CN117615673A

CN117615673A - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: CN117615673A
Application number: CN202280048339.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安挥庆
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2021-07-21
Filing date: 2022-07-20
Publication date: 2024-02-27
Also published as: KR102630734B1; KR20230030400A

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes: a tube; a first plate dividing an interior of the tube to define an insertion space; an elongated heater extending through the first plate such that one side of the heater is disposed in the insertion space and an opposite side of the heater is disposed in a sealed space positioned opposite the insertion space with respect to the first plate; and a sealing member fitted into the sealing space.

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 a multicomponent material. 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 researches have been conducted on an aerosol generating device.

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 having a structure for sealing a gap formed around a heater.

Another object of the present disclosure is to prevent thermal deformation of structures near the heater.

It is another object of the present disclosure to stably fix a heater and a heater-nearby structure and prevent the heater from rotating.

It is another object of the present disclosure to prevent the disconnection or twisting of the lead wire for supplying power to the heater.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a structure for coupling parts around a heater is simplified.

Technical proposal

According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a tube; a first plate dividing an interior of the tube to define an insertion space; an elongated heater extending through the first plate such that one side of the heater is disposed in the insertion space and an opposite side of the heater is disposed in a sealed space positioned opposite the insertion space with respect to the first plate; and a sealing member fitted into the sealing space.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device having a structure for sealing a gap formed around a heater may be provided.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thermal deformation of the structure near the heater can be prevented.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater and the heater vicinity structure may be stably fixed, and the heater may be prevented from rotating.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, twisting or disconnection of a lead wire for supplying power to a heater can be prevented.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device may be provided in which a structure for coupling components around a heater is simplified.

Further 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 disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of example only.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features, and other advantages of the disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 to 49 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

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

In the following description, for constituent elements used in the following description, suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in view of convenience of description, and do not have meanings or functions distinguished from each other.

Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification 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 should be understood to 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 elements, these elements 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 is also intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1, the heater a-10 may be formed to be elongated in one direction. The heater a-10 may have a cylindrical shape. Heater a-10 may be directed to one end. The heater a-10 may be heated by directly receiving electric power, or may be heated by an induction heating method using an induction coil disposed near the heater.

The heater a-10 may include a heater body a-11. The heater main body a-11 may be elongated in the up-down direction. The heater body a-11 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater A-10 may include a heater tip A-12. The heater tip a-12 may be formed at one end of the heater a-10. The heater tip a-12 may be connected to an upper end of the heater body a-11. The heater tip a-12 may have a shape that gradually narrows in the upward direction. The heater tip a-12 may be pointed at one end. Heater a-10 may pierce a cigarette.

Heater a-10 may include flange a-13. The flange A-13 may be coupled to a portion of the heater body A-11, or may be integrally formed with the heater body A-11. The flange a-13 may be formed adjacent to the lower end of the heater body a-11. The heater body a-11 may have a shape penetrating the center of the flange a-13. The flange a-13 may have a non-circular shape. For example, flange A-13 may have a rectangular shape.

The first cover a-20 may include a first plate a-21 and a first peripheral portion a-22. The first plate a-21 may form an upper portion of the first cover a-20. The heater insertion hole a-214 may be formed in such a manner that the central opening of the first plate a-21 is opened. The first plate a-21 may have a planar shape. The first plate A-21 may also be referred to as a spacer A-21.

The first peripheral portion a-22 may extend downwardly from the first plate a-21. The first peripheral portion a-22 may be integrally formed on the lower surface of the first plate a-21. The first peripheral portion a-22 may be recessed more inward than the outer peripheral surface of the first plate a-21. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral portion a-22 may be formed flat so as to form the first flat portion a-221. The hooks a-222 may be formed to protrude from a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first peripheral portion a-22 or from the first flat portion a-221.

Referring to fig. 2, the first lead a-161 may be exposed downward from a peripheral portion of the lower end portion a-151 of the heater a-10. The first lead a-161 may penetrate the fixing portion a-152. The first lead a-161 may be electrically connected to the heater a-10 to transmit power to the heater a-10. The heater a-10 may generate heat using power received from the first lead a-161. The first leads a-161 may be arranged in pairs.

The second lead a-162 may be exposed downward from a peripheral portion of the lower end portion a-151 of the heater a-10. The second lead a-162 may penetrate the fixing portion a-152. The heater a-10 may be formed to be hollow. The sensor a-16 (refer to fig. 8) may be installed in the heater a-10. Sensor A-16 may sense the temperature of heater A-10. The second lead a-162 may be electrically connected to the sensor a-16 to transmit power to the sensor a-16. The second leads a-162 may be arranged in pairs. The first and second leads a-161 and a-162 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the lower end portion a-151. The first and second leads a-161 and a-162 may have different thicknesses from each other.

The fixing portion a-152 may be formed on the circumference of the lower end portion a-151 of the heater a-10. The fixing portion a-152 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion a-151 of the heater a-10 in a radially outward direction. The fixing portion A-152 and the lower end portion A-151 may be disposed under the flange A-13. The fixing portion a-152 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of fixing portions a-152 may be arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion a-151. One of the fixing portions a-152 may surround and fix the first lead a-161. Another one of the fixing portions a-152 may surround and fix the second lead a-162. The number of fixing portions a-152 may correspond to the number of first and second leads a-161 and a-162. For example, when two first leads a-161 and two second leads a-162 are provided, the number of the fixing portions a-152 may be four.

The first space a-224 may be located below the first plate a-21 and may communicate with the heater insertion hole a-214. The first plate a-21 may cover the upper side of the first space a-224. The inner circumferential surface a-223 of the first circumferential portion a-22 may surround a side portion of the first space a-224. The first spaces a-224 may be downwardly open.

The heater insertion hole a-214 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the first plate a-21 is opened. The heater insertion hole a-214 may communicate with the first space a-224. The heater insertion hole a-214 may be located above the first space a-224. The heater insertion hole a-214 may be spaced apart from the first peripheral portion a-22. The heater insertion holes a-214 may have a circular shape. The heater insertion hole a-214 may have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the heater main body a-11.

The port portion a-213 may be formed around the heater insertion hole a-214 and may protrude downward from the first plate a-21. The port portion a-213 may surround the lower end of the heater insertion hole a-214. The port portion a-213 may be formed to be inclined upward toward the heater insertion hole a-214.

The support bar a-225 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface a-223 of the first circumferential portion a-22 toward the first space a-224. The support bars a-225 may have a shape elongated in the up-down direction. The support bar a-225 may be spaced apart from the heater insert hole a-214. The support bars a-225 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of support bars a-225 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface a-223 of the first circumferential portion a-22. For example, at least one pair of support rods a-225 may be provided, and the support rods a-225 forming each pair may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the first space a-224.

The support guides a-226 may be formed at the lower ends of the support bars a-225 so as to be inclined. The support guide a-226 may be inclined upward from the lower end of the support bar a-225 toward the first space a-224.

The hooks a-222 may be formed to protrude outward from the first flat portions a-221. The hooks a-222 may have a shape that gradually narrows from the upper side thereof to the lower side thereof. The hooks a-222 may have surfaces inclined outwardly from the lower ends of the first peripheral portions a-22 toward the upper sides of the hooks a-222. The hooks a-222 may be formed in plurality. A pair of hooks a-222 may be formed at two opposite sides of the first peripheral portion a-22. A pair of hooks a-222 may be formed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the first space a-224.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the heater a-10 may be inserted into the heater insertion hole a-214. The heater a-10 may sequentially pass through the heater insertion hole a-214 from the heater tip a-12 (see fig. 1) to the heater body a-11. The width a-w1 of the heater main body a-11 may be equal to or slightly larger than the width a-w2 of the heater insertion hole a-214. The heater a-10 may be tightly press-fitted into the heater insertion hole a-214. The port portion a-213 may guide the heater a-10 to the heater insertion hole a-214. The heater a-10 may be in contact with the port portion a-213 and may be slid into the heater insertion hole a-214. The heater main body a-11 and the heater tip a-12 (refer to fig. 1) may be upwardly exposed from the first cover a-20.

When the heater A-10 is inserted into the heater insertion hole A-214, the flange A-13 may be caught by the first plate A-21. The flange a-13 may be disposed in the first space a-224. When the heater a-10 passes through the heater insertion hole a-214, the flange a-13 may slide while contacting the support guide a-226, and may be guided into the first space a-224. The support bar a-225 may support the side of the flange a-13 disposed in the first space a-224. The support bar a-225 and the support guides a-226 may be disposed along the sides of the flange a-13. Each of the plurality of support bars a-225 may support a corresponding one of the plurality of surfaces of the flange a-13. The support bar a-225 may separate the heater body a-11 and the flange a-13 from the first peripheral portion a-22, thereby forming a gap in the first space a-224.

Therefore, the heater A-10 can be easily inserted into the first cover A-20. In addition, the heater A-10 and the flange A-13 may be fixed in place in the first space A-224 without rocking or rotating.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the second cover a-30 may include a second plate a-31 and a second peripheral portion a-32. The second plate a-31 may form a lower or bottom portion of the second cover a-30. The second plate a-31 may have a planar shape. The second plate a-31 may have a disc shape.

The second peripheral portion a-32 may extend upward from the edge of the second plate a-31. The second peripheral portion a-32 may be integrally formed with the second plate a-31. The second plate a-31 may cover the bottom of the second space a-34. The inner peripheral surface of the second peripheral portion a-32 may surround the side portion of the second space a-34. The second space a-34 may be upwardly open. The second peripheral portion a-32 may be formed larger than the first peripheral portion a-22.

The recess a-314 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second plate a-31 is recessed downward. The recess portion a-314 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the lower end portion a-151 and the fixing portion a-152 of the heater a-10. The lower end portion a-151 and the fixing portion a-152 of the heater a-10 may be inserted and seated in the recess portion a-314.

The cover wire holes a-3610 and a-3620 may be formed in such a manner that portions of the second plate a-31 are opened in the recess a-314. The cover wire holes a-3610 and a-3620 may communicate with the second space a-34. The first cover wire hole a-3610 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first lead a-161. The first lead a-161 may pass through the first cover wire hole a-3610. The second cover wire hole a-3620 may be formed at a position corresponding to the second lead a-162. The second lead a-162 may pass through the second cover wire hole a-3620. The first cover wire hole a-3610 and the second cover wire hole a-3620 may have diameters different from each other.

The hook hole a-322 may be formed in such a manner that a part of the second peripheral portion a-32 is opened. Hook holes a-322 may be formed at positions corresponding to the hooks a-222. The hook holes a-322 may be formed in plurality. A pair of hook holes a-322 may be formed at two opposite sides of the second peripheral portion a-32. A pair of hook holes a-322 may be provided at positions opposite to each other with respect to the second space a-34. The hook hole a-322 may communicate with the second space a-34.

The second flat portion a-3231 and the hook guide portion a-3232 may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the second circumferential portion a-32 at a position around the hook hole a-322. The hook guide a-3232 may be formed above the hook hole a-322. The hook guide a-3232 may be formed to be inclined toward the second space a-34 from an upper side thereof to a lower side thereof. The hook guide portion a-3232 may abut the second flat portion a-3231. The second flat portion a-3231 may surround the hook hole a-322.

The inlet aperture a-324 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second peripheral portion a-32 is open. The inlet aperture a-324 may be formed adjacent to the hook aperture a-322. The inlet aperture a-324 may be in communication with the second space a-34.

The positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may protrude downward from the lower portion of the second plate a-31. Each of the positioning projections a-35 and a-36 may have a shape that gradually narrows toward the lower side thereof. The first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may have different shapes from each other. The first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may be disposed at positions opposite to each other. The first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may face each other.

The positioning pins a-313 may protrude downward from the lower portion of the second plate a-31. The positioning pins a-313 may be provided in plurality. Each of the positioning pins a-313 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with one end rounded.

Referring to fig. 4 to 6, the first cover a-20 and the second cover a-30 may be coupled to each other. The first peripheral portion a-22 may be inserted into the second space a-34. The second peripheral portion a-32 may surround the first peripheral portion a-22 inserted into the second space a-34. The first plate a-21 may cover the upper side of the second space a-34.

When the first peripheral portion a-22 is inserted into the second space a-34, the hooks a-222 are inserted into the hook holes a-322, whereby the first and second covers a-20 and a-30 can be engaged with each other. The hooks a-222 may sequentially slide on the hook guide portion a-3232 and the second flat portion a-3231, and may be inserted into the hook holes a-322. The first flat portion a-221 may sequentially slide on the hook guide portion a-3232 and the second flat portion a-3231, and may face the second flat portion a-3231. The first flat portion a-221 may be in contact with the second flat portion a-3231 or in close proximity to the second flat portion a-3231.

When the first and second covers a-20 and a-30 are coupled to each other, the first and second spaces a-224 and a-34 may communicate with each other. The second space a-34 may be located below the first space a-224. The first space a-224 and the second space a-34 may include regions overlapping each other. The space in which the first space a-224 and the second space a-34 communicate with each other may be defined as a chamber a-C (see fig. 8). The chambers a-C may be surrounded by a first cover a-20 and a second cover a-30. The first plate a-21 may cover an upper portion of the chambers a-C. The second plate a-31 may cover the lower portion of the chambers a-C. The first peripheral portion a-22 may cover a portion of the side of the chamber a-C. The first peripheral portion a-22 may cover only a portion of the side portion of the second space a-34. Chambers A-C may also be referred to as sealed spaces A-C.

An inlet aperture a-324 formed in such a way that a portion of the second peripheral portion a-32 is open may communicate with the chamber a-C. Chambers A-C may be exposed to the outside through inlet holes A-324. A portion of the hook aperture a-322 may be in communication with the chamber a-C. Chambers A-C may be exposed to the outside through hook holes A-322.

When the first and second covers a-20 and a-30 are coupled to each other, the flange a-13 may be disposed within the chamber a-C. The lower end portion a-151 and the fixing portion a-152 of the heater a-10 may be inserted into the recess portion a-314 and may be supported by the second plate a-31. The first lead a-161 may pass through the first cover wire hole a-3610 and may be exposed downward from the second plate a-31. The second lead a-162 may pass through the second cover wire hole a-3620 and may be exposed downward from the second plate a-31.

The first positioning protrusion a-35 may be spaced apart from the edge of the second plate a-31 in an inward direction to form a spacer a-315. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may be spaced apart from the edge of the second plate a-31 in an inward direction to form a spacer a-315. When the first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 are inserted into the mold, a tolerance margin is ensured due to the spacer a-315, thereby ensuring manufacturing uniformity.

The first positioning protrusion a-35 may include a first tip portion a-351. The first positioning protrusion a-35 may include a first inclined portion a-352. The first positioning protrusion a-35 may include a first extension a-353. The first positioning protrusion a-35 may include a first rounded portion a-354.

The first tip portion a-351 may be formed at an end of the first positioning protrusion a-35. The first inclined portion a-352 may extend from the first tip portion a-351 toward the second plate a-31 so as to be inclined in an outward direction of the first tip portion a-351. The first inclined portion a-352 may be inclined so as to be gradually narrowed in a direction approaching the first tip portion a-351. The first inclined parts a-352 may be provided in a pair, and the pair of first inclined parts a-352 may extend from two opposite sides of the first tip part a-351. The first extension a-353 may be bent and extend from the first inclined portion a-352 toward the second plate a-31. The first extension a-353 may extend in the up-down direction. The first rounded portion a-354 may extend from the first extension portion a-353 toward the second plate a-31 so as to be rounded outward. The first rounded portion a-354 may be connected to the second plate a-31.

The second positioning protrusion a-36 may include a second tip portion a-361. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may include a second inclined portion a-362. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may include a second extension a-363. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may include a second rounded portion a-364.

The second tip portion a-361 may be formed at an end of the second positioning protrusion a-36. The second inclined portion a-362 may extend from the second tip portion a-361 toward the second plate a-31 so as to be inclined in an outward direction of the second tip portion a-361. The second inclined portion a-362 may be inclined so as to be gradually narrowed in a direction approaching the second tip portion a-361. The second inclined parts a-362 may be provided in a pair, and the pair of second inclined parts a-362 may extend from two opposite sides of the second tip part a-361. The second extension portion a-363 may be bent and extend from the second inclined portion a-362 toward the second plate a-31. The second extension a-363 may extend in the up-down direction. The second rounded portion a-364 may extend from the second extension portion a-363 toward the second plate a-31 so as to be rounded outward. The second rounded portion a-364 may be connected to the second plate a-31.

The first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may have different shapes from each other. The first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may have different heights from each other. For example, the height A-H2 of the second positioning protrusion A-36 may be greater than the height A-H1 of the first positioning protrusion A-35 (see FIG. 7). The first and second tip parts a-351 and a-361 may have widths or sizes different from each other. The first and second inclined portions a-352 and a-362 may extend to different lengths. The first extension a-353 and the second extension a-363 may extend to different lengths. Alternatively, the first positioning protrusion a-35 and the second positioning protrusion a-36 may be disposed at positions not facing each other or not facing each other.

Accordingly, when the first and second positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 are inserted into the recess formed in the mold, the second cover a-30, the first cover a-20 coupled thereto, and the heater a-10 can be easily disposed at the correct positions in the mold (see fig. 10). In addition, the first rounded portion A-354 may reduce damage to the part during injection of the molten molding material A-100a into the mold (see FIG. 11).

The second plate a-31 may not cover the underside of the inlet aperture a-324. The inlet aperture a-324 may be downwardly open. The second plate a-31 may be recessed in a radially inward direction from a portion of the second peripheral portion a-32 in which the inlet holes a-324 are formed, and thus may be spaced apart from a lower portion of the inlet holes a-324 in the radially inward direction. The lower portion A-321 of the second peripheral portion A-32 located between the inlet apertures A-324 may also be referred to as a recess A-321. The recess a-321 may be exposed downward because the edge of the second plate a-31 is recessed in a radially inward direction.

Accordingly, when the molten molding material a-100a is injected into the mold, the molding material can be easily introduced into the cavity a-C through the inlet holes a-324 and the hook holes a-322 (see fig. 7 and 11).

Hereinafter, the structure in which the heater A-10, the first cover A-20, and the second cover A-30 are coupled to each other will be referred to as a heater assembly A-HA.

Referring to fig. 7, the first molding material a-100a may be introduced or injected into the covers a-20 and a-30 through the inlet holes a-324 and/or the hook holes a-322, whereby the chambers a-C may be filled with the first molding material a-100a. The first molding material A-100a in a molten state may be introduced or injected into the caps A-20 and A-30, and may then be solidified within the chambers A-C. The first molding material a-100a may fill all gaps formed in the coupling portions between the covers a-20 and a-30 and the heater a-10.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the first cover a-20 may be disposed at an upper side of the second cover a-30 or coupled to an upper side of the second cover a-30. The hooks a-222 may be inserted into the hook holes a-322, and thus may be caught by the second peripheral portion a-32. The hooks a-222 may prevent the first cover a-20 from being separated from the second cover a-30 in an upward direction.

The first plate a-21 may cover the upper side of the second peripheral portion a-32. The first plate a-21 may be in close contact with the upper side of the second peripheral portion a-32. The first plate a-21 may cover the upper side of the chambers a-C. The first plate a-21 may be caught by an upper side of the second peripheral portion a-32, and the first peripheral portion a-22 may be inserted into the second space a-34. The first peripheral portion A-22 may be disposed within the second peripheral portion A-32. The outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral portion a-22 may be surrounded by the second peripheral portion a-32. The lower portion of the first peripheral portion a-22 may be spaced apart from the second plate a-31 in the upward direction.

The heater main body a-11 may be press-fitted into the first plate a-21 while passing through the heater insertion hole a-214 (see fig. 1) in the first plate a-21. The flange a-13 may be disposed in the first space a-224. The flange A-13 may be supported or secured by the support bar A-225. The flange A-13 may be spaced apart from the first peripheral portion A-22 by a support bar A-225. The flange a-13 may be spaced apart from the first peripheral portion a-22 and the first plate a-21 to form a gap in the first space a-224. The flange a-13 may be spaced apart from the second plate a-31 in an upward direction. The lower end portion a-151 and the fixing portion a-152 of the heater a-10 may be supported or fixed by the first plate a-31.

Sensor A-16 may sense the temperature of heater A-10. Sensor A-16 may be mounted within heater A-10. The heater a-10 may be formed to be hollow, and the sensor a-16 may be inserted into the heater a-10. The sensor a-16 may be formed to be elongated in one direction and may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the heater body a-11. Sensor a-16 may be electrically connected to second lead a-162 to receive power. The heater a-10 may be electrically connected to the first lead a-161 to receive power.

Accordingly, the first and second covers a-20 and a-30 may be stably coupled to each other, and the chambers a-C may be formed therein. In addition, prior to injecting the molding material A-100a (see FIG. 11) into the cavity A-C, the heater A-10 may be configured to elongate upward within the covers A-20 and A-30 so as to prevent or minimize movement of the heater A-10. Further, the first and second leads a-161 and a-162 can be prevented from contacting each other, twisting or breaking each other.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the heater assembly a-HA may be inserted into the first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300. The upper portion of the heater assembly a-HA may be inserted into the first mold a-200. The lower portion of the heater assembly a-HA may be inserted into the second mold a-300. The first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300 may be coupled to each other in the up-down direction. The first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300 may be coupled to each other to form a space in which the heater assembly a-HA may be disposed.

The second mold a-300 may include mold recesses a-335 and a-336. The mold recesses a-335 and a-336 may be formed in such a manner that portions of the second mold a-300 are recessed downward. The mold recesses a-335 and a-336 may be open upward. The positioning projections a-35 and a-36 can slide in the mold recesses a-335 and a-336 so as to be inserted therein. The first positioning protrusion a-35 may be inserted into the first mold recess a-335. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may be inserted into the second mold recess a-336.

The second mold a-300 may have mold line holes a-316 formed therein. The mold line holes a-316 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second mold a-300 is opened. The mold line holes a-316 may be formed between the first mold recess a-335 and the second mold recess a-336. The mold line holes a-316 may be formed in plurality. The number of mold line holes a-316 may correspond to the number of first leads a-161 and second leads a-162. The first and second leads a-161 and a-162 may pass through the mold line holes a-316 and may be exposed outside the second mold a-300.

The first mold recess a-335 and the second mold recess a-336 may have mutually different shapes. The first mold recess a-335 may have a shape corresponding to the first positioning protrusion a-35. The second mold recess a-336 may have a shape corresponding to the second positioning protrusion a-36. The first positioning protrusion a-35 may be fully inserted into the first mold recess a-335. The first positioning protrusion a-35 may not be fully inserted into the second mold recess a-336. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may be fully inserted into the second mold recess a-336. The second positioning protrusion a-36 may not be fully inserted into the first mold recess a-335. The spacer A-315 may be caught or supported by the second mold A-300 at a position near the mold recesses A-335 and A-336. The positioning pins a-313 may be inserted into holes formed in the second mold a-300 to guide the heater assemblies a-HA to the correct positions.

Thus, the heater assembly A-HA can be easily inserted or disposed in the second mold A-200. The positions of the first lead a-161 and the second lead a-162 with respect to the housing a-40 (see fig. 14) and the aerosol-generating device are thereby determined. Further, the first and second leads a-161 and a-162 can be prevented from contacting each other, twisting or breaking each other.

The heater body a-11 may be inserted into the first mold a-200 or supported by the first mold a-200. The first mold a-200 may have heater holes a-210 formed therein. The heater body a-11 may be inserted into or through the heater hole a-210. The first cover a-20 may be supported by the first mold a-200. The second cover a-30 may be supported by the second mold a-300.

When the first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300 are in contact with or coupled to each other, the passages a-101, a-102, and a-103 may be formed between the first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300. Passages A-101, A-102, and A-103 may be connected to the heater assembly A-HA. Passages A-101, A-102, and A-103 may be connected to chambers A-C.

The first channel a-101 may be formed between the first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300. The first channel a-101 may be formed to be elongated in the up-down direction. The first channel a-101 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater assembly a-HA may be disposed in a lower portion of the first channel a-101. The lower portion of the first passage a-101 may surround the side peripheral portions of the first and second covers a-20 and a-30.

The first passage a-101 may communicate with the chambers a-C through the inlet holes a-324 (see fig. 7). The first channel A-101 may communicate with the chamber A-C through the hook aperture A-322 (see FIG. 7). The recess a-321 (see fig. 6) may be in contact with the first channel a-101. The recess A-321 may be spaced apart from the second mold A-200 to form a gap.

The first channel a-101 may be in communication with the latch recess a-105. The latching recess a-105 may extend along an edge of the upper end of the first cover a-20. The latching grooves a-105 may extend in the circumferential direction. The latching recess a-105 may be in contact with an edge of the upper end of the first cover a-20.

The second channel a-102 may extend in an outward direction from the upper end of the first channel a-101. The third channel a-103 may extend downwardly from the end of the second channel a-102. The third channel a-103 may be spaced apart from the first channel a-101. The third channel a-103 may surround the side of the first channel a-101.

At least one of the first mold a-200 or the second mold a-300 may include molding material injection holes a-204. The molding material injection holes A-204 may be in communication with the channels A-101, A-102, and A-103. For example, the molding material injection holes A-204 may be in communication with the second channels A-102.

The first mold a-200 and the second mold a-300 described above are merely illustrative. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular number, shape, or coupling orientation of the molds so long as the molds form a space into which the heater assemblies a-HA can be inserted or disposed and also form the channels a-101, a-102, and a-103.

Referring to fig. 11 to 14, the case a-40 may be formed by insert injection molding using molds a-200 and a-300. The sealing members a-134 may be insert injection molded into the chambers a-C in the heater assemblies a-HA. The sealing members a-134 may be insert injection molded into the gaps between the components of the heater assembly a-HA. The heater assembly a-HA and the housing a-40 may be coupled to each other by insert injection molding. The housing A-40 may be integrally connected to the sealing member A-134, the sealing member A-134 being insert injection molded into the heater assembly A-HA.

The first molding material a-100a may be injected into the molds a-200 and a-300 through the molding material injection holes a-204. The first molding material a-100a may be injected into the molding material injection holes a-204 and then may be introduced into the channels a-101, a-102, and a-103. The first molding material a-100a may be in a molten state. Channels A-101, A-102, and A-103 may be filled with a first molding material A-100a.

The first molding material a-100a introduced into the first channel a-101 may flow into the chambers a-C. The first molding material a-100a may be introduced from the first channel a-101 into the cavity a-C through the inlet aperture a-324 (see fig. 7). The first molding material a-100a may be introduced from the first channel a-101 into the cavity a-C through the hook holes a-322. The first molding material a-100a introduced into the chambers a-C may fill gaps between components of the heater assembly a-HA. The first molding material a-100a may be introduced from the first channel a-101 into the latch groove a-105.

The first molding material a-100a in a molten state may be solidified into the second molding material a-100. After the second molding material a-100 is formed by insert injection molding, the mold may be removed, and then the positioning protrusions a-35 and a-36 may be removed.

The first molding material a-100a injected into the channels a-101, a-102, and a-103 in the molds a-200 and a-300 may be cured to form the second molding material a-100. The housing a-40 may be formed of a second molding material a-100 formed by curing the first molding material a-100a. The first molding material a-100a introduced into the chambers a-C may be cured while filling gaps between components of the heater assembly a-HA, thereby forming the second molding material a-100. The insert injection molded second molding material A-100 in the chamber A-C and/or in the gaps between the components of the heater assembly A-HA near the chamber A-C may also be referred to as a sealing member A-134.

The sealing member a-134 may be formed of the second molding material a-100. The sealing members a-134 may be insert injection molded into the chambers a-C. The sealing members a-134 may fill the chambers a-C. The sealing member a-134 may be insert injection molded into the first space a-224. The sealing member a-134 may be insert injection molded into the second space a-34. The sealing member a-134 may be insert injection molded between the heater insert hole a-214 (see fig. 1) and the heater body a-11. The sealing members a-134 may be insert injection molded into the cover wire holes a-3610 and a-3620 (see fig. 4). The sealing member a-134 may be insert injection molded into the recess a-314 (see fig. 4). The sealing member a-134 may be insert injection molded into the gap between the first and second covers a-20 and a-30. The flange a-13 may be surrounded and secured by the sealing member a-134.

The housing a-40 may be formed by insert injection molding and may be formed of the second molding material a-100. The housing A-40 may include a tube A-41. The housing A-40 may include an outer wall A-42. The housing a-40 may include an upper wall a-43. The housing a-40 may include a latch a-415. The housing A-40 may include a tube bottom A-411.

The tube a-41 may be formed of a second molding material a-100 formed by curing the first molding material a-100a introduced into the first channel a-101. The tube a-41 may have a cylindrical shape. The tube a-41 may have an insertion space a-44 formed therein having opposite sides with two openings. The insertion space a-44 may have a cylindrical shape. The insertion space a-44 may be formed to be elongated in the up-down direction. The upper side of the insertion space a-44 may communicate with the outside. The underside of the insertion space a-44 may be covered by the covers a-20 and a-30.

The tube A-41 may be coupled to the heater assembly A-HA by insert injection molding. The heater assembly a-HA may block the lower portion of the tube a-41. The first plate a-21 may be disposed between the insertion space a-44 and the first space a-224. The first plate a-21 may separate the insertion space a-44 and the first space a-224 from each other.

The tube a-41 may be insert injection molded with the sealing member a-134. The tube A-41 may be integrally connected to the sealing member A-134 in the heater assembly A-HA. The tube a-41 and the sealing member a-134 may be integrally connected to each other through the inlet hole a-324. The tube a-41 and the sealing member a-134 may be integrally connected to each other through the hook hole a-322.

The heater body a-11 and the heater tip a-12 may be disposed in the insertion space a-44. Cigarettes may be inserted into the insertion space a-44, and the heater a-10 may penetrate the lower portion of the cigarettes. Heater a-10 may be operated to heat the cigarette. The first lead a-161 and the second lead a-162 may be exposed downward from the tube a-41.

The latch portion a-415 may be formed of the second molding material a-100, which is formed by curing the first molding material a-100a introduced into the latch groove a-105. The latch a-415 may be integrally formed with the tube a-41. The latch portion a-415 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the tube a-41 in a radially inward direction. The latch portion a-415 may cover and support an upper edge of the first plate a-21. The latch portion a-415 may extend in a circumferential direction along an upper edge of the first plate a-21. The latch a-415 may prevent upward movement of the heater assembly a-HA.

The tube bottom A-411 may be formed of the second molding material A-100, which is formed by solidifying the first molding material A-100a introduced into the first channel A-101 at a position near the recess A-321 (see FIG. 6). Tube bottom A-411 may be formed at the lower portion of tube A-41. The tube bottom A-411 may cover the recess A-321 (see FIG. 6). The pipe bottom a-411 may be in contact with the recess a-321 and may support the lower portion of the second cover a-30. The tube bottom a-411 may prevent the heater assembly a-HA from moving downward.

The upper wall a-43 may extend outwardly from the upper end of the tube a-41. The upper wall a-43 may be formed of a second molding material a-100 formed by curing the first molding material a-100a introduced into the second channel a-102. The upper wall A-43 may form an upper portion of the housing A-40.

The outer wall a-42 may extend downwardly from the end of the upper wall a-43. The outer wall a-42 may be formed of the second molding material a-100, which is formed by curing the first molding material a-100a introduced into the third channel a-103. The outer wall a-42 may form an outside surface of the housing a-40. The outer wall a-42 may be spaced apart from the tube a-41 in an outward direction. A space A-46 may be formed between the tube A-41 and the outer wall A-42.

Thus, gaps between components of the heater assembly a-HA may be completely filled. In addition, the gap between the housing A-40 and the heater assembly A-HA may be completely filled. In addition, it is possible to prevent impurities such as liquid from leaking through the gap around the heater a-10.

In addition, the heater assembly A-HA may be stably fixed to the housing A-40 or supported by the housing A-40. In addition, the first and second leads a-161 and a-162 may be prevented from being twisted or disconnected from each other.

In addition, the process of assembling the heater assembly A-HA can be further simplified. In addition, the process of coupling the heater assembly a-HA and the housing a-40 to each other can be further simplified.

Referring to fig. 15, the first cover a-20' may include a column a-23. The post a-23 may be formed to protrude downward from a lower portion of the first peripheral portion a-22. The columns a-23 may be provided in a pair. A pair of posts a-23 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the first space a-224. A pair of posts a-23 may face each other. The first cover a-20' may include a positioning recess a-234. The positioning recess a-234 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the column a-23 is recessed upward. The detent recesses a-234 may be downwardly open. Each of the pair of positioning recesses a-234 may be formed in a corresponding one of the pair of posts a-23. The pair of positioning recesses a-234 may have mutually different shapes. The upper end of the post a-23 may have a shape rounded toward the positioning recess a-234.

The first cover A-20' may include support bars A-225 and A-227. The first support bar a-225 and the second support bar a-227 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface a-223 of the first circumferential portion a-22 toward the first space a-224. Each of the first support bar a-225 and the second support bar a-227 may have a shape elongated in the up-down direction. The first support bars a-225 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the first spaces a-224. The second support bars a-227 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the first spaces a-224. The first support bars a-225 and the second support bars a-227 may be alternately arranged in the circumferential direction. The second support bar a-227 may be formed to be inclined. Each of the second support bars a-227 may be inclined upward from a lower end thereof toward the first space a-224.

Referring to fig. 15 and 16, when the heater a-10 passes through the heater insertion hole a-214, the flange a-13 may slide while contacting the support guide a-226 and the second support bar a-227, and may be guided into the first space a-224. The first support bar a-225 and the second support bar a-227 may support the sides of the flange a-13 disposed in the first space a-224. The first support bar a-225 and the second support bar a-227 may separate the flange a-13 from the first peripheral portion a-22, thereby forming a gap in the first space a-224.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, the second cover a-30' may include a post hole a-317. The post holes a-317 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second plate a-31 is opened. The post holes a-317 may be open in a shape corresponding to the post a-23. When the first and second caps a-20 'and a-30' are coupled to each other, the post a-23 may be inserted into the post hole a-317. The post a-23 may pass through the post hole a-317 and thus the positioning recess a-234 may be exposed outside the second plate a-31.

Referring to fig. 17 and 18, the positioning protrusion formed in the mold is inserted into the positioning recess a-234, thereby guiding the heater assembly a-HA to a correct position in the mold. Since the end of the post a-23 is formed to be rounded, the protrusion formed in the mold may be slid into and inserted into the positioning recess a-234.

Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the positioning protrusion from the heater assembly a-HA after the insert injection molding is completed. As a result, the manufacturing method can be further simplified, and residual marks can be prevented.

Referring to fig. 19, the heater a-10 may be press-fitted into the first cover a-20 (a-S1). Thereafter, the heater assembly A-HA (A-S2) may be formed by coupling the first cover A-20 press-fitted with the heater A-10 to the second cover A-30. Thereafter, the heater assembly A-HA may be inserted into the mold (A-S3). Thereafter, the molding material in a molten state may be injected into the mold in which the heater assembly a-HA is inserted (a-S4). Thereafter, the molding material may be cured, and the mold may be removed, whereby a housing a-40 (a-S5) with the heater assembly a-HA coupled thereto may be formed. The method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure may comprise at least one of steps S1 to S5.

Referring to fig. 1 to 19, an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: tube A-41; a first plate a-21 defining an insertion space a-44; an elongated heater a-10 extending through the first plate a-21 such that one side of the heater is disposed in the insertion space a-44 and an opposite side of the heater is disposed in the sealed space a-C located opposite the insertion space with respect to the first plate; and a sealing member a-134 which is fitted into the sealing space a-C.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing member A-134 may be coupled with the tube A-41.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cover including the first plate a-21, and the sealing space a-C is formed in the cover. The cap may be coupled to the tube a-41.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover may include an opening lateral side leading to the sealing space a-C and at least one inlet hole a-324 formed at the opening lateral side to allow the sealing member a-134 and the tube a-41 to be connected to each other therethrough.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover may include: a first cover a-20 including a first plate a-21, the first plate a-21 including a heater insertion hole a-214 through which the heater a-10 passes, a lower portion of the first cover defining an upper side of the sealed space a-C; and a second cover a-30 coupled to the first cover a-20, wherein an upper portion of the second cover a-30 defines an underside of the sealed space a-C.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first cover a-20 may include a first peripheral portion a-22, the first peripheral portion a-22 extending downward from the first plate a-21 to define a side portion of the sealed space a-C.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first cover a-20 may include a support bar a-225, the support bar a-225 protruding inward from the first peripheral portion a-22 toward the sealed space a-C to support a side portion of the heater a-10, and separating the heater a-10 from the first peripheral portion a-22 to form a gap in the sealed space a-C. The sealing member a-134 may be fitted into the gap formed in the sealing space a-C to fix the heater a-10.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inclined support guide is formed at an end of the support rod a-225 to guide the heater into the heater insertion hole a-214.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the support bar a-225 may be one of a plurality of support bars arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the inner circumference of the first peripheral portion a-22. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a non-circular flange a-13 protruding outwardly from the heater a-10 and supported by a plurality of support rods a-225.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cover a-30 may include: a second plate a-31 defining an underside of the sealed space a-C and configured to support the heater a-10; and a second peripheral portion a-32 extending upward from the second plate a-31 to define a side portion of the sealed space a-C.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one inlet aperture A-324 is formed at the second peripheral portion A-32.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second covers a-20 and a-30 may be coupled to each other in a snap-fit manner.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a hook hole a-322 formed in the second cover a-30; and a hook a-222 protruding from the first cover a-20 and configured to engage with the hook hole a-322 to couple the first cover a-20 with the second cover a-30.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a gap may be formed between the hook hole a-322 and the hook a-222 engaged with the hook hole a-322, through which the sealing member a-134 and the tube a-41 are connected to each other.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tube may include a latch part a-415 protruding inward from an inner circumferential surface of the tube a-41 toward the insertion space a-44 and covering an upper edge of the cover.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover may include a positioning protrusion protruding downward, and the positioning protrusion may be configured to engage with a recess formed in the injection mold to guide the cover to a correct position in the injection mold.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning protrusion may have a different shape.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning protrusion may be tapered.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover may include a positioning recess A-234 at a lower portion of the cover, the positioning recess A-234 being configured to engage with a protrusion formed in the injection mold to guide the cover to a correct position in the mold.

Referring to fig. 20 and 21, the housing B-40 may include a tube B-41. The housing B-40 may include an outer wall B-42. The housing B-40 may include an upper wall B-43.

Tube B-41 may have a cylindrical shape. Tube B-41 may form an insertion space B-44 therein. The insertion space B-44 may have a cylindrical shape. The tube B-41 and the insertion space B-44 may be formed to be elongated in the up-down direction. The upper side of the insertion space B-44 may be opened to communicate with the outside. The lower side of the insertion space B-44 may be blocked by the partition B-45.

The partition B-45 may block the lower side of the insertion space B-44. The partition B-45 may have a disk shape. The partition B-45 may be integrally formed with the periphery of the lower end of the tube B-41. The partition B-45 may be disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube B-41. The partition plate B-45 may separate the insertion space B-44 and the sealing recess B-474 from each other. The partition B-45 may be integrally formed with the tube B-41.

The heater insertion hole B-454 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the partition board B-45 is opened. The heater insertion holes B-454 may be opened in the up-down direction. The heater insertion hole B-454 may communicate with the insertion space B-44. The heater insertion hole B-454 may communicate with the sealing recess B-474.

The upper wall B-43 may extend outwardly from the upper end of the tube B-41. The upper wall B-43 may form an upper portion of the housing B-40. The outer wall B-42 may extend downwardly from an end of the upper wall B-43. The outer wall B-42 may form an outer side surface of the housing B-40. The outer wall B-42 may be spaced apart from the tube B-41 in an outward direction. A space B-46 may be formed between the tube B-41 and the outer wall B-42.

Tube B-41 may include a sealing wall B-471. A sealing wall B-471 may be formed below tube B-41. Sealing wall B-471 may protrude downwardly from partition B-45. The sealing wall B-471 may extend in the circumferential direction. The sealing wall B-471 may surround the downwardly opening sealing recess B-474. Sealing wall B-471 may surround the sides of sealing recess B-474.

A seal recess B-474 may be formed below the bulkhead B-45. The seal recess B-474 may be in communication with the heater insert hole B-454. The sealing recess B-474 may be downwardly open. The width of the sealing recess B-474 may be greater than the width of the heater insert hole B-454. The sealing recess B-474 may also be referred to as a sealing space B-474.

The heater B-10 may be formed to be elongated in the up-down direction. The heater B-10 may have a cylindrical shape. Heater B-10 may be directed to one end. The heater B-10 may be heated by directly receiving electric power, or may be heated by an induction heating method using an induction coil disposed near the heater. Heater B-10 may penetrate partition B-45. The heater B-10 may be inserted into the heater insertion hole B-454. An upper portion of the heater B-10 may be disposed in the insertion space B-44. The lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10 may be disposed in the sealing recess B-474.

The heater B-10 may include a heater body B-11. The heater main body B-11 may be elongated in the up-down direction. The heater body B-11 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater B-10 may include a heater tip B-12. The heater tip B-12 may be formed at one end of the heater B-10. The heater tip B-12 may be integrally formed with the upper side of the heater body B-11. The heater tip B-12 may have a shape that gradually narrows in the upward direction. The heater tip B-12 may be directed to one end. Heater B-10 may pierce the cigarette.

The protrusion B-131 may be formed around the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The protruding portion B-131 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10 in a radial outward direction. Each of the protrusions B-131 may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. The plurality of protrusions B-131 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10.

One of the protrusions B-131 may surround and fix the first lead B-161. The other of the protruding portions B-131 may surround and fix the second lead B-162. The number of the protruding parts B-131 may correspond to the number of the first and second leads B-161 and B-162. For example, when two first leads B-161 and two second leads B-162 are provided, the number of the protruding portions B-131 may be four.

The first lead B-161 may be exposed downward from a peripheral portion of the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The first lead B-161 may penetrate the protrusion B-131. The first lead B-161 may be electrically connected to the heater B-10 to transmit power to the heater B-10. The heater B-10 may generate heat using power received from the first lead B-161. The first leads B-161 may be arranged in pairs.

The second lead B-162 may be exposed downward from a peripheral portion of the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The second lead B-162 may penetrate the protrusion B-131. The heater B-10 may be formed to be hollow. Sensor B-16 may be mounted within heater B-10. Sensor B-16 may sense the temperature of heater B-10. The second lead B-162 may be electrically connected to the sensor B-16 to transmit power to the sensor B-16. The second leads B-162 may be arranged in pairs. The first and second leads B-161 and B-162 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The first and second leads B-161 and B-162 may have different thicknesses from each other.

The heater B-10 may be press-fitted into the heater insertion hole B-454. The width B-w1 of the heater main body B-11 may be equal to or slightly larger than the width B-w2 of the heater insertion hole B-454. The heater main body B-11 may be press-fitted into the heater insertion hole B-454. The heater insert hole B-454 may be completely filled with the heater body B-11.

The seal ring B-20 may be formed in the shape of a ring having an open interior. The seal ring B-20 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the seal ring B-20 may be made of rubber or silicon. A sealing ring B-20 may be provided between the tube B-41 and the cap B-30.

The cover B-30 may be coupled to the underside of the tube B-41. The cover B-30 may include a cover bottom B-31 and a cover peripheral portion B-32. The cover bottom B-31 may have a disk shape. The cover peripheral portion B-32 may extend upward along the edge of the cover bottom portion B-31. Screws B-37 may pass through fastening holes B-317 formed in the cover bottom B-31 to couple the cover B-30 to the tube B-41.

Referring to fig. 22 and 23, a sealing recess B-474 may be defined by a partition B-45 and a sealing wall B-471. The partition plate B-45 may cover the upper side of the sealing recess B-474. Sealing wall B-471 may surround the sides of diaphragm B-45. The sealing recess B-474 may be downwardly open. The seal recess B-474 may be in communication with the heater insert hole B-454.

Heater B-10 may penetrate partition B-45. The heater B-10 may be inserted into the heater insertion hole B-454, or may pass through the heater insertion hole B-454. The heater B-10 may be press-fitted into the heater insertion hole B-454, and may be fixed to the partition B-45.

When the heater B-10 penetrates the partition B-45, an upper portion of the heater B-10 may protrude into the insertion space B-44 (see fig. 20), and a lower portion B-13 thereof may be disposed in the sealing recess B-474. The protruding portion B-131 may protrude outward from the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The protrusion B-131 may be disposed in the sealing recess B-474. The lower portion B-13 and the protruding portion B-131 of the heater B-10 may be surrounded by a sealing wall B-471. The heater B-10 may be spaced apart from the sealing wall B-471, and thus a space may be formed in the sealing recess B-474. The protrusion B-131 may be caught by the partition B-45 around the heater insertion hole B-454, or may be prevented from passing through the heater insertion hole B-454.

Referring to fig. 23 and 24, a packing B-100 may be loaded into the sealing recess B-474. Filler B-100 may be injected in a liquid state and may be cured after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The filler material B-100 may be injected into the sealing recess B-474 through an opening in the sealing recess B-474. Filler B-100 may be made of an adhesive material. The packing B-100 may surround the lower portion B-13 and the protrusion B-131 of the heater B-10. The packing B-100 may fix the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The packing B-100 may provide the protrusion B-131 with a force against rotation in the circumferential direction. The material of the filler B-100 may be the same as that of the heater body B-11 or the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The filler B-100 may also be referred to as a sealing member B-100.

Accordingly, the packing B-100 can seal the seal recess B-474 and the periphery of the seal recess B-474, and can prevent liquid from entering the gap between the heater B-10 and the heater insert hole B-454. In addition, the packing B-100 may prevent the lower portion B-13 and the protrusion B-131 of the heater B-10 from moving or rotating.

Tube B-41 may include a recess B-472. The recess B-472 may form the periphery of the lower portion of the tube B-41. The recesses B-472 may extend in the circumferential direction. The recess B-472 may protrude downward from the partition B-45. The recess B-472 may be recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the tube B-41 in a radially inward direction.

The recess B-472 may be spaced apart from the sealing wall B-471 in an outward direction. Positioning recesses B-475 and B-476 may be formed between sealing wall B-471 and recess B-472. The detent recesses B-475 and B-476 may be downwardly open. The plurality of positioning recesses B-475 and B-476 may include first and second positioning recesses B-475 and B-476 disposed opposite each other with respect to the sealing recess B-474.

Tube B-41 may include a step B-412. The stepped portion B-412 may be formed in such a manner that the circumference of the lower portion of the tube B-41 is recessed inward, and may be integrally formed with the recess B-472. The step B-412 may face downward. The stepped portion B-412 may extend in a radially outward direction from an upper end of the recess B-472, and may interconnect the tube B-41 and the recess B-472.

A threaded bore B-477 may be formed adjacent to the seal recess B-474. The threaded bore B-477 may have threads formed therein. The threaded bore B-477 may be downwardly open. A threaded hole B-477 may be formed between the sealing wall B-471, the first locating recess B-475, and the second locating recess B-476. The screw holes B-477 may be formed in plurality. A plurality of threaded bores B-477 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the seal recess B-474. The plurality of threaded holes B-477 may be spaced apart from one another around the seal recess B-474.

Referring to fig. 25, the cover B-30 may include a cover bottom portion B-31 and a cover peripheral portion B-32. The cover bottom B-31 may have a disk shape. The cover peripheral portion B-32 may extend upward along the edge of the cover bottom portion B-31. The cover peripheral portion B-32 may extend in the circumferential direction.

The space B-34 may be formed in the cover B-30. The cover bottom B-31 may cover a lower portion of the space B-34. The cover peripheral portion B-32 may surround the side portion of the space B-34. The space B-34 may be open upward.

The wire holes B-361 and B-362 may be formed in such a manner that portions of the cover bottom B-31 are opened. The line holes B-361 and B-362 may communicate with the space B-34. The wire holes B-361 and B-362 may be formed in plurality. The number of wire holes B-361 and B-362 may correspond to the number of leads B-161 and B-162.

The first and second leads B-161 and B-162 may have different thicknesses from each other or different colors from each other. The first and second leads B-161 and B-162 may be distinguished from each other. The diameter of the first wire hole B-361 may correspond to the thickness of the first wire B-161. The diameter of the second wire hole B-362 may correspond to the thickness of the second wire B-162. Each of the pair of first leads B-161 may pass through a corresponding one of the pair of first line holes B-361. Each of the pair of second leads B-162 may pass through a corresponding one of the pair of second wire holes B-362. The first wire hole B-361 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first lead B-161, and the second wire hole B-362 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second lead B-162.

The blocking wall B-33 may protrude upward from the cover bottom B-31 at a position around the wire holes B-361 and B-362. The blocking wall B-33 may extend in the circumferential direction so as to surround the line holes B-361 and B-362. A plurality of wire holes B-361 and B-362 may be located inside the barrier wall B-33.

The fastening hole B-317 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the cover bottom B-31 is opened. The fastening hole B-317 may communicate with the space B-34. The fastening holes B-317 may be located outside the blocking wall B-33.

Referring to fig. 25 to 27, a cover B-30 may be coupled to the underside of the tube B-41. The cover B-30 may cover the opening in the sealing recess B-474. The cover B-30 may cover and seal the packing B-100 loaded in the seal recess B-474. The sealing wall B-471 and the recess B-472 may be inserted into the space B-34 in the cover B-30, and thus may be surrounded by the cover B-30. The sealing wall B-471, the recess B-472 and the sealing recess B-474 may not be exposed outside the cover B-30.

The cover bottom B-31 of the cover B-30 may cover the opening in the sealing recess B-474. The cover bottom B-31 may cover the packing B-100 loaded in the seal recess B-474. The cover bottom B-31 may support the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The cover bottom B-31 may cover or support a lower portion of the sealing wall B-471. The cover bottom B-31 may cover or support a lower portion of the recess B-472.

The cover peripheral portion B-32 of the cover B-30 may cover the side portion of the sealing wall B-471. The cover peripheral portion B-32 may cover or support the side portion of the recess B-472. The cap peripheral portion B-32 may be spaced apart from the underside of the stepped portion B-412 of the tube B-41. The diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cap peripheral portion B-32 may be equal to or similar to the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the tube B-41.

Screws B-37 may secure the cover B-30 to the other side of the tube B-41. The screw B-37 may pass through a fastening hole B-317 formed in the cover B-30 and may be inserted and screwed into the screw hole B-47. Each of the screws B-37, the fastening holes B-317, and the screw holes B-47 may be provided in plurality. The screw B-37 may fix the cover B-30 in an upward direction. The screw B-37 may be closely contacted with the fastening hole B-317 to seal it.

Accordingly, the cover B-30 can protect the periphery of the packing B-100, the heater B-10, and the seal recess B-474 from the outside. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the liquid droplets introduced into the seal recess B-474 from entering the aerosol-generating device beyond the cap B-30. In addition, the cover B-30 can minimize thermal deformation of the structure near the heater B-10 due to heat generated from the heater B-10.

The seal ring B-20 may be formed in the shape of a ring having an open interior. A sealing ring B-20 may be provided between the tube B-41 and the cap B-30. The seal ring B-20 may be in contact with the stepped portion B-412 and the recessed portion B-472 of the tube B-41. The sealing ring B-20 may contact the underside of the stepped portion B-412. The diameter of the seal ring B-20 may be equal to or similar to the diameter of the step B-412. The seal ring B-20 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the recess B-472. Recess B-472 and sealing wall B-471 may pass through the interior space in sealing ring B-20.

The cover peripheral portion B-32 may be in contact with a lower portion of the seal ring B-20. The sealing ring B-20 may be disposed between the stepped portion B-412 of the tube B-41, the outer circumferential surface of the recess B-472, and the upper end of the cap peripheral portion B-32 so as to be in close contact therewith. The cap peripheral portion B-32 may press the seal ring B-20 upward from below toward the stepped portion B-412 of the tube B-41.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the liquid droplets from leaking through the gap around the seal ring B-20.

The positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 may protrude upward from the cover bottom B-31. The positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 may be disposed outside the blocking wall B-33. Each of the positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 may have a shape corresponding to a corresponding one of the positioning recesses B-475 and B-476. The positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 may be inserted into the positioning recesses B-475 and B-476, thereby guiding the cover B-30 to a correct position.

The first and second positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 may have different shapes from each other. Each of the first and second positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 may be disposed at a position biased in any one direction. The first positioning protrusion B-35 may have a shape corresponding to the first positioning recess B-475. The first positioning protrusion B-35 may be inserted into the first positioning recess B-475. The second positioning protrusion B-36 may have a shape corresponding to the second positioning recess B-476. The second positioning protrusion B-36 may be inserted into the second positioning recess B-476. Due to the first and second positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36, the first wire hole B-361 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first lead wire B-161, and the second wire hole B-362 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second lead wire B-162.

The first lead B-161 may be exposed outside the cap B-30 through the first wire hole B-361. The second lead B-162 may be exposed outside the cover B-30 through the second wire hole B-362.

Accordingly, the cover B-30 can be coupled in the correct direction, and the first and second leads B-161 and B-162 can be prevented from being twisted or disconnected with each other inside or outside the cover B-30.

Referring to fig. 28 and 29, the packing B-100 may be formed of the same material as the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The packing B-100 may be integrally formed with the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10. The coefficient of thermal expansion of filler B-100 may be equal to or similar to the coefficient of thermal expansion of heater B-10.

Therefore, even if the structure in the vicinity of the heater B-10 is thermally deformed by the heat generated by the heater B-10, a gap is not formed between the heater B-10 and the filler B-100.

The width B-w4 of the inner peripheral surface of the blocking wall B-33 may be smaller than the width B-w3 of the inner peripheral surface of the sealing recess B-474. The shape of the outer circumferential surface of the blocking wall B-33 may correspond to the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing wall B-471. The height of the packing B-100 loaded into the sealing recess B-474 may be lower than the height of the sealing wall B-471. The blocking wall B-33 may be disposed under the packing B-100. The blocking wall B-33 may protrude upward from the cover bottom B-31 of the cover B-30. The blocking wall B-33 may be inserted into an opening in the sealing recess B-474. The sealing ring B-20 may be disposed between the stepped portion B-412 of the tube B-41, the outer circumferential surface of the recess B-472, and the upper end of the cap peripheral portion B-32 so as to be in close contact therewith, thereby filling the gap formed therebetween.

Therefore, even if the structure in the vicinity of the heater B-10 is thermally deformed by heat generated from the heater B-10 and thus the liquid enters the sealing recess B-474, the blocking wall B-33 can prevent the liquid from leaking to the outside of the cover B-30 through the wire holes B-361 and B-362 (see fig. 25). Further, the seal ring B-20 can prevent liquid from leaking through the gap between the cap peripheral portion B-32 of the cap B-30 and the stepped portion B-412 of the tube B-41.

Referring to fig. 30, a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating device may include a step of passing a heater B-10 through a partition B-45 that blocks one side (B-S1) of an insertion space B-44. In step S1, a lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10 may be disposed in the sealing recess B-474.

The method of manufacturing the aerosol generating device may include the step (B-S2) of injecting the filler B-100 in a liquid state so as to completely fill the sealing recess B-474 and drying the filler B-100. In step B-S2, the filler B-100 may surround the lower portion B-13 of the heater B-10 in the sealing recess B-474, and the heater B-10 may be fixed.

The method of manufacturing the aerosol generating device may include a step (B-S3) of coupling the sealing ring B-20 to the periphery of the tube B-41. In step B-S3, the seal ring B-20 may be brought into close contact with the recess B-472 of the tube B-41 and the outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion B-412.

The method of manufacturing the aerosol generating device may include a step (B-S4) of coupling the cap B-30 to the underside of the tube B-41 to cover the sealing recess B-474. In step B-S4, the cap B-30 may press the seal ring B-20 onto the step B-412 of the tube B-41.

Referring to fig. 20 to 30, an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: tube B-41; a first plate B-45 partitioning the inside of the tube B-41 to define an insertion space B-44; an elongated heater B-10 extending through the first plate B-45 such that one side of the heater is disposed in the insertion space B-44 and an opposite side of the heater is disposed in the sealed space B-474 located opposite the insertion space with respect to the first plate; and a sealing member B-100 which is fitted into the sealing space B-474.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, may include: tube B-41 having two open opposite sides; a partition plate B-45 dividing the inside of the tube B-41 into an insertion space B-44 adjacent to one side of the tube B-41 and a sealing recess B-474 adjacent to the opposite side of the tube B-41; a heater B-10 elongated to penetrate the partition board B-45 such that a portion thereof is disposed in the seal recess B-474; and a packing B-100 which is fitted into the seal recess B-474.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a cover B-30 coupled to the opposite side of the tube B-41 to cover the opening in the sealing recess B-474.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover B-30 may support a lower portion of the heater B-10.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover B-30 may have wire holes B-361 and B-362 formed to be opened to allow the lead wires B-161 and B-162 electrically connected to the heater B-10 to pass therethrough.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover B-30 may include a blocking wall B-33 protruding to surround the wire holes B-361 and B-362.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the width B-w4 of the inner peripheral surface of the blocking wall B-33 may be smaller than the width B-w3 of the sealing recess B-474.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blocking wall B-33 may be inserted into an opening in the sealing recess B-474.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a sealing ring B-20 disposed between the tube B-41 and the cap B-30.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover B-30 may include: a cover bottom B-31 covering the opening in the seal recess B-474; and a cover peripheral portion B-32 protruding from an edge of the cover bottom portion B-31 and extending in the circumferential direction to surround opposite sides of the tube B-41.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tube B-41 may include a stepped portion B-412 recessed inward from the periphery of the opposite side thereof, and the aerosol-generating device may further include a sealing ring B-20 disposed between the stepped portion B-412 and the cap peripheral portion B-32.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the cap B-30 is coupled to the opposite side of the tube B-41, the cap peripheral portion B-32 may press the seal ring B-20 onto the stepped portion B-412.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: screws B-37 configured to secure the cover B-30 to opposite sides of the tube B-41.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, positioning recesses B-475 and B-476 may be formed near the sealing recess B-474 so as to be opened at opposite sides of the tube B-41, and the cover B-30 may include positioning protrusions B-35 and B-36 formed to be inserted into the positioning recesses B-475 and B-476 to guide the cover B-30 to a correct position.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the partition B-45 may have a heater insertion hole B-454, the heater insertion hole B-454 being formed to be opened to allow the insertion space B-44 and the sealing recess B-474 to be connected to each other therethrough, and the heater B-10 may be press-fitted into the heater insertion hole B-454.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a protrusion B-131 protruding from a circumferential surface of the opposite side of the heater B-10 in a radially outward direction, and the protrusion B-131 may be formed to be disposed in the sealing recess B-474, but prevented from passing through the heater insertion hole B-454.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tube B-41 and the partition B-45 may be integrally formed with each other.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32, the first cover C-20 may include a first plate C-21. The first cover C-20 may include a second plate C-22.

The first plate C-21 may be formed at an upper portion of the first cover C-20. The first plate C-21 may be disposed above the second plate C-22. The first plate C-21 may have a planar shape. The first plate C-21 may have a disc shape. The first insertion hole C-214 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the first plate C-21 is opened. The first insertion hole C-214 may be formed at the center of the first plate C-21. The first insertion hole C-214 may be opened in the up-down direction.

The second plate C-22 may be formed at a lower portion of the first cover C-20. The second plate C-22 may be disposed under the first plate C-21. The second plate C-22 may have a planar shape. The second plate C-22 may have a disc shape. The second insertion hole C-224 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second plate C-22 is opened. The second insertion hole C-224 may be formed at the center of the second plate C-22. The second insertion hole C-224 may be opened in the up-down direction. The second insertion hole C-224 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first insertion hole C-214. The first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224 may be disposed in parallel with each other while facing each other in the up-down direction. The second plate C-22 may have a larger circumference than the first plate C-21.

The first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22 may be spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. The first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22 may be disposed parallel to each other. The space C-234 may be located between the first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22. The space C-234 may be located below the first plate C-21. The space C-234 may be provided on the second plate C-22. The first insertion hole C-214 may communicate with the space C-234. The second insertion hole C-224 may communicate with the space C-234. At least a portion of the space C-234 may be disposed between the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224. The thickness of the first plate C-21 and the thickness of the second plate C-22 may be equal or similar to each other. The space C-234 may also be referred to as a sealed space C-234.

The first cover C-20 may include a spacer C-23. The spacer C-23 may be disposed between the first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22. The spacers C-23 may be connected to the first and second plates C-21 and C-22. The spacers C-23 may be provided in plurality. A plurality of spacers C-23 may be provided with spaces C-234 interposed therebetween. A pair of spacers C-23 may be provided with a space C-234 interposed therebetween. The spacer C-23 may be spaced apart from the first insertion hole C-214. The spacer C-23 may be spaced apart from the second insertion hole C-224. The thickness of each spacer C-23 may be equal or similar to the thickness of the first plate C-21 and/or the thickness of the second plate C-22. The spacers C-23 may be recessed inward from the edges of the first plate C-21 and the edges of the second plate C-22.

A pair of spacers C-23 may support two opposite sides of the first plate C-21 and two opposite sides of the second plate C-22. A pair of spacers C-23 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the space C-234. A pair of spacers C-23 may face each other with a space C-234 interposed therebetween. The spacers C-23 may provide a force to the first and second plates C-21 and C-22 that resists deformation. For example, the first and second plates C-21 and C-22 may be prevented from thermal deformation by insert injection molding or by heat generated by a heater, which will be described later.

The space C-234 may be surrounded by the first plate C-21, the second plate C-22, and the spacers C-23. The first plate C-21 may cover an upper portion of the space C-234. The second plate C-22 may cover a lower portion of the space C-234. A pair of spacers C-23 may cover two opposite sides of the space C-234. At least one side of the space C-234 may be open. The space C-234 may be open to the outside between a pair of spacers C-23.

Each spacer C-23 may include an inner spacer C-231 and an outer spacer C-232. The inner spacer C-231 may cover one side of the space C-234. The inner spacer C-231 may be disposed closer to the space C-234 than the outer spacer C-232. The inner spacer C-231 may be formed to be elongated in the radial direction of the first plate C-21 or the radial direction of the second plate C-22. A pair of inner spacers C-231 may extend parallel to each other in one direction with a space C-234 interposed therebetween. A pair of inner spacers C-231 may face each other with a space C-234 interposed therebetween. The inner spacer C-231 may support peripheral portions of the centers of the first and second plates C-21 and C-22.

An outer spacer C-232 may be disposed outboard of each inner spacer C-231. The outer spacers C-232 may support peripheral portions of edges of the first and second plates C-21 and C-22. The outer spacers C-232 may be formed to be rounded along the circumferences of the first and second plates C-21 and C-22. The outer spacer C-232 may be recessed from the circumference of the first plate C-21 in a radially inward direction. The outer spacers C-232 may be recessed from the circumference of the second plate C-22 in a radially inward direction. Threaded holes C-27 may be formed in each of the inner spacers C-231 (refer to fig. 33).

Referring to fig. 32 and 33, the first cover C-20 may include a hub C-25. The hub C-25 may protrude downwardly from the second plate C-22. The hub C-25 may surround the second insertion hole C-224. The hub C-25 may surround a side portion of the third insertion hole C-254. The third insertion hole C-254 may be disposed under the second insertion hole C-224. The third insertion hole C-254 may communicate with the second insertion hole C-224. Each of the inner circumferential surfaces of the hub C-25 and the third insertion hole C-254 may have a non-circular shape.

The support bar C-251 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the hub C-25 toward the third insertion hole C-254. The support bar C-251 may have a shape elongated in the up-down direction. The support bars C-251 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of support bars C-251 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the hub C-25. For example, at least one pair of the support bars C-251 may be provided, and the support bars C-251 forming each pair may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the third insertion hole C-254. A support guide C-252 may be formed at a lower end of each support bar C-251. The support guides C-252 may be formed to be rounded upward from the lower end of each support bar C-251.

The first fixing hole C-221 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second plate C-22 is opened. The first fixing hole C-221 may be formed adjacent to an edge of the second plate C-22. The first fixing hole C-221 may communicate with the space C-234. The first fixing hole C-221 may be disposed between the space C-234 and the second fixing hole C-222. The first fixing hole C-221 may be spaced apart from the second insertion hole C-224.

The first fixing holes C-221 may be formed in a pair. The second insertion hole C-224 may be disposed between the pair of first fixing holes C-221. The pair of first fixing holes C-221 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the second insertion hole C-224. The pair of first and second fixing holes C-221 and C-224 may be disposed on a straight line. The pair of first and second fixing holes C-221 and C-224 may be disposed on a straight line in a direction in which the inner spacer C-231 extends. Each of the pair of first fixing holes C-221 may be disposed between an end of one of the pair of ribs C-261 and an end of the other of the pair of ribs C-261.

The second fixing hole C-222 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second plate C-22 is opened. The second fixing hole C-222 may be located below the first fixing hole C-221. The second fixing hole C-222 may communicate with the first fixing hole C-221. The second fixing hole C-222 may be spaced apart from the space C-234 in a downward direction. The circumference of the second fixing hole C-222 may be greater than the circumference of the first fixing hole C-221. The center of the second fixing hole C-222 and the center of the first fixing hole C-221 may be aligned with each other. The edge of the second fixing hole C-222 may be disposed more outwardly than the edge of the first fixing hole C-221. The second fixing hole C-222 may be formed to be recessed more outwardly than the first fixing hole C-221. The second fixing holes C-222 may be formed in a pair. Each of the pair of second fixing holes C-222 may be connected to a corresponding one of the pair of first fixing holes C-221.

The first cover C-20 may include ribs C-261. The rib C-261 may be disposed under the second plate C-22. The rib C-261 may extend downwardly from the second plate C-22. The rib C-261 may be disposed adjacent an edge of the second plate C-22. The rib C-261 may extend along the circumference of the second plate C-22. The rib C-261 may extend in a circumferential direction around the third insertion hole C-254. The ribs C-261 may be recessed from the circumference of the second plate C-22 in a radially inward direction.

The ribs C-261 may be provided in a pair. The pair of ribs C-261 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the third insertion hole C-254. Each of the pair of ribs C-261 may be disposed under a corresponding one of the pair of spacers C-23. Each of the pair of ribs C-261 may be provided at a position corresponding to a corresponding one of the pair of spacers C-23. The first and second fixing holes C-221 and C-222 may be disposed between an end of one of the pair of ribs C-261 and an end of the other of the pair of ribs C-261 adjacent to each other. The rib C-261 may support the second plate C-22. The ribs C-261 may provide a force to the second plate C-22 against deformation.

The positioning portion C-262 may be formed in such a manner that the end of the rib C-261 is inclined. The positioning portion C-262 may be inclined in an outward direction of the rib C-261 from the lower side of the rib C-261 toward the upper side thereof. When the first cap C-20 is inserted into the mold, the positioning portion C-262 may guide the first cap C-20 to a correct position, whereby the first cap C-20 may be easily inserted into the mold.

The first cover C-20 may include a connector C-263. Connector C-263 may interconnect hub C-25 and rib C-261. Connector C-263 may extend from hub C-25 to rib C-261. The connectors C-263 may be provided in plural. A plurality of connectors C-263 may be radially arranged around the hub C-25. For example, four connectors C-263 may be provided. The first and second fixing holes C-221 and C-222 may be disposed between two adjacent connectors C-263 so as to be adjacent thereto. The threaded hole C-27 may be provided between two adjacent connectors C-263 so as to be adjacent thereto. The connector C-263 may be integrally formed with the second plate C-22. The connector C-263 may provide the second plate C-22 with a force against deformation.

Referring to fig. 34 and 35, the width C-w1 of the first plate C-21 may be smaller than the width C-w2 of the second plate C-22. The edges of the first plate C-21 may be disposed more inward than the edges of the second plate C-22.

The first, second and third insertion holes C-214, C-224 and C-254 may be disposed in parallel with each other in the up-down direction. The first, second and third insertion holes C-214, C-224 and C-254 may overlap each other in the up-down direction. The diameter C-w3 of the first insertion hole C-214 and the diameter C-w3 of the second insertion hole C-224 may be equal to each other.

The first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22 may cover upper and lower portions of the space C-234. The space C-234 may be larger than the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224. A portion of the space C-234 may be formed between the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224. The first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224 may communicate with the space C-234. The space C-234 may be opened in a direction in which the inner spacer C-231 extends. The space C-234 may be open toward the first and second fixing holes C-221 and C-222.

A pair of first fixing holes C-221 may be disposed in a direction in which the inner spacer C-231 is elongated, and may be formed adjacent to corresponding ends of the inner spacer C-231. The first fixing hole C-221 may be disposed in a direction in which the space C-234 is opened. The first fixing hole C-221 may communicate with the space C-234. The first fixing hole C-221 may be disposed under the space C-234. The second fixing hole C-222 may be larger than the first fixing hole C-221. The second fixing hole C-222 may overlap the first fixing hole C-221 in the up-down direction. The edge of the second fixing hole C-222 may be disposed more outwardly than the edge of the first fixing hole C-221.

Threaded holes C-27 may be formed through the outer spacer C-232 from below the second plate C-22. The threaded bore C-27 may be downwardly open. The threaded bore C-27 may have threads formed therein.

Referring to fig. 36 and 37, the heater C-10 may be formed to be elongated in one direction. The heater C-10 may have a cylindrical shape. Heater C-10 may be directed to one end. The heater C-10 may be heated by directly receiving electric power, or may be heated by an induction heating method using an induction coil disposed near the heater. The heater C-10 may penetrate the first cover C-20. The heater C-10 may be inserted into the first, second and third insertion holes C-214, C-224 and C-254.

The heater C-10 may include a heater body C-11. The heater main body C-11 may be elongated in the up-down direction. The heater body C-11 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater C-10 may include a heater tip C-12. The heater tip C-12 may be formed at one end of the heater C-10. The heater tip C-12 may be connected to an upper end of the heater body C-11. The heater tip C-12 may have a shape that gradually narrows in the upward direction. The heater tip C-12 may be directed to one end. Heater C-10 may pierce the cigarette.

The fixing portion C-15 may be formed on the circumference of the lower end portion of the heater C-10. The fixing portion C-15 may protrude in a radially outward direction from an outer circumferential surface of a lower end portion of the heater C-10. The fixing portion C-15 may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. The fixing portion C-15 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of fixing portions C-15 may be arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the lower end portion of the heater. One of the fixing portions C-15 may surround and fix the first lead C-161. The other of the fixing portions C-15 may surround and fix the second lead C-162. The number of the fixing portions C-15 may correspond to the number of the first and second leads C-161 and C-162. For example, when two first leads C-161 and two second leads C-162 are provided, the number of the fixing portions C-15 may be four.

The first lead C-161 may be exposed downward from a peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the heater C-10. The first lead wire C-161 may penetrate the fixing portion C-15. The first lead wire C-161 may be electrically connected to the heater C-10 to transmit power to the heater C-10. The heater C-10 may generate heat using power received from the first lead C-161. The first leads C-161 may be provided in a pair.

The second lead C-162 may be exposed downward from a peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the heater C-10. The second lead C-162 may penetrate the fixing portion C-15. The heater C-10 may be formed to be hollow. Sensor C-16 (see FIG. 39) may be mounted within heater C-10. Sensor C-16 may sense the temperature of heater C-10. The second lead C-162 may be electrically connected to the sensor C-16 to transmit power to the sensor C-16. The second leads C-162 may be provided in a pair. The first and second leads C-161 and C-162 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the lower end portion of the heater. The first and second leads C-161 and C-162 may have different thicknesses from each other.

The width C-w4 of the heater main body C-11 may be equal to or slightly larger than the width C-w3 of the first insertion hole C-214. The width C-w4 of the heater main body C-11 may be equal to or slightly larger than the width C-w3 of the second insertion hole C-224.

Referring to fig. 36 to 38, the heater C-10 may be inserted into all of the first, second and third insertion holes C-214, C-224 and C-254. The heater C-10 may sequentially pass through the first, second and third insertion holes C-214, C-224 and C-254 from the heater tip C-12 (see fig. 31) to the heater body C-11. The heater C-10 may be inserted into the first cover C-20 from below to above. The heater C-10 may be inserted into the third insertion hole C-254, the second insertion hole C-224, and the first insertion hole C-214 in this order.

The width C-w4 of the heater main body C-11 may be equal to or slightly larger than the width C-w3 of the first insertion hole C-214 and the width C-w3 of the second insertion hole C-224. The heater C-10 may be tightly press-fitted into the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224. The heater C-10 may be exposed to the outside through the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224. An upper portion of the heater C-10 may be upwardly exposed from the first cover C-20. The heater body C-11 and the heater tip C-12 may be exposed upward from the first cover C-20. The lower end portion C-13 of the heater C-10 may be exposed downward from the first cover C-20.

The heater C-10 may pass through the third insertion hole C-254 and then may be inserted into the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224. The support guide C-252 may guide the heater C-10 to the third insertion hole C-254 when the heater C-10 passes through the third insertion hole C-254. The heater C-10 may slide toward the third insertion hole C-254 and the second insertion hole C-224 while contacting the support guide C-252.

The support bar C-251 may be elongated in a direction in which the heater C-10 moves toward the second insertion hole C-224 through the third insertion hole C-254. The support bar C-251 may be elongated in a direction in which the second insertion hole C-224 and the first insertion hole C-214 are disposed parallel to each other. The heater main body C-11 may be slid toward the second insertion hole C-224 while contacting the support rod C-251 in the third insertion hole C-254. The support bar C-251 may support the circumference of the heater body C-11. The support bar C-251 may orient the heater body C-11 in a direction in which the second insertion hole C-224 and the first insertion hole C-214 are disposed parallel to each other.

When the heater C-10 is inserted into the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224, the fixing portion C-15 may be disposed in the third insertion hole C-254. The hub C-25 and the third insertion hole C-254 may have shapes corresponding to the lower end portion C-13 and the fixing portion C-15 of the heater C-10. The lower end portion C-13 and the fixing portion C-15 of the heater C-10 may be surrounded by the hub C-25 in the third insertion hole C-254. The lower end portion C-13 and the fixing portion C-15 of the heater C-10 may be opened downward. When the heater C-10 rotates in the circumferential direction, the fixing portion C-15 may be caught by the hub C-25. The first lead C-161 and the second lead C-162 may be exposed downward from the hub C-25.

Therefore, the heater C-10 can be easily inserted so as to sequentially pass through the second insertion hole C-224 and the first insertion hole C-214. In addition, the heater C-10 can be prevented from rocking. In addition, the heater C-10 can be prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction. In addition, the first and second leads C-161 and C-162 may be prevented from being twisted or disconnected from each other.

Hereinafter, the structure in which the heater C-10 and the first cover C-20 are coupled together may also be referred to as a heater assembly C-HA.

Referring to fig. 39 and 40, the sensor C-16 may sense the temperature of the heater C-10. Sensor C-16 may be mounted within heater C-10. The heater C-10 may be formed to be hollow, and the sensor C-16 may be inserted into the heater C-10. The sensor C-16 may be formed to be elongated in one direction, and may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the heater body C-11. Sensor C-16 may be electrically connected to second lead C-162 to receive power. The heater C-10 may be electrically connected to the first lead C-161 to receive power.

When the heater C-10 is coupled to the first cover C-20, an upper portion of the heater C-10 may be exposed upward from the first plate C-21. The upper portion of the heater C-10 may be elongated upward from the first plate C-21.

The heater C-10 may penetrate the space C-234. A portion of heater C-10 may be disposed in space C-234. The space C-234 may be in contact with one side of the heater body C-11. The space C-234 may be exposed outside the first cover C-20. A portion of the heater body C-11 may be exposed outside the first cover C-20 through the space C-234. The heater body C-11 may be disposed between a pair of inner spacers C-231.

The heater C-10 may be press-fitted into the first and second plates C-21 and C-22, and thus its position with respect to the first cover C-20 may be fixed. The first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22 may support the heater C-10 at two points in the up-down direction. The second plate C-22 and the hub C-25 may support a lower portion of the heater C-10. The first and second leads C-161 and C-162 may be exposed downward from the first cover C-20.

Referring to fig. 41, the heater assembly C-HA may be inserted into the first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300. The upper portion of the heater assembly C-HA may be inserted into the first mold C-200. The lower portion of the heater assembly C-HA may be inserted into the second mold C-300. The first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300 may be coupled to each other in the up-down direction. The first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300 may be coupled to each other to form a space in which the heater assembly C-HA may be disposed.

The second mold C-300 may include a mold recess C-362. The rib C-261 (refer to fig. 38) may be inserted into the mold recess C-362. When the rib C-261 is inserted into the mold recess C-362, the position of the heater assembly C-HA may be fixed within the second mold C-300.

The positioning portion C-262 (see fig. 38) may be in contact with the second mold C-300 at a position near the mold recess C-362. The mold concave portion C-362 may be inclined so as to correspond to the positioning portion C-262. When the rib C-261 is inserted into the mold recess C-362, the positioning portion C-262 may slide while contacting the second mold C-300, thereby guiding the heater assembly C-HA to the correct position in the second mold C-300.

Thus, the heater assembly C-HA can be easily inserted or disposed in the second mold C-300. Further, the first and second leads C-161 and C-162 may be prevented from contacting each other, twisting or breaking each other.

The heater body C-11 may be inserted into the first mold C-200 or supported by the first mold C-200. The first mold C-200 may have heater holes C-210 formed therein. The heater body C-11 may be inserted into or through the heater hole C-210. The upper portion of the first cover a-20 may be supported by the first mold C-200. The lower portion of the first cover C-20 may be supported by the second mold C-300. The lower end portion C-13 of the heater C-10 may be supported by the second mold C-300.

Referring to fig. 42 and 43, when the first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300 are in contact with or coupled to each other, the channels C-101, C-102, and C-103 may be formed between the first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300. Channels C-101, C-102, and C-103 may be connected to the heater assembly C-HA. Channels C-101, C-102, and C-103 may be connected to space C-234.

The first channel C-101 may be formed between the first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300. The first channel C-101 may be formed to be elongated in the up-down direction. The first channel C-101 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater assembly C-HA may be disposed in a lower portion of the first channel C-101. The lower portion of the first channel C-101 may surround the side peripheral portion of the first cover C-20.

The lower portion of the first channel C-101 may contact the circumference of the first plate C-21 and surround the circumference of the first plate C-21. The lower portion of the first channel C-101 may contact the circumference of the second plate C-22 and surround the circumference of the second plate C-22. The first channel C-101 may be in communication with the space C-234.

The first channel C-101 may be in communication with the latch recess C-105. The latching groove C-105 may extend along an edge of the upper end of the first plate C-21. The latching groove C-105 may extend in the circumferential direction. The latching groove C-105 may be in contact with an edge of the upper end of the first cover C-20.

The first channel C-101 may communicate with the inlet groove C-106. The inlet groove C-106 may be provided between the first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22. The inlet groove C-106 may communicate with the space C-234. The inlet grooves C-106 may extend from edges of the first and second plates C-21 and C-22 to a region between the pair of spacers C-23.

The second channel C-102 may extend in an outward direction from the upper end of the first channel C-101. The third channel C-103 may extend downward from an end of the second channel C-102. The third channel C-103 may be spaced apart from the first channel C-101. The third channel C-103 may surround a side portion of the first channel C-101.

At least one of the first mold C-200 or the second mold C-300 may include molding material injection holes C-204. The molding material injection holes C-204 may be in communication with the channels C-101, C-102, and C-103. For example, the molding material injection holes C-204 may be in communication with the second channel C-102.

The first mold C-200 and the second mold C-300 described above are merely illustrative. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular number, shape, or coupling orientation of the molds so long as the molds form a space into which the heater assembly C-HA can be inserted or disposed and also form the channels C-101, C-102, and C-103.

Referring to fig. 42 to 45, the case C-40 may be formed by insert injection molding using the molds C-200 and C-300. The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded into the space C-234 in the heater assembly C-HA. The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded into the gap between the components of the heater assembly C-HA. The heater assembly C-HA and the housing C-40 may be coupled to each other by insert injection molding. The housing C-40 may be integrally connected to the sealing member C-134, the sealing member C-134 being insert injection molded into the heater assembly C-HA.

The first molding material C-100a may be injected into the molds C-200 and C-300 through the molding material injection holes C-204. The first molding material C-100a may be injected into the molding material injection holes C-204, and then may be introduced into the channels C-101, C-102, and C-103. The first molding material C-100a may be in a molten state. The channels C-101, C-102 and C-103 may be filled with a first molding material C-100a. The first molding material C-100a may be introduced into the space C-234 from the first channel C-101. The first molding material C-100a introduced into the space C-234 may fill gaps between components of the heater assembly C-HA. The first molding material C-100a in a molten state may be solidified into the second molding material C-100.

The first molding material C-100a injected into the channels C-101, C-102, and C-103 in the molds C-200 and C-300 may be cured to form the second molding material C-100, thereby forming the housing C-40. The first molding material C-100a introduced into the space C-234 may be cured while filling gaps between components of the heater assembly C-HA, thereby forming the second molding material C-100. The second molding material C-100 that is insert molded into the space C-234 and/or into the gaps between the components of the heater assembly C-HA near the space C-234 may also be referred to as a sealing member C-134.

The sealing member C-134 may be formed of the second molding material C-100. The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded into the space C-234. The sealing member C-134 may fill the space C-234. The sealing member C-134 may completely fill the space C-234, thereby fixing and sealing the space C-234 and the periphery of the space C-234. The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded between the first insertion hole C-214 (see fig. 34) and the heater body C-11. The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded between the second insertion hole C-224 (see fig. 34) and the heater body C-11.

The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded between a pair of spacers C-23. The sealing member C-134 may include a portion elongated in a direction in which the spacers C-23 extend between the pair of spacers C-23. The sealing member C-134 may be elongated between the pair of spacers C-23, and may be integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the tube C-41 at the ends thereof.

The housing C-40 may be formed by insert injection molding and may be formed of the second molding material C-100. The housing C-40 may include a tube C-41. The housing C-40 may include an outer wall C-42. The housing C-40 may include an upper wall C-43. The housing C-40 may include a latch C-415.

The tube C-41 may be formed of a second molding material C-100 formed by curing the first molding material C-100a introduced into the first channel C-101. The tube C-41 may have a cylindrical shape. The tube C-41 may have an insertion space C-44 formed therein having two opposite sides of the opening. The insertion space C-44 may have a cylindrical shape. The insertion space C-44 may be formed to be elongated in the up-down direction. The upper side of the insertion space C-44 may communicate with the outside. The lower side of the insertion space C-44 may be covered by the first cover C-20.

Tube C-41 may be coupled to heater assembly C-HA by insert injection molding. The first plate C-21 may block the lower portion of the tube C-41. The first plate C-21 may separate the insertion space C-44 and the space C-234 from each other.

The tube C-41 may be integrally connected to the sealing member C-134 insert injection molded into the space C-234. The tube C-41 may be integrally connected to the sealing member C-134 through a portion of the space C-234 that is open outward from the cap C-20.

The heater body C-11 and the heater tip C-12 may be disposed in the insertion space C-44. The cigarette may be inserted into the insertion space C-44 and the heater C-10 may penetrate the lower portion of the cigarette. Heater C-10 may be operated to heat the cigarette. The lower end portion C-13 of the heater C-10, the first lead C-161, and the second lead C-162 may be exposed downward from the tube C-41.

The spacers C-23 may be recessed inward from the edges of the first plate C-21 and the edges of the second plate C-22. The sealing member C-134 may be insert injection molded between the edge of the first plate C-21 and the edge of the second plate C-22 at the outside of the spacer C-23, and may be integrally connected to the inner circumferential surface of the tube C-41.

The latch C-415 may be formed of the second molding material C-100, which is formed by curing the first molding material C-100a introduced into the latch groove C-105. The latch C-415 may be integrally formed with the tube C-41. The latch C-415 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the tube C-41 in a radially inward direction. The latch C-415 may cover and support an upper edge of the first plate C-21. The latch C-415 may extend in a circumferential direction along an upper edge of the first plate C-21. The latch C-415 may prevent upward movement of the heater assembly C-HA.

The first plate C-21 may be disposed between the latch C-415 and the sealing member C-134. The latch portion C-415 and the sealing member C-134 may fix the first plate C-21 in the up-down direction. The latch C-415 may provide a force to the first plate C-21 against deformation. The sealing member C-134 may provide a force to the first plate C-21 against deformation. The sealing member C-134 may provide a force to the second plate C-22 against deformation.

The upper wall C-43 may extend outwardly from the upper end of the tube C-41. The upper wall C-43 may be formed of the second molding material C-100, which is formed by curing the first molding material C-100a introduced into the second channel C-102. The upper wall C-43 may form an upper portion of the housing C-40.

The outer wall C-42 may extend downwardly from an end of the upper wall C-43. The outer wall C-42 may be formed of the second molding material C-100, which is formed by curing the first molding material C-100a introduced into the third channel C-103. The outer wall C-42 may form an outside surface of the housing C-40. The outer wall C-42 may be spaced apart from the tube C-41 in an outward direction. A space C-46 may be formed between the tube C-41 and the outer wall C-42.

The fixing members C-411 and C-412 may be insert injection molded into the fixing holes C-221 and C-222. The fixing members C-411 and C-412 may fill the fixing holes C-221 and C-222. The fixing members C-411 and C-412 may be integrally connected to the sealing member C-134. The fixing members C-411 and C-412 may provide the second plate C-22 with a force against deformation. The fixing members C-411 and C-412 may widen in a downward direction.

The first molding material C-100a may be introduced into the first fixing hole C-221. The first molding material C-100a introduced into the first fixing hole C-221 may be cured to form the second molding material C-100. The portion of the second molding material C-100 insert-injection-molded into the first fixing hole C-221 may also be referred to as a first fixing member C-411. The first fixing member C-411 may completely fill the first fixing hole C-221 to seal it. The first fixing member C-411 may be integrally connected to the sealing member C-134.

The first molding material C-100a may be introduced into the second fixing hole C-222. The first molding material C-100a introduced into the second fixing hole C-222 may be cured to form the second molding material C-100. The portion of the second molding material C-100 insert-injection-molded into the second fixing hole C-222 may also be referred to as a second fixing member C-412. The second fixing member C-412 may completely fill the second fixing hole C-222 to seal it. The first fixing member C-411 and the second fixing member C-412 may be integrally connected to each other.

The second fixing member C-412 may be caught by the periphery of the edge of the second plate C-22. The second fixing member C-412 may fix the periphery of the edge of the second plate C-22. The second fixing member C-412 may provide a force against the deformation to the second plate C-22. The second fixing member C-412 may prevent the periphery of the edge of the second plate C-22 from being thermally deformed downward.

Thus, gaps between components of the heater assembly C-HA may be completely filled. In addition, the gap between the housing C-40 and the heater assembly C-HA may be completely filled. In addition, foreign matter such as liquid can be prevented from leaking through the gap around the heater C-10.

In addition, the heater assembly C-HA may be stably fixed to the housing C-40 or supported by the housing C-40. In addition, the heater assembly C-HA can be prevented from thermal deformation when insert injection molding is performed or when the heater C-10 generates heat. In addition, the first and second leads C-161 and C-162 may be prevented from being twisted or disconnected from each other.

In addition, the process of assembling the heater assembly C-HA can be further simplified. In addition, the process of coupling the heater assembly C-HA and the case C-40 to each other can be further simplified.

Referring to fig. 46 to 48, the second cover C-30 may be coupled to the first cover C-20 while covering a lower portion of the first cover C-20. The second cap C-30 may be screwed to the lower portion of the first cap C-20. The second cover C-30 may support the lower portion of the first cover C-20 while contacting the lower portion of the first cover C-20. The second cover C-30 may support the lower end portion C-13 of the heater C-10 while covering the lower end portion. The second cover C-30 may support the rib C-261 while covering the rib C-261. The first cap C-20 may also be referred to as an inner cap C-20 or an upper cap C-20. The second cover C-30 may also be referred to as an outer cover C-30, a lower cover C-30, or a support cover C-30.

The second cover C-30 may include a cover bottom C-31 and a cover peripheral portion C-32. The cover bottom C-31 may have a disk shape. The cover bottom C-31 may cover a lower portion of the first cover C-20 from below. The cover bottom C-31 may support the lower end C-13 or the bottom C-13 of the heater C-10. The cover bottom C-31 may support the lower ends of the ribs C-261.

The fastening hole C-317 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the cover bottom C-31 is opened in the up-down direction. The fastening holes C-317 may be formed in plurality. The fastening holes C-317 may be formed in a pair, and each of the pair of fastening holes C-317 may be formed at a position corresponding to a corresponding one of the pair of screw holes C-27. The screw C-37 may be fastened into the threaded hole C-27 through the fastening hole C-317. The cover bottom C-31 may be fixed to the underside of the first cover C-20 by screws C-37.

The wire hole C-360 may be formed in such a manner that some portions of the cover bottom C-31 are opened. The wire hole C-360 may be formed at the center of the cover bottom C-31. The number of wire holes C-360 may correspond to the number of first and second leads C-161 and C-162. Each of the pair of first leads C-161 may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of wire holes C-360, and each of the pair of second leads C-162 may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of wire holes C-360. Leads C-161 and C-162 may pass through wire holes C-360 and may be exposed outside of second cover C-30.

The lid peripheral portion C-32 may extend upward from the edge of the lid bottom portion C-31. The cover peripheral portion C-32 may extend in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the cover bottom portion C-31. When the second cover C-30 is coupled to the first cover C-20, the cover peripheral portion C-32 may cover a lower portion of the first cover C-20 in the circumferential direction. The cover peripheral portion C-32 may surround or support the sides of the rib C-261.

Accordingly, the heater C-10 and the lower portion of the first cover C-20 exposed downward from the tube C-41 can be protected. In addition, the heater C-10 may be prevented from being separated downward by supporting or fixing the heater C-10. In addition, the thermal deformation of the first cover C-20 can be prevented.

Referring to fig. 49, the heater assembly C-HA (C-S1) may be formed by press-fitting the heater C-10 into the first cover C-20. Thereafter, the heater assembly C-HA may be inserted into the mold (C-S2). Thereafter, the molding material in a molten state may be injected into a mold in which the heater assembly C-HA is inserted (C-S3). Thereafter, the molding material may be cured, and the mold may be removed, whereby a housing C-40 (C-S4) with the heater assembly C-HA coupled thereto may be formed. Thereafter, the second cover C-30 may be coupled to the first cover C-20 (C-S5). The method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure may comprise at least one of steps S1 to S5.

Referring to fig. 31 to 49, an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: tube C-41; a first plate C-21 partitioning the inside of the tube C-41 to define an insertion space C-214; an elongated heater C-10 extending through the first plate C-21 such that one side of the heater is disposed in the insertion space C-44 and an opposite side of the heater is disposed in the sealed space C-234 positioned opposite the insertion space with respect to the first plate; and a sealing member C-134 which is fitted into the sealing space C-234.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, may include: a first plate C-21; a second plate C-22 disposed to face the first plate C-21; a first insertion hole C-214 formed in the first plate C-21; a second insertion hole C-224 formed in the second plate C-22 so as to be aligned with the first insertion hole C-214; a spacer C-23 disposed between the first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22 to support the first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22; a space C-234 defined by the first plate C-21, the second plate C-22, and the spacers C-23 and communicating with the first insertion holes C-214 and the second insertion holes C-224; a heater C-10 elongated to pass through the first and second insertion holes C-214 and C-224 such that one end thereof protrudes from the first plate C-21; and a sealing member C-134, which is fitted into the space C-234.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the space C-234 may be open to the outside between the first plate C-21 and the second plate C-22.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a tube C-41, an insertion space C-44 is formed in the tube C-41, the insertion space C-44 has an open side and an opposite side blocked by the first plate C-21, and the tube C-41 is integrally formed with the sealing member C-134 through an opening in the space C-234.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spacers C-23 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of spacers C-23 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other. Openings in the space C-234 may be formed between the plurality of spacers C-23.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spacers C-23 may be provided in a pair, and the pair of spacers C-23 may face each other with the space C-234 interposed therebetween.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of spacers C-23 may be elongated in one direction, and the sealing member C-134 may include a portion elongated in one direction between the pair of spacers C-23 and integrally formed with the tube C-41.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a latch portion C-415 integrally formed with the tube C-41. The latch C-415 may protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the tube C-41 toward the insertion space C-44, and may extend along the circumference of the first plate C-21 to cover the upper edge of the first plate C-21.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the spacer C-23 may be recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the first plate C-21 and the outer circumferential surface of the second plate C-22, and the sealing member C-134 may include a portion interposed between the edge of the first plate C-21 and the edge of the second plate C-22 outside the spacer C-23 and integrally formed with the tube C-41.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second plate C-22 may have fixing holes C-221 and C-222 formed to be opened so as to communicate with two opposite sides of the space C-234, and the aerosol generating device may further include fixing members C-411 and C-412 fitted into the fixing holes C-221 and C-222 and integrally formed with the sealing member C-134.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing members C-411 and C-412 may widen in a direction moving away from the sealing member C-134.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing members C-411 and C-412 may include a first fixing member C-411 integrally connected to the sealing member C-134, and a second fixing member C-412 spaced apart from the sealing member C-134 and having a width greater than that of the first fixing member C-411.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a rib C-261 protruding downward from the second plate C-22 and extending in one direction to support the second plate C-22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rib C-261 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of ribs C-261 may be provided opposite to each other with respect to the second insertion hole C-224.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rib C-261 may extend in the circumferential direction along the circumference of the second plate C-22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the rib C-261 may be inserted into a recess formed in the mold during insert injection molding.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a positioning portion C-262 formed at an end of the rib C-261 so as to be inclined and slid in the mold to be inserted therein to guide the first plate C-21, the second plate C-22 and the heater C-10 to the correct positions in the mold.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a lower cover C-30 coupled to the lower side of the second plate C-22 and supporting the lower end of the heater C-10.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a pair of ribs C-261 protruding downward from the second plate C-22, extending along the circumference of the second plate C-22, and disposed opposite to each other with respect to the second insertion hole C-224. The lower cover C-30 may support the ribs C-261.

The certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the above-disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other in configuration or function.

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

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 specifically, various variations and modifications of the constituent components and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement are possible 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

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

A tube;

a first plate dividing an interior of the tube to define an insertion space;

an elongated heater extending through the first plate such that one side of the heater is disposed in the insertion space and an opposite side of the heater is disposed in a sealed space positioned opposite the insertion space with respect to the first plate; and

and a sealing member fitted into the sealing space.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is connected with the tube.

3. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

a cover including the first plate, and having the sealed space formed therein,

wherein the cap is coupled to the tube.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the cap comprises an open lateral side leading to the sealed space and at least one inlet aperture formed at the open lateral side to allow the sealing member and the tube to be connected to each other therethrough.

5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein the cap comprises:

A first cover including the first plate including a heater insertion hole through which the heater passes, wherein a lower portion of the first cover defines an upper side of the sealed space; and

a second cover coupled to the first cover, wherein an upper portion of the second cover defines an underside of the sealed space.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the first cover comprises a first peripheral portion extending downwardly from the first plate to define at least a portion of a side of the sealed space.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the first cover includes a support rod that protrudes inward from the first peripheral portion toward the sealed space to support a side portion of the heater and separates the heater from the first peripheral portion to form a gap in the sealed space, and

wherein the sealing member is fitted into the gap formed in the sealing space to fix the heater.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein an inclined support guide is formed at an end of the support rod to guide the heater into the heater insertion hole.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the support rod is one of a plurality of support rods arranged to be spaced apart from each other along an inner periphery of the first peripheral portion, and

wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a non-circular flange protruding outwardly from the heater and supported by the plurality of support rods.

10. The aerosol-generating device of claim 5, wherein the second cover comprises:

a second plate defining an underside of the sealed space and configured to support the heater; and

and a second peripheral portion extending upward from the second plate to define a side portion of the sealed space.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one inlet aperture is formed at the second peripheral portion.

12. The aerosol-generating device of claim 5, further comprising:

a hook hole formed in the second cover; and

a hook protruding from the first cover and configured to engage with the hook hole to couple the first cover with the second cover,

Wherein a gap is formed between the hook hole and the hook engaged with the hook hole, and the sealing member and the tube are connected to each other through the gap.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the tube comprises a latch portion protruding inwardly from an inner peripheral surface of the tube toward the insertion space, and

wherein the latch covers an upper edge of the cover.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the cap comprises a downwardly projecting locating projection, and

wherein the positioning protrusion is configured to engage with a recess formed in an injection mold to guide the cover to a correct position in the injection mold,

wherein the positioning projection is one of a plurality of positioning projections each having a different shape,

wherein the locating projection is tapered.

15. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the cap comprises a locating recess at a lower portion of the cap, the locating recess being configured to engage with a protrusion formed in an injection mould to guide the cap into a correct position in the injection mould.