CN117136017A - aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: an upper housing including a first outer wall elongated to provide an interior space and a first inner wall elongated in the interior space to define an insertion space; a lower housing including a second outer wall coupled to the first outer wall of the upper housing and a second inner wall coupled to the first inner wall of the upper housing; a container defined by a first outer wall of the upper housing, a first inner wall of the upper housing, a second outer wall of the lower housing, and a second inner wall of the lower housing, wherein the container is configured to store a liquid; a core located at the lower housing, wherein the core includes a portion connected to an interior of the container; a heater disposed near the core for heating the core; the first gasket is inserted between the first inner wall of the upper shell and the second inner wall of the lower shell; and a second gasket interposed between the first outer wall of the upper case and the second outer wall of the lower case.

Description

Aerosol generating device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

Background

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may comprise various substances. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been made on aerosol-generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to address the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to sense the re-use of a wand.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of preventing leakage of liquid.

Technical proposal

According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: an upper housing including a first outer wall elongated to provide an interior space and a first inner wall elongated in the interior space to define an insertion space; a lower housing including a second outer wall coupled to the first outer wall of the upper housing and a second inner wall coupled to the first inner wall of the upper housing; a container defined by a first outer wall of the upper housing, a first inner wall of the upper housing, a second outer wall of the lower housing, and a second inner wall of the lower housing, wherein the container is configured to store a liquid; a core located at the lower housing, wherein the core includes a portion connected to an interior of the container; a heater disposed near the core for heating the core; the first gasket is inserted between the first inner wall of the upper shell and the second inner wall of the lower shell; and a second gasket interposed between the first outer wall of the upper case and the second outer wall of the lower case.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be sensed whether the wand is a used wand.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a cartridge structure capable of preventing leakage of liquid may be provided.

Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 24 show examples of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, regarding constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in view of convenience of description and have no meaning or function differentiated from each other.

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted when known functions and configurations incorporated herein may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. Further, the drawings are provided only for better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Accordingly, the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

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 element from another element.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. On the other hand, when one component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular shall also include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a cap 20, an upper housing 30, and a lower housing 60, and the rod 10 may be inserted into the cap 20.

The cover 20, the upper housing 30 and the lower housing 60 may together form the appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. The lower housing 60 may be coupled to the underside of the upper housing 30. The cover 20 may cover the upper surface of the upper housing 30. An insertion hole 21 (refer to fig. 5) may be formed in the cover 20, and the rod 10 for inhaling the aerosol may be inserted into the insertion hole 21. The user can grasp the upper case 30 or the lower case 60 to inhale the aerosol formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 through the rod 10 inserted therein. Other components may be accommodated in the upper and lower cases 30 and 60.

Referring to fig. 2 to 4, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a cap 20, an upper housing 30, a cartridge 40, a body 50 and a lower housing 60. The rod 10 may be inserted into the cover 20.

The upper housing 30 may be mounted outside the main body 50. The lower housing 60 may be mounted outside the main body 50. The cartridge 40 may be mounted inside the body 50. The cover 20 may be mounted on the upper housing 30. Rod 10 may be inserted into barrel 40 through cap 20 and upper housing 30.

The cartridge 40 may be mounted inside the body 50. The body 50 may include a mount 51 on which the cartridge 40 is mounted. The body 50 may include a post 52 through which air flows. The electronic components necessary for forming the aerosol may be mounted inside the main body 50. Further, the main body 50 may house therein a controller 100 (refer to fig. 22) for controlling the generation of aerosol and the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1.

A space for accommodating the cartridge 40 may be formed in the mount 51. The protrusion 512 may be formed at an inner side of the mount 51, and the recess 456 caught by the protrusion 512 of the mount 51 may be formed in an outer side of the cartridge 40. The projection 512 of the mount 51 may be fitted into the recess 456 in the cartridge 40. The mount 51 may be integrally formed with the post 52. The mount 51 may be located at an upper side of the body 50. The interior space 513 of the containment drum 40 in the mount 51 may be in communication with the outside.

The post 52 may have a first opening 521 and a second opening 522 formed therein, with the interior of the post 52 communicating with the exterior through the first opening 521 and the second opening 522. The post 52 may be positioned adjacent to the upper housing 41 (refer to fig. 7) and the lower housing 43 (refer to fig. 8). The post 52 may be elongated upwardly from the body 50. The post 52 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The post 52 may include a flow path therein. Air introduced into the column 52 through the first opening 521 may be discharged to the outside of the column 52 through the second opening 522.

The body 50 may have a plurality of protrusions 54 and 55 formed on an outer surface thereof so as to be coupled to the upper and lower cases 30 and 60. The protrusion 54 of the body 50 may be fitted into a groove (not shown) formed in the upper housing 30. The protrusion 55 formed on the outer surface of the main body 50 may be fitted into the groove 61 formed in the lower housing 60. The upper and lower cases 30 and 60 may protect the cartridge 40 and the main body 50. The upper case 30 may be coupled to an upper side of the main body 50 to enclose an upper portion of the main body 50. The lower housing 60 may be coupled to the lower side of the main body 50 to enclose a lower portion of the main body 50.

Referring to fig. 5, the rod 10 may include a media portion 11. The rod 10 may include a cooling portion 12. The wand 10 may include a filter portion 13. The cooling portion 12 may be disposed between the media portion 11 and the filter portion 13. Rod 10 may include wrapper 14. Wrapper 14 may wrap around media portion 11. The wrapper 14 may wrap around the cooling portion 12. The wrapper 14 may encase the filter portion 13. The rod 10 may have a cylindrical shape.

The media portion 11 may include media 114. The media portion 11 may include a first media cover 115. The media portion 11 may include a second media cover 116. The media 114 may be disposed between a first media cover 115 and a second media cover 116. The first media cover 115 may be provided at one end of the wand 10. The media portion 11 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 114 may comprise a multi-component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. The medium 114 may be composed of a plurality of particles. Each of the plurality of particles may have a size of 0.4mm to 1.12 mm. These particles may comprise about 70% of the volume of the medium 114. The length L2 of the media 114 may be 10mm. The first dielectric cap 115 may be made of an acetate material. The second dielectric cap 116 may be made of an acetate material. The first media cover 115 may be made of a paper material. The second media cover 116 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first media cover 115 or the second media cover 116 may be made of a paper material and may be crumpled into corrugations, and gaps may be formed between the corrugations such that air flows through the gaps. Each of the gaps may be smaller than each of the particles of the media 114. The length L1 of the first media cover 115 may be shorter than the length L2 of the media 114. The length L3 of the second media cover 116 may be shorter than the length L2 of the media 114. The length L1 of the first media cover 115 may be 7mm. The length L2 of the second media cover 116 may be 7mm.

Thus, each of the particles of the medium 114 can be prevented from being separated from the medium portion 11 and the rod 10.

The cooling portion 12 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling portion 12 may have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 12 may be disposed between the media portion 11 and the filter portion 13. The cooling portion 12 may be disposed between the second media cover 116 and the filter portion 13. The cooling portion 12 may be formed in a shape of a tube surrounding the cooling path 121 formed therein. The cooling portion 12 may be thicker than the wrapper 14. The cooling portion 12 may be made of a thicker paper material than the paper material of the wrapper 14. The length L4 of the cooling portion 12 may be equal to or approximately the length L2 of the medium 114. The length L4 of each of the cooling portion 12 and the cooling path 121 may be 10mm. When the rod 10 is inserted into an aerosol-generating device (see fig. 3), at least part of the cooling portion 12 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device.

Thus, the cooling portion 12 can support the medium portion 11 and the filter portion 13, and the rigidity of the rod 10 can be ensured. Further, the cooling portion 12 may support the wrapper 14 between the media portion 11 and the filter portion 13, and may provide a portion to which the wrapper 14 is adhered. Further, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 121 in the cooling portion 12.

The filter portion 13 may be composed of a filter made of acetate material. The filter portion 13 may be provided at the other end of the rod 10. When the rod 10 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device (see fig. 3), the filter portion 13 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. The user can inhale air in a state where the filter portion 13 is held in the mouth. The length L5 of the filter portion 13 may be 14mm.

Wrapper 14 may encase or enclose media portion 11, cooling portion 12, and filter portion 13. Wrapper 14 may form the appearance of stick 10. Wrapper 14 may be made of a paper material. Adhesive portion 140 may be formed along one edge of wrapper 14. Wrapper 14 may surround media portion 11, cooling portion 12, and filter portion 13, and adhesive portion 140 formed along one edge of wrapper 14 and the other edge thereof may be adhered to each other. Wrapper 14 may surround media portion 11, cooling portion 12, and filter portion 13, but may not cover one end or the other of rod 10.

Thus, the wrapper 14 can fix the medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13, and can prevent these components from being separated from the rod 10.

The first film 141 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 115. The first film 141 may be disposed between the wrapper 14 and the first media cover 115, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 14. The first film 141 may surround the first medium cover 115. The first film 141 may be made of a metal material. The first film 141 may be made of an aluminum material. The first film 141 may be in close contact with the wrapper 14 or may be coated thereon.

The second film 142 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 116. Second film 142 may be disposed between wrapper 14 and second media cover 116 or may be disposed outside wrapper 14. The second film 142 may be made of a metal material. The second film 142 may be made of an aluminum material. The second film 142 may be in intimate contact with the wrapper 14 or may be coated thereon.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the cover 20 may include an insertion hole 21 into which the rod 10 is inserted and a cap 22 for opening and closing the insertion hole 21.

An insertion hole 21 may be formed in the cover 20. The insertion hole 21 may have a shape corresponding to the circumference of the stick 10. The rod 10 may pass through the insertion hole 21. The first gap 225 may be formed between the rod 10 inserted into the insertion hole 21 and the insertion hole 21. Air may pass through the first gap 225.

The cap 22 may be located below the insertion hole 21. Cap 22 may be coupled to cover 20 using a rotation shaft 224. The cap 22 may include: a cover 221 covering the insertion hole 21 and coupled to the rotation shaft 224; an elastic member 223 applying an elastic force to the cover 221; and a latch 222 formed at the cover 221 and latching the elastic member 223. The elastic member 223 may be in contact with the latch 222. The elastic member 223 latched by the latch 222 may apply an elastic force to the cover 221. The cover 221 may be held in close contact with the insertion hole 21 by elastic force.

Meanwhile, when the rod 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 21, the cover 221 may be rotated by the rod 10, and the elastic member 223 may be compressed. When the wand 10 is removed from the aerosol-generating device 1, the compressed resilient member 223 applies a restoring force to the latch 222, and the cover 221 coupled to the latch 222 can be rotated by the restoring force and brought into close contact with the insertion aperture 21.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the cartridge 40 may include an upper case 41, a lower case 43, a base 45, a first gasket 42, a second gasket 44, an insertion space 46, a wick 47, a heater 48, and a liquid evaporation space 49. A probe 71 (refer to fig. 9) may be installed inside the cartridge 40. A first seal 81 may be provided in the cartridge 40.

The upper case 41 may include a first outer wall 411, a first inner wall 412, a container 413, a coupling groove 414, a support rib 415, a cap receiving portion 416, an opening 417, and a slope 41a.

The first outer wall 411 may be elongated. The first outer wall 411 may be vertically elongated. The first outer wall 411 may form an outer surface of the upper portion of the cartridge 40. The first outer wall 411 may be integrally formed with the first inner wall 412. The first outer wall 411 may have a flat outer surface. The first outer wall 411 may have a shape corresponding to that of the first inner wall 412. The first outer wall 411 may form the appearance of the upper case 41.

The first inner wall 412 may be disposed inside the first outer wall 411. The first inner wall 412 may be elongated. The first inner wall 412 may be vertically elongated. The first inner wall 412 may define therein an insertion space 46 communicating with the outside. The first inner wall 412 may have a flat inner surface. The rod 10 may be inserted into the insertion space 46 defined by the first inner wall 412. The first inner wall 412 may include an elongated insertion space 46 therein. The insertion space 46 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71.

Meanwhile, the first inner wall 412 may be inclined in the longitudinal direction of the upper case 41. The first inner wall 412 may be inclined inwardly from its upper side toward its lower side. The inner diameter D1 of the lower portion of the first inner wall 412 may be smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the upper portion of the first inner wall 412. Since the first inner wall 412 is inclined, the lower portion of the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46 may be supported by the first inner wall 412. The cross-sectional area of each of the first inner wall 412 and the insertion space 46 may gradually decrease from the support rib 415 to the stopper 419.

Further, since the gap between the periphery of the lower portion of the inserted rod 10 and the first inner wall 412 is hermetically sealed, the aerosol formed in the lower portion of the rod 10 can be prevented from leaking through the gap between the rod 10 and the first inner wall 412.

The container 413 may be formed of the first outer wall 411, the first inner wall 412, the second outer wall 431 of the housing 43, and the second inner wall 432 of the lower housing 43. The container 413 may be disposed between the upper case 41 and the lower case 43.

Container 413 may contain a liquid for forming an aerosol. The container 413 may be hermetically sealed from the interior of the cartridge 40 by means of a first gasket 42. The container 413 may be hermetically sealed to the outside of the cartridge 40 by means of a second gasket 44. The liquid stored in reservoir 413 may permeate core 47. Container 413 may be named a container space.

The coupling groove 414 may be formed in the first outer wall 411. The coupling groove 414 may be formed in the shape of a hole. The coupling groove 414 may be coupled with the coupling protrusion 454 of the base 45. A plurality of coupling grooves 414 may be formed in the periphery of the upper case 41. The plurality of coupling grooves 414 may be arranged at regular intervals.

The support rib 415 may be formed on the first inner wall 412. The support rib 415 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the insertion space 46. The support rib 415 may protrude from the first inner wall 412 toward the insertion space 46. When the rod 10 is inserted into the insertion space 46, the support rib 415 may contact the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46. The support rib 415 may support a lateral surface of the inserted rod 10. The fixing force for fixing the inserted rod 10 may vary depending on how far the support rib 415 protrudes or its shape.

The support rib 415 may be formed in plurality, and the plurality of support ribs 415 may be sequentially disposed along the inner periphery of the first inner wall 412. The plurality of support ribs 415 may be integrally connected to each other.

Meanwhile, referring to fig. 16, a plurality of support ribs 415 may be connected to each other to form a polygonal shape. For example, the support ribs 415 may form a regular hexagonal shape. Thus, the periphery of the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46 can be reliably supported.

The cap receiving portion 416 may be formed in the upper case 41. Cap receiving portion 416 may be located below cap 22. When the cap 22 of the cap 20 is rotated, the cap 22 may be received in the cap receiving portion 416. The cap receiving portion 416 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the upper case 41 is recessed. The cap receiving portion 416 may be formed in such a manner that the first inner wall 412 is recessed. The cap receiving portion 416 may be formed in an upper portion of the upper case 41. The cap receiving portion 416 may be in communication with an opening 417. The cap receiving portion 416 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cap 22. The cap receiving portion 416 may be engaged with the cap 22 that has been rotated.

The opening 417 may be in communication with the insertion space 46. The opening 417 may be in communication with the exterior of the cartridge 40. The opening 417 may be in communication with the cap receiving portion 416. An opening 417 may be formed in an upper surface of the upper case 41. Rod 10 may be inserted into insertion space 46 through opening 417. Rod 10 may be inserted through opening 417 from top to bottom.

The inclined surface 41a may be formed on the first inner wall 412. The inclined surface 41a may be formed between the opening 417 and the support rib 415. The inclined surface 41a may be formed between the cap receiving part 416 and the support rib 415. The ramp 41a may interconnect the support rib 415 and the opening 417. The inclined surface 41a may be inclined inwardly from top to bottom. The cap receiving portion 416 may be connected to an upper side of the inclined surface 41a, and the support rib 415 may be connected to a lower side of the inclined surface 41 a. The inclined surface 41a may enable the rod 10 to be smoothly inserted into the insertion space 46 along the inclined surface 41 a.

The lower housing 43 may include a second outer wall 431, a second inner wall 432, and a second inlet 433. The lower case 43 may be coupled to the lower side of the upper case 41. The lower case 43 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the upper case 41. Alternatively, the lower case 43 may be elongated in the vertical direction.

The second outer wall 431 may be coupled to the first outer wall 411. The second outer wall 431 may be coupled to the underside of the first outer wall 411. The second outer wall 431 may be integrally formed with the second inner wall 432. The second outer wall 431 may be disposed inside the barrel 40. The second outer wall 431 may form the appearance of the lower case 43. The second outer wall 431 and the second inner wall 432 may be connected to each other.

The second inner wall 432 may be coupled to the first inner wall 412. The second inner wall 432 may be coupled to an underside of the first inner wall 412. The second inner wall 432 may be disposed below the insertion space 46. The inside of the second inner wall 432 may communicate with the insertion space 46. The wick 47 and heater 48 may be disposed inside the second inner wall 432.

The liquid evaporation space 49 may be located inside the second inner wall 432. The aerosol formed in the liquid evaporation space 49 may flow to the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46. The user can inhale the aerosol formed in the liquid evaporation space through the rod 10.

The second inlet 433 may be formed in the lower case 43. The liquid evaporation space 49 may communicate with the outside of the lower case 43 through the second inlet. Air may flow through the second inlet 433 to the wick 47 and heater 48. The second inlet 433 may be located near the core 47. The second inlet 433 may be located below the core 47. The second inlet 433 may be formed in the bottom surface 430 of the lower case 43.

The lower housing 43 may be mounted in the base 45. The lower housing 43 may be accommodated in the base 45. The outer side of the base 45 may be inserted into a gap between the first outer wall 411 and the second outer wall 431. The base 45 may be coupled to the upper housing 41. The base 45 may be elongate. The base 45 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The base 45 may surround the lower case 43. The base 45 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 430 of the lower housing 43.

The base 45 may include a first inlet 451. The first inlet 451 may be formed in a lateral surface 458 of the base 45. The inside of the base 45 and the outside of the base 45 may communicate with each other through the first inlet 451. The first inlet 451 may communicate with the second inlet 433. The first inlet 451 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 457 of the base 45. The first inlet 451 may be spaced upwardly from the bottom surface 457 of the base 45, thereby preventing leakage of liquid droplets remaining in the lower portion of the base 45.

The base 45 may include a coupling protrusion 454. The coupling protrusion 454 may protrude from a lateral surface 458 of the base 45. The coupling protrusion 454 may be formed on an upper portion of the base 45, and may be fitted into the coupling groove 414 formed in a lower portion of the first outer wall 411.

The wick 47 may be located in a liquid evaporation space 49 inside the lower housing 43. A portion of core 47 may be connected to the interior of container 413. The wick 47 may be attached to the interior of the container 413 to absorb the liquid contained in the container 413. The core 47 may be elongated. The core 47 may communicate with the insertion space 46. The core 47 may be located below the insertion space 46.

Meanwhile, the core 47 may extend toward the lower side of the container 413. Thus, when a small amount of liquid is left in the container 413, the liquid may penetrate the wick 47 even if the user does not shake or invert the aerosol-generating device 1.

The heater 48 may be located in the liquid evaporation space 49. The heater 48 may be disposed adjacent the core 47. The heater 48 may receive power from a battery 58 (referring to fig. 14) to generate heat. The heater 48 may apply heat to the wick 47. The heater 48 may be formed to be wound around the core 47. The heater 48 may be located inside the second inner wall 432.

When the heater 48 applies heat to the wick 47, the liquid that has permeated the wick 47 may be vaporized to form an aerosol. The aerosol formed can rise into the insertion space 46. The user may inhale the formed aerosol through the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46.

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a first gasket 42 and a second gasket 44.

The first outer wall 411 of the upper case 41 may include a stepped portion 418. The first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 may include a compression protrusion 410 and a stopper 419. The second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43 may include a flange 434.

The first gasket 42 may be inserted into the gap between the first and second inner walls 412, 432 so as to be compressed therebetween. The first gasket 42 may be inserted into a gap between a lower end of the first inner wall 412 and an upper end of the second inner wall 432. The first gasket 42 may be disposed along a periphery of an upper portion of the second inner wall 432. The first gasket 42 may be formed of an elastic material. The first gasket 42 may prevent the liquid contained in the container 413 from leaking into the liquid evaporation space 49.

The first gasket 42 may extend along the second inner wall 432 in the longitudinal direction of the second inner wall 432. Further, the elongated first gasket 42 and the first inner wall 412 may contact each other. The extension 421 (refer to fig. 13) of the first gasket 42 may be inserted into the gap between the second inner wall 432 and the first inner wall 412 so as to be compressed therebetween. Thus, the liquid in the container 413 can be prevented from leaking into the liquid evaporation space 49.

The second gasket 44 may be inserted into a gap between the first outer wall 411 and the second outer wall 431 so as to be compressed therebetween. The second gasket 44 may extend along the periphery of the base 45. The second gasket 44 may be inserted into the gap between the second outer wall 431 and the base 45. The second gasket 44 may be inserted into the gap between the first outer wall 411 and the base 45. The second gasket 44 prevents the liquid contained in the container 413 from leaking out of the cartridge 40.

The second gasket 44 may include a compression portion 441 that is inserted into the gap between the flange 434 and the lateral surface 458 of the base 45, and an extension portion 442 that extends from the compression portion 441 along the lateral surface 458 of the base 45 and is inserted into the gap between the base 45 and the first outer wall 411. Accordingly, the liquid in the container 413 can be prevented from leaking into the gap between the lower case 43 and the base 45 or into the gap between the base 45 and the upper case 41.

A stepped portion 418 may be formed on an inner surface of the first outer wall 411. The stepped portion 418 may be engaged with the flange 434. The stepped portion 418 may press the flange 434 of the second outer wall 431. The stepped portion 418 may press the second gasket 44. When the first outer wall 411 of the upper case 41 is coupled to the base 45, the stepped portion 418 of the first outer wall 411 may press the flange 434 of the second outer wall 431 and the second gasket 44. Accordingly, when the upper case 41 and the base 45 are coupled to each other, the second gasket 44 may be compressed and may be in close contact with the first outer wall 411, the second outer wall 431, and the base 45.

The flange 434 may be formed in such a manner that an end of the second outer wall 431 is bent and extends outside the lower case 43. The flange 434 may be formed in such a manner that an upper end of the second outer wall 431 is bent and extended outwardly. Flange 434 may be coupled to stepped portion 418. Flange 434 may be in contact with stepped portion 418. When the first outer wall 411 is coupled to the base 45, the flange 434 may be pressed by the stepped portion 418. The underside of the flange 434 may be in contact with the second gasket 44.

The compression protrusion 410 may protrude from the first inner wall 412 to the inside of the upper case 41. The first gasket 42 may be inserted into the gap between the compression protrusion 410 and the second inner wall 432. The lower surface of the compression protrusion 410 may compress the first gasket 42. The compression protrusion 410 may compress the compression portion 423 of the first gasket 42.

The compression protrusion 410 may extend so as to surround the inner periphery of the compression portion 423 of the first gasket 42. The compression protrusion 410 extending along the first gasket 42 may be adjacent to the second inner wall 432. The compression protrusion 410 extending along the first gasket 42 may contact the second inner wall 432. Thus, the liquid in the container 413 can be prevented from leaking into the liquid evaporation space 49.

A stopper 419 may be formed at an inner side of the first inner wall 412. The stopper 419 may be integrally formed with the compression protrusion 410. The stopper may be formed at an upper side of the compression protrusion 410. A stopper 419 may be formed under the support rib 415. A stopper 419 may be formed between the compression protrusion 410 and the support rib 415. The stopper 419 may be positioned adjacent to the compression protrusion 410.

An upper surface of the stopper 419 may support the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46. The stopper 419 may prevent the rod 10 from being inserted into the insertion space 46 beyond a predetermined depth. The stopper 419 may be formed in plurality. The plurality of stoppers 419 may be integrally formed with each other. The plurality of stoppers 419 may be provided at the same vertical position along the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. A plurality of stoppers 419 may be arranged along the inner periphery of the upper housing 41. A plurality of stoppers 419 may be in contact with the lower surface of the rod 10.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a probe 71, a first seal 81 and a second seal 82. The upper case 41 may include a support 420. The lower housing 43 may include a recessed portion 435, a retainer 436, and a hole 437.

The probe 71 may be elongate. The probe 71 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The probe 71 may be provided to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The probe 71 may penetrate the lower housing 43. The probe 71 may penetrate the base 45. The probe 71 can be moved from the insertion space 46 to the outside of the lower case 43.

The probe 71 may include: an end 714, the end 714 being adjacent to the force sensor 72 (see fig. 14); a first portion 715 that is elongated from end 714 and moves through aperture 437 in retainer 436; an opposite end portion 713, the opposite end portion 713 being formed opposite to the end portion 714 and being located in the insertion space 46; a second portion 716 elongated from the opposite end 713 and moving in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 46; a third portion 717 interconnecting the first portion 715 and the second portion 716 and intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first portion 715 or the second portion 716; a latch rib 712.

The opposite end 713 of the probe 71 may be located at the center of the cross section of the insertion space 46, which insertion space 46 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. The opposite end 713 of the probe 71 may be in contact with the center of the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46. The opposite end 713 of the probe 71 may be inserted into the center of the rod 10. Accordingly, the probe 71 may be moved in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71 by a distance corresponding to the length of the rod 10 to be inserted, and the force with which the rod 10 pushes the probe 71 during insertion may be transferred to the force sensor 72.

The end 714 of the probe 71 may be adjacent to the second inner wall 432 of the lower housing 43. The end 714 and the opposite end 713 of the probe 71 may be positioned on different axes when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. The end 714 of the probe 71 may be located outside the insertion space 46, and the opposite end 713 of the probe 71 may be located inside the insertion space 46 (at its center) when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71.

The first portion 715 may be elongated from the end 714 of the probe 71. The first portion 715 may be moved through an aperture 437 in the retainer 436. The first portion 715 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 46.

The second portion 716 may be elongated from an opposite end 713 of the probe 71. The second portion 716 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 46. The second portion 716 is movable in the insertion space 46 along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 46.

The third portion 717 may be curved to interconnect an end 714 of the probe 71 at the center of the insertion space 46 and an opposite end 713 of the probe 71 adjacent to the second inner wall 432. The third portion 717 may be elongated in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. For example, the third portion 717 may be elongated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the probe 71.

Meanwhile, the third portion 717 may be located above the core 47. Accordingly, liquid or liquid droplets falling from the wick 47 can be prevented from leaking out of the cartridge 40 along the third portion 717.

The latching rib 712 may protrude from a lateral surface of the probe 71 in a direction intersecting with a moving direction of the probe 71. The latching rib 712 may be caught by the supporter 420 of the first inner wall 412. The latching rib 712 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. The latching rib 712 may be located below the support 420. The latching rib 712 may be located between the upper housing 41 and the force sensor 72. The latching rib 712 may prevent the probe 71 from moving toward the insertion space 46 by a predetermined distance or more.

The first seal 81 may include a film 811. The first seal 81 may be in contact with the first inlet 451 in the base 45. The first seal 81 may extend along the perimeter of the first inlet 451. The first seal 81 may be inserted into the lower case 43. The first seal 81 may be inserted into a gap between the second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43 and the base 45. The first sealing member 81 may be inserted into a gap between the second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43 and the first inlet 451. The first seal 81 may be formed of an elastic material.

The first seal 81 may prevent liquid in the container 413 from leaking into the first inlet 451 through the gap between the lower housing 43 and the base 45. Further, since the first sealing member 81 hermetically seals the periphery of the first inlet 451, the air pressure in the first inlet 451 can be maintained during inhalation by the user.

A membrane 811 may be disposed in the first inlet 451. The film 811 may be disposed in a flow path of air sucked through the first inlet 451. The film 811 can have a plurality of apertures formed therein. Therefore, since the liquid does not pass through the plurality of apertures, the liquid can be prevented from leaking out of the cartridge 40.

The probe 71 may be inserted into the second seal 82. The second seal 82 may be supported by the base 45. The second seal 82 may be supported by the lower case 43. The second seal 82 may prevent liquid from leaking out of the cartridge 40 along the probe 71.

The support 420 may protrude inward from the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41. The support 420 may protrude toward the probe 71. The support 420 may be positioned adjacent to a lateral surface of the probe 71. The support 420 may support a lateral surface of the probe 71 when the probe 71 is inclined.

The recess portion 435 may be formed in such a manner that the bottom surface 430 of the lower case 43 is recessed into the lower case 43. When the aerosol-generating device 1 is inverted, liquid droplets remaining between the lower housing 43 and the base 45 may accumulate in the recessed portion 435. The recess 435 may prevent the liquid droplets from leaking into the first inlet 451.

A holder 436 may be formed at the lower case 43. A retainer 436 may be formed at the second inner wall 432 of the lower housing 43. The holder 436 may be integrally formed with the lower case 43. The holder 436 may have a hole 437 formed therein through which the probe 71 slides. The holder 436 may allow the probe 71 to pass therethrough. The holder 436 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. The hole 437 in the holder 436 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. The hole 437 in the holder 436 may have a shape corresponding to the cross section of the probe 71. The holes 437 may support the lateral surfaces of the probes 71.

Meanwhile, the support 420 may be located above the latch rib 712 of the probe 71. The support 420, the latching rib 712, and the holder 436 may be sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The support 420 may be located above the latch rib 712. The retainer 436 may be located below the latch rib 712. Accordingly, the support 420 and the holder 436 may limit excessive movement of the probe 71 when the probe 71 moves in the longitudinal direction thereof.

Referring to fig. 13, the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43 may include a notch 439. The first gasket 42 may include an extension portion 421, an insertion portion 422, and a compression portion 423.

A notch 439 may be formed in one end of the second inner wall 432. The notch 439 may be recessed in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. That is, the notch 439 formed in the upper end of the second inner wall 432 may be recessed downward. The core 47 may be disposed inside the notch 439. The core 47 may be inserted into the recess 439 and seated in the recess 439. The notch 439 may have a shape corresponding to the appearance of the core 47. Accordingly, the core 47 may be disposed between the notch 439 and the insertion part 422 in close contact with the notch 439 and the insertion part 422, thereby preventing leakage of liquid.

The first gasket 42 may include: an extension portion 421 which extends from the compression portion 423 along an outer surface of the second inner wall 432 and is inserted into a gap between the first inner wall 412 and the second inner wall 432; a compression portion 423 inserted into a gap between the first inner wall 412 and the second inner wall 432; and an insertion portion 422 extending from the compression portion 423 and inserted into the notch 439.

The extension portion 421 may extend from the compression portion 423. The extension portion 421 may extend along the second inner wall 432 in the longitudinal direction of the second inner wall 432. The first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 may extend along the extension 421. The extension 421 may be inserted into a gap between the second inner wall 432 and the extended first inner wall 412.

The insertion portion 422 may extend downward from the compression portion 423 of the first gasket 42. The insertion portion 422 may be in contact with the core 47 disposed in the recess 439. The insertion portion 422 may have a shape corresponding to the appearance of the core 47. Accordingly, the insertion portion 422 may be in close contact with the core 47, thereby preventing leakage of liquid along the outer surface of the core 47.

Referring to fig. 14, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a first flow path 91, a second flow path 92 and a third flow path 93. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a first gap 225, a second gap 520, a first opening 521, a suction detection sensor 53, a second opening 522, a first inlet 451, a second inlet 433, a battery 58 and a terminal 59.

The first flow path 91 may be formed through a first gap 225 between the insertion hole 21 in the cover 20 and the rod 10 and a second gap 520 formed between the upper housing 30 and the column 52. The first flow path may be named a housing flow path. Air for generating the aerosol may be drawn through the first gap 225. The air sucked into the insertion hole 21 may be introduced into the second gap 520 between the upper housing 30 and the post 52. Air introduced into the second gap 520 may pass through the first opening 521 formed in the column 52. That is, the first flow path 91 may sequentially interconnect the insertion hole 21, the second gap 520, and the first opening 521.

The second flow path 92 may interconnect the first opening 521 and the second opening 522 formed in the column 52. The second flow path 92 may be located inside the column 52. The second flow path 92 may be connected to the first flow path 91. The second flow path may be named a column flow path.

The third flow path 93 may be formed through the first inlet 451 in the base 45, the second inlet 433 in the lower housing 43, and a region near the core 47. The second inlet 433 may be formed in the third flow path 93. The third flow path 93 may be connected to the second flow path 92. The third flow path 93 may lead from the first inlet 451 to the inserted rod 10. Since the third flow path 93 passes through the wick 47, the liquid evaporated by the heater 48 may be mixed with air. Thus, the user may inhale the aerosol through the wand 10.

The third flow path 93 may be located between the bottom surface 430 of the lower housing 43 and the base 45. The third flow path may be named a base flow path. The third flow path 93 may form a wide flow path between the lower housing 43 and the base 45, and a sufficient flow rate may be ensured.

A battery 58 (refer to fig. 22) may be installed in the main body 50. The battery 58 may be located at a lower portion of the body 50. The battery 58 may supply power to the heater 48. The battery 58 may provide power to the controller 100. The battery 58 may supply power to the electronic devices comprised in the aerosol-generating device 1. The battery 58 may power the output unit 110, the force sensor 72, and the memory 120.

Terminal 59 may be connected to battery 58. Terminal 59 may be connected to an external power source. The battery 58 may receive power from the outside through a terminal 59.

The first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92 will be described with reference to fig. 15 to 18.

The first gap 225 may be formed between the insertion hole 21 and the rod 10 inserted into the insertion hole 21. Air may pass through the first gap 225. Air that has passed through the first gap 225 may be introduced into the column 52 through the second gap 520.

A second gap 520 may be formed between the upper housing 30 and the post 52. A second gap 520 may be formed near the post 52. The surface 32 of the upper case 30, the upper surface of the upper case 41, and the surface 523 of the post 52, which together form the second gap 520, may be formed flat. The second gap 520 may communicate with the first opening 521. The second gap 520 may be formed by the spacing protrusion 31 of the upper housing 30.

The spacing protrusion 31 may form a second gap 520. The spacing protrusion 31 may be adjacent to the first opening 521. The spacing protrusion 31 may protrude from a portion of the upper case 30 facing the first opening 521. The spacing protrusion 31 may contact the upper case 41 or the post 52. The spacing protrusion 31 may separate the upper housing 30 and the post 52 from each other. The spacing protrusion 31 may define the width of the second gap 520.

The first opening 521 may allow the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92 to be connected to each other. The first opening 521 may allow the second gap 520 and the inside of the post 52 to communicate with each other. The first opening 521 may be formed in an outer surface of the post 52. The first opening 521 may be formed in the upper surface of the post 52. The first opening 521 may be adjacent to the upper case 41 and the upper case 30.

The suction detection sensor 53 may sense whether the user is inhaling. The suction detection sensor 53 may be installed in the first flow path 91, the second flow path 92, or the third flow path 93.

The suction detection sensor 53 may be installed in the second flow path 92. The suction detection sensor 53 may be spaced upward from the second opening 522. The suction detection sensor 53 may be installed between the first opening 521 and the second opening 522. Suction detection sensor 53 may be located on an inner surface of post 52 adjacent to barrel 40. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of the suction detection sensor 53, which may be caused by penetration of liquid therein, when the aerosol-generating device 1 is tilted or rotated.

The suction detection sensor 53 may sense the flow of air. The suction detection sensor 53 may be a pressure sensor or an airflow sensor. The suction detection sensor 53 may be disposed adjacent to the first opening 521 or the second opening 522. The suction detection sensor 53 may sense the flow of gas through the second flow path 92.

The second opening 522 may allow the second flow path 92 and the third flow path 93 to be connected to each other. The second opening 522 may be formed in a surface of the post 52 facing the lower housing 43 or the base 45. The second opening 522 may be positioned adjacent to the lower housing 43 or the base 45. The second opening 522 may face the first inlet 451 in the base 45. The second opening 522 may be connected to a first inlet 451 in the base 45. A sealing member (not shown) may be inserted into the gap between the second opening 522 and the first inlet 451. The second opening 522 may be in close contact with the first inlet 451.

Meanwhile, the second inlet 433 may be offset from the core 47 in the longitudinal direction (or vertical direction) of the upper housing 41 so as to be positioned on a different axis. That is, the second inlet 433 may be spaced apart from the core 47 in a radial direction of the second inlet 433 or in a horizontal direction. Therefore, since the liquid falling from the wick 47 does not directly flow into the second inlet 433, the liquid can be prevented from leaking out of the cartridge 40.

Meanwhile, the hole 437 in the holder 436 may be offset from the core 47 in the longitudinal direction (or vertical direction) of the upper case 41 so as to be positioned on different axes. That is, the hole 437 may be spaced apart from the core 47 in the radial direction of the hole 437. The core 47 may be located between the hole 437 and the second inlet 433 in the radial direction of the hole 437. Further, the aperture 437 and the second inlet 433 in the retainer 436 may be positioned symmetrically to each other with respect to the core 47. Therefore, since the liquid falling from the core 47 does not directly flow into the hole 437 in the holder 436, leakage of the liquid can be prevented.

Referring to fig. 19 and 20, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first boss 452, a second boss 438, a wall 453, a first opening 455, a second opening 511, a force sensor 72, a second seal 82, a controller 100, an output unit 110, and a memory 120.

The first opening 455 may be formed in the base 45. The first opening 455 may be formed in the bottom surface 457 of the base 45. The first opening 455 may allow the end 714 of the probe 71 to pass therethrough. The first opening 455 may be located below the retainer 436. The first opening 455 and the second opening 511 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the probe 71.

The second opening 511 may be formed in the mount 51 of the body 50. The second opening 511 may allow the end 714 of the probe 71 to pass therethrough. The second opening 511 may be located below the first opening 455. A portion of the force sensor 72 may be located in the second opening 511.

The force sensor 72 may be mounted in the body 50. The force sensor 72 may be positioned adjacent to the end 714 of the probe 71. The force sensor 72 may be located below the probe 71. The force sensor 72 may include a sensing portion 721 that contacts the end 714 of the probe 71 when the probe 71 is moved from the insertion space 46 to the inside of the lower housing 43. The sensing portion 721 of the force sensor 72 may be pressed by the end 714 of the probe 71.

The force sensor 72 may measure a pressure value generated when the force sensor 72 is in contact with the probe 71. The force sensor 72 may transmit the measured pressure value to the controller 100. The force sensor 72 may be named a pressure sensor. The preset pressure value may be stored in the controller 100, and the controller 100 may make a magnitude comparison between the pressure value measured by the force sensor 72 and the preset pressure value.

The surface of the sensing portion 721 in contact with the end 714 of the probe 71 may be formed as a curved surface. For example, the sensing portion 721 may include a curved surface protruding toward the probe 71. Therefore, even if the probe 71 is inclined during movement thereof, a contact point between the end 714 and the sensing portion 721 may be formed at the center of the sensing portion 721. Further, since a single contact point is formed, the accuracy of the force sensor 72 can be improved.

The second seal 82 may include a first support portion 821 supported by the base 45, a second support portion 823 supported by the lower case 43, a connection portion 822 interconnecting the first support portion 821 and the second support portion 823, and a contact portion 824 contacting the probe 71.

The first support portion 821 may be supported by a first boss 452 protruding from the base 45. A lower surface of the first support portion 821 may be supported by the base 45, and a lateral surface of the first support portion 821 may be supported by the first boss 452. The first support portion 821 may be adhered to the base 45.

The second support portion 823 may be in contact with the lower case 43. The second support portion 823 may extend along the bottom surface 430 of the lower case 43. The second support portion 823 may surround the hole 437 in the holder 436. The second support portion 823 and the contact portion 824 may hermetically seal the hole 437 in the holder 436, thereby preventing liquid from leaking out of the lower housing 43 through the hole 437 in the holder 436.

The first and second support portions 821 and 823 may support the lower and upper surfaces of the second seal 82, respectively. Therefore, even if the probe 71 moves in the longitudinal direction thereof, the original position of the second seal 82 in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71 can be maintained.

Contact portion 824 may surround the outer surface of probe 71. Contact portion 824 may be located on the perimeter of probe 71. The contact portion 824 may be adhered to the probe 71. The contact portion 824 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. The contact portion 824 may prevent liquid that has leaked out of the lower housing 43 from leaking out of the base 45 along the probe 71.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a plurality of protrusions (not shown) protruding from the base 45 to support the lateral surface of the second seal 82. The plurality of protrusions may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the probe 71. The plurality of protrusions may be integrally formed with each other to have a boss shape.

The first boss 452 may protrude from the base 45. The first boss 452 may protrude from the base 45 toward the lower housing 43. The first boss 452 may support a lateral surface of the second seal 82. The first boss 452 may support an outer surface of the first support portion 821. The first boss 452 may maintain the original position of the second seal 82 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the probe 71.

The second boss 438 may protrude from the lower case 43. The second boss 438 may protrude toward the base 45. The second boss 438 may surround the first boss 452. The second boss 438 may surround the outer side of the first boss 452. The second boss 438 and the first boss 452 may overlap each other in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. For example, the second boss 438 and the first boss 452 may overlap each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the probe 71. Thus, liquid or liquid droplets may be prevented from penetrating the first boss 452 from outside the second boss 438.

Wall 453 may be formed on base 45. Wall 453 may protrude from base 45 toward second flow path 92. The wall 453 may protrude toward the lower case 43. Wall 453 may be disposed between second inlet 433 and first inlet 451. Wall 453 can prevent droplets from flowing back along second flow path 92 to first inlet 451.

Meanwhile, the wall 453 may be curved along the second flow path 92 or in a direction opposite to the second flow path 92. The wall 453 may be curved toward the second inlet 433 or the first inlet 451. Therefore, when the aerosol-generating device 1 is lowered or tilted, leakage of liquid into the first inlet 451 can be effectively prevented.

Fig. 21 shows a case where the probe 71 is moved from the insertion space 46 to the outside of the lower case 43 and the end 714 thereof is in contact with the sensing portion 721 of the force sensor 72.

When the rod 10 is inserted into the insertion space 46, the probe 71 contacting the rod 10 may move in the longitudinal direction of the probe 71. When the probe 71 moves, the second seal 82 surrounding the probe 71 may move in the moving direction of the probe 71. The second seal 82 prevents liquid or liquid droplets from leaking out of the base 45 even if liquid or liquid droplets leak out of the lower housing 43 along the probe 71.

When the end of the probe 71 is in contact with the sensing portion 721, the pressure value sensed by the force sensor 72 may be transmitted to the controller 100. The controller 100 may compare the sensed pressure value with a preset pressure value and may determine whether the wand 10 is a used wand.

Referring to fig. 22, the aerosol-generating device 1 may comprise a controller 100, an output unit 110 and a memory 120.

When the pressure value measured by the sensing part 721 is greater than a preset value, the controller 100 may determine that the wand 10 is new. When the measured pressure value is less than the preset value, the controller 100 may determine that the wand 10 is a used wand. That is, the controller 100 may determine whether the stick 10 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 is a used stick based on the pressure value sensed by the force sensor 72.

The output unit 110 may include a display 111, a sound output unit 112, and a haptic output unit 113. The output unit 110 may be operated by the controller 100. After determining that the wand 10 is a used wand, the controller 100 may output information on the display 111 indicating the reuse of the wand 10. After determining that the stick 10 is a used stick, the controller 100 may inform the user of information indicating the reuse of the stick 10 through the sound output unit 112. After determining that the wand 10 is a used wand, the controller 100 may transmit vibrations to the user through the tactile output unit 113.

The memory 120 may store a preset pressure value. The memory 120 may be connected to the controller 100. The controller 100 may compare the preset pressure value stored in the memory 120 with the pressure value measured by the force sensor 72 and may determine whether the wand 10 is a used wand.

Repeated use of the rod 10 is undesirable because the smoking quality deteriorates and the risk of ignition of the rod 10 increases. Accordingly, the force sensor 72 may be used in order to improve the smoking quality of the aerosol-generating device 1 and to prevent ignition due to repeated use of the rod 10.

Fig. 23 shows a series of processes in which the rod 10 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and then removed from the aerosol-generating device 1. Fig. 24 shows a series of processes in which a used rod 10' is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and then removed from the aerosol-generating device 1.

Referring to fig. 23 and 24, the rod 10 may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1. The opposite end 713 of the probe 71 may be inserted into the rod 10 inserted into the insertion space 46. The inserted rod 10 may press the probe 71. When the rod 10 presses the probe 71, the probe 71 can move in its longitudinal direction. The probe 71, which has moved, may be in contact with the force sensor 72.

When the wand 10 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, contact of the probe 71 with the force sensor 72 may be maintained. Thus, the pressure value may be continuously measured by the force sensor 72. The controller 100 may determine that the wand 10 has been inserted based on the pressure values continuously measured by the force sensor 72.

When the probe 71 is inserted into the rod 10, a hole 10 "may be formed in one surface of the rod 10. For example, the hole 10″ may be formed in the lower surface of the used rod 10'. The hole 10 "may be located at the center of the cross section of the rod 10'. The hole 10″ may have a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the opposite end 713 of the probe 71.

When the used rod 10 'is reinserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the used rod 10' may press the probe 71. During insertion of the rod 10 or 10 'into the aerosol-generating device 1, the force with which the new rod 10 presses the probe 71 may be greater than the force with which the used rod 10' presses the probe 71. Since the hole 10″ has been formed in the used stick 10', the probe 71 can be smoothly inserted into the used stick 10'.

Accordingly, the controller 100 may make a magnitude comparison between the pressure value measured during insertion of the rod 10 and the preset pressure value, and may determine whether the rod 10 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 is a used rod.

Referring to fig. 1 to 24, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: an upper case 41 including a first outer wall 411 elongated to provide an inner space and a first inner wall 412 elongated in the inner space to define an insertion space; a lower housing 43 including a second outer wall 431 coupled to the first outer wall 411 of the upper housing 41 and a second inner wall 432 coupled to the first inner wall 412 of the upper housing 41; a container 413 defined by the first outer wall 411 of the upper housing 41, the first inner wall 412 of the upper housing 41, the second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43, and the second inner wall 432 of the lower housing 43, wherein the container is configured to store a liquid; a core 47 located in the lower housing 43, wherein the core includes a portion connected to the interior of the container 413; a heater 48 provided near the core 47 for heating the core 47; a first gasket 42 interposed between the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 and the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43; and a second gasket 44 interposed between the first outer wall 411 of the upper case 41 and the second outer wall 431 of the lower case 43.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a base 45 comprising an outer side inserted into a gap between the first outer wall 411 of the upper housing 41 and the second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43, wherein the lower housing 43 is accommodated in the base 45.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first gasket may include: a first compression portion 423 interposed between the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 and the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43; and a first extension portion 421 extending from the first compression portion 423 along an outside of the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43, wherein the first extension portion 421 is located between the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 and the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 may include a compression protrusion 410 protruding from the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41, and the first compression portion 423 may be interposed between the compression protrusion 410 and the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the compression protrusion 410 may extend to cover an inner periphery of the first compression portion 423 of the first gasket 42, wherein the compression protrusion is in contact with the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper case 41 may further include a support rib 415 positioned adjacent to an upper end of the insertion space 46 and protruding from the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 to the insertion space 46.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support rib 415 is among a plurality of support ribs 415, wherein the plurality of support ribs 415 are sequentially arranged along an inner periphery of the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 and are connected to each other to form a polygonal shape.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 may further include a stopper 419 disposed between the support rib 415 and the compression protrusion 410, wherein the stopper is positioned adjacent to the compression protrusion 410.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first inner wall 412 of the upper case 41 may include a sectional area formed to gradually decrease from the support rib 415 toward the stopper 419.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second outer wall 431 of the lower case 43 may include a flange 434 that is angled from an end of the second outer wall 431 of the lower case 43 toward the outside of the lower case 43, wherein the end is adjacent to the first outer wall 411, wherein the flange 434 is coupled to the first outer wall 411 of the upper case 41, and wherein the first outer wall 411 of the upper case 41 may include a stepped portion 418 formed at an inner side thereof and coupled to the flange 434.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second gasket 44 may include a second compression portion 441 inserted into a gap between the flange 434 and the base 45 and a second extension portion 442 inserted into a gap between the base 45 and the first outer wall 411.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second inner wall 432 of the lower case 43 may include a notch 439 recessed in the longitudinal direction of the upper case 41, wherein the core 47 is disposed inside the notch 439.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first gasket 42 may include an insertion portion 422 configured to be inserted into the notch 439, and the core 47 may be inserted into a gap between the notch 439 and the insertion portion 422.

Certain embodiments of the above disclosure or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the above disclosed embodiments may be combined in configuration or function with another element or with each other.

For example, the configuration "a" described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawing and the configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawing may be combined with each other. That is, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where the combination is not described.

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be 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 (13)

1. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

An upper housing including a first outer wall elongated to provide an interior space and a first inner wall elongated in the interior space to define an insertion space;

a lower housing including a second outer wall coupled to the first outer wall of the upper housing and a second inner wall coupled to the first inner wall of the upper housing;

a container defined by the first outer wall of the upper housing, the first inner wall of the upper housing, the second outer wall of the lower housing, and the second inner wall of the lower housing, wherein the container is configured to store a liquid;

a core located at the lower housing, wherein the core includes a portion connected to an interior of the container;

a heater disposed adjacent to the core for heating the core;

a first gasket interposed between the first inner wall of the upper case and the second inner wall of the lower case; and

and a second gasket interposed between the first outer wall of the upper case and the second outer wall of the lower case.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

A base including an outer side inserted into a gap between the first outer wall of the upper case and the second outer wall of the lower case, wherein the lower case is accommodated in the base.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first gasket comprises:

a first compression portion interposed between the first inner wall of the upper case and the second inner wall of the lower case; and

a first extension portion extending from the first compression portion along an outer side of the second inner wall of the lower case,

wherein the first extension is located between the first inner wall of the upper housing and the second inner wall of the lower housing.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the first inner wall of the upper housing comprises a compression protrusion protruding from the first inner wall of the upper housing, and

wherein the first compression portion is interposed between the compression protrusion and the second inner wall of the lower case.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the compression protrusion extends to cover an inner periphery of the first compression portion of the first gasket, wherein the compression protrusion is in contact with the second inner wall of the lower housing.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the upper housing further comprises a support rib positioned adjacent to an upper end of the insertion space and protruding from the first inner wall of the upper housing to the insertion space.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the support rib is among a plurality of support ribs, wherein the plurality of support ribs are arranged in sequence along an inner periphery of the first inner wall of the upper housing and are connected to each other to form a polygonal shape.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the first inner wall of the upper housing further comprises a stop disposed between the support rib and the compression protrusion, wherein the stop is positioned adjacent to the compression protrusion.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the first inner wall of the upper housing comprises a cross-sectional area formed to taper from the support rib towards the stopper.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the second outer wall of the lower housing comprises a flange angled from an end of the second outer wall of the lower housing towards the exterior of the lower housing, wherein the end is adjacent to the first outer wall, wherein the flange is coupled to the first outer wall of the upper housing, and

Wherein the first outer wall of the upper case includes a stepped portion formed inside the first outer wall and coupled to the flange.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the second gasket comprises:

a second compression portion interposed between the flange and the base; and

and a second extension portion interposed between the base portion and the first outer wall.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second inner wall of the lower housing comprises a recess recessed in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing,

wherein the core is disposed inside the recess.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein the first gasket comprises an insertion portion configured to be inserted into the recess, and

wherein the core is interposed between the recess and the insertion portion.