WO2023195770A1

WO2023195770A1 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023195770A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/004595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hwikyeong AN
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2022-04-06
Filing date: 2023-04-05
Publication date: 2023-10-12

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes: a body formed to provide an insertion space; a heater; a button hole formed at the body and a button key disposed in the button hole; a bracket frame disposed in the body and disposed at a rear of the button key; a substrate coupled to the bracket frame and disposed between the bracket frame and the button key; an actuator coupled to the substrate and disposed between the button key and the substrate; a sealing cap disposed between the bracket frame and the button key, and covering the substrate and the actuator; and a sealing frame disposed between the sealing cap and an inner surface of the body, and surrounding a periphery of the sealing cap, wherein the sealing cap is in contact with the bracket frame and the sealing frame, and the sealing frame is in contact with the sealing cap and the inner surface of the body.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by producing an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various research on aerosol generating devices has been conducted.

It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device with improved waterproof performance.

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device with improved durability.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device with improved usability in a dark environment.

The objectives of the present disclosure are not limited to the objectives described above, and other objectives not stated herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes: an elongated body formed to provide an insertion space; a heater adjacent to the insertion space; a button hole formed at the body and a button key disposed in the button hole, wherein the button key is operable in connection with a function of the aerosol generating device; a bracket frame disposed in the body and disposed at a rear of the button key; a substrate coupled to the bracket frame and disposed between the bracket frame and the button key; an actuator coupled to the substrate and disposed between the button key and the substrate; a sealing cap disposed between the bracket frame and the button key and covering the substrate and the actuator; and a sealing frame disposed between the sealing cap and an inner surface of the body and surrounding a periphery of the sealing cap, wherein the sealing cap is in contact with the bracket frame and the sealing frame, and wherein the sealing frame is in contact with the sealing cap and the inner surface of the body.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the waterproof performance of an aerosol generating device may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the durability of an aerosol generating device may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the usability of an aerosol generating device in a dark environment may be improved.

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

FIGS. 1 to 15 illustrate examples of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, a suffix such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.

In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents, and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

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.

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 10. The body 10 may be elongated. The body 10 may be formed in the shape of a pipe having a cavity therein. For example, the body 10 may have the shape of an elongated cuboid with rounded corners.

The body 10 may be open to at least one side from the cavity therein. For example, the body 10 may be open to both sides in a longitudinal direction from the cavity therein.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a head case 14 defining one side of the body 10. The head case 14 may cover one open side of the body 10. The head case 14 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the body 10. The body 10 may be cut to correspond to a shape of the head case 14. For example, the head case 14 may define a first end in the longitudinal direction of the body 10, and opposite side ends of the head case 14 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

The head case 14 may include a cap slot 15 in communication with an insertion space 12. A cross-sectional area of the cap slot 15 may be greater than a cross-sectional area of the insertion space 12. For example, the cap slot 15 may have a rectangular shape with a greater cross-sectional area than the insertion space 12 of a cylindrical shape.

A stick 200 may pass through the cap slot 15 to be inserted into the insertion space 12.

The head case 14 may further include a cap 16 disposed on the cap slot 15. The cap 16 may cover the insertion space 12. The cap 16 may move along the cap slot 15 to open and close the insertion space 12. For example, the cap 16 may open and close the insertion space 12 in a sliding manner.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cover 18 defining another side of the body 10. The another side may be opposite to the one side where the head case 14 is disposed. The another side may be a second end in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the head case 14 may be disposed at a first end portion in the longitudinal direction of the body 10, and the cover 18 may be disposed at a second end portion in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

The cover 18 may cover another open side of the body 10. The cover 18 may have the shape of a cross section of the body 10. A portion of the cover 18 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the cover 18 may cover the another open side of the body 10, and opposite side ends thereof may be bent to extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

An edge of the cover 18 may face an edge of the body 10. The body 10 may be cut into a shape corresponding to a shape of the cover 18. The cover 10 may prevent an inside of the body 10 from being exposed to the outside. A minute gap may be formed between the body 10 and the cover 18. For example, opposite side ends of the cover 18 may be bent and extend to form the another side of the body 10, and a portion of a lateral surface of the body 10 may be cut to correspond to the shape of the cover 18.

The aerosol generating device 100 may provide the insertion space 12. The insertion space 12 may be open at one side of the aerosol generating device 100. The stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 12. The insertion space 12 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the stick 200. For example, the insertion space 12 may have a cylindrical shape.

The insertion space 12 may communicate with the outside through the cap slot 15 of the head case 14. The insertion space 12 may be opened and closed by the cap 16 of the head case 14. For example, the insertion space 12 may be open when in use and covered by the cap 16 when not in use.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 6 coupled to the body 10. The heater 6 may heat the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may heat the stick 200 that is inserted into the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may heat the stick 200 to generate an aerosol. The heater 6 may be an electro-resistive heater. The heater 6 may be made of a conductive metal.

The heater 6 may protrude from a bottom of the insertion space 12 toward the open side of the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may have an elongated rod shape. The heater 6 may have a pointed top end (or tip). The stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 12, and the heater 6 may be inserted into the stick 200.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 2. The battery 2 may be disposed in the body 10. The battery 2 may supply power to the heater 6. The heater 6 may generate heat directly by using a current supplied from the battery 2. The battery 2 may supply power to a controller 4.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include the controller 4. The controller 4 may be disposed in the body 10. The battery 2, the controller 4, and the heater 6 may be arranged in a line. For example, the controller 4 may be disposed between the battery 2 and the heater 6.

The controller 4 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The controller 4 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 2 and the heater 6. The controller 4 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

A lower end of the stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 12, and an upper end of the stick 200 may be exposed to the outside from the insertion space 12. A user may inhale air while holding the exposed upper end of the stick 200 in his or her mouth. Air may be introduced into the aerosol generating device 100, and then flow together with an aerosol to the airway of the user.

The aerosol generating device may include a key assembly. The key assembly may include a button key 20. The key assembly may include a button hole 12 into which the button key 20 is inserted so as to allow the button key 20 to perform a reciprocating motion.

The button key 20 may be disposed on one surface of the body 10. The button hole 12 may be formed on one surface of the body 10. The button key 20 may be inserted into the button hole 12 to perform a reciprocating motion. For example, when the button key 20 is pressed, the button key 20 may move toward the inside of the body 10, and move to return to its original state.

The button key 20 and the button hole 12 may have shapes corresponding to each other. For example, the button key 20 and the button hole 12 may have rectangular shapes corresponding to each other. The button hole 12 and the button key 20 may be elongated to one side to thereby have a long axis and a short axis. The button hole 12 and the button key 20 may be configured to have the same horizontal length and vertical length. For example, the button hole 12 and the button key 20 may be a square.

Alternatively, the button hole 12 may not be provided, and the button key 20 may be formed on one side of the body 10. Here, the button key 20 may be integrally formed with the body 10 on one side of the body 10. The button key 20 may have elasticity.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, one side of the body 10 may be open to form the button hole 12. The button key 20 may be disposed on one side of the body 10. The button key 20 may be inserted into the button hole 12. The front of the button key 20 may have a shape corresponding to the button hole 12 to be inserted into the button hole 12, and the rear of the button key 20 may be disposed at the rear of the button hole 12 to be suspended on the body 10 in the vicinity of the button hole 12.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a substrate 64 disposed in the body 10. The substrate 64 may face the button key 20. The substrate 64 may be disposed at the rear of the button key 20. The substrate 64 may be disposed side by side with the button key 20 and/or the button hole 12. For example, the button hole 12, the button key 20, and the substrate 64 may be formed in a longitudinal direction. The substrate 64 may be configured such that the controller 4 is mounted thereto, or may be configured to be electrically connected to the controller 4. A user may press the button key 20 so as to transmit a signal to the substrate 64 and/or the controller 4. For example, when the button key 20 is pressed, the aerosol generating device 100 may be operated or stopped in operation.

The substrate 64 may have a plate shape. The substrate 64 may be bent in one direction. For example, the substrate 64 may be bent 180 degrees so that two sides thereof face each other.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include an actuator 62 connected to the substrate 64. The actuator 62 may be disposed between the button key 20 and the substrate 64. A first end of the actuator 62 may be coupled to the substrate 64, and a second end of the actuator 62 may be coupled to the button key 20. The first end and the second end may be opposite to each other. The substrate 64 may be electrically connected to the actuator 62 so as to receive a signal from the actuator 62. The actuator 62 may provide an elastic force from the substrate 64 to the button key 20. When the button key 20 moves rearward, namely, toward the inside of the body 10, the button key 20 may press the actuator 62 rearward, allowing the substrate 64 to detect a signal. The actuator 62 may restore the button key 20 to the front. For example, when the button key 20 presses the actuator 62 while being moved to the inside of the body 10, the actuator 62 may transmit a signal to the substrate 64, and may provide an elastic force that causes button key 20 to move back to an outside of the body 10.

The actuator 62 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a center of the button key 20. For example, a center of the actuator 62 may correspond to the center of the button key 20.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a recess 72 disposed in the body 10 and on which the substrate 64 and the actuator 62 are disposed. The recess 72 may be disposed on a rear side of the button key 20. The recess 72 may be spaced apart from the button key 20. The recess 72 may define a depth formed in the bracket frame 70 described hereinafter. The recess 72 may face the button key 20. For example, the recess 72 may be disposed on the rear side of the button key 20, and may face a rear surface of the button key 20.

The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a bracket frame 70 on which the substrate 64 is installed. The substrate 64 may be disposed between the bracket frame 70 and the button key 20. At least a portion of the substrate 64 may be fixed to the bracket frame 70.

The bracket frame 70 may be disposed in the body 10. The bracket frame 70 may face the button key 20. The bracket frame 70 may have a shape corresponding to the inside of the body 10. The bracket frame 70 may form a minute gap with the body 10.

The recess 72 may be formed in the bracket frame 70. The recess 72 may be formed in a direction from the button key 20 to the bracket frame 70. The bracket frame 70 may be recessed rearward to define the recess 72. A peripheral wall 74 may be formed at an edge of the recess 72. The substrate 64 may be in contact with the recess 72. The actuator 62 may be disposed to protrude forward, namely, in a direction toward the outside from the recess 72. For example, the actuator 62 protruding forward from the substrate 64 in contact with the recess 72 may come into contact with the button key 20.

The recess 72 may be formed such that the rear of the button key 20 is be inserted therein. A horizontal width t2 of the recess 72 may be greater than a horizontal width t1 of a rear surface of the button key 20. For example, when a user presses the button key 20, the rear of the button key 20 may be inserted into the recess 72, and accordingly, the actuator 62 may be compressed.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a sealing cap 30 disposed in the body 10. The sealing cap 30 may be disposed between the bracket frame 70 and the button key 20. The sealing cap 30 may be disposed between the button key 20 and the actuator 62. The sealing cap 30 may cover the actuator 62. The sealing cap 30 may cover the substrate 64.

The sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the bracket frame 70 and a sealing frame 40. One side of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the button key 20, and another side of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the actuator 62. The one side and the another side may be opposite to each other. For example, a front surface of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the rear surface of the button key 20, and a rear surface of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the actuator 62.

The sealing cap 30 may be disposed at the rear of the button key 20. The rear surface of the button key 20 may be in contact with the front surface of the sealing cap 30. One side of the actuator 62 may be in contact with the sealing cap 30 and another side of the actuator 62 may be coupled to the substrate 64. The button key 20 may be disposed at the front of the sealing cap 30 and the actuator 62. For example, when a user presses the button key 20 with pressure, the button key 20 may transmit pressure to the sealing cap 30 and the actuator 62 at the same time.

A center of the sealing cap 30 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a center of the button key 20. The center of the sealing cap 30 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a center of the actuator 62. The sealing cap 30, the button key 20, and the actuator 62 may be arranged in a line in a front-and-rear direction. For example, the center of the button key 20 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the actuator 62, and the center of the sealing cap 30 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the button key 20 and the actuator 62.

The sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the bracket frame 70. The sealing cap 30 may cover the recess 72 of the bracket frame 70. The sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the bracket frame 70 disposed adjacent to the recess 72. The sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the peripheral wall 74 formed at the edge of the recess 72. For example, an edge of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the peripheral wall 74 formed at the edge of the recess 72 so as to cover the recess 72.

The sealing cap 30 may be spaced forward from the recess 72. The actuator 62 and the substrate 64 may be disposed between the sealing cap 30 and the recess 72.

The sealing cap 30 may cover the substrate 64 and the actuator 72 disposed on the recess 72 of the bracket frame 70.

Accordingly, waterproof performance of the aerosol generating device may be improved.

The sealing cap 30 may have a shape corresponding to the recess 72, and may be larger than the recess 72. For example, an area of the sealing cap 30 may be greater than a longitudinal sectional area of the recess 72 of the bracket frame 70.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a sealing frame 40 connected to the sealing cap 30. The sealing frame 40 may be disposed between the sealing cap 30 and the body 10. The sealing frame 40 may be in contact with the sealing cap 30 and an inner surface of the body 10. For example, a front surface of the sealing frame 40 may be in contact with the inner surface of the body 10, and a rear surface of the sealing frame 40 may be in contact with an edge of the sealing cap 30.

The sealing frame 40 may extend along a periphery of the sealing cap 30. The sealing frame 40 may have a frame opening (no reference numeral) to which the sealing cap 30 is mounted. The frame opening may face the button key 20. The frame opening may be disposed at the rear of the button key 20. The frame opening may be larger than the rear surface of the button key 20. For example, as the frame opening is formed larger than the rear surface of the button key 20, the button key 20 may pass through the frame opening to move in a direction toward the bracket frame 70.

Referring to FIG. 5, the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the button key 20 and the actuator 62. For example, the front surface of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the button key 20, and the rear surface of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the actuator 62.

The sealing cap 30 may include a base 31 in contact with the bracket frame 70. The base 31 may be formed at an edge of the sealing cap 30. The base 31 may be in contact with the sealing frame 40. An edge of the base 31 may be coupled to a groove 44 of the sealing frame 40.

The sealing cap 30 may include a contactor 32 in contact with the button key 20. The contactor 32 may be configured such that a central portion of the sealing cap 30 may be spaced apart from the base 31. The contactor 32 may protrude forward from the base 31. The contactor 32 may be in contact with the rear surface of the button key 20. The contactor 32 may have a flat surface in contact with the rear surface of the button key 20. The contactor 32 may be provided at a position corresponding to the center of the sealing cap 30. A center of the contactor 32 may correspond to the center of the sealing cap 30.

The sealing cap 30 may include an inclined surface 34 that connects the contactor 32 and the base 31. The inclined surface 34 may be inclined inward of the sealing cap 30 toward the button key 20. The inclined surface 34 may be inclined forward toward the central portion of the sealing cap 30. For example, the inclined surface 34 may connect the contactor 32 that is disposed at the central portion of the sealing cap 30 and the base 31 that is disposed rearward relative to the contactor 32 to define the periphery of the sealing cap 30.

Accordingly, elasticity and a movement range of the sealing cap may be improved.

The sealing cap 30 may include a presser 33 in contact with the actuator 62. The presser 33 may apply pressure to the actuator 62. For example, when a user presses the button key 20, pressure may be applied to the sealing cap 30, and the presser 33 may transmit the pressure to the actuator 62.

The presser 33 may be opposite to the contactor 32. The presser 33 may protrude to the bracket frame 70 side, namely, rearward from the contactor 32. A portion of the contactor 32 may protrude to define the presser 33. The presser 33 may have a flat surface in contact with the actuator 62. The flat surface of the presser 33 may be smaller than a flat surface of the contactor 32. The presser 33 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the actuator 62. The presser 33 may be formed at a position corresponding to the center of the contactor 32. A center of the presser 33 may correspond to the center of the contactor 32. The presser 33 may be formed at a position corresponding to the center of the sealing cap 30.

The sealing cap 30 may have an edge in close contact with the bracket frame 70. The sealing cap 30 may include a rib 36 extending along the periphery of the sealing cap 30. The rib 36 may be formed at the edge of the sealing cap 30. The rib 36 may be formed on a rear surface of the base 31. The rib 36 may be disposed to be in contact with the bracket frame 70 that is adjacent to the recess 72. The rib 36 may be in contact with the peripheral wall 74 formed at the edge of the recess 72. The base 31 may be spaced apart from the bracket frame 70 by the rib 36.

Accordingly, a movement range of the sealing cap may be improved.

Thus, waterproof performance of the aerosol generating device may be improved.

The sealing frame 40 may be connected to the edge of the sealing cap 30. The groove 44 may correspond to the edge of the sealing cap 30. The edge of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the groove 44. For example, the sealing cap 30 may be disposed from a rear side of the sealing frame 40, and the edge of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the groove 44 formed in the sealing frame 40.

The sealing frame 40 may face the inner surface of the body 10. The sealing frame 40 may have a front surface facing the inner surface of the body 10. A front surface of the sealing frame 40 may be configured as a curved surface so as to correspond to an inner shape of the body 10. For example, the inner surface of the body 10 may be a curved surface having a shape concave forward, and the front surface of the sealing frame 40 may be a curved surface having a shape convex forward.

A gasket 50 may be disposed on the front surface of the sealing frame 40. The gasket 50 may be disposed between the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 may be in close contact with the sealing frame 40 and the inner surface of the body 10. For example, the gasket 50 may be disposed to be in contact with the front surface of the sealing frame 40 and the inner surface of the body 10.

A gap 17 may be formed between the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 may fill the gap 17 between the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 may have a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the gap 17 between the body 10 and the sealing frame 40.

The sealing frame 40 and the body 10 may be coupled by the gasket 50. The gasket 50 may fix the sealing frame 40 to the body 10. For example, the gasket 50 may be a double-sided adhesive member.

The body 10 may include a guide projection 14 in contact with an edge of the sealing frame 40. The guide projection 14 may protrude to the inside of the body 10. The guide projection 14 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a light source 66 coupled to the substrate 64. The light source 66 may be connected to the substrate 64 toward the button key 20, namely, toward the front. The light source 66 may be disposed at the recess 72. The light source 66 may be disposed adjacent to the actuator 62 that is coupled to the substrate 64. For example, the light source 66 may be disposed on the substrate 64 along a periphery of the actuator 62.

A single light source 66 may be provided in the form of covering the actuator 62. A plurality of light sources 66 may be provided. For example, four light sources 66 may be radially arranged with respect to the actuator 62.

The light source 66 may emit light using power supplied through the substrate 64. The light source 66 may receive power from the battery 2 through the substrate 64. The controller 4 may control the power supplied to the light source 66.

The sealing cap 30 may allow light to pass therethrough. For example, the sealing cap 30 may be made of a translucent material or a transparent material. Light emitted from the light source 66 may pass through the sealing cap 30, and may leak through a gap between the body 10 and the button key 20. For example, light that has passed through the sealing cap 30 may be diffracted through the gap between the body 10 and the button key 20 and then be emitted to the outside.

The button key 20 may allow light to pass therethrough. For example, the button key 20 may be made of a translucent material or a transparent material. Light emitted from the light source 66 may pass through the sealing cap 30 and the button key 20 and then be emitted to the outside.

Thus, a user may operate the aerosol generating device even in a dark environment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the button key 20 may be inserted into the button hole 12. The front of the button key 20 may have a shape corresponding to the button hole 12 to be inserted into the button hole 12. The rear of the button key 20 may be disposed at the rear of the button hole 12, so as to be put on the body 10 in the vicinity of the button hole 12. For example, a flange 22 of the button key 20 may be suspended on the body 10 in the vicinity of the button hole 12.

The button key 20 may include the flange 12 that extends from a periphery of the button key 20. The flange 22 may extend along the periphery of the button key 20. The flange 22 may be formed by extending a portion of the periphery of the button key 20. For example, the flange 22 may extend in a shape corresponding to the button key 20 along the periphery of the button key 20.

The flange 22 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the flange 22 may extend along the periphery of the button key 20, and may be elongated in an up-and-down direction.

The flange 22 may be formed by extending the rear surface of the button key 20. The flange 22 may move in the front-and-rear direction between the body 10 and the sealing frame 40. The flange 22 may prevent the button key 20 from being separated from the button hole 12.

The sealing frame 40 may include a stopper 42 corresponding to the flange 22. The stopper 42 may prevent the button key 20 from being pressed into a predetermined depth or more. At least a portion of the sealing frame 40 corresponding to the flange 22 may be recessed to define the stopper 42. The stopper 42 may be formed on a periphery of the frame opening of the sealing frame 40. A plurality of stoppers 42 may be formed on the sealing frame 40. For example, the plurality of stoppers 42 may be formed on upper and lower sides of the frame opening of the sealing frame 40, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 9, the button key 20 may include the flange 22 with an extended periphery. The button key 20 may be coupled from a rear side of the button hole 12, so that the flange 22 faces the inner surface of the body 10. The flange 22 may be formed larger than the button hole 12 to prevent forward separation of the button key 20 from the button hole 12.

The gasket 50 may have a gasket opening 52 that communicates with the frame opening of the sealing frame 40 and allows the button key 20 to move in the front-and-rear direction. The gasket opening 52 may have a shape corresponding to the button key 20. The gasket opening 52 may have a shape corresponding to the flange 22 of the button key 20. For example, the gasket opening 52 may be formed in the shape of the flange 22 surrounding the button key 20.

The button key 20, the gasket 50, the sealing frame 40, the sealing cap 30, the actuator 62, the substrate 64, and the bracket frame 70 may be arranged side by side in the front-and-rear direction.

Referring to FIG. 10, the sealing cap 30 may have a plate shape. The sealing cap 30 may include the base 31 of a plate shape. The sealing cap 30 may include a recessed surface 37 recessed toward the bracket frame 70, namely, rearward from the base 31. The sealing cap 30 may include the contactor 32 protruding toward the button key 20, namely, forward from the recessed surface 37. The contactor 32 may be in contact with the rear surface of the button key 20.

Referring to FIG. 11, the sealing cap 30 may include the rib 36 protruding rearward from the base 31. The rib 36 may extend along a periphery of the base 31 to be provided singularly. For example, the rib 36 may protrude rearward from the base 31, and may have a single rectangular shape extending along the periphery of the base 31. The rib 36 may be disposed to be in contact with the bracket frame 70 around the recess 72, and the sealing cap 30 may be spaced forward from the recess 72. For example, the rib 36 may be in contact with the peripheral wall 74 formed at the edge of the recess 72, and the sealing cap 30 may be spaced forward from the recess 72 by a thickness of the peripheral wall 74.

The sealing cap 30 may include the presser 33 protruding rearward from the contactor 32. The presser 33 may be smaller than the contactor 32. For example, the presser 33 may protrude rearward from the contactor 32, and may have a cylindrical shape with a smaller area than the contactor 32.

The presser 33 may be disposed to be in contact with the actuator 62. The presser 33 may be disposed to correspond to the center of the actuator 62.

The sealing cap 30 may include the inclined surface 34 that connects the contactor 32 and the base 31. The inclined surface 34 may connect the contactor 32 disposed at the front and the base 31 disposed at the rear relative to the base 31. The inclined surface 34 may be inclined forward toward the center of the sealing cap 30.

Referring to FIG. 12, the contactor 32 and the presser 33 of the sealing cap 30 may be disposed to face each other. The presser 33 may be smaller than the contactor 32, and a flat surface may be formed around the presser 33. For example, a rectangular contactor 32 may be formed on the front surface of the sealing cap 30, and a circular presser 33 may protrude rearward from the contactor 32 and a rectangular flat surface may be formed around the presser 33.

Referring to FIG. 13, the sealing frame 40 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the sealing frame 40 may be elongated in the up-and-down direction, and may have a rectangular shape with a narrow width.

The sealing cap 30 may be disposed at the frame opening formed in the sealing frame 40. The sealing cap 30 may be coupled to the sealing frame 40.

Referring to FIG. 14, the bracket frame 70 may include the recess 72 on which the substrate 64 is disposed. The bracket frame 70 may be recessed to define the recess 72. The substrate 64 may be disposed to be in contact with the recess 72. The sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the bracket frame 70 that is adjacent to the recess 72. The edge of the sealing cap 30 may be in contact with the peripheral wall 74.

The bracket frame 70 may include a slit 76 that is open to one side from the recess 72. The slit 76 may be formed at the recess 72. A portion of the peripheral wall 74 and/or the recess 72 may be cut to define the slit 76. For example, a corner portion where the peripheral wall 74 and the recess 72 meet may be cut long to form the slit 76.

The substrate 64 may pass through the slit 76. The substrate 64 may be bent at the slit 76. For example, the substrate 64 may be bent 180 degrees at the slit 76 to surround the recess 72.

A wire of the substrate 64 disposed in the recess 72 may be routed through the slit 76.

Air may flow through the slit 76. For example, when the button key 20 is pressed, the sealing cap 30 may be compressed rearward, and the volume of a space enclosed by the sealing cap 30, the recess 72, and the peripheral wall 74 may be reduced accordingly. Pressure increased due to the decreased volume of the space may decrease again as air escapes through the slit 76.

Referring to FIG. 15, the button key 20 may be moved in the front-and-rear direction with respect to the button hole 12. The button key 20 may be inserted into the frame opening of the sealing frame 40 by a moved distance. The button key 20 that has moved rearward may compress the sealing cap 30 rearward by a moved distance. The compressed sealing cap 30 may transfer pressure to the actuator 62, and the actuator 62 may be pressed rearward to cause the actuator 60 to be operated. When the actuator 62 is operated, the substrate 64 may receive a signal. The substrate 64 may transmit the received signal to the controller 4. For example, when a signal is received by the controller 4, the aerosol generating device 100 may be operated or be stopped in operation.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a body extending in an elongated manner; an insertion space formed inside the body, extending in a longitudinal direction of the body, and open at one side of the body; a heater adjacent to the insertion space to be coupled to the body; a button hole formed in the body and a button key disposed in the button hole; a bracket frame disposed in the body and facing the button key; a substrate disposed between the bracket frame and the button key, and having at least a portion fixed to the bracket frame; an actuator disposed between the button key and the substrate, and connected to the substrate; a sealing cap disposed between the bracket frame and the button key, and covering the substrate and the actuator; and a sealing frame disposed between the sealing cap and an inner surface of the body, and extending along a periphery of the sealing cap. The sealing cap may be in contact with the bracket frame and the sealing frame, and the sealing frame may be in contact with the sealing cap and the inner surface of the body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing cap may have an edge in close contact with the bracket frame. The edge may be provided with a rib.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket frame may include a recess formed in a direction from the button key to the bracket frame, and on which the substrate and the actuator are disposed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing cap may include a base formed at an edge of the sealing cap to be in contact with the bracket frame, a contactor having a central portion spaced apart from the base to be in contact with the button key, and an inclined surface connecting the base and the contactor.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inclined surface may be inclined inward of the sealing cap toward the button key.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing cap may include a presser protruding from the contactor toward the bracket frame.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing frame may have an opening facing the button key to allow the button key to move in a direction toward the bracket frame. The opening may be provided with a sealing cap.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing frame may have a groove corresponding to an edge of the sealing cap. The edge of the sealing cap may be in contact with the groove.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body may include a guide projection that protrudes inward, extends in the longitudinal direction of the body, and is in contact with an edge of the sealing frame.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a gasket disposed between the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body. The gasket may be in close contact with the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the gasket may be configured to fix the sealing frame to the body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket frame may include a slit formed at the recess. A wire of the substrate disposed on the recess may be routed through the slit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the button key may include a flange having at least a portion with an extended periphery. The sealing frame may be provided with a stopper corresponding to the flange.

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

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

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

Claims

An aerosol generating device comprising:

an elongated body formed to provide an insertion space;

a heater adjacent to the insertion space;

a button hole formed at the body and a button key disposed in the button hole, wherein the button key is operable in connection with a function of the aerosol generating device;

a bracket frame disposed in the body and disposed at a rear of the button key;

a substrate coupled to the bracket frame and disposed between the bracket frame and the button key;

an actuator coupled to the substrate and disposed between the button key and the substrate;

a sealing cap disposed between the bracket frame and the button key and covering the substrate and the actuator; and

a sealing frame disposed between the sealing cap and an inner surface of the body and surrounding a periphery of the sealing cap,

wherein the sealing cap is in contact with the bracket frame and the sealing frame, and

wherein the sealing frame is in contact with the sealing cap and the inner surface of the body.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein an edge of the sealing cap comprises a rib which is in contact with the bracket frame.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the bracket frame comprises a recess accommodating the substrate and the actuator disposed thereon.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the sealing cap comprises:

a base formed at an edge of the sealing cap to be in contact with the bracket frame;

a contactor having a central portion spaced apart from the base and in contact with the button key; and

an inclined surface connecting the base and the contactor.
The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the inclined surface is inclined inward of the sealing cap toward the button key.
The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the sealing cap comprises a presser at a rear of the contactor and protruding toward the bracket frame.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the sealing frame comprises an opening configured to allow the button key to move toward the bracket frame, and

wherein the sealing cap is disposed at the opening.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the sealing frame has a groove corresponding to and contacting an edge of the sealing cap.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the body comprises a guide projection projecting inward along a longitudinal direction of the body and contacting an edge of the sealing frame.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a gasket disposed between the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body,

wherein the gasket provides a seal between the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body.
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the gasket is configured to fix the sealing frame to the body.
The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the bracket frame comprises a slit formed at the recess, and

wherein a wire of the substrate is routed through the slit.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the button key comprises a flange extending from a periphery of the button key, and

wherein the sealing frame comprises a stopper disposed to support a rear of the flange.