AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a container including a hollow pipe which is shaped to define an insertion space and an outer wall surrounding the pipe, wherein the pipe and the outer wall are shaped to define a storage space; a wick having at least portion that is disposed in the storage space; a heater disposed around a portion of the wick and being configured to heat the wick; and a stopper protruding from an inside of the pipe and narrowing an inner diameter of the pipe, relative to other portions of the inside of the pipe.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following description 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 producing an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component, and the like. Recently, active research has been conducted on the aerosol generating device.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

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

It is another objective of the present disclosure to separate a heater to prevent a stick from being excessively inserted into an aerosol generating device.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to set a distance between the stick and a wick for generating aerosol.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to prevent the wick from being exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above objectives, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a container including a hollow pipe which is shaped to define an insertion space and an outer wall surrounding the pipe, wherein the pipe and the outer wall are shaped to define a storage space; a wick having at least portion that is disposed in the storage space; a heater disposed around a portion of the wick and being configured to heat the wick; and a stopper protruding from an inside of the pipe and narrowing an inner diameter of the pipe, relative to other portions of the inside of the pipe.

Advantageous Effects

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, stoppers are disposed on an inner surface of a pipe into which a stick is inserted, thereby preventing the stick from being excessively inserted into an aerosol generating device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by setting a distance between the stick and a wick, it is possible to minimize melting of the stick due to the generated aerosol.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase reliability of a coupling detection sensor.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the wick from being exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 11 are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The terms “module” and “unit” for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role.

In addition, it will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings, and the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 may comprise: a casing 30 including an upper part 31 and a lower part 32; a cap 20 coupled to the upper part 31; a cartridge 40 which is disposed in the casing 30 and in which aerosol is generated; and a main body 50 which is disposed in the casing 30 and to which the cartridge is mounted. A stick 10 may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 through the cap 20.

The casing 30 may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1 along with the cap 20. The casing 30 may include the upper part 31 and the lower part 32. The upper part 31 and the lower part 32 may surround the cartridge 40 and the main body 50. An inner surface of the upper part 31 may be coupled to an outer surface of the cartridge 40. An inner surface of the lower part 32 may be coupled to an outer surface of the main body 50. When the upper part 31 and the lower part 32 are coupled to the cartridge 40 and the main body 50 respectively, the upper part 31 and the lower part 32 may form a continuous surface.

The cap 20 may have a hole through which the stick 10 is inserted. The hole of the cap 20 may communicate with an insertion space 426 (see FIG. 5) into which the stick 10 is inserted. The cap 20 may open and close the hole through which the stick 10 is inserted.

Aerosol may be generated in the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 may be removably coupled to the main body 50. The cartridge 40 and the main body 50 may be coupled to each other by forced coupling. The cartridge 40 may have an elongated shape. The stick 10 may be inserted into the cartridge 40.

Electronic components, such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), etc., may be installed in the main body 50. The main body 50 may include a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the cartridge 40. When the cartridge 40 is mounted to the main body 50, the power source may be electrically connected to the cartridge 40. The main body 50 may have a shape which is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the stick 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the stick 10 may have a cylindrical shape. The stick 10 may be elongated. The stick 10 may have a circular or polygonal cross-section. The stick 10 may include a medium part 11, a cooling part 12, a filter part 13, and a wrapper 14. The medium part 11, the cooling part 12, and the filter part 13 may be arranged sequentially.

The cooling part 12 may be disposed between the medium part 11 and the filter part 13. The wrapper 14 may cover the medium part 11, the cooling part 12, and the filter part 13. The medium part 11 may include a medium 113. The medium part 11 may include a first medium cover 111. The medium part 11 may include a second medium cover 112. The medium 113 may be disposed between the first medium cover 111 and the second medium cover 112. The first medium cover 111 may be disposed at a first end of the stick 10. The medium part 11 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 113 may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. The medium 113 may receive heat to release flavor. The medium 113 may contain a plurality of granules. The respective granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The granules may be filled in about 70% of the medium 113. A length H2 of the medium 113 may be 10 mm.

The first medium cover 111 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover 112 may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 111 may be made of a paper material. The second medium cover 112 may be made of a paper material. At least either the first medium cover 111 or the second medium cover 112 may be made of a paper material to be formed into a corrugated shape, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between the corrugations for allowing air to flow therethrough. The gap may have a size smaller than the size of the respective granules. A length H1 of the first medium cover 111 may be shorter than the length H2 of the medium 113. A length H3 of the second medium cover 112 may be shorter than the length H2 of the medium 113. The length H1 of the first medium cover 111 may be 7 mm. The length H2 of the second medium cover 112 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, the respective granules of the medium 113 may be prevented from being separated from the medium part 11 and the stick 10.

The cooling part 12 may have a cylinder shape. The cooling part 12 may have a hollow shape. The cooling part 12 may be disposed between the medium part 11 and the filter part 13. The cooling part 12 may be disposed between the second medium cover 112 and the filter part 13. The cooling part 12 may have a tubular shape surrounding a cooling path 121. The cooling part 12 may have a greater thickness than the wrapper 14. The cooling part 12 may be made of a paper material thicker than the wrapper 14. A length H4 of the cooling part 12 may be equal or similar to the length H2 of the medium 113. The length H4 of the cooling part 12 and the cooling path 121 may be 10 mm. When the stick 10 is inserted into the aerosol generating device (see FIG. 3), at least a portion of the cooling part 12 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

Accordingly, the cooling part 12 may support the medium part 11 and the filter part 13 and may ensure rigidity of the stick 10. In addition, the cooling part 12 may support the wrapper 14 at a position between the medium part 11 and the filter 13 and may secure a portion to which the wrapper 14 may be adhered. Further, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled by passing through the cooling path 121 in the cooling part 12.

The filter part 13 may include a filter made of an acetate material. The filter part 13 may be disposed at a second end of the stick 10. When the stick 10 is inserted into the aerosol generating device (see FIG. 3), the filter part 13 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device. A user may inhale air by holding the filter part 13 between the user's teeth. A length H5 of the filter part 13 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 14 may cover or surround the medium part 11, the cooling part 12, and the filter part 13. The wrapper 14 may form the exterior of the stick 10. The wrapper 14 may be made of a paper material. An adhesive portion 143 may be formed at an edge of one side of the wrapper 14. The wrapper 14 may cover the medium part 11, the cooling part 12, and the filter part 13, and the adhesive portion 143 formed at the edge of one side of the wrapper 14 may be adhered to an edge of an opposite side of the wrapper 14. The wrapper 14 covering the medium part 11, the cooling part 12, and the filter part 13 may not cover the first end and the second end of the stick 10.

Accordingly, the wrapper 14 may fix the medium part 11, the cooling part 12, and the filter part 13, and may prevent separation from the stick 10.

A first thin film 141 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 111. The first thin film 141 may be disposed between the wrapper 14 and the first medium cover 111 or may be disposed outside of the wrapper 14. The first thin film 141 may surround the first medium cover 111. 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 adhered to or coated on the wrapper 14.

A second thin film 142 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 112. The second thin film 142 may be disposed between the wrapper 14 and the second medium cover 112 or may be disposed outside of 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 adhered to or coated on the wrapper 14.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection relationship between the cartridge 40 and the main body 50. Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge 40 may have a groove 411 formed on an outer surface thereof. The main body 50 may have a protrusion 512 formed on an outer surface thereof and coupled to the groove 411 of the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 may be provided with a plurality of grooves 411, and the main body 50 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 512. The main body 50 may have the protrusions 54 formed on the outer surface thereof. The casing 30 may be coupled to the protrusions 54 of the main body 50.

The main body 50 may include a mounting portion 51, in which the cartridge 40 is mounted, and a column 52 having an elongated shape. The mounting portion 51 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body 50. The column 52 may be connected to the mounting portion 51.

The mounting portion 51 may define a mounting space 513 which is recessed into the main body 50, and in which the cartridge 40 is mounted. The protrusion 512 may be formed on an inner surface of the mounting portion 51. The column 52 may be connected to one side of the mounting portion 51.

The column 52 may be elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. The column 52 may have a hollow shape. The column 52 may support the cartridge 40 mounted to the main body 50. The column 52 may define the mounting space 513, in which the cartridge 40 is mounted, together with the mounting portion 51.

The column 52 may include through-holes 521 and 522. The through-hole 521 may communicate with the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. The through-holes 521 and 522 may communicate with each other through an inner space of the column 52. Air outside of the aerosol generating device 1 may sequentially pass through the inner space of the column 52, the through-holes 521 and 522, and an inlet 412a (see FIG. 5), to be introduced into the cartridge 40.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 40 and the stick 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, the cartridge 40 may include a container 42, a base 31, a wick 4343, a heater 44, and a stopper 60.

The container 42 may include an insertion space 426 into which the stick 10 is inserted, a pipe 423 which is elongated and defines the insertion space 426 therein, an outer wall 422 surrounding the pipe 423, and a storage space 424 which is disposed between the pipe 423 and the outer wall 422 and in which an aerosol generating material 1 is stored.

The pipe 423 and the outer wall 422 of the container 42 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The pipe 423 may have a predetermined inner diameter D2 and may define the insertion space 426 therein. Unlike this embodiment of the present disclosure, the pipe 423 may have a cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of the stick 10.

The outer wall 422 may be elongated in a longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. The pipe 423 may be disposed on the inside of the outer wall 422. The pipe 423 and the outer wall 422 may extend in parallel to each other. The aerosol generating material 1 vaporized and/or atomized to form an aerosol may be stored between the outer wall 422 and the pipe 423.

The pipe 423 and the outer wall 422 of the container 42 may be formed of a translucent or transparent material. The insertion space 426 may be disposed inside the pipe 423. As the insertion space 426 is disposed inside the pipe 423, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured in a compact size, compared to the case where the insertion space 426 is provided outside of the container 42.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating material 1 may be in a liquid state or a gel state at room temperature. The aerosol generating material 1 may be vaporized and/or atomized by receiving heat. The aerosol generating material 1 may be referred to as a liquid-type or gel-type material.

The insertion space 426 may communicate with the outside of the cartridge 40 through an opening 425 formed at a first end 427 of the pipe 423 of the container 42. The insertion space 426 of the pipe 423 may have a cylindrical shape. The generated aerosol may flow to the outside of the cartridge 40 through the insertion space 426 and the opening 425.

The base 41 may be disposed at a position adjacent to a second end 428 of the container 42. The base 41 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the wick 4343. The base 41 may include a bottom 413, a lateral wall 412, and an inner space 414.

The bottom 413 of the base 41 may be disposed opposite the insertion space 426 with respect to the wick 43. The bottom 413 of the base 41 may face the opening 425. The lateral wall 412 of the base 41 may extend from the bottom 413 toward the container 42. The lateral wall 412 of the base 41 may be connected to the container 42. The heater 44 may be electrically connected to the power source of the main body 50 through the bottom 413. The inlet 412a may be formed in the lateral wall 412 of the base 41.

The inlet 412a may pass through the lateral wall 412 of the base 41. The inlet 412a may be open in a direction perpendicular to the lateral wall 412 of the base 41. The inlet 412a may communicate with the through-hole 522. The inlet 412a may face the through-hole 522. Air introduced through the inlet 412a may flow to the wick 4343. The inlet 412a may be formed between the container 42 and the bottom 413 of the base 41 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. The inlet 412a may be disposed closer to the container 42 than to the bottom 413 of the base 41.

The inner space 414 of the base 41 may communicate with a periphery of the wick 4343 and the insertion space 426. A liquefied aerosol may remain in the inner space 414. A flow path connecting the periphery of the wick 43 with the outside of the cartridge 40 may be formed in the inner space 414 of the base 41.

Portions 432 and 433 of the wick 43 may be connected to an inner portion 424 of the container 42. The portions 432 and 433 of the wick 43 may be disposed in the inner portion 424 of the container 42, and the portions 432 and 433 may be connected or extend to a liquid 1 stored between the pipe 423 and the outer wall 422. The wick 43 may be partially inserted into the storage space 424. The wick 43 may pass through the pipe 423 of the container 42 to be connected to the storage space 424. The wick 443 may be disposed between the first end 427 and the second end 428 of the pipe 423. The wick 43 may be disposed between the stopper 60 and the second end 428 of the pipe 423. The wick 43 may absorb the liquid 1 stored in the storage space 424.

The wick 43 may be elongated. The wick 43 may be elongated with a first end 432 and a second end 433. The wick 43 may include an outer surface 431 which is elongated to connect the first end 432 and the second end 433. The outer surface 431 of the wick 43 may be referred to as a circumferential surface 431. Meanwhile, the wick 43 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer surface 431 of the wick 43 having a cylindrical shape may be referred to as an outer circumferential surface 431.

The heater 44 may be disposed around the wick 43. The heater 44 may cover the wick 43. For example, the heater 44 may be formed as an elongated wire. The heater 44 may be wound several times around the wick 61.

The heater 44 may generate heat to vaporize and/or atomize the liquid absorbed into the wick 43. The heater 44 may be electrically connected to the power source of the main body 50 through the base 41.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the stopper 60. The stopper 60 may protrude from an inner surface of the pipe 423. There may be a plurality of stoppers 60. The plurality of stoppers 60 may define one support plane P. The stick 10 may be inserted into the insertion space 426 through the opening 425 and may be supported by the stoppers 60. The stick may be placed on the support plane P. The stoppers 60 may restrict movement of the inserted stick 10.

The stopper 60 may protrude from the inner surface of the pipe 423 toward the insertion space 426. The stopper 60 may narrow the inner diameter D2 of the pipe 423. A distance D1 between the stoppers 60 in a diameter direction of the pipe 423 may be smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the pipe 423. A diameter of the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 426 may be greater than the distance D1 between the stoppers 60 and may be smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the pipe 423. Accordingly, the stoppers 60 may prevent the stick 10 from being excessively inserted into the insertion space 426.

The distance D1 between the stoppers 60 may be greater than a length of a portion of the outer surface 431 of the wick 43 covered by the heater 44. Large amounts of aerosols are generated from the portion of the outer surface 431 of the wick 43, around which the heater 33 is wound, such that the generated aerosols may flow to the first medium cover 111 of the stick 10 without being restricted by the stoppers 60.

The support plane P defined by the stoppers 60 may be expanded in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. For example, the support plate P may be expanded in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. The wick 43 may be expanded in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. For example, the wick 43 may be expanded in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 42.

The liquid 1 absorbed into the wick 43 may be atomized and/or vaporized by the heater 44 into aerosol to spread around the periphery of the wick 43. The heater 44 may provide heat to the periphery. One end of the stick 10, inserted to come into contact with the stopper 60, may receive heat from the spread aerosol and the heater 44.

As a separation distance G between one end of the stick 10 and the outer surface 431 of the wick 43 increases, an amount of heat provided by the generated aerosol and the heater 44 to the one end of the stick 10 decreases, such that a sufficient amount of heat may not be provided to the medium 113. As the separation distance G between the one end of the stick 10 and the outer surface 431 of the wick 43 decreases, an amount of heat provided by the generated aerosol and the heater 44 to the one end of the stick 10 increases, such that the one of the stick 10 supported by the stoppers 60 may be burned or the first medium cover 111 may be melted, thereby releasing a harmful substance. Here, the separation distance G may refer to a shortest distance between the support plane P and the outer surface 431 of the wick 43.

Accordingly, it is required to set an optimal separation distance G. The separation distance G may range from 3 mm to 8 mm. The separation distance G may be changed by a predetermined value based on a magnitude of power supplied to the heater 44, an amount of the liquid 1 absorbed into the wick 43, and the like.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the stopper 60 may include a support surface 61, a connection surface 62, a collision surface 63.

The support surface 61 may support the stick 10. The support surfaces 61 of the plurality of stoppers 60 may define one support plane P. The support surface 61 may be formed as a flat surface. The support plane 61 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. For example, the support surface 61 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423.

The collision surface 63 may be disposed closer to the wick 43 than the support surface 61. The collision surface 63 may face the outer surface 431 of the wick 43. The stopper 50 may prevent a portion (a) of the aerosol, generated by the heater 44 and flowing toward the stick 10, from reaching the stick 10.

The connection surface 62 may connect the support surface 61 and the collision surface 63. The connection surface 62 of any one of the plurality of stoppers 60 may face the connection surface 62 of another one thereof. A distance between the connection surfaces 62 of the stoppers 60 that face each other in the diameter direction of the pipe 423 may refer to the distance D1 between the stoppers 60.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5 and illustrates another example of a stopper 160 which is different from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the stopper 160 may include a support surface 161 and a collision surface 162.

The support surface 161 may support the stick 10. The support surfaces 161 of the plurality of stoppers 160 may define one support plane P. The support surface 161 may be formed as a flat surface. The support plane 161 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. For example, the support surface 161 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423.

The collision surface 162 may be disposed closer to the wick 43 than the support surface 161. The collision surface 162 may connect an inner end 1622 of the support surface 161 and a portion 1621 of an inner surface of the pipe 423. The collision surface 162 may be inclined from an inner surface of the pipe 423 toward the inside of the pipe 423. The collision surface 162 may be directed toward the wick 43. A portion (a′) of the aerosol generated by the heater 44 and flowing toward the stick 10 may be guided by the collision surface 162 to reach the stick 10.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a stopper 260 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the stopper 260 may be elongated. The stopper 260 may be formed in a ring shape on an inner surface of the pipe 423. The stopper 260 may extend in a circumferential direction of the pipe 423. The stopper 260 may include a support surface 261, a connection surface 262, and a collision surface (not shown).

The support surface 261 may support the stick 10 inserted into the insertion space 426. The support surface 261 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. For example, the support surface 261 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423.

Meanwhile, the stopper 260 which is ring-shaped may support the wrapper 14 surrounding the stick 10. Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the wick 43 and the heat provided by the heater 44 may be prevented from being directly transferred to the wrapper 14, thereby preventing discharge of a harmful substance due to overheating of the wrapper 14.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a stopper 360 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, there may be a plurality of stoppers 360. The plurality of stoppers 360 may be sequentially arranged on an inner surface of the pipe 423. A flow path, through which aerosol produced from the wick 43 flows, may be formed between adjacent stoppers 360. The stoppers 360 may include a support surface 361, a connection surface 362, and a collision surface 363.

The support surface 361 may support the stick 10. The support surface 361 may be formed as a flat surface. The support surface 361 may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423. For example, the support surface 361 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423.

The collision surface 363 may be disposed closer to the wick 43 than the support surface 361. The collision surface 363 may face the outer surface 431 of the wick 43. A portion of the aerosol generated by the heater 44 and flowing toward the stick 10 may collide with the collision surface 363. The connection surface 362 may connect the support surface 361 and the collision surface 363.

The plurality of stoppers 360 may be axisymmetric with respect to a central axis CL of the pipe 423. The plurality of stoppers 360 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe 423. The plurality of stoppers 360 may support the stick 10.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the aerosol generating device may comprise a container 42′ including a pipe 423′, which is elongated and into which the stick 10 is inserted, and an outer wall 422′ which surrounds the pipe 423′ such that a storage space 424′ may be formed between the outer wall 422′ and the pipe 423′.

The stick 10 may be inserted into the pipe 423′ through a first end 427′ of the pipe 423′. The stick 10 may be supported by a stopper 60′ protruding from an inner surface of the pipe 423′. The stopper 60′ may be disposed adjacent to a second end 428 of the pipe 423′. A plurality of stoppers 60′ may be provided.

The aerosol generating device may include a base 41′ connected to the container 42′ and having an inside communicating with an inside of the pipe 423′. The wick 43 and the heater 44 may be disposed in the base 41′. The base 41′ may include a lateral wall 412′ and a bottom 413′. The bottom 413′ of the base 41′ may face an opening formed at the first end 427′ of the pipe 423′. The lateral wall 412′ of the base 41′ may extend from the bottom 413′ toward the container 42′ to be connected to the container 42′.

A shortest distance between the outer surface 431 of the wick 43 and an inner surface of the bottom 413′ may be defined as a first distance L1. The first distance L1 may range from 2 mm to 3 mm. For example, the first distance L1 may be 2.1 mm.

A shortest distance between the outer surface 431 of the wick 43 and the central axis CL of the pipe 423′ may be defined as a second distance L2. The second distance L2 may range from 4 mm to 5 mm. For example, the second distance L2 may be 4.5 mm.

A shortest distance between the outer surface 431 of the wick 43 and a portion of the lateral wall 412′ having an inlet 412a′ may be defined as a third distance L3. The third distance L3 may range from 1 mm to 2 mm. For example, the third distance L3 may be 1.15 mm.

The inlet 412a′ may be formed in the lateral wall 412′ of the base 41′. A distance between a center of the inlet 412a′ and a center of the wick 43 in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423′ may be defined as a fourth distance L4. The fourth distance L4 may range from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the fourth distance L4 may be 0.5 mm.

Meanwhile, the wick 43 and the heater 44 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the pipe 423′ in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423′. For example, the wick 43 and the heater 44 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the pipe 423′ in a diameter direction of the pipe 423′. Referring to FIG. 11, the wick 43 and the heater 44 may not be exposed to the outside through the opening 425.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a container 42 having a hollow pipe 423, which defines an insertion space 426 therein and has a predetermined inner diameter D2, an outer wall 422 surrounding the pipe 423, and a storage space 424 which is formed between the pipe 423 and the outer wall 422 and in which a liquid 1 is stored; a wick 43 having a portion 432 disposed in the storage space 424; a heater 44 disposed around the wick 43 and heating the wick 43; and a stopper 60, 160, 260, and 360 protruding from an inside of the pipe 423 and narrowing an inner diameter D2 of the pipe 423, relative to other portions of the inside of the pipe.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pipe 423 may include an opening 425 formed at a first end 427 of the pipe 423 and allowing the insertion space 426 to communicate with an outside of the pipe 423, wherein the stopper 60 may include a support surface 61 facing the opening 425 and extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pipe 423 of the container 42, and may be disposed adjacent to the wick 43.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of stoppers 60 may be provided, and the support surfaces 61 of the plurality of stoppers 60 may define one support plane P.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a shortest distance between the support plane P and an outer surface 431 of the wick 43 may range from 3 mm to 8 mm.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wick 43 may be spaced apart from an inner surface of the pipe 423′ in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423′.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wick 43 may be spaced apart from a central axis CL of the pipe 423′ by a predetermined distance L2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423′, wherein the predetermined distance L2 may range from 4 mm to 6 mm.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater 44 may include a wire wound around the outer surface 431 of the wick 43, and may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the pipe 423′ in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423′.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stoppers 360 provided in plurality may be disposed symmetrical with respect to the central axis CL of the pipe 423.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pipe 423 may have a cylindrical shape, and the stoppers 360 provided in plurality may be sequentially arranged in a circumferential direction of the pipe.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of stoppers 360 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe 423.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stoppers 260 may extend in the circumferential direction of the pipe 423 to have a ring shape.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pipe 423 may include an opening 425 formed at a first end 427 of the pipe 423 and allowing the insertion space 426 to communicate with the outside of the pipe 423, wherein the stopper 260 which is ring-shaped may include a support surface 243 facing the opening 425 and extending in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe 423, and may be disposed adjacent to the wick 43.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a stick 10 is inserted into the insertion space 426, the stick 10 being elongated and having, at one side, a medium 113 and a wrapper 14 surrounding the medium 113, wherein the support surface 243 of the ring-shaped stopper 260 may support one end of the wrapper 14.

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: a container including a hollow pipe which is shaped to define an insertion space and an outer wall surrounding the pipe, wherein the pipe and the outer wall are shaped to define a storage space;a wick having at least portion that is disposed in the storage space;a heater disposed around a portion of the wick and being configured to heat the wick; anda stopper protruding from an inside of the pipe and narrowing an inner diameter of the pipe, relative to other portions of the inside of the pipe.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the pipe is shaped to define an opening at a first end of the pipe, wherein the insertion space communicates with an outside of the pipe through the opening of the pipe, wherein the stopper comprises a support surface facing the opening and extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pipe of the container, andwherein the stopper is disposed adjacent to the wick.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of stoppers protruding from the inside of the pipe and narrowing the inner diameter of the pipe, relative to other portion of the inside of the pipe,wherein each of the plurality of stoppers comprise a support surface that collectively define one support plane.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein a shortest distance between the support plane and an outer surface of the wick ranges from 3 mm to 8 mm.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the wick is spaced apart from an inner surface of the pipe in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the wick is spaced apart from a central axis of the pipe by a defined distance in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe, wherein the defined distance ranges from 4 mm to 6 mm.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the heater comprises a wire wound around at least a portion of the outer surface of the wick, and is spaced apart from the inner surface of the pipe in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the pipe.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of stoppers protruding from the inside of the pipe,wherein the plurality of stoppers are disposed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the pipe.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of stoppers protruding from the inside of the pipe,wherein the pipe is cylindrically shaped, and the plurality of stoppers are sequentially arranged in a circumferential direction of the pipe.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of stoppers are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the stopper extends along a circumference of the inside of the pipe to define a ring shape stopper.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the pipe is shaped to define an opening at a first end of the pipe, wherein the insertion space communicates with an outside of the pipe through the opening, wherein the stopper which is ring-shaped comprises a support surface facing the opening and extending in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and is disposed adjacent to the wick.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein, when a stick having, at one side, a medium and a wrapper surrounding the medium is inserted into the insertion space, the support surface of the ring-shaped stopper supports one end of the wrapper.

14. An aerosol generating device comprising: a container having an outer wall and inner wall located inside of the outer wall, wherein the inner wall is shaped to define a hollow pipe and is sized to receive a stick, wherein the pipe and the outer wall are shaped to define a storage space that includes a liquid, and wherein the pipe comprises an opening formed at a first end of the pipe and allowing insertion of the stick into the hollow pipe;a wick having at least portion that is in communication with the liquid in the storage space;a heater disposed around a portion of the wick and being configured to heat the wick; anda stopper protruding from an inside of the pipe and providing a relative narrowing of an inner diameter of the pipe, wherein the stopper comprises a support surface that faces in a direction toward the first end of the pipe, and wherein the support surface contacts an end of the stick after the stick has been inserted into the hollow pipe.