodate a light source 153 configured to emit light. The column 140 may accommodate a first sensor 154 configured to sense information about the cartridge 200.
[106] The column 140 may provide a mounting space 144 therein. The mounting space 144 may have a shape that extends vertically along the column 140. The inner side wall 141 of the coluinn 140 may surround the mounting space 144. The mounting space may be open toward the space 134 in the mount 130. The mounting space 144 may be open toward one side portion of the cartridge 200.
[107] The PCB assembly 150 may be mounted in the mounting space 144. A
plate 160 may cover the PCB assembly 150, and may be disposed in the mounting space 144. The window 170 may cover the PCB assembly 150 and the mounting space 144. The PCB
assembly 150, the plate 160, and the window 170 may be sequentially stacked.
The mounting space 144 may be referred to as an assembly accommodation space 144.
[108] The PCB assembly 150 may include at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB) 151, a light source 153, or a first sensor 154. The light source 153 may be mounted on the PCB 151. At least one light source 153 may be provided. The first sensor 154 may be mounted on the PCB. The light source 153 and the first sensor 154 may be mounted at different positions on a single PCB. The first sensor 154 may be mounted in a region avoiding the at least one light source 153.
[109] The PCB assembly 150 may be disposed inside the column 140 so as to face the cartridge 200. The PCB assembly 150 may face the first container 210, which is provided with the first chamber Cl and the insertion space 214. The PCB
assembly 150 may be elongated vertically along the column 140. A connector 152 for electrical connection may be formed at one end of the PCB assembly 150.
[110] The PCB 151 may be elongated vertically along the column 140. The PCB
151 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connector 152 may be formed at one end of the PCB 151. A plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged on the PCB 151.
The first sensor 154 may be located at the center of the PCB 151. The first sensor 154 may be located between the light sources 153, and at least one light source 153 may be disposed on each side of the first sensor 154. The plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged vertically along the PCB 151. The plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column 140. The first sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the insertion space 214. The light sources 153 may be disposed so as to face the outside of the insertion space 214. The light sources 153 may emit light toward the outside of the insertion space 214 so that the light is provided to the first chamber Cl. The light sources 153 may be Light Emitting Diodes.
[111] Accordingly, the light sources 153 may provide uniform light to the first chamber Cl.
[112] In addition, it is possible to prevent the paths of light provided by the light sources 153 from being blocked by the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214.
[113] The first sensor 154 may be elongated vertically along the PCB 151. The first sensor 154 may be elongated along the first container 210 or the insertion space 214.
The first sensor 154 may face the insertion space 214. The first sensor 154 may sense in-formation about the cartridge 200. For example, the first sensor 154 may sense at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the extent of use or the availability of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the cartridge 200 having the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 is coupled to the body 100, or information about the type of cartridge 200 coupled thereto. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to the aforementioned information.
[114] The first sensor 154 may sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the cartridge 200 to sense information about the cartridge 200. The first sensor 154 may sense a change in electromagnetic characteristics caused by a neighboring object. For example, the first sensor 154 may be a capacitance sensor. For example, the first sensor 154 may be a magnetic proximity sensor. The type of first sensor 154 is not limited thereto. For example, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200 or when there is a change in the volume of the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl, the electromagnetic characteristics sensed by the first sensor 154 may change, and the first sensor 154 may measure the change to sense information about the cartridge 200.
[115] The first sensor 154 may include a conductor. The conductor may be formed to have a length corresponding to the insertion space 214 in the direction in which the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 extends. For example, the conductor may be formed to have a maximum length adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the PCB 151 in the longitudinal direction of the column 140, respectively.
[116] The first sensor 154 may generate and output a signal. The first sensor 154 may generate a signal while current flows through the conductor. The first sensor 154 may generate a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the sur-roundings, for example, a capacitance around the conductor.
[117] The window 170 may be coupled to the column 140. The window 170 may be formed of a transparent material. The window 170 may allow light to pass therethrough. The window 170 may be coupled to the column 140 to cover the PCB
assembly 150. The window 170 may have a shape that extends vertically along the column 140. The window 170 may be disposed between the column 140 and the cartridge 200. The window 170 may be disposed between the column 140 and the third guide 350. The window 170 may be disposed adjacent to the inner side surface 141 of the column 140. The window 170 may surround the rear surface of the third guide 350.
The window 170 may face the rear surface of the third guide 350. The window may be formed to be thin so that the PCB assembly 150 is adjacent to the third guide 350.
[118] One surface 171a of the window 170 may be in contact with the rear surface of the third guide 350 to support the third guide 350. The opposite surface 17 lb of the window 170 may be in close contact with the PCB assembly 150. The surface 171a of the window 170 may be referred to as a front surface of the window 170. The opposite surface 17 lb of the window 170 may be referred to as a rear surface of the window 170.
[119] The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape corresponding to the third guide 350, which forms the circumference of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may be adjacent to the column 140 and the PCB assembly 150. The insertion space 214 may be located between the first chamber Cl and the column 140.
The outer wall 211 of the first container 210, which surrounds the circumference of the insertion space 214, may have a shape that extends so as to be rounded along the cir-cumference of the insertion space 214. The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is rounded so as to surround the outer side of the insertion space 214. The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is rounded so as to surround the third guide 350, which forms the circumference of the insertion space 214. The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is concave in a direction opposite the cartridge 200.
[120] The PCB assembly 150 may have a plurality of through-holes 151a formed therein.
The through-holes 151a may be formed at one side of the PCB 151. The through-holes 151a may be formed in the upper portion of the PCB 151. The through-holes 151a may be located above the light source 153 and/or the first sensor 154. The through-holes 151a may be located on both sides of the PCB 151.
[121] The plate 160 may cover the region in the PCB assembly 150 that avoids the at least one light source 153. The plate 160 may be attached to the PCB assembly 150 to cover the first sensor 154. The plate 160 may allow an electromagnetic wave to pass therethrough. The plate 160, through which an electromagnetic wave passes, may not allow visible light to pass therethrough, or may be translucent.
[122] Printed circuits, which are connected to the light sources 153, may be printed on the region in the PCB 151 that is adjacent to the light sources 153. The plate 160 may cover the printed circuits printed on the PCB 151 in the vicinity of the light sources 153. The plate 160 may have a shape that extends vertically along the first sensor 154 and extends further from the vertically extending portion thereof toward the printed circuits.
[123] The plate 160 may expose the light sources 153, rather than covering the same. The light sources 153 may be disposed on both sides of the first sensor 154, with the first sensor 154 interposed therebetween, and may be arranged in the vertical direction.
Portions of the plate 160 that correspond to the positions of the light sources 153 may be open. When the plate 160 is attached to the PCB assembly 150, the light sources 153 may be exposed through the open portions of the plate 160. Accordingly, light emitted from the light sources 153 may not be blocked, and the first sensor 154 and/or the printed circuits printed on the PCB 151 may not be exposed to the outside, and may be protected from the outside. In addition, the first sensor 154 may sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings in the state of being covered by the plate 160.
[124] Referring to FIG. 11, when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the column 140 may come into contact with each other. The column 140 may support the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200.
[125] When the cap 300 is separated from the body 100, the insertion space 214 and a space 355 may be provided between the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the column 140. The space 355 may be referred to as a cap-receiving space 355. The cap-receiving space 355 may have a shape corresponding to the third guide 350. The cap-receiving space 355 may be located outside the insertion space 214. A portion of the cap-receiving space 355 may be surrounded by the window 170.
[126] When the cap 300 is coupled to the body 100, the third guide 350 may be disposed in the cap-receiving space 355. When the third guide 350 is disposed in the cap-receiving space 355, the third guide 350 and the window 170 may in contact with each other.
The window 170 may be in contact with the rear surface of the third guide 350 to support the third guide 350. When the third guide 350 is disposed in the cap-receiving space 355, the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may be connected to each other to have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction so as to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214.
[127] When the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the state in which the third guide 350 is disposed in the cap-receiving space 355, a portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may come into contact with the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion thereof may come into contact with the front surface of the third guide 350.
[128] Referring to FIG. 12, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the state in which the cap 300 is separated from the body 100, a portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may come into contact with the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200. Meanwhile, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the state in which the cap 300 is separated from the body 100, the remaining portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may be exposed to the cap-receiving space 355.
[129] At least a portion of the stick 400 located in the insertion space 214 may move to the cap-receiving space 355. For example, when the upper side of the aerosol-generating device 10 is inclined in the direction in which the column 140 is located, the stick 400 located in the insertion space 214 may also be inclined toward the cap-receiving space 355. Therefore, the user inserts the stick 400 into the insertion space 214 after the third guide 350 is placed in the cap-receiving space 355 through coupling of the cap 300 to the body 100, thereby fixing the position of the stick 400 in the insertion space 214.
[1301 As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the insertion space 214, into which the stick 400 is inserted, may be defined by the body 100, the cartridge 200, and the cap 300.
[131] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the stick 400 may be fixed in the state in which all of the body 100, the cartridge 200, and the cap 300 are coupled to each other.
[132] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 12, an aerosol-generating device 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a cartridge 200 formed to be elongated and containing liquid therein, a column 140 formed on one side of the cartridge 200 so as to be elongated, a cap 300 configured to cover the cartridge 200 and the column 140, and an insertion space 214 into which a stick 400 is inserted. The cap 300 may include a stick support portion 350 formed to be elongated and disposed between the cartridge 200 and the column 140, and the insertion space 214 may be defined by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the stick support portion 350.
[133] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may be in contact with the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may be in contact with the stick support portion 350.
[134] Tn addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the stick support portion 350 may be disposed so as to be in contact with each other to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214.
[135] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the front surface of the stick support portion 350 may be in contact with the stick 400, and the rear surface of the stick support portion 350 may be in contact with the column 140.
[136] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the front surface of the stick support portion 350 may have a shape corresponding to the stick 400, and the rear surface of the stick support portion 350 may have a shape corre-sponding to the column 140.
[137] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the column 140 may include a window 170 mounted on a portion of the outer wall 211 of the column 140, which faces the insertion space 214, and formed of a light transmissive material, and the stick support portion 350 may be in contact with the window 170.
[138] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the column 140 may further include a sensor 154 mounted in the column 140 and configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space 214, and the sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the window 170.
[139] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cap 300 may further include an insertion hole 304 formed therein at a position corresponding to the insertion space 214 to communicate with the insertion space 214 and a stick guide 306 disposed adjacent to the insertion hole 304 and extending so as to be inclined toward the insertion space 214.
[1401 In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick support portion 350 may extend from an end portion of the stick guide 306 in the extension direction of the column 140.
[141] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 or the stick support portion 350 may include stick stoppers 217 and 335 protruding toward the insertion space 214.
[142] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
[143] For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment and/or drawings may be combined with a configuration "B" described in another embodiment and/or drawings. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
[144] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of il-lustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modi-fications and embodiments can he devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[51 It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device enabling use of a stick in the state in which all of a body, a cartridge, and a cap are coupled to each other.
Solution to Problem [6] An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for ac-complishing the above and other objects may include a cartridge formed to be elongated and containing liquid therein, a column formed on one side of the cartridge so as to be elongated, a cap configured to cover the cartridge and the column, and an insertion space into which a stick is inserted. The cap may include a stick support portion formed to be elongated and disposed between the cartridge and the column, and the insertion space may be defined by the outer wall of the cartridge and the stick support portion.
Advantageous Effects of Invention [71 According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, an insertion space, into which a stick is inserted, may be defined by a body, a cartridge, and a cap.
[8] According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of a stick may be fixed in the state in which all of a body, a cartridge, and a cap are coupled to each other.
91 Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should he understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.
Brief Description of Drawings [10] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in con-junction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[11] FIGs. 1 to 12 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention [12] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[13] In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.
[14] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations in-corporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the ac-companying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the ac-companying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.
[15] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.
[16] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to"
another component, there are no intervening components present.
[17] As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[18] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 10 may include at least one of a body 100, a cartridge 200, or a cap 300.
[19] The body 100 may include at least one of a lower body 110 or an upper body 120.
The lower body 110 may accommodate various components necessary for power supply or control, such as a battery or a controller. The lower body 110 may form the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 10. The upper body 120 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the upper body 120. The body 100 may be referred to as a main body 100.
[20] The upper body 120 may include at least one of a mount 130 or a column 140. The mount 130 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The mount 130 may provide a space 134 into which the lower portion of the cartridge 200 is inserted. The mount 130 may have an open upper side, and may define therein the space 134. The mount may surround the lower portion of the cartridge 200 inserted into the space 134. The mount 130 may fix the cartridge 200. The mount 130 may support the lower portion of the cartridge 200.
[21] The column 140 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The column 140 may have an elongated shape. The column 140 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 130. The column 140 may face one side wall of the cartridge 200. The column may be disposed parallel to the cartridge 200. The column 140 may have a shape that covers a portion of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may support a portion of the cartridge 200.
[22] The cartridge 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 200 may provide space for storing liquid therein. The insertion space 214 may be defined by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200. The insertion space 214 may be disposed in the cartridge 200. At least a portion of the insertion space 214 may be defined as space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200.
[23] The cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210 or a second container 220. The second container 220 may be coupled to the first container 210.
[24] The first container 210 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 220.
The first container 210 may provide space for storing liquid therein. The first container 210 may have an open upper side, and may have formed therein the insertion space 214, which is elongated in the vertical direction. A stick 400 (refer to FIG.
7) may be inserted into the insertion space 214. The first container 210 may be disposed on the mount 130.
[25] The second container 220 may be coupled to the lower side of the first container 210.
The second container 220 may provide space for mounting a wick 261 (refer to FIG. 6) and a heater 262 (refer to FIG. 6) therein. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space 134 provided by the mount 130. The space 134 in the mount 130 may be referred to as a cartridge accommodation space 134. The mount 130 may surround the second container 220. The second container 220 may be coupled to the mount 130.
[26] The cap 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. The cap 300 may cover at least a portion of the body 100. The cap 300 may protect the cartridge 200 and/or at least a portion of the body 100 from the outside. A user may separate the cap 300 from the body 100 in order to replace the cartridge 200.
[27] The cap 300 may be coupled to the upper portion of the body 100. The cap 300 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body 110. The cap 300 may cover the upper body 120. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. A side wall 301 of the cap may surround the side portion of the cartridge 200. The side wall 301 of the cap 300 may surround the side portion of the upper body 120. An upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge 200. The upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may cover the upper portion of the column 140.
[28] The cap 300 may have an insertion hole 304 formed therein. The upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may be open to form the insertion hole 304. The insertion hole 304 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 214. The insertion hole 304 may communicate with one end or the upper end of the insertion space 214.
[29] The cap 300 may have a cap inlet 304a formed therein. One side of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 304a. For example, the upper wall 303 of the cap may be open to form the cap inlet 304a. For example, the side wall 301 of the cap 300 may be open to form the cap inlet 304a. The cap inlet 304a may communicate with the outside. Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device 10 through the cap inlet 304a.
[30] Referring to FIG. 2, the mount 130 may provide a space 134 having an open top. The inner side surface 131 and the bottom 133 of the mount 130 may surround at least a portion of the space 134. The inner side wall 141 of the column 140 may surround one side of the space 134. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space provided by the mount 130. The mount 130 may surround the second container 220 inserted into the space 134.
[31] The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the mount 130 in a snap-fit manner. The second container 220 may be coupled to the mount 130 in a snap-fit manner. The second container 220 may be detachably engaged with the mount 130. When the second container 220 is inserted into the space 134 in the mount 130, a depressed portion 221a formed in the second container 220 and a protruding portion 131a formed on the mount 130 may be engaged with each other.
[32] The depressed portion 221a may be formed so as to be recessed into the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The depressed portion 221a may be formed in a plural number, and the plurality of depressed portions 221a may be respectively formed in one side and the opposite side of the side wall 221 of the container 220. The protruding portion 131a may be formed so as to protrude from the inner side surface 131 of the mount 130. The protruding portion 131a may be provided in a plural number, and the plurality of protruding portions 131a may be respectively formed on one side and the opposite side of the inner side surface 131 of the mount 130. The protruding portions 131a may be formed at positions corresponding to the depressed portions 221a.
[33] When the second container 220 is coupled to the mount 130, the first container 210 may be disposed on the mount 130. The first container 210 may have a shape that protrudes further in a lateral direction than the second container 220. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space 134 surrounded by the mount 130, and the first container 210 may cover the upper portion of the mount 130.
[34] The mount 130 may support the lower portion of the cartridge 200. The mount 130 may support the side portion and the bottom of the second container 220. The mount 130 may support the lower edge of the first container 210.
[35] The column 140 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 130. The column 140 may surround one side of the space 134 in the mount 130. The inner side wall 141 of the column 140 may be integrally formed with and extend from the inner side surface 131 of the mount 130. The outer side wall 142 of the column 140 may be in-tegrally formed with and extend from the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130.
[36] The column 140 may extend to a height corresponding to the height of the cartridge 200. The upper wall 143 of the column 140 may be formed to a height corresponding to the upper end of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may be formed parallel to the cartridge 200.
[37] The column 140 may cover a portion of the cartridge 200, in which the insertion space 214 is formed. A portion of the cartridge 200 may slide along the inner side wall 141 of the column 140, and may be inserted into the mount 130.
[38] Referring to FIGs. 3 to 5, the cap 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100.
The cap 300 may protect the cartridge 200 and a portion of the body 100 from the outside. The user may separate the cap 300 from the body in order to replace the cartridge 200.
[39] The upper body 120 may have coupling protrusions 132a and 132b formed on the outer side surfaces 132 and 142 thereof. The coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may be formed on the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130. The coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may be formed on the outer side wall 142 of the column 140. The coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may include a first coupling protrusion 132a and a second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a and the second coupling protrusion 132b may be disposed vertically relative to each other.
[40] The first coupling protrusion 132a may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface of the upper body 120. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be provided in plural. One of the plurality of first coupling protrusions 132a may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130.
This first coupling protrusion 132a may be formed at a position opposite the column 140. The other of the plurality of first coupling protrusions 132a may he formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side wall 142 of the column 140.
[41] The first coupling protrusion 132a may protrude further outwards than the second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be disposed below the second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be narrower than the second coupling protrusion 132b. The first coupling protrusion 132a may have a shape in which the width thereof in the lateral direction is relatively small.
The first coupling protrusion 132a may have a shape in which the width thereof gradually decreases from the lower side thereof toward the upper side thereof.
[42] The second coupling protrusion 132b may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface of the upper body 120. The second coupling protrusion 132b may protrude in a convex or round shape. The second coupling protrusion 132b may be provided in plural. One of the plurality of second coupling protrusions 132b may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130.
This second coupling protrusion 132b may be formed at a position opposite the column 140. This second coupling protrusion 132b may have a shape that is elongated along the circumference of the outer side surface 132 of the mount 130. The other of the plurality of second coupling protrusions 132b may be formed so as to protrude outwards from the outer side wall 142 of the column 140. This second coupling protrusion 132b may have a shape that is elongated along the circumference of the outer side wall 142 of the column 140.
[43] Coupling recesses 302a and 302b may be fainaed in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The coupling recesses 302a and 302b may be formed at positions corre-sponding to the coupling protrusions 132a and 132b. When the cap 300 covers the cartridge 200 and the upper body 120, the coupling protrusions 132a and 132b may be fitted into the coupling recesses 302a and 302b, and accordingly, the cap 300 may be coupled to the upper body 120. The coupling recesses 302a and 302b may include a first coupling recess 302a and a second coupling recess 302b. The first coupling recess 302a and the second coupling recess 302b may be disposed vertically relative to each other.
[44] The first coupling recess 302a may be fainted so as to be recessed outwards in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The first coupling recess 302a may be formed in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300 at a position corresponding to the first coupling protrusion 132a. The first coupling recess 302a may be formed in plural. The first coupling recesses 302a may have a shape in which the width thereof gradually decreases toward the upper side thereof. The first coupling protrusion 132a may be inserted into the first coupling recess 302a. When the first coupling protrusion 132a is inserted into the first coupling recess 302a, the first coupling protrusion 132a and the first coupling recess 302a may guide placement of the cap 300 at the correct position.
[45] The second coupling recess 302b may be formed so as to be recessed outwards in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The second coupling recess 302b may be recessed in a convex or round shape. The second coupling recess 302b may be foimed in the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300 at a position corresponding to the second coupling protrusion 132b. The second coupling recess 302b may be formed in plural.
The second coupling recesses 302b may have a shape that is elongated along the cir-cumference of the inner side surface 302 of the cap 300. The second coupling protrusion 132b may be inserted into and engaged with the second coupling recess 302b in a snap-fit manner. The second coupling protrusion 132b and the second coupling recess 302b may be detachably engaged with each other.
[46] An upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may protrude further outwards than the upper body 120. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may extend along the cir-cumference of the upper body 120. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may be disposed below the upper body 120. When the cap 300 is coupled to the body 100, the lower end of the side wall 301 of the cap 300 may be brought into contact with the upper edge 113 of the lower body 110. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may prevent the cap 300 from moving to a position below the upper body 120.
[47] Referring to FIG. 5, the cap 300 may include at least one of a cap body 320, a lower head 330, or an upper head 340. The cover 310 may be pivotably mounted to the cap 300. The cover 310 may be disposed so as to close the insertion hole 304. The cover 310 may have a plate shape. The cover 310 may include a peripheral portion formed to be round along the circumference of the insertion hole 304.
[48] A shaft 311 may be formed at an end of the cover 310. The shaft 311 may be in-tegrally formed with the cover 310. The shaft 311 may have a shape that is elongated in one direction. The cover 310 may pivot about the direction in which the shaft 311 extends. The shaft 311 may function as a pivot shaft of the cover 310. The shaft 311 may protrude from the end of the cover 310 in two opposite directions. The shaft 311 may be referred to as a cover shaft 311.
[49] A spring may be wound around the shaft 311. The spring may move the cover 310 in a second direction using the elastic force or the restoring force thereof. The cover 310 may be moved in the second direction by the spring 312, thereby closing the insertion space 214 and/or the insertion hole 304. One end of the spring wound around the shaft 311 may extend toward the cover 310, and the other end thereof may extend in a direction opposite the one end thereof.
[50] The cap body 320 may form the side wall 301 of the cap 300.
The cap body 320 may have a vertically open and hollow shape. The cap body 320 may cover the side portion of the cartridge 200 and the side portion of the upper body 120. The cap body 320 may include a coupling rib 322. The coupling rib 322 may he formed so as to protrude inwards from the inner side surface 302 of the cap body 320. The coupling rib 322 may have a shape that extends along the circumference of the side wall 301 of the cap body 320. The coupling rib 322 may be formed at the upper portion of the cap body 320.
[51] The lower head 330 and the upper head 340 may be coupled to each other in the vertical direction to form the upper portion of the cap 300. The lower head 330 may be coupled to the lower side of the upper head 340. The lower head 330 may surround the lower side of the insertion hole 304.
[52] The lower head 330 may include a head rib 332. The head rib 332 may have a shape that extends along the circumference of the lower head 330. The head rib 332 may be disposed below the coupling rib 322. The head rib 332 may catch on the lower portion of the coupling rib 322.
[53] The upper head 340 may include a head latch 343. The head latch 343 may be formed so as to protrude downwards from the circumference of the upper head wall 303. When the circumference of the upper head wall 303 catches on the coupling rib 322, the head latch 343 may be engaged with the coupling rib 322.
[54] A screw 334 may fix the lower head 330 and the upper head 340 to each other. The screw 334 may penetrate the lower portion of the lower head 330, and may be fixed to the upper head 340.
[55] The cap 300 may include a second guide 306. The second guide 306 may be formed at the lower head 330. The second guide 306 may be formed near the insertion hole 304. The second guide 306 may be disposed below the insertion hole 304. The second guide 306 may be disposed between the insertion hole 304 and the insertion space 214.
The second guide 306 may be formed so as to be inclined downwards. The second guide 306 may extend from a portion near the insertion hole 304 in the cap 300 so as to be inclined toward one end or the upper end of the insertion space 214 (refer to FIG.
6). The second guide 306 may be referred to as a stick guide 306.
[56] The cap 300 may include a third guide 350. The third guide 350 may be formed at the lower head 330. The third guide 350 may be formed near the insertion hole 304.
The third guide 350 may have an elongated shape. The third guide 350 may be connected to the second guide 306. The third guide 350 may extend downwards from an end portion of the second guide 306.
[57] The third guide 350 may be disposed between the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the column 140. The third guide 350 may face the column 140. The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may be in contact with a window 170 (refer to FIG. 6).
The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may have a shape corresponding to the window 170. The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may have a shape that is rounded so as to correspond to the window 170.
[58] The inner side surface of the third guide 350 may define the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may be defined by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350. The outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may surround the side portion of the insertion space 214. The outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may be connected to each other to have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction so as to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214. The inner side surface of the third guide 350 may have a shape corresponding to the circumference of the stick 400. The outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may support the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214.
[59] The cap 300 may include a stick stopper 355. The stick stopper 355 may be formed at the third guide 350. The stick stopper 355 may be formed at the lower side of the third guide 350. The stick stopper 355 may protrude toward the inside of the cap 300.
The stick stopper 355 may be provided in plural.
[60] The third guide 350 may be referred to as a stick support portion 350.
The inner side surface of the third guide 350 may be referred to as a front surface of the third guide 350. The outer side surface of the third guide 350 may be referred to as a rear surface of the third guide 350.
[61] The upper head 340 may be coupled to the upper portion of the cap body 320 to form the upper wall 303 of the cap 300. The upper wall 303 of the cap 300 may be referred to as an upper head wall 303. The upper head 340 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower head 330. The circumference of the upper head wall 303 may catch on the upper side of the coupling rib 322.
[62] The cap 300 may have defined therein the insertion hole 304, which communicates with one end of the insertion space 214. The cap 300 may include an insertion hole wall 305, which defines the circumference of the insertion hole 304. A portion of the upper head wall 303 of the cap 300 may be open to form the insertion hole 304.
The insertion hole wall 305 may have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction.
The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may surround the cir-cumference of the insertion hole 304.
[63] The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may be formed to be round. The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may be formed to be convex inwards. The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole wall 305 may have a shape that gradually narrows the insertion hole 304 and then gradually widens the insertion hole 304 from the upper side thereof toward the lower side thereof.
[64] An end portion or the circumference of the cover 310 may catch on the lower side of the insertion hole wall 305. When the cover 310 closes the insertion hole 304, the insertion hole wall 305 may come into contact with the cover 310, thereby restricting the movement of the cover 310. The insertion hole wall 305 may come into contact with the end portion or the circumference of the cover 310, thereby preventing the cover 310 from pivoting to a position above the insertion hole 304. The cover 310 may be larger than the insertion hole 304.
[65] Referring to FIG. 6, the cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210, a second container 220, a sealing member 250, a wick 261, or a heater 262. The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 or a frame 240.
[66] The first container 210 may provide the first chamber Cl and the insertion space 214.
The space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be provided as the first chamber Cl. The space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the third guide 350 may be provided as the insertion space 214.
[67] The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround the side portion of the first chamber Cl. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may have a shape that extends so as to surround the circumference of the first chamber Cl. The upper wall 213 of the first container 210 may cover the upper portion of the first chamber Cl. The upper wall 213 of the first container 210 may be connected to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210.
[68] The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround the side portion of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may have a shape that is elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space 214 may have open upper and lower end portions.
[69]
[70] The second container 220 may provide the second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the insertion space 214. The second chamber C2 may com-municate with the insertion space 214.
[71] The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 or a frame 240. The lower case 230 may form the external appearance of the second container 220. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the outer wall 211 or the circumference of the first container 210. The lower case 230 may provide an accommodation space therein. The lower case 230 may support the frame 240. The side wall of the lower case 230 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 224. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the lower case 230.
[72] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the second chamber C2 from leaking out of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.
[73] The lower case 230 may include at least one of an accommodation portion 231 or an extension portion 232. The accommodation portion 231 may provide an accom-modation space therein. The accommodation portion 231 may surround the accom-modation space. The accommodation portion 231 may accommodate at least a portion of the frame 240 therein. The side wall of the accommodation portion 231 may be the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The side wall of the accommodation portion 231 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 224. The extension portion 232 may extend outwards from the upper end of one side of the accommodation portion 231.
The extension portion 232 may support a portion of the frame 240. The accom-modation portion 231 may be referred to as a case portion 231. The accommodation portion 231 may be referred to as a case part 231.
[74] The frame 240 may be disposed in the lower case 230. The frame 240 may define the second chamber C2. The frame 240 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The lower case 230 may surround the remaining portion of the second chamber C2. The frame 240 may form the bottom of the first chamber Cl.
[75] The frame 240 may include at least one of a first frame portion 241 and a second frame portion 242. The first frame portion 241 may define the bottom of the first chamber Cl. The first chamber Cl may be surrounded by the outer wall 211, the upper wall 213, and the first frame portion 241 of the first container 210. The first frame portion 241 may also be referred to as a first frame 241. The second frame portion 242 may also be referred to as a second frame 242.
[76] The frame 240 may include at least one of a first frame portion 241 or a second frame portion 242. The first frame portion 241 may form the bottom of the first chamber Cl.
The first chamber Cl may be surrounded by the outer wall 211, the inner wall 212, the upper wall 213, and the first frame portion 241 of the first container 210.
[77] The second frame portion 242 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The second frame portion 242 may define the second chamber C2. The side wall of the second frame portion 242 may surround at least a part of the side portion of the second chamber C2. The bottom of the second frame portion 242 may form the bottom of the second chamber C2. A chamber inlet 2424 may be formed in the side wall of the second frame portion 242. The chamber inlet 2424 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The second frame portion 242 may be disposed adjacent to the lower side of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the second chamber C2.
[78] The first frame portion 241 and the second frame portion 242 may be connected to each other. The first frame portion 241 may extend from the second frame portion 242 so as to cover the bottom of the first chamber Cl.
[79] The accommodation portion 231 may accommodate the second frame portion therein. The accommodation portion 231 may support the bottom of the second frame portion 242. The accommodation portion 231 may define the second chamber C2 together with the second frame portion 242. The extension portion 232 may support the first frame portion 241. The second frame portion 242 may he disposed in the accom-modation portion 231, and the first frame portion 241 may be disposed on the extension portion 232.
[80] A connection passage 2314 may be formed in the accommodation portion 231. The frame 240 may define the connection passage 2314 in the lower case 230. The connection passage 2314 may be formed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424 to interconnect the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424.
The first frame portion 241 may cover the upper portion of the connection passage 2314. The second frame portion 242 may cover the side portion of the connection passage 2314.
[81] A blocking wall 2317 may be formed in the connection passage 2314. The blocking wall 2317 may be formed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424.
The blocking wall 2317 may have an elongated shape. The blocking wall 2317 may extend upwards from the bottom of the lower case 230 or the bottom of the frame 240.
The blocking wall 2317 may extend to a position higher than the cartridge inlet 224.
The blocking wall 2317 may extend to a position higher than the chamber inlet 2424.
[82] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the second chamber C2 from leaking out of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.
[83] A sealing member 250 may be disposed between the first chamber Cl and the second container 220. The sealing member 250 may surround and be in close contact with the edge of the first chamber Cl. The sealing member 250 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing member 250 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicon. The sealing member 250 may prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl from leaking from the first chamber Cl into gaps between components.
[84] The sealing member 250 may include at least one of a first sealing portion 251 or a second sealing portion 252. The first sealing portion 251 may extend along the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may surround the edge of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may be disposed between and be in close contact with the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240. The first sealing portion 251 may be disposed between and be in close contact with the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the first frame portion 241.
[85] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl from leaking through the gap between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240.
[86] The second sealing portion 252 may extend from the first sealing portion 251 along the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The second sealing portion 252 may surround and be in close contact with the edge of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The second sealing portion 252 may he disposed between and be in close contact with the inner wall of the first container 210 and the frame 240. The second sealing portion 252 may be disposed between and be in close contact with the inner wall of the first container 210 and the second frame portion 242. The second sealing portion 252 may be inserted into the frame 240. The second sealing portion 252 may be inserted into the second frame portion 242. The lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may press the second sealing portion 252 toward the frame 240.
[87] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl from leaking into the gap between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240.
[88] The mount 130 may include a sensor accommodation portion 137. The sensor ac-commodation portion 137 may provide space that is formed at the lower portion of one side wall of the mount 130. The second sensor 180 may be accommodated in the sensor accommodation portion 137. The lower case 230 may cover the sensor accom-modation portion 137. The lower case 230 may surround one side of the sensor accom-modation portion 137. The lower case 230 may cover one side of the sensor accom-modation portion 137. One side wall of the accommodation portion 231 of the lower case 230 may face the side portion of the sensor accommodation portion 137.
The extension portion 232 of the lower case 230 may cover the upper portion of the sensor accommodation portion 137.
[89] A gap through which air flows may be formed between the sensor accommodation portion 137 and the lower case 230. Air may pass through the gap between the sensor accommodation portion 137 and the lower case 230, and may be introduced into the cartridge inlet 224. The second sensor 180 may sense the flow of air into the cartridge inlet 224 through the gap between the sensor accommodation portion 137 and the lower case 230.
[90] The inner side surface 131 of the sensor accommodation portion 137 may be open to form a sensing hole 137a. The sensing hole 137a may be formed between the sensor accommodation space 137b and the cartridge accommodation space 134 to in-terconnect the sensor accommodation space 137b and the cartridge accommodation space 134. The sensing hole 137a may be adjacent to the cartridge inlet 224.
The sensing hole 137a may face the cartridge inlet 224.
[91] The sensing hole 137a may be open in the lateral direction. The side portion of the second container 220 may be open to form the cartridge inlet 224, and the sensing hole 137a, which is open in the lateral direction, may face the cartridge inlet 224.
[92] Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, the cartridge 200 may include a stick stopper 217, which protrudes inwards from the circumference of the insertion space 214 at a position adjacent to the opposite end or the lower end of the insertion space 214. The stick stopper 217 may protrude in the radially inward direction. The stick stopper 217 may be formed on the outer wall 211 of the first container 210.
[93] The stick stopper 217 may be provided in a plural number. Three stick stoppers 217 may be provided. A plurality of stick stoppers 217 may be arranged along the cir-cumference of the insertion space 214. The stick stoppers 217 may be arranged in the circumferential direction. The stick stoppers 217 may be spaced apart from each other.
The stick stoppers 217 may be formed in the shape of a rib or a ring that extends in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the insertion space 214.
The stick 400 may be seated over the stick stoppers 217. The stick stoppers 217 may have a shape that gradually widens in the upward direction.
[94] Accordingly, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214, the end of the stick 400 may be brought into contact with the stick stoppers 217, with the result that the stick 400 may be prevented from moving to the second chamber C2 beyond the insertion space 214.
[95] In addition, it is possible to minimize a reduction in the amount of air flowing from the second chamber C2 to the insertion space 214.
[96] In addition, the stick stoppers 217 may not impede the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2 from extracting a certain component from the medium in the stick 400.
[97] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, the cartridge 200 may include at least one of the first container 210, the second container 220, the wick 261, or the heater 262. The cartridge 200 may include the sealing member 250.
[98] The first container 210 may be formed to have a hollow shape. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround the inner space. The first container 210 may provide the first chamber Cl storing liquid therein. One side or the lower side of the first chamber Cl may be open.
[99] The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may extend in the circumferential direction to surround at least a portion of the circumference of the insertion space 214.
[100] The second container 220 may be coupled to the first container 210.
The second container 220 may be coupled to one side or the lower side of the first container 210.
The second container 220 may block the open side of the first chamber Cl. The second container 220 may provide therein the second chamber C2 communicating with the insertion space 214. The wick 261 may be disposed in the second container 220.
[101] The cartridge inlet 224 may communicate with the second chamber C2 and the outside of the cartridge 200. The cartridge inlet 224 may allow the second chamber C2 to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 200. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at the outer wall of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed in the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 may be open in the lateral direction. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom 222 of the second container 220. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent droplets in a connection passage 2314 from leaking out of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.
[102] The second container 220 may include at least one of the lower case 230 or the frame 240. The lower case 230 may form the external appearance of the second container 220. The lower case 230 may be disposed below the first container 210. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the first container 210. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The lower case 230 may ac-commodate at least a portion of the frame 240 in the accommodation space 2310.
The lower case 230 may support the frame 240.
[103] The lower case 230 may include a peripheral portion 2322, which is coupled to the circumference of the first container 210. The peripheral portion 2322 may extend from the upper end of the lower case 230 along the circumference of the lower case 230.
The peripheral portion 2322 may extend along the circumference of each of the receiving portion 231 and the extension portion 232. The peripheral portion 2322 may have the shape of a continuous band. The peripheral portion 2322 may have a shape that protrudes upwards from the circumference of the lower case 230. The peripheral portion 2322 may be coupled to the lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be recessed upwards so that the peripheral portion 2322 is inserted thereinto.
The pe-ripheral portion 2322 and the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be attached to each other using an adhesive member. The adhesive member may be, for example, a sheet of tape or glue. The adhesive member is not limited thereto.
[104] Referring to FIG. 10, the upper body 120 may include the column 140, which extends upwards. The column 140 may extend upwards from one side of the mount 130. The side walls 141 and 142 of the column 140 may be connected to the side walls 131 and 132 of the mount 130. The column 140 may cover a portion of the space provided by the mount 130. The inner wall 141 of the column 140 may have a shape that is concavely recessed outwards.
[105] The column 140 may accommodate the PCB assembly 150. The PCB assembly may provide light to the cartridge 200, or may sense information about the cartridge 200. For example, the information about the cartridge 200 may include at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the extent of use or the availability of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the cartridge 200 having the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 is coupled to the body 100, or information about the type of cartridge 200 coupled thereto. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to the aforementioned information. The column 140 may accommodate a light source 153 configured to emit light. The column 140 may accommodate a first sensor 154 configured to sense information about the cartridge 200.
[106] The column 140 may provide a mounting space 144 therein. The mounting space 144 may have a shape that extends vertically along the column 140. The inner side wall 141 of the coluinn 140 may surround the mounting space 144. The mounting space may be open toward the space 134 in the mount 130. The mounting space 144 may be open toward one side portion of the cartridge 200.
[107] The PCB assembly 150 may be mounted in the mounting space 144. A
plate 160 may cover the PCB assembly 150, and may be disposed in the mounting space 144. The window 170 may cover the PCB assembly 150 and the mounting space 144. The PCB
assembly 150, the plate 160, and the window 170 may be sequentially stacked.
The mounting space 144 may be referred to as an assembly accommodation space 144.
[108] The PCB assembly 150 may include at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB) 151, a light source 153, or a first sensor 154. The light source 153 may be mounted on the PCB 151. At least one light source 153 may be provided. The first sensor 154 may be mounted on the PCB. The light source 153 and the first sensor 154 may be mounted at different positions on a single PCB. The first sensor 154 may be mounted in a region avoiding the at least one light source 153.
[109] The PCB assembly 150 may be disposed inside the column 140 so as to face the cartridge 200. The PCB assembly 150 may face the first container 210, which is provided with the first chamber Cl and the insertion space 214. The PCB
assembly 150 may be elongated vertically along the column 140. A connector 152 for electrical connection may be formed at one end of the PCB assembly 150.
[110] The PCB 151 may be elongated vertically along the column 140. The PCB
151 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connector 152 may be formed at one end of the PCB 151. A plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged on the PCB 151.
The first sensor 154 may be located at the center of the PCB 151. The first sensor 154 may be located between the light sources 153, and at least one light source 153 may be disposed on each side of the first sensor 154. The plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged vertically along the PCB 151. The plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column 140. The first sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the insertion space 214. The light sources 153 may be disposed so as to face the outside of the insertion space 214. The light sources 153 may emit light toward the outside of the insertion space 214 so that the light is provided to the first chamber Cl. The light sources 153 may be Light Emitting Diodes.
[111] Accordingly, the light sources 153 may provide uniform light to the first chamber Cl.
[112] In addition, it is possible to prevent the paths of light provided by the light sources 153 from being blocked by the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214.
[113] The first sensor 154 may be elongated vertically along the PCB 151. The first sensor 154 may be elongated along the first container 210 or the insertion space 214.
The first sensor 154 may face the insertion space 214. The first sensor 154 may sense in-formation about the cartridge 200. For example, the first sensor 154 may sense at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber Cl in the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the type of stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about the extent of use or the availability of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200, information about whether the cartridge 200 having the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 is coupled to the body 100, or information about the type of cartridge 200 coupled thereto. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to the aforementioned information.
[114] The first sensor 154 may sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the cartridge 200 to sense information about the cartridge 200. The first sensor 154 may sense a change in electromagnetic characteristics caused by a neighboring object. For example, the first sensor 154 may be a capacitance sensor. For example, the first sensor 154 may be a magnetic proximity sensor. The type of first sensor 154 is not limited thereto. For example, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the cartridge 200 or when there is a change in the volume of the liquid stored in the first chamber Cl, the electromagnetic characteristics sensed by the first sensor 154 may change, and the first sensor 154 may measure the change to sense information about the cartridge 200.
[115] The first sensor 154 may include a conductor. The conductor may be formed to have a length corresponding to the insertion space 214 in the direction in which the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 extends. For example, the conductor may be formed to have a maximum length adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the PCB 151 in the longitudinal direction of the column 140, respectively.
[116] The first sensor 154 may generate and output a signal. The first sensor 154 may generate a signal while current flows through the conductor. The first sensor 154 may generate a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the sur-roundings, for example, a capacitance around the conductor.
[117] The window 170 may be coupled to the column 140. The window 170 may be formed of a transparent material. The window 170 may allow light to pass therethrough. The window 170 may be coupled to the column 140 to cover the PCB
assembly 150. The window 170 may have a shape that extends vertically along the column 140. The window 170 may be disposed between the column 140 and the cartridge 200. The window 170 may be disposed between the column 140 and the third guide 350. The window 170 may be disposed adjacent to the inner side surface 141 of the column 140. The window 170 may surround the rear surface of the third guide 350.
The window 170 may face the rear surface of the third guide 350. The window may be formed to be thin so that the PCB assembly 150 is adjacent to the third guide 350.
[118] One surface 171a of the window 170 may be in contact with the rear surface of the third guide 350 to support the third guide 350. The opposite surface 17 lb of the window 170 may be in close contact with the PCB assembly 150. The surface 171a of the window 170 may be referred to as a front surface of the window 170. The opposite surface 17 lb of the window 170 may be referred to as a rear surface of the window 170.
[119] The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape corresponding to the third guide 350, which forms the circumference of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may be adjacent to the column 140 and the PCB assembly 150. The insertion space 214 may be located between the first chamber Cl and the column 140.
The outer wall 211 of the first container 210, which surrounds the circumference of the insertion space 214, may have a shape that extends so as to be rounded along the cir-cumference of the insertion space 214. The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is rounded so as to surround the outer side of the insertion space 214. The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is rounded so as to surround the third guide 350, which forms the circumference of the insertion space 214. The surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is concave in a direction opposite the cartridge 200.
[120] The PCB assembly 150 may have a plurality of through-holes 151a formed therein.
The through-holes 151a may be formed at one side of the PCB 151. The through-holes 151a may be formed in the upper portion of the PCB 151. The through-holes 151a may be located above the light source 153 and/or the first sensor 154. The through-holes 151a may be located on both sides of the PCB 151.
[121] The plate 160 may cover the region in the PCB assembly 150 that avoids the at least one light source 153. The plate 160 may be attached to the PCB assembly 150 to cover the first sensor 154. The plate 160 may allow an electromagnetic wave to pass therethrough. The plate 160, through which an electromagnetic wave passes, may not allow visible light to pass therethrough, or may be translucent.
[122] Printed circuits, which are connected to the light sources 153, may be printed on the region in the PCB 151 that is adjacent to the light sources 153. The plate 160 may cover the printed circuits printed on the PCB 151 in the vicinity of the light sources 153. The plate 160 may have a shape that extends vertically along the first sensor 154 and extends further from the vertically extending portion thereof toward the printed circuits.
[123] The plate 160 may expose the light sources 153, rather than covering the same. The light sources 153 may be disposed on both sides of the first sensor 154, with the first sensor 154 interposed therebetween, and may be arranged in the vertical direction.
Portions of the plate 160 that correspond to the positions of the light sources 153 may be open. When the plate 160 is attached to the PCB assembly 150, the light sources 153 may be exposed through the open portions of the plate 160. Accordingly, light emitted from the light sources 153 may not be blocked, and the first sensor 154 and/or the printed circuits printed on the PCB 151 may not be exposed to the outside, and may be protected from the outside. In addition, the first sensor 154 may sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings in the state of being covered by the plate 160.
[124] Referring to FIG. 11, when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the column 140 may come into contact with each other. The column 140 may support the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200.
[125] When the cap 300 is separated from the body 100, the insertion space 214 and a space 355 may be provided between the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the column 140. The space 355 may be referred to as a cap-receiving space 355. The cap-receiving space 355 may have a shape corresponding to the third guide 350. The cap-receiving space 355 may be located outside the insertion space 214. A portion of the cap-receiving space 355 may be surrounded by the window 170.
[126] When the cap 300 is coupled to the body 100, the third guide 350 may be disposed in the cap-receiving space 355. When the third guide 350 is disposed in the cap-receiving space 355, the third guide 350 and the window 170 may in contact with each other.
The window 170 may be in contact with the rear surface of the third guide 350 to support the third guide 350. When the third guide 350 is disposed in the cap-receiving space 355, the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the third guide 350 may be connected to each other to have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction so as to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214.
[127] When the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the state in which the third guide 350 is disposed in the cap-receiving space 355, a portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may come into contact with the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion thereof may come into contact with the front surface of the third guide 350.
[128] Referring to FIG. 12, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the state in which the cap 300 is separated from the body 100, a portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may come into contact with the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200. Meanwhile, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 in the state in which the cap 300 is separated from the body 100, the remaining portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may be exposed to the cap-receiving space 355.
[129] At least a portion of the stick 400 located in the insertion space 214 may move to the cap-receiving space 355. For example, when the upper side of the aerosol-generating device 10 is inclined in the direction in which the column 140 is located, the stick 400 located in the insertion space 214 may also be inclined toward the cap-receiving space 355. Therefore, the user inserts the stick 400 into the insertion space 214 after the third guide 350 is placed in the cap-receiving space 355 through coupling of the cap 300 to the body 100, thereby fixing the position of the stick 400 in the insertion space 214.
[1301 As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the insertion space 214, into which the stick 400 is inserted, may be defined by the body 100, the cartridge 200, and the cap 300.
[131] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the stick 400 may be fixed in the state in which all of the body 100, the cartridge 200, and the cap 300 are coupled to each other.
[132] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 12, an aerosol-generating device 10 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a cartridge 200 formed to be elongated and containing liquid therein, a column 140 formed on one side of the cartridge 200 so as to be elongated, a cap 300 configured to cover the cartridge 200 and the column 140, and an insertion space 214 into which a stick 400 is inserted. The cap 300 may include a stick support portion 350 formed to be elongated and disposed between the cartridge 200 and the column 140, and the insertion space 214 may be defined by the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the stick support portion 350.
[133] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may be in contact with the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200, and the remaining portion of the side surface of the stick 400 may be in contact with the stick support portion 350.
[134] Tn addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 and the stick support portion 350 may be disposed so as to be in contact with each other to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214.
[135] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the front surface of the stick support portion 350 may be in contact with the stick 400, and the rear surface of the stick support portion 350 may be in contact with the column 140.
[136] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the front surface of the stick support portion 350 may have a shape corresponding to the stick 400, and the rear surface of the stick support portion 350 may have a shape corre-sponding to the column 140.
[137] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the column 140 may include a window 170 mounted on a portion of the outer wall 211 of the column 140, which faces the insertion space 214, and formed of a light transmissive material, and the stick support portion 350 may be in contact with the window 170.
[138] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the column 140 may further include a sensor 154 mounted in the column 140 and configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space 214, and the sensor 154 may be disposed so as to face the window 170.
[139] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cap 300 may further include an insertion hole 304 formed therein at a position corresponding to the insertion space 214 to communicate with the insertion space 214 and a stick guide 306 disposed adjacent to the insertion hole 304 and extending so as to be inclined toward the insertion space 214.
[1401 In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick support portion 350 may extend from an end portion of the stick guide 306 in the extension direction of the column 140.
[141] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the outer wall 211 of the cartridge 200 or the stick support portion 350 may include stick stoppers 217 and 335 protruding toward the insertion space 214.
[142] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.
[143] For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment and/or drawings may be combined with a configuration "B" described in another embodiment and/or drawings. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.
[144] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of il-lustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modi-fications and embodiments can he devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (9)
- [Claim 1] An aerosol-generating device comprising:
an elongated cartridge configured to contain a liquid;
an elongated column disposed to be adjacent to the cartridge;
a cap configured to cover the cartridge and the column; and an insertion space configured to accommodate insertion of a stick, wherein the cap comprises an elongated stick support portion configured to be disposed between the cartridge and the column, and wherein the insertion space is defined by an outer wall of the cartridge and the stick support portion. - [Claim 2] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the cartridge and the stick support portion are configured to contact a side surface of the stick when the stick is inserted into the insertion space.
- [Claim 3] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein corre-sponding lateral ends of the outer wall of the cartridge and the stick support portion contact each other to define the insertion space.
- [Claim 4] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the stick support portion has a front surface and a rear surface, and wherein the front surface of the stick support portion is configured to contact the stick, and the rear surface of the stick support portion is configured to contact the column.
- [Claim 5] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the front surface of the stick support portion has a shape corresponding to the stick, and the rear surface of the stick support portion has a shape corre-sponding to the column.
- [Claim 6] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the column comprises a window facing the insertion space and formed of a light transmissive material, and wherein the stick support portion is configured to contact the window.
- [Claim 7] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the column further comprises a sensor facing the window and configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space.
- [Claim 8] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises:
an insertion hole formed therein at a position corresponding to the insertion space to allow access to the insertion space; and a stick guide disposed adjacent to the insertion hole and extending so as to be angled toward the insertion space. - [Claim 9] The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the stick support portion extends from an end of the stick guide in a longitudinal direction of the column.
[Claim 101 The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer wall of the cartridge or the stick support portion comprises a stick stopper inwardly protruding into the insertion space.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2021-0140331 | 2021-10-20 | ||
KR20210140331 | 2021-10-20 | ||
KR10-2022-0042167 | 2022-04-05 | ||
KR1020220042167A KR20230056557A (en) | 2021-10-20 | 2022-04-05 | Aerosol generating device |
PCT/KR2022/015937 WO2023068797A1 (en) | 2021-10-20 | 2022-10-19 | Aerosol-generating device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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CA3233727A1 true CA3233727A1 (en) | 2023-04-27 |
Family
ID=86059481
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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CA3233727A Pending CA3233727A1 (en) | 2021-10-20 | 2022-10-19 | Aerosol-generating device |
Country Status (2)
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CA (1) | CA3233727A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023068797A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR102138245B1 (en) * | 2017-10-30 | 2020-07-28 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | Aerosol generating apparatus |
GB201719578D0 (en) * | 2017-11-24 | 2018-01-10 | British American Tobacco Investments Ltd | Apparatus, system and method for generating an inhalable medium |
EP3897259A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2021-10-27 | Philip Morris Products, S.A. | Cartridge for use with aerosol generating device |
KR102262490B1 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2021-06-08 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | Device and method for generating aerosol |
US20220160043A1 (en) * | 2019-04-04 | 2022-05-26 | Nicoventures Trading Limited | Apparatus for heating aerolsolisable material and method of arranging an apparatus |
-
2022
- 2022-10-19 WO PCT/KR2022/015937 patent/WO2023068797A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-10-19 CA CA3233727A patent/CA3233727A1/en active Pending
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