CN118102906A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a tube having an insertion space defined therein, the insertion space being elongated in a longitudinal direction; a base plate configured to cover an outer wall of one side of the tube; and a coupling configured to couple the tube and the base plate to each other.

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 aerosol generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-described problems and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the use efficiency of a space where a substrate is mounted.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to improve the structural stability of a substrate.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to improve the accuracy of sensors mounted in a substrate.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device mounted with a plurality of sensors performing independent functions.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a plurality of sensors are mounted so as not to interfere with each other.

Technical proposal

The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-described problems and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to improve the use efficiency of a space where a substrate is mounted.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to improve the structural stability of a substrate.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to improve the accuracy of sensors mounted in a substrate.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device mounted with a plurality of sensors performing independent functions.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a plurality of sensors are mounted so as not to interfere with each other.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use efficiency of the space where the substrate is mounted may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the structural stability of the substrate may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the accuracy of the sensor mounted in the substrate may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device may be provided that is mounted with a plurality of sensors that perform independent functions.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device may be provided in which a plurality of sensors are mounted so as not to interfere with each other.

Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the 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

Fig. 1 to 9 are diagrams 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 the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

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

In addition, 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 rather unclear. In addition, the drawings are provided only for better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Accordingly, the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various 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 an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

As used herein, the singular is also intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating device 100 may comprise at least one of a battery 10, a controller 20, a heater 30, or a cartridge 40. At least one of the battery 10, the controller 20, the heater 30, or the cartridge 40 may be disposed in the body 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100.

An insertion space 54 (see fig. 3) may be defined in the body 110. The rod 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54 (see fig. 3). The heater 30 may be disposed around the insertion space 54 (see fig. 3). The heater 30 may heat the insertion space or the rod 200 (see fig. 3) inserted into the insertion space 54.

Referring to fig. 1, the battery 10, the controller 20, the cartridge 40, and the heater 30 may be arranged in a row. Referring to fig. 2, the cartridge 40 and the heater 30 may be disposed in parallel with each other to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

The battery 10 may supply power to operate at least one of the controller 20, the heater 30, or the cartridge 40. The battery 10 may provide the power required to drive a display, sensor, motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 100.

The controller 20 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 20 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 30, or the cartridge 40. The controller 20 may control the operation of a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 20 may examine the status of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 to determine if the aerosol-generating device 100 is in an operational state.

The heater 30 may generate heat using electric power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 30 may heat the rod 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

The cartridge 40 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 40 may be delivered to a user via a wand 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100. The cartridge 40 or the heater 30 may not be included in the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to fig. 3, the cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to the main body 110. The cartridge 40 may be disposed parallel to the tube 50 and/or the insertion space 54. A partition wall 111 may be provided between the tube 50 and the cartridge 40 to separate the tube 50 and the cartridge 40 from each other. The partition wall 111 may be formed to be elongated in the vertical direction. The cartridge 40 may be disposed parallel to the partition wall 111.

The cartridge 40 may have a first chamber C1 therein. The liquid may be stored in the first chamber C1. The cartridge 40 may have a second chamber C2 therein. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the first chamber C1.

The core 451 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The core 451 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The core 451 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heating coil 452 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heating coil 452 may be wound around the core 451. The heating coil 452 may heat the core 451. When the heating coil 452 heats the core 451 having the liquid received therein, aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

The cartridge 40 may have a first inlet 441. The first inlet 441 may be formed in such a manner that the upper end of the cartridge 40 is opened. The first inlet 441 may communicate with the outside of the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 may have a second inlet 442. The second inlet 442 may be formed in such a manner that one side of the second chamber C2 is open, and may communicate with the second chamber C2. The inflow channel 443 may allow the first inlet 441 and the second inlet 442 to communicate with each other. The inflow channel 443 may be located between the first inlet 441 and the second inlet 442. The inflow channel 443 may extend vertically from the first inlet 441 to the second inlet 442. The inflow passage 443 may be formed in parallel with the first chamber C1. The cartridge 40 may have an outlet 444. The outlet 444 may be formed in such a way that a portion of the second chamber C2 is open, and may allow the second chamber C2 to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 40. The outlet 444 may be located opposite the second inlet 442 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110, the outlet 444 may be connected to the connection channel 53.

The tube 50 may be coupled to the interior of the body 110. The insertion space 54 may be defined as elongated in the tube 50. The tube 50 may surround the insertion space 54. The tube 50 may be elongated in a vertical direction. The tube 50 may be disposed parallel to the partition wall 111. The tube 50 may be disposed parallel to the barrel 40.

The insertion space 54 may be elongated in a vertical direction. The insertion space 54 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the insertion space 54 may be opened to communicate with the outside. The lower end of the insertion space 54 may communicate with the connection passage 53. The connection passage 53 may allow the outlet 444 and the lower end of the insertion space 54 to communicate with each other. The connection passage 53 may be located below the insertion space 54. The connection passage 53 may be located below the partition wall 111. The rod 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 54 and may protrude to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100.

The user can inhale air in a state where the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 54 is held in the mouth. Air may be introduced into the cartridge 40 through the first inlet 441. Air may sequentially pass through the first inlet 441, the inflow channel 443, the second inlet 442, the second chamber C2, the outlet 444, and the connection channel 53, and then may be supplied to the rod 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. Air may pass through the second chamber C2 together with the aerosol. Both air and aerosol may pass through the wand 200 and may then be provided to a user.

The upper case 120 may cover an upper portion of the body 110 so as to surround the upper portion of the body 110. The upper housing 120 may cover the cartridge 40. The upper housing 120 may cover the tube 50 and the insertion space 54. The upper housing 120 may be detachably coupled to the main body 110. The insertion hole 124 may be formed in such a manner that an upper portion of the upper housing 120 is opened. The insertion hole 124 may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening in the insertion space 54. The insertion hole 124 may communicate with the insertion space 54. The cap 123 may be movably mounted on an upper portion of the upper housing 120. The cap 123 may be moved to open or close the insertion hole 124. Accordingly, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the insertion space 54 from the outside, and the aerosol-generating device 100 can be protected.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the tube 50 may include a first tube portion 51 and a second tube portion 52. The first and second pipe portions 51 and 52 may be coupled to each other. For example, the first tube portion 51 may be coupled to an upper side of the second tube portion 52. The first pipe portion 51 may surround an upper portion of the insertion space 54. The first tube portion 51 may be upwardly open. The second tube portion 52 may surround a lower portion of the insertion space 54. The connection passage 53 may be formed in the second pipe portion 52.

The first coupling 513 and 523 may couple the first pipe portion 51 and the second pipe portion 52 to each other. The first coupling members 513 and 523 may include a first coupling hole 513 and a first coupling protrusion 523. The first coupling protrusion 523 may be inserted into the first coupling hole 513 to couple the first and second pipe portions 51 and 52 to each other. The first coupling protrusion 523 may be coupled to the first coupling hole 513 in a snap-fit manner so as not to be separated therefrom.

For example, the first coupling hole 513 may be formed in the first pipe portion 51, and the first coupling protrusion 523 may be formed at the second pipe portion 52. In another example, the first coupling hole 513 may be formed in the second pipe portion 52, and the first coupling protrusion 523 may be formed at the first pipe portion 51. Each of the first coupling holes 513 and the first coupling protrusions 523 may be provided in pairs. The pair of first coupling holes 513 and the pair of first coupling protrusions 523 may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other.

The heater 30 may surround an upper portion of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater 30 may be fixed to the inside of the first tube portion 51 of the tube 50. The heater 30 may extend in the circumferential direction along the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe portion 51. The heater 30 may heat the upper portion of the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may be located at a height corresponding to a medium included in the rod 200 inserted into the insertion space 54. The heater 30 may heat the medium in the wand 200.

The lower end of the heater 30 may be supported by the second pipe portion 52. An inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the first pipe portion 51 may protrude inward to cover the upper end of the heater 30. The first pipe portion 51 and the second pipe portion 52 may be coupled to each other by first coupling members 513 and 523. Therefore, the convenience of assembly can be improved, and the heater 30 can be stably positioned.

A first sensor that senses a change in its surrounding capacitance may be mounted in the first substrate 61. The first substrate 61 may cover one side of the tube 50. The first substrate 61 may face the insertion space 54. The first substrate 61 may be disposed to face the lower portion of the insertion space 54 at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the insertion space 54. When the rod 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54, the first substrate 61 may face the lower portion of the rod 200. The first substrate 61 may be disposed under the heater 30. The first substrate 61 may be bent in the first bending direction BD1 to surround the outer circumference of one side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature (see fig. 6).

The first substrate 61 may be adjacent to the partition wall 111 and/or the cartridge 40. The first substrate 61 may face the lower portion of the partition wall 111. The first substrate 61 may be disposed between the tube 50 and the partition wall 111. The first substrate 61 may be disposed between the tube 50 and the cartridge 40. The first substrate 61 may face a lower portion of the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 40. One surface of the first substrate 61 may face the insertion space 54, and the other surface of the first substrate 61 may face the cartridge 40.

A second sensor that senses a change in inductance therearound may be mounted in the second substrate 70. The second substrate 70 may cover the other side of the tube 50. The second substrate 70 may face the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be elongated in a vertical direction along the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be formed to be longer than the first substrate 61 in the vertical direction. The second substrate 70 may cover upper and lower portions of the other side of the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be bent in the second bending direction BD2 to surround the outer circumference of the other side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature (see fig. 8).

The second substrate 70 may be located farther from the cartridge 40 than the first substrate 61. The second substrate 70 may be adjacent to an inner surface of the body 110. The second substrate 70 may be disposed between the body 110 and the tube 50.

The first substrate 61 may cover an outer wall of a portion of the tube 50, and the second substrate 70 may cover an outer wall of another portion of the tube 50. The first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may include portions that do not overlap each other. Alternatively, the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may be formed such that regions thereof which do not overlap each other are larger than regions thereof which overlap each other.

For example, the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the insertion space 54. The first substrate 61 may cover an outer circumferential surface of one side of the tube 50, and the second substrate 70 may cover an outer circumferential surface of the other side of the tube 50. The first substrate 61 may face the outer circumference of one side of the insertion space 54, and the second substrate 70 may face the outer circumference of the other side of the insertion space 54.

For example, the second substrate 70 may be vertically disposed in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may cover an outer circumferential surface of an upper portion of the tube 50, and the first substrate 61 may be disposed under the second substrate 70 to cover an outer circumferential surface of a lower portion of the tube 50. The second substrate 70 may face an upper side of the insertion space 54, and the first substrate 61 may face a lower portion of the insertion space 54.

Accordingly, the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 may be prevented from interfering with each other, and the function of the first substrate 61 and the function of the second substrate 70 may be separated from each other. In addition, the sensing accuracy may be improved according to the functions inherent to the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70. Hereinafter, the function of the sensor will be described.

The first substrate 61 may detect a change in capacitance to detect a change in the surrounding environment. The first substrate 61 may be referred to as a capacitive sensor. The change in capacitance may occur according to a change in the state of an object near the first substrate 61.

For example, in the case where the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54, the degree of humidification in the lower portion of the stick 200 may vary according to the degree of use thereof, and thus, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 may vary. Accordingly, the first substrate 61 may detect the extent to which the stick 200 is used.

For example, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 when the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54 and the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 when the stick 200 is not inserted into the insertion space 54 may be different from each other. Accordingly, the first substrate 61 may detect whether the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54.

For example, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 when the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110 and the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 when the cartridge 40 is not coupled to the body 110 may be different from each other. Accordingly, the first substrate 61 may detect whether the cartridge 40 is coupled to the main body 110.

For example, the capacitance sensed by the first substrate 61 may vary according to the amount of liquid remaining in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 40. Accordingly, the first substrate 61 can detect the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge 40.

The second substrate 70 may detect a change in the surrounding environment based on the change in inductance. The second substrate 70 may be referred to as an inductive sensor. The change in inductance may occur according to a change in an object near the second substrate 70. For example, the inductance of the second substrate 70 when the rod 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54 and the inductance of the second substrate 70 when the rod 200 is not inserted into the insertion space 54 may be different from each other. Accordingly, the second substrate 70 may detect whether the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 54.

For example, depending on its internal mass, the change in inductance of the second substrate 70 in the case of a particular rod may be different from the change in inductance of the second substrate 70 in the case of another rod. Accordingly, the second substrate 70 may detect whether a specific stick is inserted into the insertion space 54. Alternatively, the second substrate 70 may detect which type of rod is inserted into the insertion space 54 based on a change in inductance caused by inserting the rod into the insertion space 54.

For example, the inductance of the second substrate 70 may vary depending on whether the upper case 120, which may be detachably mounted to the main body 110, is mounted to the main body 110. Accordingly, the second substrate 70 may detect whether the upper case 120 is mounted to the main body 110.

The first substrate 61 may be more suitable for detecting the extent to which the wand 200 is used or the amount of liquid remaining in the cartridge 40. The second substrate 70 may be more suitable for detecting a particular type of stick or mounting of the upper housing 120.

The functions of the first substrate 61 and the second substrate 70 are not limited to the above-described functions. The first substrate 61 or the second substrate 70 may be used in various other ways as long as it can determine the state of the surrounding environment by causing a change in capacitance or a change in inductance by nearby elements. To this end, a lookup table indicating the capacitance values sensed by the first substrate 61 and the change of the surrounding environment corresponding thereto may be stored in the memory. Alternatively, a lookup table indicating the inductance value sensed by the second substrate 70 and the change of the surrounding environment corresponding thereto may be stored in the memory.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the tube 50 may have an insertion recess 524 formed therein. The insertion recess 524 may be formed in such a manner that an outer circumferential surface of one side of the tube 50 is recessed or recessed toward the insertion space 54. An insertion recess 524 may be formed in one side of the second tube portion 52. The first substrate 61 may be inserted into the insertion recess 524. The first substrate 61 may be fixed to an insertion recess 524 in the tube 50.

The first substrate 61 may be implemented as a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB), and may have a shape of a flexible film. The first substrate 61 may cover an outer circumferential surface of one side of the tube 50 with a predetermined curvature. The first substrate 61 may be disposed to cover the outer circumferential surface of the second pipe portion 52. The first substrate 61 may be bent with a predetermined curvature in the first bending direction BD1 along an outer circumference of one side of the insertion space 54.

The insertion recess 524 may be formed in one side of the tube 50 to be bent with a predetermined curvature in the first bending direction BD1 along the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50. The first substrate 61 may be extended to have a shape corresponding to the insertion recess 524. The first substrate 61 may be bent in the first bending direction BD1 to surround an outer circumferential surface of one side of the tube 50 with a predetermined curvature. The first substrate 61 may surround the outer circumference of one side of the insertion space 54 with a predetermined curvature.

The elastic member 62 may cover the first substrate 61. The elastic member 62 may seal the insertion recess 524. The resilient member 62 may be flexible. The elastic member 62 may be bent around the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50 with a predetermined curvature in the first bending direction BD1, and may be in close contact with the periphery of the insertion recess 524. For example, the elastic member 62 may be made of rubber or silicone, and thus may be elastic.

The frame portion 525 may be formed to surround the periphery of the first substrate 61 inserted into the insertion recess 524. The frame portion 525 may protrude from the outer circumference of the insertion recess 524. An edge of one surface of the elastic member 62 may be in close contact with one surface of the frame portion 525. One surface of the first substrate 61 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50 at a position inside the insertion recess 524, and the other surface of the first substrate 61 may be in contact with the elastic member 62.

The cover 63 may cover the first substrate 61. The cover 63 may cover the insertion recess 524. The cover 63 may be in close contact with the elastic member 62. The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the first substrate 61 and the cover 63. The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the insertion recess 524 and the cover 63. The elastic member 62 may be in close contact with the cover 63 and the frame portion 525, thereby sealing the insertion recess 524.

The cover 63 may surround the outer circumferential surface of one side of the tube 50 with a predetermined curvature. The cover 63 may have a shape curved with a predetermined curvature along an outer circumferential surface of one side of the tube 50. The cover 63 may be bent around the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50 in the first bending direction BD 1.

The cap 63 and the tube 50 may be coupled to each other by means of second coupling members 527 and 634. Each of the second coupling members 527 and 634 may be disposed in pairs at positions corresponding to both ends of the cover 63 in the first bending direction BD 1. The second coupling members 527 and 634 may include a second coupling hole 634 and a second coupling protrusion 527. The second coupling protrusion 527 may be inserted into the second coupling hole 634 to couple the cover 63 and the tube 50 to each other. The second coupling protrusion 527 may be coupled to the second coupling hole 634 in a snap-fit manner so as not to be separated therefrom.

For example, the second coupling hole 634 may be formed in the cover 63, and the second coupling protrusion 527 may be formed at the tube 50. In another example, the second coupling hole 634 may be formed in the tube 50, and the second coupling protrusion 527 may be formed at the cover 63. Each of the second coupling holes 634 and the second coupling protrusions 527 may be provided in pairs. A pair of second coupling holes 634 and a pair of second coupling protrusions 527 may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other. A pair of second coupling holes 634 may be formed in both ends of the cover 63 in the first bending direction BD 1. A pair of second coupling protrusions 527 may be formed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the insertion space 54.

Accordingly, the first substrate 61 may be disposed closer to the insertion space 54, or may have an increased sensing area, so that the accuracy of the sensor may be improved. Further, the use efficiency of the space in which the first substrate 61 is mounted can be improved. Further, the first substrate 61 can be protected from external foreign substances or liquid, and structural stability thereof can be improved.

Referring to fig. 7 to 9, the first substrate 61 may cover one side of the tube 50. The second substrate 70 may cover the other side of the tube 50.

The second substrate 70 may be implemented as an FPCB, and may have a shape of a flexible film. The second sensor mounted in the second substrate 70 may be an inductive sensor, and may be formed in the shape of at least one coil inside the FPCB. The second substrate 70 may cover the outer circumferential surface of the other side of the tube 50 with a predetermined curvature. The second substrate 70 may cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second pipe portions 51 and 52. The second substrate 70 may be elongated in a vertical direction, and may have a shape of a film bent at a predetermined curvature in a circumferential direction along an outer circumference of the other side of the insertion space 54. The second substrate 70 may be bent around the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50 in the second bending direction BD 2.

The second base plate 70 may be coupled to the tube 50. The second substrate 70 may include a portion attached to the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50 by means of an adhesive member. For example, the adhesive member may be a piece of double-sided tape, one surface of which is attached to the second substrate 70, and the other surface of which is attached to the outer wall of the tube 50.

The third coupling 517 and 74 may couple the tube 50 and the second base plate 70 to each other. The third coupling members 517 and 74 may include a third coupling protrusion 517 and a third coupling hole 74. The third coupling protrusion 517 may be inserted into the third coupling hole 74 to couple the second base plate 70 and the tube 50 to each other. The third coupling protrusion 517 may be coupled to the third coupling hole 74 in a snap-fit manner so as not to be separated therefrom.

A coupling hole 74 may be formed in each of the corner portions of the second substrate 70. A pair of coupling holes 74 may be formed in each of the upper and lower ends of the second substrate 70. The coupling hole 74 may include a pair of upper coupling holes 74a. A pair of upper coupling holes 74a may be formed in two opposite corners of the upper end of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD 2. The coupling hole 74 may include a pair of lower coupling holes 74b. A pair of lower coupling holes 74b may be formed in two opposite corners of the lower end of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD 2. For example, four coupling holes 74 may be formed.

A plurality of coupling protrusions 517 may be formed at positions corresponding to the coupling holes 74. The coupling protrusion 517 may include a pair of upper coupling protrusions 517a formed at positions corresponding to the pair of upper coupling holes 74 a. The coupling protrusion 517 may include a pair of lower coupling protrusions 517b formed at positions corresponding to the pair of lower coupling holes 74 b. The pair of upper coupling protrusions 517a may be formed opposite to each other with respect to the insertion space 54, and the pair of lower coupling protrusions 517b may be formed opposite to each other with respect to the insertion space 54. For example, four coupling protrusions 517 may be formed. The coupling protrusion 517 may be formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50. The coupling protrusion 517 may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the first tube part 51.

The coupling protrusion 517 may have a hook shape. The coupling protrusion 517 may be elastic. The coupling protrusion 517 may include a protruding portion 5171 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50 in the radial direction. The protruding portion 5171 may be inclined around one end thereof, which is supported by the outer circumferential surface of the tube 50. The coupling protrusion 517 may include a curved portion 5172 curved and extended from a distal end of the protruding portion 5171 in a direction opposite to the second substrate 70. When the coupling protrusion 517 is inserted into the coupling hole 74, the coupling protrusion 517 may be prevented from being separated from the coupling hole 74 due to its hook shape.

When the second substrate 70 is coupled to the pipe 50, two opposite ends of the second substrate 70 in the second bending direction BD2 may cover two opposite ends of the cover 63 in the first bending direction BD 1. The second base plate 70 may cover the second coupling members 527 and 634 at both opposite ends in the second bending direction BD 2.

One surface of the first pipe portion 51 may be recessed in a radially inward direction in a shape corresponding to the second base plate 70. The second substrate 70 may be bent at a predetermined curvature to cover one surface of the first pipe portion 51.

The support portions 518 may protrude from outer surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the tube 50 to support the upper and lower ends of the second substrate 70. A pair of support portions 518 may be formed on upper and lower ends of the concave surface of the first pipe portion 51. The support portion 518 may protrude from the outer surface of the first pipe portion 51 in a radial direction. The support portion 518 may extend in the circumferential direction or the second bending direction BD 2. The support portion 518 may support upper and lower ends of the second substrate 70 coupled to the tube 50. Accordingly, the second substrate 70 may be prevented from being separated in the vertical direction.

One of the support portions 518 at the upper side may be referred to as a first support portion. And the other of the support portions 518 at the lower side may be referred to as a second support portion. The first support portion may protrude from an upper end of one side of the tube. The first support portion may extend in a direction of a curved shape of the substrate to support an upper end of the substrate. The second support portion may protrude from a lower end of one side of the tube. The second support portion may extend in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the lower end of the substrate.

Accordingly, the second substrate 70 can be stably fixed to the tube 50. Further, the second substrate 70 can be prevented from being separated or detached from the tube 50 by being spread due to the deterioration of the adhesive strength of the adhesive member. In addition, accuracy of sensing the second substrate 70 inserted into the space 54 can be improved. Further, the sensing area of the second substrate 70 may be increased.

Referring to fig. 1 to 9, an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a tube having an insertion space defined therein, the insertion space being elongated in a longitudinal direction; a base plate configured to cover an outer wall of one side of the tube; and a coupling configured to couple the tube and the base plate to each other.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the substrate may have a shape of a film bent with a predetermined curvature, and surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the one side of the tube.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the coupling may include: coupling holes at upper and lower ends of the substrate with respect to a direction of a curved shape of the substrate; and a coupling protrusion protruding from the pipe at a position corresponding to the coupling hole to be inserted into the coupling hole, thereby coupling the pipe and the base plate to each other.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the base plate may vertically extend along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space to be disposed at a height corresponding to the insertion space, and wherein the coupling hole may include: a pair of upper coupling holes at two opposite corners of the upper end of the base plate; and a pair of lower coupling holes at two opposite corners of the lower end of the base plate.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the coupling protrusions may have a hook shape.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein each of the coupling protrusions may include: a protruding portion protruding in a radially outward direction of the tube; and a curved portion curved and extended from a distal end of the protruding portion in a direction opposite to the substrate.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a first support portion protruding from an upper end of the one side of the tube and extending in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the upper end of the substrate; and a second supporting portion protruding from a lower end of the one side of the tube and extending in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the lower end of the substrate.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may have a first sensor mounted therein to sense a change in inductance around the substrate.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a second substrate disposed opposite to the substrate with respect to the insertion space to cover an outer wall of the other side of the tube, and having a second sensor installed therein to sense a change in capacitance around the second substrate.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may have a surface attached to the outer wall of the tube via an adhesive member.

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

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

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

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

A tube having an insertion space defined therein, the insertion space being elongated in a longitudinal direction;

a base plate configured to cover an outer wall of one side of the tube; and

A coupling configured to couple the tube and the base plate to each other.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has the shape of a membrane bent with a predetermined curvature and surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the one side of the tube.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the coupling comprises:

Coupling holes at upper and lower ends of the substrate with respect to a direction of a curved shape of the substrate; and

And a coupling protrusion protruding from the pipe at a position corresponding to the coupling hole to be inserted into the coupling hole, thereby coupling the pipe and the base plate to each other.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the base plate extends vertically along the longitudinal direction of the insertion space to be disposed at a height corresponding to the insertion space, and

Wherein the coupling hole includes:

a pair of upper coupling holes at two opposite corners of the upper end of the base plate; and

A pair of lower coupling holes located at two opposite corners of the lower end of the base plate.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein each of the coupling projections has a hook shape.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein each of the coupling projections comprises:

a protruding portion protruding in a radially outward direction of the tube; and

And a curved portion curved and extended from a distal end of the protruding portion in a direction opposite to the substrate.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, the aerosol-generating device further comprising:

A first support portion protruding from an upper end of the one side of the tube and extending in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the upper end of the substrate; and

And a second support portion protruding from a lower end of the one side of the tube and extending in a direction of the curved shape of the substrate to support the lower end of the substrate.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has a first sensor mounted therein to sense a change in inductance around the substrate.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8,

Wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

A second substrate disposed opposite to the substrate with respect to the insertion space to cover an outer wall of the other side of the tube, the second substrate having a second sensor installed therein to sense a change in capacitance around the second substrate.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has a surface attached to the outer wall of the tube via an adhesive member.