Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
1
WO 2022/231330
PCT/KR2022/006066
Description
Title of Invention: AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE
Technical Field
[11 The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating
device.
Background Art
[2] 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 multi-
component substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-
component 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.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[3] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other
problems.
[4] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-
generating device
configured to sense reuse of a stick.
[5] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an
aerosol-generating
device capable of preventing leakage of liquid.
Solution to Problem
[6] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for
accomplishing the above
objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a housing
comprising
an insertion space in communication with an exterior of the housing; an
elongated
probe coupled to the housing and comprising a first end, wherein the elongated
probe
is movable from the insertion space to an interior of the housing; and a
pressure sensor
coupled to the housing and located adjacent to the first end of the elongated
probe.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
1_71 According to at least one of embodiments of the present
disclosure, it is possible to
sense whether a stick is a used one.
1_81 According to at least one of embodiments of the present
disclosure, a cartridge
structure capable of preventing leakage of liquid may be provided.
[9] Additional applications of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the
following detailed description. However, because various changes and
modifications
will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and
scope of the
present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and
specific
embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are
merely
given by way of example.
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Brief Description of Drawings
[10] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the
present disclosure
will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken
in con-
junction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[11] FIGs. 1 to 24 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating
device according
to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Mode for the Invention
[12] Hereinafter, the 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
depicted in
different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[13] In the following description, with respect to constituent elements
used in the
following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in
consideration
of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished
meanings or
functions.
[14] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed
in the present
specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations in-
corporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of
the
embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In
addition, the ac-
companying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the
embodiments
disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the
technical ideas
disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood
that the ac-
companying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions
within
the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.
1151 It will be understood that although the terms "first",
"second", etc., may be used
herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited
by
these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from
another
component.
[16] 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.
[17] As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural
forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[18] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 may include a
cover 20, an upper
casing 30, and a lower casing 60, and a stick 10 may be inserted into the
cover 20.
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[19] The cover 20, the upper casing 30, and the lower casing 60 may
together form the
external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. The lower casing 60
may be
coupled to the lower side of the upper casing 30. The cover 20 may cover the
upper
surface of the upper casing 30. An insertion hole 21 (refer to FIG. 5) may be
formed in
the cover 20, and a stick 10 for inhalation of an aerosol may be inserted into
the
insertion hole 21. A user may grasp the upper casing 30 or the lower casing 60
to
inhale the aerosol formed in the aerosol-generating device 1 through the stick
10
inserted thereinto. Other components may be accommodated in the upper casing
30
and the lower casing 60.
[20] Referring to FIGs. 2 to 4, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include
a cover 20, an
tipper casing 30, a cartridge 40, a body 50, and a lower casing 60. A stick 10
may be
inserted into the cover 20.
[21] The upper casing 30 may be mounted outside the body 50. The lower
casing 60 may
be mounted outside the body 50. The cartridge 40 may be mounted inside the
body 50.
The cover 20 may be mounted on the upper casing 30. The stick 10 may be
inserted
into the cartridge 40 through the cover 20 and the upper casing 30.
[22] The cartridge 40 may be mounted inside the body 50. The body 50 may
include a
mount 51 on which the cartridge 40 is mounted. The body 50 may include a
column 52
through which air flows. Electronic components necessary for formation of an
aerosol
may be mounted inside the body 50. In addition, the body 50 may accommodate
therein a controller 100 (refer to FIG. 22) for controlling the generation of
an aerosol
and the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1.
[23] Space for accommodating the cartridge 40 may be formed in the mount
51. A
protrusion 512 may be formed on the inner side of the mount 51, and a recess
456,
which is caught by the protrusion 512 of the mount 51, may be formed in the
outer side
of the cartridge 40. The protrusion 512 of the mount 51 may be fitted into the
recess
456 in the cartridge 40. The mount 51 may be integrally formed with the column
52.
The mount 51 may be located at the upper side of the body 50. An inner space
513 in
the mount 51, in which the cartridge 40 is accommodated, may communicate with
the
outside.
[24] The column 52 may have formed therein a first through-hole 521 and a
second
through-hole 522, through which the inside of the column 52 communicates with
the
outside. The column 52 may be located adjacent to an upper housing 41 (refer
to FIG.
8) and a lower housing 43 (refer to FIG. 8). The column 52 may be elongated
upwards
from the body 50. The column 52 may extend in the longitudinal direction of
the upper
housing 41. The column 52 may include a flow path therein. The air introduced
into
the column 52 through the first through-hole 521 may be discharged to the
outside of
the column 52 through the second through-hole 522.
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[25] The body 50 may have a plurality of protrusions 54 and 55 formed on
the outer
surface thereof so as to be coupled to the upper casing 30 and the lower
casing 60. The
protrusion 54 of the body 50 may be fitted into a recess (not shown) formed in
the
upper casing 30. The protrusion 55 formed on the outer surface of the body 50
may be
fitted into a recess 61 formed in the lower casing 60. The upper casing 30 and
the
lower casing 60 may protect the cartridge 40 and the body 50. The upper casing
30
may be coupled to the upper side of the body 50 to surround the upper portion
of the
body 50. The lower casing 60 may be coupled to the lower side of the body 50
to
surround the lower portion of the body 50.
[26] Referring to FIG. 5, the aforementioned stick 10 may include a medium
portion 11.
The stick 10 may include a cooling portion 12. The stick 10 may include a
filter
portion 13. The cooling portion 12 may be disposed between the medium portion
11
and the filter portion 13. The stick 10 may include a wrapper 14. The wrapper
14 may
wrap the medium portion 11. The wrapper 14 may wrap the cooling portion 12.
The
wrapper 14 may wrap the filter portion 13. The stick 10 may have a cylindrical
shape.
[27] The medium portion 11 may include a medium 114. The medium portion 11
may
include a first medium cover 115. The medium portion 11 may include a second
medium cover 116. The medium 114 may be disposed between the first medium
cover
115 and the second medium cover 116. The first medium cover 115 may be
disposed at
one end of the stick 10. The medium portion 11 may have a length of 24 mm.
[28] The medium 114 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance
contained
in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. The medium 114 may
be
composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may
have a size
of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The granules may account for approximately 70% of the
volume of the medium 114. The length L2 of the medium 114 may be 10 mm. The
first
medium cover 115 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover
116
may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 115 may be made of
a
paper material. The second medium cover 116 may be made of a paper material.
At
least one of the first medium cover 115 or the second medium cover 116 may be
made
of a paper material, and may be crumpled so as to be wrinkled, and a plurality
of gaps
may be formed between the wrinkles so that air flows therethrough. Each of the
gaps
may be smaller than each of the granules of the medium 114. The length Li of
the first
medium cover 115 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 114. The
length
L3 of the second medium cover 115 may be shorter than the length L2 of the
medium
114. The length Li of the first medium cover 115 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of
the
second medium cover 115 may be 7 mm.
[29] Accordingly, each of the granules of the medium 114 may be prevented
from being
separated from the medium portion 11 and the stick 10.
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[30] The cooling portion 12 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling
portion 12 may
have a hollow shape. The cooling portion 12 may be disposed between the medium
portion 11 and the filter portion 13. The cooling portion 12 may be disposed
between
the second medium cover 116 and the filter portion 13. The cooling portion 12
may be
formed in the shape of a tube that surrounds a cooling path 121 formed
therein. The
cooling portion 12 may be thicker than the wrapper 14. The cooling portion 12
may be
made of a paper material thicker than that of the wrapper 14. The length L4 of
the
cooling portion 12 may be equal or similar to the length L2 of the medium 114.
The
length L4 of each of the cooling portion 12 and the cooling path 121 may be 10
mm.
When the stick 10 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device (refer to
FIG. 3), at
least part of the cooling portion 12 may be exposed to the outside of the
aerosol-
generating device.
[31] Accordingly, the cooling portion 12 may support the medium portion 11
and the
filter portion 13, and may secure the rigidity of the stick 10. In addition,
the cooling
portion 12 may support the wrapper 14 between the medium portion 11 and the
filter
portion 13, and may provide a portion to which the wrapper 14 is adhered. In
addition,
the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling
path 121 in
the cooling portion 12.
1321 The filter portion 13 may be composed of a filter made of an
acetate material. The
filter portion 13 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 10. When the
stick 10 is
inserted into the aerosol-generating device (refer to FIG. 3), the filter
portion 13 may
be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. The user may
inhale air in
the state of holding the filter portion 13 in the mouth. The length L5 of the
filter
portion 13 may be 14 mm.
[33] The wrapper 14 may wrap or surround the medium portion 11, the cooling
portion
12, and the filter portion 13. The wrapper 14 may form the external appearance
of the
stick 10. The wrapper 14 may be made of a paper material. An adhesive portion
140
may be formed along one edge of the wrapper 14. The wrapper 14 may surround
the
medium portion 11, the cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13, and the
adhesive
portion 140 formed along one edge of the wrapper 14 and the other edge thereof
may
be adhered to each other. The wrapper 14 may surround the medium portion 11,
the
cooling portion 12, and the filter portion 13, but may not cover one end or
the other
end of the stick 10.
[34] Accordingly, the wrapper 14 may fix the medium portion 11, the cooling
portion 12,
and the filter portion 13, and may prevent these components from being
separated from
the stick 10.
[35] A first thin film 141 may be disposed at a position corresponding to
the first medium
cover 115. The first thin film 141 may be disposed between the wrapper 14 and
the
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first medium cover 115, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 14. The first
thin film
141 may surround the first medium cover 115. The first thin film 141 may be
made of
a metal material. The first thin film 141 may be made of an aluminum material.
The
first thin film 141 may be in close contact with the wrapper 14, or may be
coated
thereon.
[36] A second thin film 142 may be disposed at a position
corresponding to the second
medium cover 116. The second thin film 142 may be disposed between the wrapper
14
and the second medium cover 116, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 14.
The
second thin film 142 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 142
may
be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 142 may be in close
contact
with the wrapper 14, or may be coated thereon.
1371 Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, the cover 20 may include an
insertion hole 21, into which
the stick 10 is inserted, and a cap 22 for opening and closing the insertion
hole 21.
[38] The insertion hole 21 may be formed in the cover 20. The
insertion hole 21 may have
a shape corresponding to the circumference of the stick 10. The stick 10 may
pass
through the insertion hole 21. A first gap 225 may be formed between the stick
10,
inserted into the insertion hole 21, and the insertion hole 21. Air may pass
through the
first gap 225.
1391 The cap 22 may be located below the insertion hole 21. The
cap 22 may be coupled
to the cover 20 using a rotating shaft 224. The cap 22 may include a lid 221,
which
covers the insertion hole 21 and is coupled to the rotating shaft 224, an
elastic member
223, which applies elastic force to the lid 221, and a latch 222, which is
formed at the
lid 221 and latches the elastic member 223. The elastic member 223 may be in
contact
with the latch 222. The elastic member 223 latched by the latch 222 may apply
elastic
force to the lid 221. The lid 221 may be kept in close contact with the
insertion hole 21
by the elastic force.
[401 Meanwhile, when the stick 10 is inserted into the insertion
hole 21, the lid 221 may
be rotated by the stick 10, and the elastic member 223 may be compressed. When
the
stick 10 is removed from the aerosol-generating device 1, the compressed
elastic
member 223 applies restoring force to the latch 222, and the lid 221 coupled
to the
latch 222 may be rotated and brought into close contact with the insertion
hole 21 by
the restoring force.
[41] Referring to FIGs. 8 and 9, the cartridge 40 may include an upper
housing 41, a
lower housing 43, a base 45, a first gasket 42, a second gasket 44, an
insertion space
46, a wick 47, a heater 48, and a liquid vaporization space 49. A elongated
probe 71
(refer to FIG. 9) may be mounted inside the cartridge 40. A first seal 81 may
be
disposed in the cartridge 40.
[42] The upper housing 41 may include a first outer wall 411, a first inner
wall 412, a
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container 413, a coupling recess 414, a support rib 415, a cap-receiving
portion 416, an
opening 417, and a slope 41a.
[43] The first outer wall 411 may be elongated. The first outer wall 411
may be elongated
vertically. The first outer wall 411 may form the outer surface of the upper
portion of
the cartridge 40. The first outer wall 411 may be integrally formed with the
first inner
wall 412. The first outer wall 411 may have a flat outer surface. The first
outer wall
411 may have a shape corresponding to that of the first inner wall 412. The
first outer
wall 411 may form the external appearance of the upper housing 41.
[44] The first inner wall 412 may be disposed inside the first outer wall
411. The first
inner wall 412 may be elongated. The first inner wall 412 may be elongated
vertically.
The first inner wall 412 may define therein the insertion space 46, which com-
municates with the outside. The first inner wall 412 may have a flat inner
surface. The
stick 10 may be inserted into the insertion space 46 defined by the first
inner wall 412.
The first inner wall 412 may include therein the insertion space 46, which is
elongated.
The insertion space 46 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the
elongated
probe 71.
[45] Meanwhile, the first inner wall 412 may be inclined in the
longitudinal direction of
the upper housing 41. The first inner wall 412 may be inclined inwards from
the upper
side thereof toward the lower side thereof. The inner diameter D1 of the lower
portion
of the first inner wall 412 may be smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the
upper
portion of the first inner wall 412. Since the first inner wall 412 is
inclined, the lower
portion of the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 46 may be supported
by the first
inner wall 412. The cross-sectional area of each of the first inner wall 412
and the
insertion space 46 may gradually decrease from the support rib 415 to a
stopper 419.
[46] In addition, since the gap between the circumference of the lower
portion of the
inserted stick 10 and the first inner wall 412 is hermetically sealed, it is
possible to
prevent the aerosol formed in the lower portion of the stick 10 from leaking
through
the gap between the stick 10 and the first inner wall 412.
[47] The container 413 may be formed by the first outer wall 411, the first
inner wall 412,
a second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43, and a second inner wall 432
of the
lower housing 43. The container 413 may be disposed between the upper housing
41
and the lower housing 43. The container 413 may contain liquid used for
formation of
the aerosol. The container 413 may be hermetically sealed from the inside of
the
cartridge 40 by the first gasket 42. The container 413 may be hermetically
sealed from
the outside of the cartridge 40 by the second gasket 44. The liquid stored in
the
container 413 may permeate the wick 47.
[48] The coupling recess 414 may be formed in the first outer wall 411. The
coupling
recess 414 may be formed in the shape of a hole. The coupling recess 414 may
be
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coupled with a coupling protrusion 454 of the base 45. A plurality of coupling
recesses
414 may be formed in the circumference of the upper housing 41. The plurality
of
coupling recesses 414 may be arranged at regular intervals.
[49] The support rib 415 may be formed on the first inner wall 412. The
support rib 415
may be located adjacent to the upper end of the insertion space 46. The
support rib 415
may protrude from the first inner wall 412 toward the insertion space 46. When
the
stick 10 is inserted into the insertion space 46, the support rib 415 may come
into
contact with the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 46. The support
rib 415 may
support the side surface of the inserted stick 10. The fixing force for fixing
the inserted
stick 10 may vary depending on how far the support rib 415 protrudes or the
shape
thereof.
[50] The support rib 415 may be formed in a plural number, and the
plurality of support
ribs 415 may be sequentially disposed along the inner circumference of the
first inner
wall 412. The plurality of support ribs 415 may be connected to each other so
as to be
integrated.
[51] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 16, the plurality of support ribs 415 may
be connected
to each other to form a polygonal shape. For example, the support ribs 415 may
form a
regular hexagonal shape. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably support the
cir-
cumference of the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 46.
[52] The cap-receiving portion 416 may be formed in the upper housing 41.
The cap-
receiving portion 416 may be located below the cap 22. When the cap 22 of the
cover
20 is rotated, the cap 22 may be received in the cap-receiving portion 416.
The cap-
receiving portion 416 may be formed in a manner such that a portion of the
upper
housing 41 is recessed. The cap-receiving portion 416 may be formed in a
manner such
that the first inner wall 412 is recessed. The cap-receiving portion 416 may
be formed
in the upper portion of the upper housing 41. The cap-receiving portion 416
may com-
municate with the opening 417. The cap-receiving portion 416 may have a shape
corre-
sponding to the shape of the cap 22. The cap-receiving portion 416 may be
engaged
with the cap 22 that has been rotated.
[53] The opening 417 may communicate with the insertion space 46. The
opening 417
may communicate with the outside of the cartridge 40. The opening 417 may com-
municate with the cap-receiving portion 416. The opening 417 may be formed in
the
upper surface of the upper housing 41. The stick 10 may be inserted into the
insertion
space 46 through the opening 417. The stick 10 may be inserted through the
opening
417 from above to below.
[54] The slope 41a may be formed on the first inner wall 412. The slope 41a
may be
formed between the opening 417 and the support rib 415. The slope 41a may be
formed between the cap-receiving portion 416 and the support rib 415. The
slope 41a
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may interconnect the support rib 415 and the opening 417. The slope 41a may be
inclined inwards from above to below. The cap-receiving portion 416 may be
connected to the upper side of the slope 41a, and the support rib 415 may be
connected
to the lower side of the slope 41a. The slope 41a may enable the stick 10 to
be
smoothly inserted into the insertion space 46 along the slope 41a.
[55] The lower housing 43 may include a second outer wall 431, a second
inner wall 432,
and a second inlet 433. The lower housing 43 may be coupled to the lower side
of the
upper housing 41. The lower housing 43 may be elongated in the longitudinal
direction
of the upper housing 41. Alternatively, the lower housing 43 may be elongated
in the
vertical direction.
[56] The second outer wall 431 may be coupled to the first outer wall 411.
The second
outer wall 431 may be coupled to the lower side of the first outer wall 411.
The second
outer wall 431 may be integrally formed with the second inner wall 432. The
second
outer wall 431 may be disposed inside the cartridge 40. The second outer wall
431 may
form the external appearance of the lower housing 43. The second outer wall
431 and
the second inner wall 432 may be connected to each other.
[57] The second inner wall 432 may be coupled to the first inner wall 412.
The second
inner wall 432 may be coupled to the lower side of the first inner wall 412.
The second
inner wall 432 may be disposed below the insertion space 46. The inside of the
second
inner wall 432 may communicate with the insertion space 46. The wick 47 and
the
heater 48 may be disposed inside the second inner wall 432.
[58] The liquid vaporization space 49 may be located inside the second
inner wall 432.
The aerosol formed in the liquid vaporization space 49 may flow to the stick
10
inserted into the insertion space 46. The user may inhale the aerosol formed
in the
liquid vaporization space through the stick 10.
[59] The second inlet 433 may be formed in the lower housing 43. The liquid
vaporization
space 49 may communicate with the outside of the lower housing 43 through the
second inlet. Air may flow to the wick 47 and the heater 48 through the second
inlet
433. The second inlet 433 may be located near the wick 47. The second inlet
433 may
be located below the wick 47. The second inlet 433 may be formed in the bottom
surface 430 of the lower housing 43.
[60] The lower housing 43 may be mounted in the base 45. The lower housing
43 may be
accommodated in the base 45. The outer side of the base 45 may be inserted
into the
gap between the first outer wall 411 and the second outer wall 431. The base
45 may
be coupled to the upper housing 41. The base 45 may be elongated. The base 45
may
be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 43. The base
45 may
surround the lower housing 43. The base 45 may be spaced apart from the bottom
surface 430 of the lower housing 43.
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[61] The base 45 may include a first inlet 451. The first inlet 451 may be
formed in the
side surface 458 of the base 45. The inside of the base 45 and the outside of
the base 45
may communicate with each other through the first inlet 451. The first inlet
451 may
communicate with the second inlet 433. The first inlet 451 may be spaced apart
from
the bottom surface 457 of the base 45. The first inlet 451 may be spaced
upwards apart
from the bottom surface 457 of the base 45, thereby preventing leakage of
droplets
remaining in the lower portion of the base 45.
[62] The base 45 may include a coupling protrusion 454. The coupling
protrusion 454
may protrude from the side surface 458 of the base 45. The coupling protrusion
454
may be formed on the upper portion of the base 45, and may be fitted into the
coupling
recess 414 formed in the lower portion of the first outer wall 411.
1631 The wick 47 may be located in the liquid vaporization space
49 inside the lower
housing 43. A portion of the wick 47 may he connected to the inside of the
container
413. The wick 47 may be connected to the inside of the container 413 to absorb
the
liquid contained in the container 413. The wick 47 may be elongated. The wick
47 may
communicate with the insertion space 46. The wick 47 may be located below the
insertion space 46.
[64] Meanwhile, the wick 47 may extend toward the lower side of the
container 413.
Therefore, when a small amount of liquid is left in the container 413, the
liquid may
permeate the wick 47 even if the user does not shake or invert the aerosol-
generating
device 1.
[65] The heater 48 may be located in the liquid vaporization space 49. The
heater 48 may
be disposed near the wick 47. The heater 48 may receive power from a battery
58
(refer to FIG. 14) to generate heat. The heater 48 may apply heat to the wick
47. The
heater 48 may be formed so as to be wound around the wick 47. The heater 48
may be
located inside the second inner wall 432.
[66] When the heater 48 applies heat to the wick 47, the liquid that has
permeated the
wick 47 may be vaporized to form an aerosol. The formed aerosol may rise into
the
insertion space 46. The user may inhale the formed aerosol through the stick
10
inserted into the insertion space 46.
[67] Referring to FIGs. 9 and 10, the aerosol-generating device 1 may
include a first
gasket 42 and a second gasket 44.
[68] The first outer wall 411 of the upper housing 41 may include a stepped
portion 418.
The first inner wall 412 of the upper housing 41 may include a compression
protrusion
410 and a stopper 419. The second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43 may
include
a flange 434.
[69] The first gasket 42 may be inserted into the gap between the first
inner wall 412 and
the second inner wall 432 so as to be compressed therebetween. The first
gasket 42
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may be inserted into the gap between the lower end of the first inner wall 412
and the
upper end of the second inner wall 432. The first gasket 42 may be disposed
along the
circumference of the upper portion of the second inner wall 432. The first
gasket 42
may be formed of an elastic material. The first gasket 42 may prevent the
liquid
contained in the container 413 from leaking into the liquid vaporization space
49.
[70] The first gasket 42 may extend along the second inner wall 432 in the
longitudinal
direction of the second inner wall 432. In addition, the elongated first
gasket 42 and the
first inner wall 412 may be in contact with each other. An extension portion
421 of the
first gasket 42 (refer to FIG. 13) may he inserted into the gap between the
second inner
wall 432 and the first inner wall 412 so as to be compressed therebetween. Ac-
cordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the container 413 from
leaking into the
liquid vaporization space 49.
[71] The second gasket 44 may be inserted into the gap between the first
outer wall 411
and the second outer wall 431 so as to be compressed therebetween. The second
gasket
44 may extend along the circumference of the base 45. The second gasket 44 may
be
inserted into the gap between the second outer wall 431 and the base 45. The
second
gasket 44 may be inserted into the gap between the first outer wall 411 and
the base 45.
The second gasket 44 may prevent the liquid contained in the container 413
from
leaking out of the cartridge 40.
[72] The second gasket 44 may include a compressed portion 441, which is
inserted into
the gap between the flange 434 and the side surface 458 of the base 45, and an
extension portion 442, which extends from the compressed portion 441 along the
side
surface 458 of the base 45 and is inserted into the gap between the base 45
and the first
outer wall 411. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the
container 413
from leaking into the gap between the lower housing 43 and the base 45 or
leaking into
the gap between the base 45 and the upper housing 41.
[731 The stepped portion 418 may be formed on the inner surface of the
first outer wall
411. The stepped portion 418 may be engaged with the flange 434. The stepped
portion 418 may press the flange 434 of the second outer wall 431. The stepped
portion
418 may press the second gasket 44. When the first outer wall 411 of the upper
housing 41 is coupled to the base 45, the stepped portion 418 of the first
outer wall 411
may press the flange 434 of the second outer wall 431 and the second gasket
44. Ac-
cordingly, when the upper housing 41 and the base 45 are coupled to each
other, the
second gasket 44 may be compressed, and may come into close contact with the
first
outer wall 411, the second outer wall 431, and the base 45.
[74] The flange 434 may be formed in a manner such that an end portion
of the second
outer wall 431 is bent and extends outside the lower housing 43. The flange
434 may
be formed in a manner such that the upper end of the second outer wall 431 is
bent and
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extends outwards. The flange 434 may be coupled to the stepped portion 418.
The
flange 434 may be in contact with the stepped portion 418. When the first
outer wall
411 is coupled to the base 45, the flange 434 may be pressed by the stepped
portion
418. The lower side of the flange 434 may be in contact with the second gasket
44.
[75] The compression protrusion 410 may protrude from the first inner wall
412 to the
inside of the upper housing 41. The first gasket 42 may be inserted into the
gap
between the compression protrusion 410 and the second inner wall 432. The
lower
surface of the compression protrusion 410 may compress the first gasket 42.
The com-
pression protrusion 410 may compress a compressed portion 423 of the first
gasket 42.
[76] The compression protrusion 410 may extend so as to surround the inner
cir-
cumference of the compressed portion 423 of the first gasket 42. The
compression
protrusion 410 extending along the first gasket 42 may be adjacent to the
second inner
wall 432. The compression protrusion 410 extending along the first gasket 42
may in
contact with the second inner wall 432. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent
the liquid
in the container 413 from leaking into the liquid vaporization space 49.
[77] The stopper 419 may be formed on the inner side of the first inner
wall 412. The
stopper 419 may be integrally formed with the compression protrusion 410. The
stopper may be formed on the upper side of the compression protrusion 410. The
stopper 419 may be formed below the support rib 415. The stopper 419 may be
formed
between the compression protrusion 410 and the support rib 415. The stopper
419 may
be located adjacent to the compression protrusion 410.
[78] The upper surface of the stopper 419 may support the stick 10 inserted
into the
insertion space 46. The stopper 419 may prevent the stick 10 from being
inserted into
the insertion space 46 beyond a predetermined depth. The stopper 419 may be
formed
in a plural number. The plurality of stoppers 419 may be integrally formed
with each
other. The plurality of stoppers 419 may be disposed at the same vertical
position in
the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The plurality of stoppers
419 may
be arranged along the inner circumference of the upper housing 41. The
plurality of
stoppers 419 may be in contact with the lower surface of the stick 10.
[79] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, the aerosol-generating device 1 may
include a
elongated probe 71, a first seal 81, and a second seal 82. The upper housing
41 may
include a support 420. The lower housing 43 may include a depressed portion
435, a
holder 436, and a hole 437.
[801 The elongated probe 71 may be elongated. The elongated probe
71 may be elongated
in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41. The elongated probe 71
may be
provided to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41.
The
elongated probe 71 may penetrate the lower housing 43. The elongated probe 71
may
penetrate the base 45. The elongated probe 71 may move from the insertion
space 46 to
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the outside of the lower housing 43.
[81] The elongated probe 71 may include one end 714, which is adjacent to a
pressure
sensor 72 (refer to FIG. 14), a first part 715, which is elongated from the
end 714 and
moves through the hole 437 in the holder 436, an opposite end 713, which is
formed
opposite the end 714 and is located in the insertion space 46, a second part
716, which
is elongated from the opposite end 713 and moves in the longitudinal direction
of the
insertion space 46, a third part 717, which interconnects the first part 715
and the
second part 716 and intersects the longitudinal direction of the first part
715 or the
second part 716, and a latching rib 712.
[82] The opposite end 713 of the elongated probe 71 may be located at the
center of the
cross-section of the insertion space 46, which is elongated in the
longitudinal direction
of the elongated probe 71. The opposite end 713 of the elongated probe 71 may
be in
contact with the center of the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 46.
The opposite
end 713 of the elongated probe 71 may be inserted into the center of the stick
10. Ac-
cordingly, the elongated probe 71 may move in the longitudinal direction of
the
elongated probe 71 a distance corresponding to the length to which the stick
10 is
inserted, and may transmit the force with which the stick 10 pushes the
elongated
probe 71 in the insertion process to the pressure sensor 72.
[831 The end 714 of the elongated probe 71 may be adjacent to the
second inner wall 432
of the lower housing 43. The end 714 and the opposite end 713 of the elongated
probe
71 may be positioned on different axes when viewed in the longitudinal
direction of
the elongated probe 71. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the
elongated
probe 71, the end 714 of the elongated probe 71 may be located outside the
insertion
space 46, and the opposite end 713 of the elongated probe 71 may be located
inside the
insertion space 46 (at the center thereof).
[84] The first part 715 may be elongated from the end 714 of the elongated
probe 71. The
first part 715 may move through the hole 437 in the holder 436. The first part
715 may
be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 46.
[85] The second part 716 may be elongated from the opposite end 713 of the
elongated
probe 71. The second part 716 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the
insertion
space 46. The second part 716 may move in the insertion space 46 in the
longitudinal
direction of the insertion space 46.
[86] The third part 717 may be bent so as to interconnect the end 714 of
the elongated
probe 71, which is located at the center of the insertion space 46, and the
opposite end
713 of the elongated probe 71, which is adjacent to the second inner wall 432.
The
third part 717 may be elongated in a direction intersecting the longitudinal
direction of
the elongated probe 71. For example, the third part 717 may be elongated in a
direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe 71.
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[871 Meanwhile, the third part 717 may be located above the wick
47. Accordingly, it is
possible to prevent the liquid or droplets falling from the wick 47 from
leaking out of
the cartridge 40 along the third part 717.
[88] The latching rib 712 may protrude from the side surface of the
elongated probe 71 in
a direction intersecting the moving direction of the elongated probe 71. The
latching
rib 712 may be caught by the support 420 of the first inner wall 412. The
latching rib
712 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe 71.
The
latching rib 712 may be located below the support 420. The latching rib 712
may be
located between the upper housing 41 and the pressure sensor 72. The latching
rib 712
may prevent the elongated probe 71 from moving a predetermined distance or
more
toward the insertion space 46.
[89] The first seal 81 may include a thin film 811. The first seal 81 may
be in contact with
the first inlet 451 in the base 45. The first seal 81 may extend along the
circumference
of the first inlet 451. The first seal 81 may be inserted into the lower
housing 43. The
first seal 81 may be inserted into the gap between the second outer wall 431
of the
lower housing 43 and the base 45. The first seal 81 may be inserted into the
gap
between the second outer wall 431 of the lower housing 43 and the first inlet
451. The
first seal 81 may be formed of an elastic material.
[90] The first seal 81 may prevent the liquid in the container 413 from
leaking into the
first inlet 451 through the gap between the lower housing 43 and the base 45.
In
addition, since the first seal 81 hermetically seals the circumference of the
first inlet
451, it is possible to maintain the air pressure in the first inlet 451 during
inhalation by
the user.
[91] The thin film 811 may be disposed in the first inlet 451. The thin
film 811 may be
disposed in the flow path of the air suctioned through the first inlet 451.
The thin film
811 may have formed therein a plurality of pores. Accordingly, since the
liquid does
not pass through the plurality of pores, it is possible to prevent the liquid
from leaking
out of the cartridge 40.
[92] The elongated probe 71 may be inserted into the second seal 82. The
second seal 82
may be supported by the base 45. The second seal 82 may be supported by the
lower
housing 43. The second seal 82 may prevent the liquid from leaking out of the
cartridge 40 along the elongated probe 71.
[93] The support 420 may protrude inwards from the first inner wall 412 of
the upper
housing 41. The support 420 may protrude toward the elongated probe 71. The
support
420 may be located adjacent to the side surface of the elongated probe 71. The
support
420 may support the side surface of the elongated probe 71 when the elongated
probe
71 is tilted.
[94] The depressed portion 435 may be formed in a manner such that the
bottom surface
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430 of the lower housing 43 is recessed into the lower housing 43. When the
aerosol-
generating device 1 is inverted, droplets remaining between the lower housing
43 and
the base 45 may accumulate in the depressed portion 435. The depressed portion
435
may prevent droplets from leaking into the first inlet 451.
[95] The holder 436 may be formed at the lower housing 43. The holder 436
may be
formed at the second inner wall 432 of the lower housing 43. The holder 436
may be
integrally formed with the lower housing 43. The holder 436 may have formed
therein
a hole 437 through which the elongated probe 71 slides. The holder 436 may
allow the
elongated probe 71 to pass therethrough. The holder 436 may be elongated in
the lon-
gitudinal direction of the elongated probe 71. The hole 437 in the holder 436
may be
elongated in the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe 71. The hole
437 in the
holder 436 may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the
elongated probe
71. The holder 436 may support the side surface of the elongated probe 71.
[96] Meanwhile, the support 420 may be located above the latching rib 712
of the
elongated probe 71. The support 420, the latching rib 712, and the holder 436
may be
sequentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41.
The
support 420 may be located above the latching rib 712. The holder 436 may be
located
below the latching rib 712. Accordingly, when the elongated probe 71 moves in
the
longitudinal direction thereof, the support 420 and the holder 436 may
restrict
excessive movement of the elongated probe 71.
[97] Referring to FIG. 13, the second inner wall 432 of the lower housing
43 may include
a notch 439. The first gasket 42 may include an extension portion 421, an
insertion
portion 422, and a compressed portion 423.
[98] The notch 439 may be formed in one end of the second inner wall 432.
The notch
439 may be recessed in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 41.
That is, the
notch 439 formed in the upper end of the second inner wall 432 may be recessed
downwards. The wick 47 may be inserted into and seated in the notch 439. The
notch
439 may have a shape corresponding to the external appearance of the wick 47.
Ac-
cordingly, the wick 47 may be disposed between the notch 439 and the insertion
portion 422 so as to be in close contact with the same, thereby preventing
leakage of
the liquid.
[99] The first gasket 42 may include the extension portion 421, which
extends from the
compressed portion 423 along the outer surface of the second inner wall 432
and is
inserted into the gap between the first inner wall 412 and the second inner
wall 432,
the compressed portion 423, which is inserted into the gap between the first
inner wall
412 and the second inner wall 432, and the insertion portion 422, which
extends from
the compressed portion 423 and is inserted into the notch 439.
[100] The extension portion 421 may extend from the compressed portion 423.
The
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extension portion 421 may extend along the second inner wall 432 in the
longitudinal
direction of the second inner wall 432. The first inner wall 412 of the upper
housing 41
may extend along the extension portion 421. The extension portion 421 may be
inserted into the gap between the second inner wall 432 and the extended first
inner
wall 412.
[101] The insertion portion 422 may extend downwards from the compressed
portion 423
of the first gasket 42. The insertion portion 422 may be in contact with the
wick 47
seated in the notch 439. The insertion portion 422 may have a shape
corresponding to
the external appearance of the wick 47. Accordingly, the insertion portion 422
may be
in close contact with the wick 47, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid
along the
outer surface of the wick 47.
[102] Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a
first flow path
91, a second flow path 92, and a third flow path 93. In addition, the aerosol-
generating
device 1 may include a first gap 225, a second gap 520, a first through-hole
521, an in-
halation detection sensor 53, a second through-hole 522, a first inlet 451, a
second inlet
433, a battery 58, and a terminal 59.
[103] The first flow path 91 may be formed through the first gap 225, which
is located
between the insertion hole 21 in the cover 20 and the stick 10, and the second
gap 520,
which is formed between the upper casing 30 and the column 52. Air for
generation of
the aerosol may be suctioned through the first gap 225. The air suctioned into
the
insertion hole 21 may be introduced into the second gap 520 between the upper
casing
30 and the column 52. The air introduced into the second gap 520 may pass
through
the first through-hole 521 formed in the column 52. That is, the first flow
path 91 may
sequentially interconnect the insertion hole 21, the second gap 520, and the
first
through-hole 521.
[104] The second flow path 92 may interconnect the first through-hole 521
and the second
through-hole 522, which are formed in the column 52. The second flow path 92
may
be located inside the column 52. The second flow path 92 may be connected to
the first
flow path 91.
[105] The third flow path 93 may be formed through the first inlet 451 in
the base 45, the
second inlet 433 in the lower housing 43, and a region near the wick 47. The
second
inlet 433 may be formed in the third flow path 93. The third flow path 93 may
be
connected to the second flow path 92. The third flow path 93 may lead to the
inserted
stick 10 from the first inlet 451. Since the third flow path 93 passes by the
wick 47, the
liquid vaporized by the heater 48 may mix with air. Accordingly, the user may
inhale
the aerosol through the stick 10.
[106] The third flow path 93 may be located between the bottom surface 430
of the lower
housing 43 and the base 45. The third flow path 93 may form a wide flow path
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between the lower housing 43 and the base 45, and may secure a sufficient flow
rate.
[107] The battery 58 (refer to FIG. 22) may be mounted in the body 50. The
battery 58 may
be located at the lower portion of the body 50. The battery 58 may supply
power to the
heater 48. The battery 58 may supply power to the controller 100. The battery
58 may
supply power to an electronic device included in the aerosol-generating device
1. The
battery 58 may supply power to an output unit 110, the pressure sensor 72, and
a
memory 120.
[108] The terminal 59 may be connected to the battery 58. The terminal 59
may be
connected to an external power source. The battery 58 may receive power from
the
outside through the terminal 59.
[109] The first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92 will be described
with reference
to FIGs. 15 to 18.
[110] The first gap 225 may be formed between the insertion hole 21 and the
stick 10
inserted into the insertion hole 21. Air may pass through the first gap 225.
The air that
has passed through the first gap 225 may be introduced into the column 52
through the
second gap 520.
[111] The second gap 520 may be formed between the upper casing 30 and the
column 52.
The second gap 520 may be formed near the column 52. The surface 32 of the
upper
casing 30, the upper surface of the upper housing 41, and the surface 523 of
the
column 52, which together form the second gap 520, may be formed to be flat.
The
second gap 520 may communicate with the first through-hole 521. The second gap
520
may be formed by a spacing protrusion 31 of the upper casing 30.
[112] The spacing protrusion 31 may form the second gap 520. The spacing
protrusion 31
may be adjacent to the first through-hole 521. The spacing protrusion 31 may
protrude
from the portion of the upper casing 30 that faces the first through-hole 521.
The
spacing protrusion 31 may be in contact with the upper housing 41 or the
column 52.
The spacing protrusion 31 may separate the upper casing 30 and the column 52
from
each other. The spacing protrusion 31 may define the width of the second gap
520.
[113] The first through-hole 521 may allow the first flow path 91 and the
second flow path
92 to be connected to each other. The first through-hole 521 may allow the
second gap
520 and the inside of the column 52 to communicate with each other. The first
through-hole 521 may be formed in the outer surface of the column 52. The
first
through-hole 521 may be formed in the upper surface of the column 52. The
first
through-hole 521 may be adjacent to the upper housing 41 and the upper casing
30.
[114] The inhalation detection sensor 53 may sense whether the user is
inhaling. The in-
halation detection sensor 53 may be mounted in the first flow path 91, the
second flow
path 92, or the third flow path 93.
[115] The inhalation detection sensor 53 may be mounted in the second flow
path 92. The
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inhalation detection sensor 53 may be spaced upwards apart from the second
through-
hole 522. The inhalation detection sensor 53 may be mounted between the first
through-hole 521 and the second through-hole 522. The inhalation detection
sensor 53
may be located on the inner surface of the column 52 that is adjacent to the
cartridge
40. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the inhalation
detection sensor
53, which may be caused by permeation of the liquid thereinto when the aerosol-
generating device 1 is tilted or rotated.
[116] The inhalation detection sensor 53 may sense the flow of air. The
inhalation
detection sensor 53 may be a pressure sensor or an airflow sensor. The
inhalation
detection sensor 53 may be disposed adjacent to the first through-hole 521 or
the
second through-hole 522. The inhalation detection sensor 53 may sense the flow
of air
passing through the second flow path 92.
[117] The second through-hole 522 may allow the second flow path 92 and the
third flow
path 93 to be connected to each other. The second through-hole 522 may be
formed in
the surface of the column 52 that faces the lower housing 43 or the base 45.
The
second through-hole 522 may be located adjacent to the lower housing 43 or the
base
45. The second through-hole 522 may face the first inlet 451 in the base 45.
The
second through-hole 522 may be connected to the first inlet 451 in the base
45. A
sealing member (not shown) may be inserted into the gap between the second
through-
hole 522 and the first inlet 451. The second through-hole 522 may be in close
contact
with the first inlet 451.
[118] Meanwhile, the second inlet 433 may be offset from the wick 47 in the
longitudinal
direction of the upper housing 41 (or the vertical direction) so as to be
positioned on
different axes. That is, the second inlet 433 may be spaced apart from the
wick 47 in
the radial direction of the second inlet 433. Accordingly, since the liquid
falling from
the wick 47 does not directly flow into the second inlet 433, it is possible
to prevent the
liquid from leaking out of the cartridge 40.
[119] Meanwhile, the hole 437 in the holder 436 may be offset from the wick
47 in the lon-
gitudinal direction of the upper housing 41 (or the vertical direction) so as
to be po-
sitioned on different axes. That is, the hole 437 may be spaced apart from the
wick 47
in the radial direction of the hole 437. The wick 47 may be located between
the hole
437 and the second inlet 433 in the radial direction of the hole 437. In
addition, the
hole 437 in the holder 436 and the second inlet 433 may be located
symmetrically to
each other with respect to the wick 47. Accordingly, since the liquid falling
from the
wick 47 does not directly flow into the hole 437 in the holder 436, it is
possible to
prevent leakage of the liquid.
[120] Referring to FIGs. 19 and 20, the aerosol-generating device 1 may
include a first
boss 452, a second boss 438, a wall 453, a first through-hole 455, a second
through-
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hole 511, a pressure sensor 72, a second seal 82, a controller 100, an output
unit 110,
and a memory 120.
[121] The first through-hole 455 may be formed in the base 45. The first
through-hole 455
may be formed in the bottom surface 457 of the base 45. The first through-hole
455
may allow the end 714 of the elongated probe 71 to pass therethrough. The
first
through-hole 455 may be located below the holder 436. The first through-hole
455 and
the second through-hole 511 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of
the
elongated probe 71.
[122] The second through-hole 511 may be formed in the mount 51 of the body
50. The
second through-hole 511 may allow the end 714 of the elongated probe 71 to
pass
therethrough. The second through-hole 511 may be located below the first
through-
hole 455. A portion of the pressure sensor 72 may be located in the second
through-
hole 511.
[123] The pressure sensor 72 may be mounted in the body 50. The pressure
sensor 72 may
be located adjacent to the end 714 of the elongated probe 71. The pressure
sensor 72
may be located below the elongated probe 71. The pressure sensor 72 may
include a
sensing unit 721, which comes into contact with the end 714 of the elongated
probe 71
when the elongated probe 71 moves from the insertion space 46 to the inside of
the
lower housing 43. The sensing unit 721 of the pressure sensor 72 may be
pressed by
the end 714 of the elongated probe 71.
[124] The pressure sensor 72 may measure a pressure value generated when
the pressure
sensor 72 comes into contact with the elongated probe 71. The pressure sensor
72 may
transmit the measured pressure value to the controller 100. A preset pressure
value
may be stored in the controller 100, and the controller 100 may make a
comparison in
magnitude between the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 72 and
the
preset pressure value.
[125] The surface of the sensing unit 721 that is in contact with the end
714 of the
elongated probe 71 may be formed as a curved surface. For example, the sensing
unit
721 may include a curved surface that is convex toward the elongated probe 71.
Therefore, even if the elongated probe 71 is tilted during movement thereof,
the
contact point between the end 714 and the sensing unit 721 may be formed at
the
center of the sensing unit 721. In addition, since a single contact point is
formed, the
accuracy of the pressure sensor 72 may be improved.
[126] The second seal 82 may include a first support portion 821, which is
supported by the
base 45, a second support portion 823, which is supported by the lower housing
43, a
connection portion 822, which interconnects the first support portion 821 and
a second
support portion 823, and a contact portion 824, which is in contact with the
elongated
probe 71.
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[127] The first support portion 821 may be supported by the first boss 452
protruding from
the base 45. The lower surface of the first support portion 821 may be
supported by the
base 45, and the side surface of the first support portion 821 may be
supported by the
first boss 452. The first support portion 821 may be adhered to the base 45.
[128] The second support portion 823 may be in contact with the lower
housing 43. The
second support portion 823 may extend along the bottom surface 430 of the
lower
housing 43. The second support portion 823 may surround the hole 437 in the
holder
436. The second support portion 823 and the contact portion 824 may
hermetically seal
the hole 437 in the holder 436, thereby preventing the liquid from leaking out
of the
lower housing 43 through the hole 437 in the holder 436.
[129] The first support portion 821 and the second support portion 823 may
respectively
support the lower surface and the upper surface of the second seal 82.
Accordingly,
even if the elongated probe 71 moves in the longitudinal direction thereof,
the original
position of the second seal 82 in the longitudinal direction of the elongated
probe 71
may be maintained.
[130] The contact portion 824 may surround the outer surface of the
elongated probe 71.
The contact portion 824 may be located on the circumference of the elongated
probe
71. The contact portion 824 may be adhered to the elongated probe 71. The
contact
portion 824 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe
71. The
contact portion 824 may prevent the liquid that has leaked out of the lower
housing 43
from leaking out of the base 45 along the elongated probe 71.
[131] Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a plurality of
protrusions
(not shown) protruding from the base 45 to support the side surface of the
second seal
82. The plurality of protrusions may be symmetrically arranged with respect to
the
elongated probe 71. The plurality of protrusions may be integrally formed with
each
other to have a boss shape.
[132] The first boss 452 may protrude from the base 45. The first boss 452
may protrude
from the base 45 toward the lower housing 43. The first boss 452 may support
the side
surface of the second seal 82. The first boss 452 may support the outer
surface of the
first support portion 821. The first boss 452 may maintain the original
position of the
second seal 82 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of
the
elongated probe 71.
[133] The second boss 438 may protrude from the lower housing 43. The
second boss 438
may protrude toward the base 45. The second boss 438 may surround the first
boss
452. The second boss 438 may surround the outer side of the first boss 452.
The
second boss 438 and the first boss 452 may overlap each other in a direction
in-
tersecting the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe 71. For example,
the second
boss 438 and the first boss 452 may overlap each other in a direction
perpendicular to
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the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe 71. Accordingly, it is
possible to
prevent the liquid or droplets from permeating the first boss 452 from the
outside of
the second boss 438.
[134] The wall 453 may be formed on the base 45. The wall 453 may protrude
from the
base 45 toward the second flow path 92. The wall 453 may protrude toward the
lower
housing 43. The wall 453 may be disposed between the second inlet 433 and the
first
inlet 451. The wall 453 may prevent the droplets from flowing back to the
first inlet
451 along the second flow path 92.
[135] Meanwhile, the wall 453 may be bent along the second flow path 92 or
in a direction
opposite the second flow path 92. The wall 453 may be bent toward the second
inlet
433 or the first inlet 451. Accordingly, when the aerosol-generating device 1
is laid
down or tilted, it is possible to effectively prevent leakage of the liquid
into the first
inlet 451.
[136] FIG. 21 illustrates the case in which the elongated probe 71 moves
from the insertion
space 46 to the outside of the lower housing 43 and the end 714 thereof comes
into
contact with the sensing unit 721 of the pressure sensor 72.
[137] When the stick 10 is inserted into the insertion space 46, the
elongated probe 71,
which is in contact with the stick 10, may move in the longitudinal direction
of the
elongated probe 71. The second seal 82 surrounding the elongated probe 71 may
move
in the moving direction of the elongated probe 71 as the elongated probe 71
moves.
Even if the liquid or droplets leak out of the lower housing 43 along the
elongated
probe 71, the second seal 82 may prevent the liquid or droplets from leaking
out of the
base 45.
[138] When the end of the elongated probe 71 comes into contact with the
sensing unit
721, the pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor 72 may he transmitted to
the
controller 100. The controller 100 may compare the sensed pressure value with
the
preset pressure value, and may determine whether the stick 10 is a used one.
[139] Referring to FIG. 22, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a
controller 100,
an output unit 110, and a memory 120.
[140] When the pressure value measured by the sensing unit 721 is greater
than a preset
value, the controller 100 may determine that the stick 10 is a new one. When
the
measured pressure value is less than the preset value, the controller 100 may
determine
that the stick 10 is a used one. That is, the controller 100 may determine
whether the
stick 10 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 is a used one based on
the
pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor 72.
[141] The output unit 110 may include a display 111, a sound output unit
112, and a haptic
output unit 113. The output unit 110 may be operated by the controller 100.
Upon de-
termining that the stick 10 is a used one, the controller 100 may output
information in-
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dicating reuse of the stick 10 on the display 111. Upon determining that the
stick 10 is
a used one, the controller 100 may notify the user of information indicating
reuse of
the stick 10 through the sound output unit 112. Upon determining that the
stick 10 is a
used one, the controller 100 may transmit vibration to the user through the
haptic
output unit 113.
[142] The memory 120 may store the preset pressure value. The memory 120
may be
connected to the controller 100. The controller 100 may compare the preset
pressure
value stored in the memory 120 with the pressure value measured by the
pressure
sensor 72, and may determine whether the stick 10 is a used one.
[143] Reuse of the stick 10 is undesirable because smoking quality is
degraded and the risk
of ignition of the stick 10 increases. Therefore, the pressure sensor 72 may
be used in
order to improve the smoking quality of the aerosol-generating device 1 and to
prevent
ignition attributable to reuse of the stick 10.
[144] FIG. 23 illustrates a series of processes in which the stick 10 is
inserted into the
aerosol-generating device 1 and is then removed therefrom. FIG. 24 illustrates
a series
of processes in which a used stick 10' is inserted into the aerosol-generating
device 1
and is then removed therefrom.
[145] Referring to FIGs. 23 and 24, the stick 10 may be inserted into the
aerosol-generating
device 1. The opposite end 713 of the elongated probe 71 may be inserted into
the stick
inserted into the insertion space 46. The inserted stick 10 may press the
elongated
probe 71. When the stick 10 presses the elongated probe 71, the elongated
probe 71
may move in the longitudinal direction thereof. The elongated probe 71 that
has moved
may come into contact with the pressure sensor 72.
[146] When the stick 10 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1,
contact of the
elongated probe 71 with the pressure sensor 72 may be maintained. Therefore, a
pressure value may be continuously measured by the pressure sensor 72. The
controller
100 may determine that the stick 10 has been inserted based on the pressure
value con-
tinuously measured by the pressure sensor 72.
[147] When the elongated probe 71 is inserted into the stick 10, a hole 10"
may be formed
in one surface of the stick 10. For example, a hole 10" may be formed in the
lower
surface of a used stick 10'. The hole 10" may be located at the center of the
cross-
section of the stick 10'. The hole 10" may have a shape corresponding to the
outer
surface of the opposite end 713 of the elongated probe 71.
[1481 When the used stick 10' is inserted again into the aerosol-
generating device 1, the
used stick 10' may press the elongated probe 71. In the process in which the
stick 10 or
10' is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, the force with which the
new stick
10 presses the elongated probe 71 may be greater than the force with which the
used
stick 10' presses the elongated probe 71. Since the hole 10" is already formed
in the
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used stick 10, the elongated probe 71 may be smoothly inserted into the used
stick 10.
[149] Therefore, the controller 100 may make a comparison in magnitude
between the
pressure value measured in the process of inserting the stick 10 and the
preset pressure
value, and may determine whether the stick 10 inserted into the aerosol-
generating
device 1 is a used one.
[150] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 24, an aerosol-generating device 1 in
accordance with one
aspect of the present disclosure may include a housing 40 and 50 including an
insertion
space 46 in communication with the exterior of the housing, a elongated probe
71
coupled to the housing 40 and 50 and comprising a first end 714, wherein the
elongated probe 71 is movable from the insertion space 46 to the interior of
the
housing 40 and 50, and a pressure sensor 72 coupled to the housing 40 and 50
and
located adjacent to the first end 714 of the elongated probe 71.
[151] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the housing
40 and 50 may include a support 420 protruding toward the elongated probe 71
and
located adjacent to the side surface of the elongated probe 71 to support the
elongated
probe 71.
[152] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the elongated
probe 71 may include a rib 712 protruding from the side surface thereof, and
the
support 420 and the rib 712 may be aligned in a longitudinal direction with
respect to
the elongated probe 71.
[153] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the rib 712
may be located between the support 420 and the pressure sensor 72, and when
the
elongated probe 71 moves to the insertion space 46, the rib 712 may be caught
by the
support 420.
[154] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, when the
elongated probe 71 moves from the insertion space 46 to the interior of the
housing 40
and 50, the sensing unit 721 may be in contact with the first end 714 of the
elongated
probe 71.
[155] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the pressure
sensor 72 may have a surface convex toward the elongated probe 71.
[156] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the aerosol-
generating device may further include a container 413 located in the housing
40 and 50
to store liquid, a wick 47 disposed at the insertion space 46 and having a
portion
connected to the container 413, and a heater 48 disposed near the wick 47 to
apply heat
to the wick 47.
[157] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the housing
40 and 50 may further include a holder 436 with a hole 437 to receive the
elongated
probe 71.
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[1581 In addition, in accordancOe with another aspect of the
present disclosure, the wick 47
may be spaced apart from the hole 437 in a radial direction of the hole 437.
[159] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the hole 437
may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the elongated probe 71.
[160] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the insertion
space 46 may be elongated in a longitudinal direction of the elongated probe
71, and
the elongated probe 71 may include a second end 713 located opposite to the
first end
714 of the elongated probe 71 and located at the center of the cross-section
of the
insertion space 46.
[161] In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present
disclosure, the elongated
probe 71 may include a first part 715 elongated from the first end 714 thereof
so as to
move through the hole 437, a second part 716 elongated from the second end 713
thereof so as to move in a longitudinal direction of the insertion space 46,
and a third
part 717 connecting the first part 715 and the second part 716 and
intersecting a lon-
gitudinal direction of the first part 715 or the second part 716.
[162] 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.
[163] 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.
[164] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number
of il-
lustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other
modi-
fications 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.
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