AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes an upper body havin gan insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

BACKGROUND ART

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.

Disclosure

Technical Problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to prevent a gap from being formed due to variations in parts or assembly and to improve sealing performance when a sealing member is assembled.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to increase the coupling force of a sealing member.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including an upper body having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

Advantageous Effects

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to prevent a gap from being formed due to variations in parts or assembly and to improve sealing performance when a sealing member is assembled.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to increase the coupling force of a sealing member.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 9 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Best Mode

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.

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.

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying 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 accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.

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.

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, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a battery 10, a controller 20, a heater 135, or a cartridge 300. At least one of the battery 10, the controller 20, the heater 135, or the cartridge 300 may be disposed in a body 100 of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The body 100 may have defined therein an insertion space S1, into which a stick 400 is insertable. The insertion space S1, into which the stick 400 is insertable, may be formed near the heater 135. The insertion space SI may be elongated in one direction. One end of the insertion space S1 may be open outwards. The cartridge 300 and the heater 135 may be disposed parallel to each other so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

The battery 10 may supply power to operate at least one of the controller 20, the heater 135, or the cartridge 300. The battery 10 may supply power required for driving a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The controller 20 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 20 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 20, or the cartridge 300. For example, the controller 20 may control the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 20 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The heater 135 may generate heat upon receiving power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 135 may heat the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

The cartridge 300 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 300 may be delivered to a user via the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 100 may include a lower body 110 and an upper body 120. The upper body 120 may be located on the lower body 110. The lower body 110 may be elongated vertically. The body 100 may accommodate components for driving the device therein. The upper body 120 may have defined therein an insertion space 134, which is open upwards. The insertion space 134 may be located in the upper body 120. The insertion space 134 may be elongated vertically. The insertion space 134 may be defined in a pipe 130 (refer to FIG. 8) located in the upper body 120.

An upper case 200 may have a hollow shape, and may have an open lower portion. The upper body 120 may be inserted into the cavity in the upper case 200. The upper case 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The upper case 200 may cover the upper body 120 so as to surround the same. The lateral portion 211 of the upper case 200 may cover the outer side wall 121 of the upper body 120 so as to surround the same. The upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 may cover the upper portion of the upper body 120 or an outer cover 180. When the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100, the upper case 200 may cover both the body 100 and the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may be disposed in the upper case 200.

An insertion hole 214 may be formed in such a manner that the upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 is open. The insertion hole 214 may correspond to an opening in the insertion space 134. A cap 215 may be movably mounted on the upper portion 212 of the upper case 200. A slide hole 213 may be formed in the upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 so as to extend from the insertion hole 214 in one direction. The cap 215 may move along the slide hole 213. The cap 215 may open and close the insertion hole 214 and the insertion space 134. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 134 through the insertion hole 214. For example, the stick 400 may be a cigarette.

The outer side wall 121 and a partition wall 125 may form the lateral portion of the upper body 120. The partition wall 125 may separate a cartridge-coupling space 124a and the insertion space 134 from each other (refer to FIG. 6). A seating portion 122 may extend from the lower portion of the partition wall 125 in one direction. An extension portion 140 may extend from the upper portion of the partition wall 125 in one direction.

The cartridge-coupling space 124a may be formed in one side of the upper body 120. The cartridge-coupling space 124a may be defined by the seating portion 122, the partition wall 125, and the extension portion 140 of the upper body 120. The bottom of the cartridge-coupling space 124a may be covered by the seating portion 122. One side of the cartridge-coupling space 124a may be covered by the partition wall 125 of the upper body 120. The upper side of the cartridge-coupling space 124a may be covered by the extension portion 140. The cartridge-coupling space 124a may be open outwards between the seating portion 122 and the extension portion 140.

The cartridge 300 may be coupled to one side of the upper body 120. The cartridge 300 may be inserted into the cartridge-coupling space 124a. The bottom of the cartridge 300 may be seated on the seating portion 122. One side of the cartridge 300 may face the partition wall 125 of the upper body 120. The other side of the cartridge 300 may be exposed to the outside of the upper body 120. The upper side of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension portion 140.

The cartridge 300 may store liquid therein. The cartridge 300 may be electrically connected to the body 100 via a cartridge terminal 128 exposed from the seating portion 122. The cartridge 300 may generate an aerosol upon receiving power.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the upper body 120 may include the outer side wall 121 and the partition wall 125. The outer side wall 121 and the partition wall 125 may be connected to each other. A pipe-mounting space 124 may be surrounded by the outer side wall 121 and the partition wall 125. The pipe-mounting space 124 may be open upwards. The pipe-mounting space 124 may extend vertically. The pipe 130 (refer to FIG. 7) may be inserted into the pipe-mounting space 124, and may be mounted in the upper body 120.

The partition wall 125 may be formed between the pipe 130 and the cartridge-coupling space 124a so as to extend vertically. The partition wall 125 may separate the pipe-mounting space 124 and the cartridge-coupling space 124a from each other. One surface of the partition wall 125 may face the pipe-mounting space 124, and the other surface of the partition wall 125 may face the cartridge-coupling space 124a. A connecting hole 123 may be formed in such a manner that the lower portion of the partition wall 125 is open. The connecting hole 123 may communicate with the pipe-mounting space 124. The partition wall 125 may be formed between the insertion space 134 and the cartridge-coupling space 124a (refer to FIG. 8).

The partition wall 125 may include a first partition wall portion 1251 and a second partition wall portion 1252. The first partition wall portion 1251 and the second partition wall portion 1252 may be formed parallel to each other. The first partition wall portion 1251 may be elongated vertically. The second partition wall portion 1252 may be elongated vertically.

The first partition wall portion 1251 may face the pipe-mounting space 124 or one side of the pipe 130. The second partition wall portion 1252 may face the cartridge-coupling space 124a.

The partition wall 125 may have a first space S1 defined therein. The first space S1 may be formed between the first partition wall portion 1251 and the second partition wall portion 1252. The first space S1 may be elongated vertically. The first space S1 may be open upwards. One side and the other side of the first space S1 may be respectively covered by the first partition wall portion 1251 and the second partition wall portion 1252. The first partition wall portion 1251 may separate the pipe-mounting space 124 and the first space S1 from each other. The second partition wall portion 1252 may separate the cartridge-coupling space 124a and a second space S2 from each other.

A bracket 127 may be located in the first space S1, or may be fixed to the inside of the first space S1. The bracket 127 may be elongated vertically. The bracket 127 may support or fix a substrate 162 (refer to FIG. 7) inserted into the first space S1.

The upper body 120 may include the extension portion 140. The extension portion 140 may extend from the upper end of the second partition wall portion 1252 in one direction. The extension portion 140 may extend in a direction opposite the pipe-mounting space 124 or the pipe 130 (refer to FIG. 8) with respect to the partition wall 125. The extension portion 140 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the second partition wall portion 1252. The extension portion 140 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge-coupling space 124a or the upper portion of the cartridge 300 (refer to FIG. 8).

The extension portion 140 may include an extension plate 141. The extension plate 141 may extend from the second partition wall portion 1252 in one direction. The extension plate 141 may have a thin plate shape.

The extension portion 140 may include a rim portion 142. The rim portion 142 may extend in the circumferential direction along the upper portion of the outer side wall 121 of the upper body 120 and the edge of the extension plate 141. The rim portion 142 may include a portion protruding upwards from the edge of the extension plate 141.

The second space S2 may be defined in the extension portion 140. The extension plate 141 may cover the lower portion of the second space S2. The rim portion 142 may cover the circumference of the second space S2. The second space S2 may be defined between the extension portion 140 and an inner cover 170 (refer to FIG. 7). The second space S2 and the first space S1 may be connected to each other.

A first sensing hole 144 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the extension plate 141 is open. The first sensing hole 144 may be open toward the cartridge-coupling space 124a. The first sensing hole 144 may allow the second space S2 and the cartridge-coupling space 124a to communicate with each other. The first sensing hole 144 may face a first inlet 3011 formed in the cartridge 300 (refer to FIG. 8).

A bottom portion 129 may cover the lower end of the pipe-mounting space 124. The bottom portion 129 may be integrally formed with the seating portion 122. The bottom portion 129 may be connected to the partition wall 125. The seating portion 122 may extend from the bottom portion 129 in one direction. One side of the bottom portion 129 of the upper body 120 may be open to form a first connector hole 1294. The first connector hole 1294 may communicate with the pipe-mounting space 124. A connector 163 for electrically connecting a sensor 161 to power or a lead wire 133a (refer to FIG. 7) of electrically connecting the heater 135 (refer to FIG. 7) to power may pass through the first connector hole 1294. The circumference of the bottom portion 129 may be surrounded by the circumference of the lower portion of the upper body 120.

Sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be integrally formed with the upper body 120. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 and the upper body 120 may have boundaries therebetween. Here, the configuration in which the sealing members and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have boundaries therebetween may be a configuration in which the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 are coupled to the upper body through injection molding or are fused to the upper body so as not to be separated therefrom, rather than being coupled to the upper body using an adhesive member or a fastening structure. The sealing members 150, 191 and 192 may be referred as seals 150, 191 and 192.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be elastic. For example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be made of rubber or silicone. The sealing members 150, 191, 192 and the upper body 120 may be made of different materials. For example, the upper body 120 may be made of a plastic material.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through insert injection molding or double injection molding. For example, the sealing members 150, 191, 192 may be formed in such a manner that the upper body 120 is placed into a mold for insert injection molding, and then high-temperature rubber or silicone in a molten state is injected into the mold for insert injection molding and is cured. In another example, the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through ultrasonic welding. For example, in the state in which one surface of each of the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 is in contact with the upper body 120, the surfaces of the sealing members are melted using ultrasonic waves and are cured, whereby the sealing members 150, 191, and 192 are coupled to the upper body 120.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed due to variations in parts or assembly and to improve sealing performance when the sealing members are assembled. In addition, it is possible to increase coupling force between parts.

The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include an upper seal 150. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include a sealing ring 191. The sealing members 150, 191, and 192 may include a lower seal 192.

The upper seal 150 may be disposed in the second space S2. The upper seal 150 may be coupled to the extension portion 140. The upper seal 150 may be in close contact with the extension plate 141 to cover the same. The edge of the upper seal 150 may be in close contact with the rim portion 142. The periphery of the sensor 161 (refer to FIG. 7) and the periphery of the substrate 162 (refer to FIG. 7) may be sealed by the upper seal 150. The upper seal 150 may seal the first space S1 and the second space S2.

The upper seal 150 may be coupled to the extension plate 141 through fusion or injection molding. The upper seal 150 may be formed on the upper body 120 through insert injection molding or double injection molding. In another example, the upper seal 150 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through ultrasonic welding. The portion of the upper seal 150 that is in contact with the extension plate 141 is melted and cured to be coupled to the extension plate 141.

The upper seal 150 may include at least one of a first sealing portion 151 or a second sealing portion 152. The first sealing portion 151 may have a bar shape elongated in one direction. The second sealing portion 152 may have a plate shape. The first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 151 may cover the upper end of the first partition wall portion 1251. The first sealing portion 151 may be integrally formed with the first partition wall 1251. The second sealing portion 152 may cover at least a portion of the extension plate 141. The second sealing portion 152 may be integrally formed with the extension plate 141.

The upper seal 150 may include a third sealing portion 153. The third sealing portion 153 may be located between the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152. One end of the third sealing portion 153 may be connected to the first sealing portion 151, and the other end thereof may be connected to the second sealing portion 152. The third sealing portion 153 may connect the first sealing portion 151 and the second sealing portion 152 to each other. The third sealing portion 153 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the first sealing portion 151. The third sealing portion 153 may extend from the first sealing portion 151 toward the second sealing portion 152. The third sealing portion 153 may have a bar shape. The third sealing portion 153 may be provided in a pair. Any one of the pair of third sealing portions 153 may be connected to one end of the first sealing portion 151 and to one side of the second sealing portion 152, and the other of the pair of third sealing portions 153 may be connected to the other end of the first sealing portion 151 and to the other side of the second sealing portion 152.

A substrate insertion hole 154 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the upper seal 150 is open. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be defined as a space defined between the first sealing portion 151, the second sealing portion 152, and the pair of third sealing portions 153. The substrate insertion hole 154 may be open upwards and downwards. The substrate insertion hole 154 may communicate with the first space S1.

A sensor-accommodating portion 156 may be formed in the second sealing portion 152. The sensor-accommodating portion 156 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first sensing hole 144. The sensor-accommodating portion 156 may have a shape protruding upwards from the second sealing portion 152. The sensor-accommodating portion 156 may have an accommodation recess 1565 formed therein. The accommodation recess 1565 may be open upwards. The lower portion of the accommodation recess 1565 may communicate with a second sensing hole 1564, which is formed in such a manner that a portion of the bottom of the sensor-accommodating portion 156 is open. The second sensing hole 1564 may correspond to the first sensing hole 144. The second sensing hole 1564 may communicate with the first sensing hole 144. An accommodation portion side wall 1562 may extend along the circumference of the accommodation recess 1565. The accommodation portion side wall 1562 may be formed to be inclined such that the accommodation recess 1565 is gradually narrowed from the upper side thereof toward the lower side thereof, whereby the sensor 161 (refer to FIG. 7) may be easily inserted.

The sealing ring 191 may surround the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower circumference 126 of the upper body 120. The sealing ring 191 may extend in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower circumference 126 of the upper body 120. The sealing ring 191 may be formed in a ring shape.

The sealing ring 191 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through injection molding or fusion. The seal ring 191 may be formed on the upper body 120 through insert injection molding or double injection molding. In another example, the seal ring 191 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through ultrasonic welding. The portion of the sealing ring 191 that is in contact with the upper body 120 is melted and cured to be coupled to the upper body 120.

A circumferential groove 1264 may be formed in such a manner that the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower circumference 126 of the upper body 120 is depressed inwards. The circumferential groove 1264 may extend along the lower circumference 126 of the upper body 120. The sealing ring 191 may be inserted into the circumferential groove 1264.

The lower seal 192 may be in close contact with the lower surface of the bottom portion 129 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface 1262 of the lower circumference 126 of the upper body 120. One side of the lower seal 192 may be open to form a second connector hole 1924, which communicates with the first connector hole 1294. The other side of the lower seal 192 may be open to form a cartridge terminal hole 1925. A cartridge terminal 128 may be exposed downwards through the cartridge terminal hole 1925.

The lower seal 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through injection molding or fusion. The lower seal 192 may be formed on the upper body 120 through insert injection molding or double injection molding. In another example, the lower seal 192 may be coupled to the upper body 120 through ultrasonic welding. The portion of the lower seal 192 that is in contact with the upper body 120 is melted and cured to be coupled to the upper body 120. A coupling hole 1291 may be formed in the lower circumference 126 of the upper body

120. The coupling hole 1291 may be open in the thickness direction of the lower circumference 126. The coupling hole 1291 may be formed in plural. The coupling hole 1291 may include a pair of coupling holes, which are formed opposite each other. A coupling hook 1292 may be formed near at least one of the coupling holes 1291.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the pipe 130 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space 134 may be defined in the pipe 130. The insertion space 134 may be open upwards. The insertion space 134 may extend vertically. A connecting passage 133 may be formed in the pipe 130. The connecting passage 133 may be formed below the insertion space 134. One end of the connecting passage 133 may communicate with the outside of the pipe 130, and the other end thereof may communicate with the insertion space 134. The connecting passage 133 may be bent in one direction from the lower portion of the insertion space 134.

The pipe 130 may be inserted into the pipe-mounting space 124 to be coupled to the upper body 120. The pipe 130 may be surrounded by the outer side wall 121 and the partition wall 125. The connecting passage 133 may communicate with the connecting hole 123.

The heater 135 may be mounted in the pipe 130. The heater 135 may surround the insertion space 134. The heater 135 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The heater 135 may heat the insertion space 134. The heater 135 may heat the stick 400 (refer to FIG. 1) inserted into the insertion space 134. The lead wire 133a may electrically connect the heater 135 to a power source disposed in the lower body 110. The lead wire 133a of the heater 135 may be disposed in the lower body 110 through the first connector hole 1294 and the second connector hole 1924.

The cartridge 300 may have therein a first chamber C1. The first chamber C1 may store liquid. The cartridge 300 may have therein a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the first chamber C1.

A wick 311 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 311 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 311 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. A heating coil 312 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heating coil 312 may be wound around the wick 311. The heating coil 312 may be electrically connected to the cartridge terminal 128 to receive power. The heating coil 312 may heat the wick 311. When the heating coil 312 heats the wick 311 having the liquid received therein, an aerosol may be generated in the second chamber C2.

The cartridge 300 may have a first inlet 3011. The first inlet 3011 may be formed in such a manner that the upper end of the cartridge 300 is open. The first inlet 3011 may communicate with the outside of the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may have a second inlet 3012. The second inlet 3012 may be formed in such a manner that one side of the second chamber C2 is open, and may communicate with the second chamber C2. An inflow passage 302 may connect the first inlet 3011 and the second inlet 3012 to each other. The inflow passage 302 may be located between the first inlet 3011 and the second inlet 3012. The inflow passage 302 may be elongated in the vertical direction in the cartridge 300. The cartridge 300 may have an outlet 303. The outlet 303 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second chamber C2 is open, and may allow the second chamber C2 to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 300. The outlet 303 may be located opposite the second inlet 3012 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the upper body 120, the outlet 303 may be connected to the connecting passage 133. The connecting passage 133 may be located below the insertion space 134. The connecting passage 133 may allow the insertion space 134 and the outlet 303 to communicate with each other.

The user may inhale air in the state of holding the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 134 in the mouth. Air may be introduced into the first inlet 3011 through an opening 201 formed in the upper case 200 in the state in which the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100. The air may be introduced into the cartridge 300 through the first inlet 3011 from the outside of the cartridge 300. The air introduced into the first inlet 3011 may sequentially pass through the inflow passage 302 and the second inlet 3012, and may then be introduced into the second chamber C2. The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 300 through the outlet 303 together with the aerosol generated in the vicinity of the wick 311. The air discharged through the outlet 303 may be supplied to the insertion space 134 through the connecting passage 133 and to the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 134, and may then be provided to the user.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the sensor 161 may be located in the second space S2. The sensor 161 may be disposed in the sensor-accommodating portion 156, and may be covered by the upper seal 150. The upper seal 150 may be disposed between the sensor 161 and the extension portion 140. The sensor 161 may face the first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564. The first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564 may be adjacent to the first inlet 3011. The sensor 161 may detect the flow of air in the vicinity of the first inlet 3011 through the first sensing hole 144 and the second sensing hole 1564. The sensor 161 may be an air flow sensor 161 or a pressure sensor 161.

The substrate 162 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). However, the type of substrate 162 is not limited thereto. The substrate 162 may be inserted into the first space

S1. The substrate 162 may be supported by the bracket 127. The substrate 162 may be directly or indirectly connected to the battery 10, a memory (not shown), and the controller 20. Alternatively, the battery 10, the memory (not shown), and the controller 20 may be mounted on the substrate 162. The substrate 162 may be connected to the sensor 161.

The battery 10 may be disposed in the lower body 110. The controller 20 may be disposed in the lower body 110. The connector 163 may extend from one end of the substrate 162. The connector 163 may protrude from the lower side of the upper body 120 to the inside of the lower body 110 through the first and second connector holes 1294 and 1924. The connector 163 may be made of a conductive metal. The connector 163 may indirectly connect the sensor 161 to the controller 20 or the battery 10.

The sensor 161 may be operated by receiving power from the battery 10. The controller 20 may transmit and receive an electrical signal to and from the sensor 161. The controller 20 may control the operation of the sensor 161. When the sensor 161 detects the flow of air, the controller 20 may receive a signal from the sensor 161, and may control various components connected to the controller 20 in response to the signal. For example, when the sensor 161 detects the flow of air, the controller 20 may heat the heating coil 311 or the heater 135.

The cover 180 may be coupled to the upper end of the upper body 120. The cover 180 may cover the first space S1 and the second space S2. The cover 180 may cover the upper end of the pipe 130. The cover 180 may include an open portion corresponding to the insertion space 134. The cover 180 may press at least one of the first sealing portion 151, the second sealing portion 152, or the third sealing portion 153 toward the upper portion of the upper body 120.

The upper seal 150 may prevent liquid or foreign substances from being introduced into the device through the first sensing hole 144. The upper seal 150 may prevent foreign substances such as liquid from being introduced into the first space S1 and the second space S2 between the upper body 120 and the cover 180. In addition, since the upper seal 150 is integrally formed with the extension portion 140, no gap may be formed between the upper seal 150 and the extension portion 140 or between the upper seal 150 and the cover 180, thereby making it possible to prevent liquid or foreign substances from entering a gap therebetween.

The lower body 110 may be coupled to the lower portion of the upper body 120. The outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120 may be inserted into the upper portion of the lower body 110, and may be surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110 (refer to FIG. 3).

The sealing ring 191 may seal a gap between the upper body 120 and the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 may seal a gap between the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120 and the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 may extend in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191 may be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120 and the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sealing ring 191, which is inserted into the circumferential groove 1264, may be integrally formed with the outer circumferential surface 1261 of the lower portion of the upper body 120.

Couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 may couple the upper body 120 and the lower body 110 to each other. The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 may include a coupling protrusion 112. The couplers 112, 1291, and 1292 may include a coupling hole 1291. The coupling protrusion 112 may be inserted into the coupling hole 1291 to couple the upper body 120 and the lower body 110 to each other. The coupling protrusion 112 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface 111 of the upper portion of the lower body 112. The positions of the coupling protrusion 112 and the coupling hole 1291 may be reversed. The coupling hook 1292 may catch on the coupling protrusion 112, thereby preventing separation of the upper body 120 and the lower body 110 coupled to each other.

The lower seal 192 may be disposed between the upper body 120 and the lower body

110. The lower seal 192 may be integrally formed with the bottom portion 129 of the upper body 120. The lower seal 192 may be integrally formed with the inner circumferential surface 1262 of the lower portion of the upper body 120.

The first connector hole 1294, which is formed in such a manner that the bottom portion 129 of the upper body 120 is open, and the second connector hole 1924 formed in the lower seal 192 may communicate with each other. The connector 163 and/or the lead wire 133a may extend from the inside of the upper body 120, and may be connected to the controller 20 in the lower body 110 through the first connector hole 1294 and the second connector hole 1924. The controller 20 may be connected to the cartridge terminal 128 (refer to FIG. 5) exposed through the lower seal 129.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include an upper body having an insertion space defined therein; a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and a seal coupled to the upper body, wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body may be integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the portion of the seal may be fused to the upper body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure wherein the seal may be formed on the upper body through injection molding.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the upper body may comprise a plastic material, and wherein the seal may comprise a rubber material.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein an inner circumferential surface of an upper portion of the lower body may surround an outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the upper body, and wherein the seal may comprise a sealing ring configured to seal a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the upper body and the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the lower body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the seal may comprise a lower seal in close contact with a lower surface of the upper body to seal a gap between the upper body and the lower body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a lead wire extending from the heater to an interior of the lower body, wherein the lower seal has a connector hole configured such that the lower seal is open to allow the lead wire to pass therethrough.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cartridge coupled to a side of the upper body and having a cartridge inlet at an upper portion of the cartridge; an extension portion extending from an upper portion of the side of the upper body to cover the upper portion of the cartridge, the extension portion having a sensing hole adjacent to the cartridge inlet; and a sensor disposed adjacent to the sensing hole and configured to detect a flow of air near the sensing hole, wherein the seal comprises an upper seal surrounding the sensor near the sensing hole and integrally formed with the extension portion.

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

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

an upper body having an insertion space defined therein;

a heater configured to heat the insertion space; and

a seal coupled to the upper body,

wherein the seal is elastic and has a portion in contact with the upper body, and

wherein the portion of the seal in contact with the upper body and the upper body are integrally formed with each other and have a boundary therebetween.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the seal is fused to the upper body.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the seal is formed on the upper body through injection molding.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the upper body comprises a plastic material, and

wherein the seal comprises a rubber material.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein an inner circumferential surface of an upper portion of the lower body surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the upper body, and

wherein the seal comprises a sealing ring configured to seal a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the upper body and the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the lower body.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the seal comprises a lower seal in close contact with a lower surface of the upper body to seal a gap between the upper body and the lower body.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, further comprising:

a lead wire extending from the heater to an interior of the lower body,

wherein the lower seal has a connector hole configured such that the lower seal is open to allow the lead wire to pass therethrough.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a cartridge coupled to a side of the upper body and having a cartridge inlet at an upper portion of the cartridge;

an extension portion extending from an upper portion of the side of the upper body to cover the upper portion of the cartridge, the extension portion having a sensing hole adjacent to the cartridge inlet; and

a sensor disposed adjacent to the sensing hole and configured to detect a flow of air near the sensing hole,

wherein the seal comprises an upper seal surrounding the sensor near the sensing hole and integrally formed with the extension portion.