WO2023224365A1

WO2023224365A1 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023224365A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/006630
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sangkyu Park; Hwikyeong AN
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2022-05-17
Filing date: 2023-05-16
Publication date: 2023-11-23

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes: a body providing an insertion space; a substrate disposed inside the body; and a ground terminal disposed adjacent to the substrate, wherein the body includes: a shell having one side that is open; and a bracket disposed inside the shell, the ground terminal includes: a terminal frame coupled to the bracket; a first clip connected to the terminal frame and in contact with an inner surface of the shell; and a second clip connected to the terminal frame and in contact with the substrate, and the first clip extends from the terminal frame toward the open one side of the shell, protrudes from the terminal frame toward the inner surface of the shell, and is bent to be in contact with the inner surface of the shell.

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 forming 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 durability.

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

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: a body providing an insertion space and comprising a heater disposed adjacent to the insertion space; a substrate disposed inside the body; and a ground terminal disposed adjacent to the substrate inside the body. The body further includes: a shell having an open end; and a bracket disposed inside the shell and to which the substrate and the ground terminal are coupled. The ground terminal includes: a terminal frame coupled to the bracket; a first clip extending from the terminal frame to contact an inner surface of the shell; and a second clip extending from the terminal frame to contact the substrate. The first clip extends obliquely from the terminal frame toward the open end of the shell to contact with the inner surface of the shelland has a bent shape to be in contact with the inner surface of the shell.

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 assemblability of an aerosol generating device 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 12 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 FIG. 1, at least one of a battery 2, a controller 4, and a heater 6 may be disposed inside a body 10. The battery 2, the controller 4, and the heater 6 may be arranged in a row. The internal structure of an aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1.

The aerosol generating device 100 may provide an insertion space 12. The insertion space 12 may be formed on one side of the aerosol generating device 100. A stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 12.

The heater 6 may be disposed inside the body 10. The heater 6 may be coupled to the body 10. The heater 6 may be disposed around the insertion space 12 or inside the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may heat the insertion space 12 and/or 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. For example, the heater 6 may be made of a conductive metal.

The heater 6 may protrude from a bottom of the insertion space 12 toward an 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 heater 6 may generate heat using a current supplied from the battery 2. The heater 2 may heat the insertion space 12.

The battery 2 may be disposed inside the body 10. The battery 2 may supply power to operate at least one of the controller 4 and the heater 6. The battery 2 may supply power required to operate a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), a motor (not shown), and the like installed at the aerosol generating device 100.

The controller 4 may be disposed inside the body 10. 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 adjust power supplied to the heater 6. The controller 4 may control the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, and the like installed at the aerosol generating device 100. 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.

Referring to FIG. 2, the body 10 may be elongated. The body 10 may have a cavity therein. The body 10 may include an opening (no reference numeral) that extends to the outside from the cavity therein. The opening may be formed on each of one side of the body 10 and another side of the body 10 that is opposite to the one side. That is, the body 10 may include an open end.

The insertion space 12 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the body 10 to be provided on the one side of the body 10. The insertion space 12 may have a cylindrical shape.

A key assembly 15 may be installed at the body 10. A button key 154 may be disposed on the body 10. The body 10 may be open to define a button hole 152. The button key 154 may be inserted into the button hole 152. When the button key 154 is pressed, the button key 154 may move toward an inside of the body 10, and may move to return to its original state.

The button key 154 may be connected to the controller 4. A user may press the button key 154 to transmit a command to the controller 4. For example, when the button key 154 is pressed, the aerosol generating device 100 may be operated or be stopped in operation.

An upper case 13 may define one side of the body 10. The upper case 13 may be detachably attached to a first side in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the upper case 13 may be coupled to an upper side of the body 10 to thereby define the upper side of the body 10. The upper case 13 may be open at one side to communicate with the insertion space 12. The upper case 13 may include a cap 14 that opens and closes the insertion space 12.

A cover 16 may define another side of the body 10. The cover 16 may be detachably attached to a second side in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. For example, the cover 16 may be coupled to a lower side of the body 10 to thereby define the lower side of the body 10.

The cover 16 may have the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body 10 so as to cover the another side of the body 10. The cover 16 may be formed in various shapes such as a circular shape, a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, the body 10 may include a shell 20. The shell 20 may define an outer shape or appearance of the body 10. The shell 20 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The shell 20 may have a cavity therein. Various parts may be disposed inside the shell 20. For example, the shell 20 may be elongated to have the shape of a pipe with a cavity therein, and a substrate 50 may be disposed in the cavity.

The shell 20 may include the opening (no reference numeral) that extends to the outside from the cavity therein. The opening may be formed on each of one side of the shell 20 and another side of the shell 20 that is opposite to the one side. That is, the shell 20 may include the open end.

The shell 20 may be conductive. The shell 20 may be a conductor. The shell 20 may be made of metal. The shell 20 may be electrically connected to the substrate 50. For example, the shell 20 may be made of metal, and may be electrically connected to the substrate 50.

The button hole 152 may be formed on one side of the shell 20. The button key 154 may be disposed on one side of the shell 20. For example, the button hole 152 may be formed on a front surface of the shell 20, and the button key 154 may be disposed on the front surface of the shell 20.

The body 10 may include a bracket 30. The bracket 30 may be disposed inside the shell 20. Various parts may be installed at the bracket 30. The bracket 30 may fill a space between various parts. Various parts may be fixed to the bracket 30. For example, at least one of the substrate 50, a ground terminal 40, and the battery 2 may be fixed to the bracket 30.

The substrate 50 may be disposed inside the body 10. The controller 4 may be mounted on the substrate 50. The substrate 50 may include a GND portion 54 (see FIG. 5). The GND portion 54 may be positioned on one surface of the substrate 50. For example, the GND portion 54 may be positioned on a rear surface of the substrate 50.

The substrate 50 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. A longitudinal direction of the substrate 50 and the longitudinal direction of the body 10 may be parallel to each other. For example, the substrate 50 and the body 10 may extend in an up-and-down direction, and may be disposed side by side in a front-and-rear direction.

The substrate 50 may face the key assembly 15. The button key 154 may face the substrate 50. The button key 154 may apply pressure to an actuator (not shown) that is mounted on the substrate 50. The actuator may be disposed between the substrate 50 and the button key 154. The actuator may be connected to the substrate 50. The actuator may transmit an electrical signal to the substrate 50. For example, when the button key 154 presses the actuator, the actuator may transmit an electrical signal to the substrate 50 to allow the aerosol generating device 100 to be operated or be stopped in operation.

A sealing frame 18 facing an inner surface of the shell 20 may be disposed inside the shell 20. The sealing frame 18 may be disposed on the periphery of the button key 154. The button key 154 may be fixed to the sealing frame 18. The sealing frame 18 may be elongated in a longitudinal direction of the shell 20. The sealing frame 18 may be disposed between the shell 20 and the substrate 50.

The battery 2 may be fixed to the bracket 30. The battery 2 may be electrically connected to the substrate 50. The battery 2 may supply power to the substrate 50. The battery 2 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The battery 2 and the substrate 50 may be disposed side by side. For example, the battery 2 and the substrate 50 may extend in the up-and-down direction, and may be disposed side by side in the front-and-rear direction.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include the ground terminal 40 that provides an electrical connection between the substrate 50 and the shell 20. The ground terminal 40 may be a conductor. The ground terminal 40 may be made of metal.

The ground terminal 40 may be disposed inside the body 10. The ground terminal 40 may be fixed to the bracket 30. The ground terminal 40 may face the inner surface of the shell 20. The ground terminal 40 may be disposed on one side in the shell 20. The ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the shell 20. The ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the substrate 50. The ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the GND portion 54 of the substrate 50. For example, the ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the shell 20 and the GND portion 54 of the substrate 50, so as to provide an electrical connection between the shell 20 and the substrate 50.

Accordingly, the ground terminal may allow the substrate to be grounded to the shell.

In addition, the substrate may be protected from external static electricity.

Further, durability of the aerosol generating device may be improved.

The substrate 50 may be fixed to the bracket 30 by a screw 60. The screw 60 may penetrate through the substrate 50. The screw 60 may be adjacent to the ground terminal 40. The screw 60 may fix the substrate 50 so as to allow the substrate 50 and the ground terminal 40 to remain in contact with each other.

Referring to FIG. 4, the substrate 50 may be fixed to the bracket 30. The screw 60 may fix the substrate 50 to the bracket 30. The screw 60 may be provided in plurality. For example, the substrate 50 may be disposed on one side of the bracket 30, and the screw 60 may fix the substrate 50 to the bracket 30.

The ground terminal 40 may be positioned on the bracket 30. The bracket 30 may have a coupling recess 32 (see FIG. 6) into which the ground terminal 40 is inserted. The coupling recess 32 may fix the ground terminal 40. The ground terminal 40 may be inserted into the coupling recess 32 to be in contact with the shell 20. For example, a first terminal frame 424 of the ground terminal 40 may be inserted into the coupling recess 32 to be coupled to the bracket 30.

The ground terminal 40 may include a terminal frame 42 inserted into the coupling recess 32. The terminal frame 42 may be fixed to the bracket 30. The terminal frame 42 may define a frame of the ground terminal 40.

The ground terminal 40 may include a first clip 46 in contact with the shell 20. The first clip 46 may be connected to the terminal frame 42. The first clip 46 may be connected to an inner peripheral end of the terminal frame 42.

The first clip 46 may be bent from the terminal frame 42. The first clip 46 may extend from the terminal frame 42. The first clip 46 may extend from the terminal frame 42 toward one side of the shell 20 that is open. The first clip 46 may protrude from the terminal frame 42 toward an inner surface of the shell 20. For example, the first clip 46 may extend obliquely from the terminal frame 42 toward the inner surface of the shell 20, and may be bent to be in contact with the inner surface of the shell 20.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the substrate 50. The ground terminal 40 may be in contact with one surface of the substrate 50. The ground terminal 40 may include a second clip 44 in contact with the substrate 50.

The second clip 44 may be bent from the terminal frame 42. The second clip 44 may extend from the terminal frame 42. The second clip 44 may extend from the terminal frame 42 toward another side of the shell 20 that is opposite the open one side of the shell 20 with respect to the terminal frame 42. The second clip 44 may protrude from the terminal frame 42 toward the substrate 50. For example, the second clip 44 may extend obliquely from the terminal frame 42 in a direction away from the open end, and may be bent to be in contact with the substrate 50. For example, the ground terminal 40 may be fixed to the bracket 30, and the second clip 44 that is bent from the terminal frame 42 may be in contact with a rear surface of the substrate 50.

The second clip 44 may be in contact with one surface of the substrate 50. The second clip 44 may be in contact with the GND portion 54 formed on the substrate 50. For example, the GND portion 54 may be provided on a rear surface of the substrate 50, and the second clip 44 may be in contact with the GND portion 54.

The substrate 50 may be disposed inside the shell 20. The substrate 50 may be disposed between the shell 20 and the bracket 30. For example, the substrate 50 may be disposed between the inner surface of the shell 20 and the bracket 30.

One surface of the substrate 50 may face the inner surface of the shell 20. The GND portion 54 may be disposed on anther surface of the substrate 50 that is opposite to the one surface of the substrate 50. For example, one surface of the substrate 50 may face the inner surface of the shell 20, the GND portion 54 may be disposed on another surface of the substrate 50 that is opposite to the one surface of the substrate 50, and the second clip 44 may be in contact with the GND portion 54.

Accordingly, the substrate may be grounded to the shell.

In addition, the substrate may be protected from external static electricity.

Further, durability of the aerosol generating device may be improved.

The screw 60 may penetrate through the substrate 50 to be fixed to the bracket 30. The screw 60 may fix the substrate 50 to allow the substrate 50 to be in contact with the second clip 44. The screw 60 may fix the substrate 50 so that a distance t1 between the terminal frame 42 and the substrate 50 is maintained. For example, the second clip 44 may come into contact with a rear surface of the substrate 50, and the screw 60 may be inserted from the front to the rear so as to apply pressure to allow the substrate 50 to be in contact with the second clip 44.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B1-B2 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 6, the ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the shell 20. The first clip 46 of the ground terminal 40 may be in contact with the shell 20. The first clip 46 may be bent from the terminal frame 42 of the ground terminal 40.

The terminal frame 42 may be fixed to the bracket 30. The terminal frame 42 may be inserted into the bracket 30. The terminal frame 42 may be fitted into the coupling recess 32 formed in the bracket 30. The coupling recess 32 may fix the ground terminal 40, so that a distance t2 between the terminal frame 42 and the inner surface of the shell 20 is maintained.

Referring to FIG. 7, the ground terminal 40 and the substrate 50 may be coupled to the bracket 30. The ground terminal 40 may be coupled to the bracket 30 prior to the substrate 50. For example, after inserting the ground terminal 40 into the coupling recess 32 of the bracket 30, the substrate 50 may be coupled to the bracket 30.

The ground terminal 40 may be inserted into the coupling recess 32 of the bracket 30 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The substrate 50 may be coupled to the bracket 30 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. As the substrate 50 is coupled to the bracket 30, the substrate 50 may come into contact with the second clip 44 of the ground terminal 40 that is coupled to the bracket 30. For example, the ground terminal 40 may be inserted in a rearward direction into the coupling recess 32 of the bracket 30, and the substrate 50 may be inserted in a downward direction (W1) into the bracket 30 to which the ground terminal 40 is coupled, and thus, the second clip 44 of the ground terminal 40 may come into contact with the substrate 50.

The second clip 44 may be compressed toward the second terminal frame side so as to correspond to a distance between the substrate 50 and the bracket 30.

The second clip 44 of the ground terminal 40 may be bent to project in a direction in which the substrate 50 is to be positioned on the bracket 30. The second clip 44 may be bent such that an inclined surface 444, which is a second inclined surface, is inclined in a direction in which the substrate 50 approaches the second clip 44. As the substrate 50 is inserted into the bracket 30, the substrate 50 may come into contact with the second inclined surface 444 of the second clip 44. The second clip 44 may have elasticity. For example, the substrate 50 may be coupled to the bracket 30 in a downward direction (W1), and the substrate 50 may be inserted into the bracket 30 while being in contact with the second inclined surface 444 of the second clip 44. The second clip 44 may be pressed in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second clip 44 is bent while being in contact with the substrate 50. When the substrate 50 is removed, the ground terminal 40 may be restored to its original state.

The second clip 44 may be bent to spread apart in a direction opposite to a direction in which the substrate 50 approaches. For example, the substrate 50 may approach from a top of the ground terminal 40, and the second clip 44 may be bent to spread out downward.

The second clip 44 of the ground terminal 40 may be bent such that the second inclined surface 444 is inclined in a direction opposite to a direction in which the substrate 50 is coupled to the bracket 30. For example, the substrate 50 may be coupled to the bracket 30 in a downward direction, and the second clip 44 may be bent such that the inclined surface 444 is inclined upward.

Accordingly, the ground terminal and the shell may stably remain in contact with each other.

In addition, assemblability of the aerosol generating device may be improved.

After coupling the ground terminal 40 and the substrate 50 to the bracket 30, the bracket 30 may be inserted into the shell 20. The bracket 30 may be inserted into the shell 20 through the open end of the shell 20. The bracket 30 may be inserted into the shell 20 in a direction W2 corresponding to a direction W1 in which the substrate 50 is coupled to the bracket. That is, the direction W1 in which the substrate 50 is inserted into the bracket 30 and the direction W2 in which the bracket 30 is inserted into the shell 20 may correspond to each other. For example, the substrate 50 may be coupled to the bracket in a downward direction (W1), and the bracket 30 may be inserted into the shell 20 in a downward direction (W2).

As the bracket 30 is inserted into the shell 20, the first clip 46 of the ground terminal 40 may come into contact with the shell 20. The first clip 46 may be bent to be raised to one side from the terminal frame 42. The first clip 46 may be bent such that an inclined surface 464, which is a first inclined surface, is inclined in a direction in which the shell 20 approaches. For example, the shell 20 may approach the ground terminal 40 from below, and the first clip 46 may be bent such that the inclined surface 464 is inclined downward.

The first clip 46 may be compressed toward the first terminal frame side so as to correspond to a distance between the bracket 30 and the shell 20.

In addition, assemblability of the aerosol generating device may be improved.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11, the terminal frame 42 may include a second terminal frame 422 to which the second clip 44 is connected. The second clip 44 may be bent from the second terminal frame 422. For example, the second clip 44 may be bent from the second terminal frame 422 toward the substrate 50 side.

The second clip 44 may extend from the terminal frame 42. The second clip 44 may extend from the second terminal frame 422. For example, the second clip 44 may extend from the terminal frame 42 toward another side of the shell 20 that is opposite the open one side of the shell 20 with respect to the terminal frame 42.

The second clip 44 may protrude from the terminal frame 42 toward the substrate 50. For example, the second clip 44 may protrude from the terminal frame 42 toward the substrate 50, and may be bent to be in contact with the substrate 50.

A second bending portion 442 may be positioned at a connection portion between the second clip 44 and the second terminal frame 422. The second bending portion 442 may connect the second clip 44 and the second terminal frame 422.

The terminal frame 42 may include a first terminal frame 424 to which the first clip 46 is connected. The first terminal frame 424 may be inserted into the coupling recess 32 of the bracket 30.

The first clip 46 may be connected to an inner peripheral end of the first terminal frame 424. The first clip 46 may be bent from the first terminal frame 424. For example, the first clip 46 may be bent from the first terminal frame 424 toward the shell 20 side.

A first bending portion 462 may be positioned at a connection portion between the first clip 46 and the first terminal frame 424. The first bending portion 462 may connect the first clip 46 and the first terminal frame 424.

The first terminal frame 424 may include a terminal recess 426 formed at an outer peripheral end thereof. The terminal recess 426 may be recessed into the first terminal frame 424 from the outer peripheral end of the first terminal frame 424.

The second terminal frame 422 may be bent from the first terminal frame 424. The second terminal frame 422 and the first terminal frame 424 may be connected at a predetermined angle theta 3. The predetermined angle theta 3 may be an angle between the substrate 50 and an inner surface of the shell 20 adjacent to the substrate 50. The ground terminal 40 may be in contact with one surface of the substrate 50 and the inner surface of the shell 20 adjacent to the substrate 50. For example, the ground terminal 40 may be in contact with a rear surface of the substrate 50 and an inner lateral surface of the shell 20.

The second clip 44 may include the second inclined surface 444. The second clip 44 may have the second inclined surface 444 forming a slope with respect to the terminal frame 42. The second clip 44 may be configured such that the second inclined surface 444 is bent from the second terminal frame 422. The second inclined surface 444 may form a predetermined angle with the second terminal frame 422. For example, the second inclined surface 444 may extend from the terminal frame 42, and may be inclined with respect to the terminal frame 42.

The second clip 44 may include a second contact portion 446 in contact with the substrate 50. The second contact portion 446 may extend from the second inclined surface 444. The second contact portion 446 may be in contact with the GND portion 54 of the substrate 50. The second contact portion 446 may be rounded. The second contact portion 446 may be connected to the second inclined surface 444.

The second clip 44 may include a second clip end portion 448. The second clip end portion 448 may define a distal end of the second clip 44. The second clip end portion 448 may extend from the second contact portion 446. The second clip end portion 448 may be connected to the second contact portion 446. The second clip end portion 448 may be bent from the second contact portion 446. The second clip end portion 448 may be bent from the second contact portion 446 in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second inclined surface 444 is bent from the second terminal frame 422. For example, the second inclined surface 444 may be bent from the second terminal frame 422 toward the substrate 50 side, and the second clip end portion 448 may be bent in a direction opposite to a direction toward the substrate 50 side.

The first clip 46 may include the first inclined surface 464. The first inclined surface 464 may extend from the terminal frame 42. For example, the first inclined surface 464 may extend from the first terminal frame 424.

The first clip 46 may be configured such that the first inclined surface 464 is bent from the first terminal frame 424. The first inclined surface 464 may be inclined with respect to the terminal frame 42. For example, the first inclined surface 464 may form a predetermined angle with the first terminal frame 424.

The first clip 46 may include a first contact portion 466 in contact with the shell 20. The first contact portion 466 may be in contact with the inner surface of the shell 20. The first contact portion 466 may extend from the first inclined surface 464. The first contact portion 466 may be rounded. The first contact portion 466 may be connected to the first inclined surface 464.

The first clip 46 may include a first clip end portion 468. The first clip end portion 468 may define a distal end of the first clip 46. The first clip end portion 468 may be connected to the first contact portion 466. The first clip end portion 468 may extend from the first contact portion 466. The first clip end portion 468 may be bent from the first contact portion 466. The first clip end portion 468 may be bent from the first contact portion 466 in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first inclined surface 464 is bent from the first terminal frame 424. For example, the first inclined surface 464 may be bent from the first terminal frame 424 toward the shell 20 side, and the first clip end portion 468 may be bent in a direction opposite to a direction toward the shell 20 side.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first clip 46 may be bent with respect to the first terminal frame 424 at a predetermined angle theta 2. The predetermined angle theta 2 may be an acute angle. The predetermined angle theta 2 may change. When the ground terminal 40 is inserted into the shell 20, the predetermined angle theta 2 may decrease. When the ground terminal 40 is drawn out from the shell 20, the predetermined angle theta 2 may be restored to its original value.

The predetermined angle theta 2 may be an angle between the first inclined surface 464 and the first terminal frame 424. The first inclined surface 464 may extend from the first terminal frame 424 at the predetermined angle theta 2. The predetermined angle theta 2 may be an angle between a direction in which the first inclined surface 464 extends and the first terminal frame 424. The predetermined angle theta 2 may be an angle between the longitudinal direction of the body 10 and the first inclined surface 464. The predetermined angle theta 2 may be an angle between a direction in which the shell 20 is coupled to the bracket 30 and the first inclined surface 464. An angle between the direction W2 in which the bracket 30 is inserted into the shell 20 and the first inclined surface 464 may be obtained by subtracting theta 2 from 180 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 10, the second clip 44 may be bent from the second terminal frame 422 at a predetermined angle theta 1. The predetermined angle theta 1 may be an acute angle. The predetermined angle theta 1 may change. When the substrate 50 is coupled to the bracket 30, the predetermined angle theta 1 may decrease. When the substrate 50 is removed from the bracket 30, the predetermined angle theta 1 may be restored to its original value.

The predetermined angle theta 1 may be an angle between the second inclined surface 444 and the second terminal frame 422. The second inclined surface 444 may extend from the second terminal frame 422 at the predetermined angle theta 1. The predetermined angle theta 1 may be an angle between a direction in which the second inclined surface 444 extends and the second terminal frame 422. The predetermined angle theta 1 may be an angle between the longitudinal direction of the body 10 and the second inclined surface 444. The predetermined angle theta 1 may be an angle between the direction W1 in which the substrate 50 is coupled to the bracket 30 and the second inclined surface 444. An angle between a direction in which the bracket 30 is coupled to the substrate 50 and the second inclined surface 444 may be obtained by subtracting theta 1 from 180 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 12, the ground terminal 40 may be disposed between the substrate 50 and the shell 20. The second clip 44 may be in contact with the substrate 50, and the first clip 46 may be in contact with an inner surface of the shell 20. The inner surface of the shell 20 may face the substrate 50.

The second clip 44 and the first clip 46 may be connected to the terminal frame 42. The second clip 44 may be connected to one side of the terminal frame 42, and the first clip 46 may be connected to another side of the terminal frame 42. For example, the second clip 44 may be connected to one side of the terminal frame 42 having a rectangular loop shape, and the first clip 46 may be connected to another side of the terminal frame 42 that is opposite to the one side of the terminal frame 42.

The second clip 44 may be bent to one side from the terminal frame 42, and the first clip 46 may be bent to another side from the terminal frame 42. The one side may be opposite to the another side.

The second inclined surface 444 may face one side, and the first inclined surface 464 may face another side. The second inclined surface 444 and the first inclined surface 464 may be formed in opposite directions.

When the ground terminal 40 is coupled to the bracket 30 and is inserted into the shell 20, a distance between the second clip 44 and the first clip 46 may decrease. When the bracket 30 is drawn out from the shell 20 and the substrate 50 is removed from the bracket 30, the distance between the second clip 44 and the first clip 46 may be restored to its original value (or state).

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a body providing an insertion space in which a heater is disposed; a substrate disposed inside the body; and a ground terminal disposed adjacent to the substrate inside the body. The body may include: a shell defining an outer appearance of the body and having one side that is open; a bracket disposed inside the shell and to which the substrate and the ground terminal are coupled. The ground terminal may include: a terminal frame coupled to the bracket; a first clip connected to the terminal frame and in contact with an inner surface of the shell; and a second clip connected to the terminal frame and in contact with the substrate. The first clip may extend from the terminal frame toward the open one side of the shell, may protrude from the terminal frame toward the inner surface of the shell, and may be bent to be in contact with the inner surface of the shell.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second clip may extend from the terminal frame toward another side of the shell that is opposite the open one side of the shell with respect to the terminal frame, may protrude from the terminal frame toward the substrate, and may be bent to be in contact with the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may have a GND portion on one side thereof, and the second clip may be in contact with the GND portion of the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may be disposed between the inner surface of the shell and the bracket, so that one surface of the substrate faces the inner surface of the shell. A GND portion of the substrate may be disposed on another surface of the substrate that is opposite to the one surface of the substrate, so as to be in contact with the second clip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the terminal frame may include: a second terminal frame to which the second clip is connected; and a first terminal frame to which the first clip is connected. The second terminal frame and the first terminal frame may be bent with respect to each other at a predetermined angle, so that the second terminal frame faces the substrate, and the first terminal frame faces the shell.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket may have a coupling recess into which the first terminal frame is inserted, and the ground terminal may be fixed to the coupling recess.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first clip may include: a first inclined surface extending from the terminal frame and inclined with respect to the terminal frame; a first contact portion extending from the first inclined surface and in contact with the inner surface of the shell; and a first clip end portion extending from the first contact portion and defining a distal end of the first clip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second clip may include: a second inclined surface extending from the terminal frame and inclined with respect to the terminal frame; a second contact portion extending from the second inclined surface and in contact with the substrate; and a second clip end portion extending from the second contact portion and defining a distal end of the second clip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket may be inserted into the shell through the open end of the shell.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the substrate may be inserted into and coupled to the bracket in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the bracket is inserted into the shell.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first clip may protrude at an angle from the terminal frame to provide elasticity such that the inner surface of the shell contacts and applies a force against the elasticity of the first clip while the bracket is inserted into the shell.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second clip may protrude at an angle from the terminal frame to provide elasticity such that the substrate contacts and applies a force against the elasticity of the second clip while the substrate is inserted into the bracket.

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:

a body formed to provide an insertion space and comprising a heater disposed adjacent to the insertion space;

a substrate disposed inside the body; and

a ground terminal disposed adjacent to the substrate inside the body,

wherein the body further comprises:

a shell having an open end; and

a bracket disposed inside the shell and to which the substrate and the ground terminal are coupled,

wherein the ground terminal comprises:

a terminal frame coupled to the bracket;

a first clip extending from the terminal frame to contact an inner surface of the shell; and

a second clip extending from the terminal frame to contact the substrate, and

wherein the first clip extends from the terminal frame in a first direction toward the open end of the shell and has a bent shape to be in contact with the inner surface of the shell.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second clip extends from the terminal frame toward a second direction opposite the first direction and has a bent shape to be in contact with the substrate.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a GND portion on one side thereof, and

wherein the second clip is in contact with the GND portion of the substrate.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the substrate is disposed between the shell and the bracket such that one side of the substrate faces the inner surface of the shell, and

wherein a GND portion of the substrate is disposed at a second side of the substrate opposite the first side to be in contact with the second clip.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the terminal frame comprises:

a first terminal frame connected to the first clip; and

a second terminal frame connected to the second clip,

wherein the first terminal frame faces the shell, and

wherein the second terminal frame is connected to the first terminal frame and faces the substrate.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the bracket comprises a coupling recess configured to accommodate insertion of the first terminal frame, and

wherein the ground terminal is fixed to the coupling recess.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first clip comprises:

a first inclined surface extending from the terminal frame and inclined with respect to the terminal frame;

a first contact portion extending from the first inclined surface and configured to contact the inner surface of the shell; and

a first clip end portion extending from the first contact portion and defining a distal end of the first clip.
The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the second clip comprises:

a second inclined surface extending from the terminal frame and inclined with respect to the terminal frame;

a second contact portion extending from the second inclined surface and configured to contact the substrate; and

a second clip end portion extending from the second contact portion and defining a distal end of the second clip.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the bracket is inserted into the shell through the open end of the shell.
The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the substrate is inserted into the bracket in the second direction corresponding to a direction in which the bracket is inserted into the shell.
The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the first clip protrudes at an angle from the terminal frame to provide elasticity such that the inner surface of the shell contacts and applies a force against the elasticity of the first clip while the bracket is inserted into the shell.
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the second clip protrudes at an angle from the terminal frame to provide elasticity such that the substrate contacts and applies a force against the elasticity of the second clip while the substrate is inserted into the bracket.