AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

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 researches on aerosol-generating devices have been conducted.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
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 provide an aerosol-generating device capable of preventing air or external contaminants from entering a space in which a heating coil is disposed.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of stably and simply coupling a structure configured to cover the space in which the heating coil is disposed.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device including a structure configured to stably support a stick inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a flow path, through which air flows to a stick, and efficiency of flow of air are improved.

Solution to Problem

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 inner wall to define an insertion space therein and an outer wall surrounding an outer side of the inner wall to define a coil reception space formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein each of the insertion space and the coil reception space have an opening at one side; a heating coil wound around the outer side of the inner wall and disposed in the coil reception space; and a cover configured to cover the opening of the coil reception space and comprising an insertion port allowing communication between the insertion space and an outside of the housing, wherein the cover comprises a sealing protrusion positioned between the opening of the insertion space and the opening of the coil reception space to press against the inner wall.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of preventing air or external contaminants from entering the space in which a heating coil is disposed.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a structure configured to cover the space in which the heating coil is disposed is capable of being stably and simply coupled.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating device including a structure configured to stably support a stick inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a flow path, through which air flows to a stick, and efficiency of flow of air are improved.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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 conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 17 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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 100 according the present disclosure may include at least one of a battery 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, a cartridge 14, or a heating coil 15. At least one of the battery 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge 14, or the heating coil 15 may be disposed in the aerosol-generating device 100.

The heating coil 15 may heat a stick 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100. The heating coil 15 may be disposed so as to surround an insertion space 24 (see FIG. 3) into which the stick 200 is inserted. The heating coil 15 may receive power from the battery 11 to generate heat. Alternatively, the heating coil 15 may heat a susceptor disposed in the insertion space 24 (see FIG. 3) by inducing a magnetic field in the susceptor. The susceptor may extend in the longitudinal direction of the stick 200, and may be disposed in the stick 200. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 24 (see FIG. 3), the susceptor, which is disposed in the stick 200, is inserted into the insertion space 24, and thus may be surrounded by the heating coil 15.

The cartridge 14 may be replaceably disposed in the aerosol-generating device 100. The cartridge 14 may store liquid therein. The cartridge 14 may heat the liquid stored therein to generate an aerosol. The cartridge 14 may supply the aerosol, which is generated in the cartridge 14, to the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 24.

The battery 11 may supply power required to drive the components of the aerosol-generating device 100. The battery 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heating coil 15. The battery 11 may supply power required to drive a display, a motor, and the like, which are mounted on the aerosol-generating device 100.

The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 12 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 11, the heating coil 15, the cartridge 14, or the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check the state of the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 in order to determine whether or not the aerosol-generating device 100 is operable.

The sensor 13 may sense the temperature of the heating coil 15. The sensor 13 may be mounted adjacent to the heating coil 15. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heating coil 15 based on the temperature of the heating coil 15, sensed by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the heating coil 15 to a user through a user interface based on the temperature of the heating coil 15, which is sensed by the sensor 13.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a housing may include a lower housing 10 and an upper housing 20. The upper housing 20 may be disposed on the lower housing 10. At least one of the battery 11, the controller 12, the sensor, or the cartridge 14 may be disposed in the lower housing 10 (see FIG. 1). The heating coil 15 may be disposed in the upper housing 20. The upper housing 20 may also be referred to simply as a housing 20.

The housing 20 may include an outer wall 21 and an inner wall 22. The inner wall 22 may define the insertion space 24, which is open at the upper side thereof. The insertion space 24 and the inner wall 22 may be formed in the shape of a cylinder. The stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 24. An upper portion of the stick 200 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 24, the inner wall 22 may surround the lower portion of the stick 200.

The outer wall 21 of the housing 20 may surround the outer portion of the inner wall 22. The outer wall 21 may be radially outwards spaced apart from the inner wall 22. The outer wall 21 may be formed in the shape of a cylinder. The outer wall 21 may define a coil reception space 25, which is formed between the outer wall 21 and the inner wall 22 and is open at the upper side thereof. The coil reception space 25 may be formed between the outer wall 21 and the inner wall 22, and may extend circumferentially. The outer wall 21 may surround the outer circumferential surface of the coil reception space 25. The inner wall 22 may surround the inner circumferential surface of the coil reception space 25.

The heating coil 15 may be inserted into the coil reception space 25, and may be disposed therein. The heating coil 15 may be disposed so as to surround the insertion space 24. The heating coil 15 may receive power from the battery 11 to generate heat. Alternatively, the heating coil 15 may be disposed in the insertion space 24. The heating coil 15 may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by an induction coil disposed near the heating coil 15. The heating coil 15 may heat the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 24.

A cover 30 may be disposed on the housing 20. The cover 30 may be coupled or fastened to the housing 20. The cover 30 may cover the upper portion of the housing 20. The cover 30 may cover the open upper side of the coil reception space 25. An insertion port 34 may be formed by opening the cover 30. The insertion port 34 may have the shape of a circle. The insertion port 34 may be disposed above the insertion space 24 so as to communicate with the insertion space 24. The outer circumferential surface of the insertion port 34 may be disposed parallel to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 24, or may have a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 24.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the housing 20 may include a helical guide 214 and 215. The helical guide 214 and 215 may be positioned around the insertion space 24, and may obliquely and circumferentially extend downwards. The helical guide 214 and 215 may be formed by depressing the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the outer wall 21 radially outwards. The helical guide 214 and 215 may face the coil reception space 25, or may communicate therewith. The helical guide 214 and 215 may be one of a plurality of helical guides, which are circumferentially arranged. For example, the helical guide 214 and 215 may include three helical guides, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The helical guide 214 and 215 may include a guide inlet 214. The helical guide 214 and 215 may include a guide channel 215. The guide inlet 214 may be open at the upper end of the housing 20. The guide inlet 214 may be formed by depressing the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the outer wall 21 radially outwards. The guide inlet 214 may be formed by opening the upper end of the outer wall 21. The guide inlet 214 may face the coil reception space 25, or may communicate therewith. The guide inlet 214 may communicate with one end of the guide channel 215. The guide inlet 214 may be one of a plurality of guide inlets, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The guide channel 215 may be formed by depressing the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the outer wall 21 radially outwards. The guide channel 215 may circumferentially extend obliquely downwards from the guide inlet 214. The guide channel 215 may be formed in the shape of a helix. The guide channel 215 may communicate with the guide inlet 214. The guide channel 215 may communicate with the coil reception space 25. The guide inlet 214 may be one of a plurality of guide inlets, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The cover 30 may include a first cover part 21 and a second cover part 32. The second cover part 32 may be formed beneath the first cover part 31. The inner circumferential surfaces of the first cover part 31 and the second cover part 32 may be integrally formed, and may constitute the inner circumferential surface 33 of the cover 30 surrounding the side portion of the insertion port 34. The outer circumferential surface of the second cover part 32 may be radially inwards depressed from the outer circumferential surface of the first cover part 31.

The cover 30 may include a guide protrusion 325. The guide protrusion 325 may project so as to be inserted into the helical guide 214 and 215. The guide protrusion 325 may project from the outer circumferential surface of the second cover part 32. The guide protrusion 325 may be one of a plurality of guide protrusions 325, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The guide protrusion 325 may include a number of guide protrusions 325 corresponding to the number of helical guides 214 and 215. The plurality of guide protrusions 325 may be disposed at positions corresponding to the plurality of guide inlets 214. The guide protrusions 325 may be disposed below the first cover part 31.

A sealing protrusion 35 may project downwards from the cover 30. The sealing protrusion 35 may project downwards from the lower portion of the second cover part 32. The sealing protrusion 35 may be formed around the insertion port 34. The sealing protrusion 35 may extend along the lower end of the insertion port 34. The sealing protrusion 35 may extend circumferentially. The sealing protrusion 35 may have the shape of a ring. The sealing protrusion 35 may be convex downwards. The sealing protrusion 35 may have a shape corresponding to that of a sealing groove 225. The sealing protrusion 35 may be forcibly inserted into the sealing groove 225 so as to be in close contact with the upper end of the inner wall 22. The sealing protrusion 35 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing protrusion 35 may be made of rubber or silicone.

The sealing groove 225 may be formed by depressing the upper end of the inner wall 22 downwards. The sealing groove 225 may be open upwards. The sealing groove 225 may be formed around the upper end of the insertion space 24. The sealing groove 225 may circumferentially extend along the upper end of the inner wall 22. The sealing groove 225 may have the shape of a ring. The sealing groove 225 may be concave downwards. The upper end of the inner wall 22 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the outer wall 21. The inner wall 22 may be lower than the outer wall 21 in a vertical direction. The sealing groove 225 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the outer wall 21.

The cover 30 may include a first support protrusion 37. The first support protrusion 37 may project radially inwards from the outer circumferential surface 33 of the insertion port 34. The first support protrusion 37 may be one of a plurality of first support protrusions, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface 33 of the insertion port 34. The plurality of first support protrusions 37 may be spaced apart from each other, with a gap formed therebetween.

The inner wall 22 may cover the side portion and the lower portion of the insertion space 24. The inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22 may cover the side portion of the insertion space 24. The bottom 23 of the inner wall 22 may cover the lower portion of the insertion space 24. The bottom 23 of the inner wall 22 may have the shape of a circle.

A second support protrusion 27 may project upwards toward the insertion space 24 from the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. The second support protrusion 27 may be formed in or near the center of the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. The second support protrusion 27 may have the upper end surface 271 formed to be flat, and may have an outer circumferential surface 272 that narrows moving toward the upper end surface 271 from the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. The second support protrusion 27 may have a truncated form, such as a truncated circular cone or a truncated pyramid. The upper end surface 271 of the second support protrusion 27 may be referred to as a flat surface 271. The outer circumferential surface 272 of the second support protrusion 27 may be referred to as a sloping surface 272.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the cover 30 may be coupled to the housing 20. The cover 30 may be rotated in one circumferential direction so as to be coupled to the housing 20. When the cover 30 is rotated in the one direction so as to be coupled to the housing 20, the cover 30 may be moved downwards so as to press the upper end of the inner wall 22. When the cover 30 is rotated in the one direction so as to be coupled to the housing 20, the cover 30 may be moved downwards so as to hermetically cover the upper end of the coil reception space 25.

The guide protrusion 325 may project from the cover 30 so as to be inserted into the helical guide 214 and 215. The guide protrusion 325 may be inserted into the helical guide 214 and 215 so as to guide rotation of the cover 30. The guide protrusion 325 may move along the helical guide 214 and 215. The guide protrusion 325 may be inserted into the guide inlet 214. The guide protrusion 325 inserted into the guide inlet 214 may move along the guide channel 215. The guide channel 215 may guide the helical movement of the guide protrusion 325, and may thus move the cover 30 downwards. The guide protrusion 325 may be fastened to the housing 20 at the end of the guide channel 215 so as to prevent the cover 30 from rotating in the opposite direction.

A stopper 215a may be formed on the housing 20 around the opening. The stopper 215a may project from the helical guide 214 and 215. The stopper 215a may project inwards from the guide channel 215. The stopper 215a may be positioned close to the end of the guide channel 215. The stopper 215a may project from the guide channel 215, and may be curved in the direction in which the guide protrusion 325 moves when the cover 30 is rotated in one direction. The stopper 215a may have a curved surface which is convex toward the guide protrusion 325. The stopper 215a may have elasticity. The stopper 215a may provide elastic force in one direction. The stopper 215a may be referred to as a first stopper 215a.

When the guide protrusion 325 is moved in one direction along the guide channel 215, the cover 30 may be rotated in the one direction. When the guide protrusion 325 is moved in one direction along the guide channel 215, the guide protrusion 325 may be brought into contact with the stopper 215a or may catch on the stopper 215a. The guide protrusion 325 may be moved in one direction along the guide channel 215 over the stopper 215a. When the guide protrusion 325 is positioned at the end of the guide channel 215, the guide protrusion may catch on the stopper 215a. The stopper 215a may come into contact with the guide protrusion 325 positioned at the end of the guide channel 215, and may provide repulsive force in one direction. The stopper 215a may provide the guide protrusion 325 with repulsive force in order to restrict rotation of the cover 30 in the opposite direction.

For example, the guide protrusion 325 may move over the stopper 215 along the curved surface of the stopper 215a, and may be seated at the end of the guide channel 215. The guide protrusion 325, which is seated at the end of the guide channel 215, may catch on the end of the stopper 215a, thereby restricting movement of the guide protrusion 325 in the opposite direction. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the cover 30 from being rotated in the opposite direction.

When the cover 30 is coupled to the housing 20, the insertion port 34 may be positioned above the insertion space 24 so as to communicate with the insertion space 24. When the cover 30 is rotated in one direction along the helical guide 214 and 215, the second cover part 32 may be moved downwards so as to cover or seal the upper end of the coil reception space 25.

When the cover 30 is rotated in one direction along the helical guide 214 and 215, the second cover part 32 may be moved downwards, thereby pressing the upper end of the inner wall 22 downwards in the state of being in close contact therewith. At least one of the cover 30 or the inner wall 22 may have elasticity. When the cover 30 is completely coupled to the housing 20, the cover 30 and the inner wall 22 may be subjected to vertical stress, and may be brought into close contact with each other while being changed in shape.

When the cover 30 is rotated in one direction along the helical guide 214 and 215, the cover 30 and the outer wall 21 may be brought into close contact with each other in a vertical direction. The first cover part 31 and the upper end of the outer wall 21 may be brought into close contact with each other in a vertical direction. At least one of the cover 30 or the outer wall 21 may have elasticity. When the cover 30 is completely coupled to the housing 20, the cover 30 and the outer wall 21 may be subjected to stress in a vertical direction, and may thus be brought into close contact with each other while being changed in shape.

The sealing protrusion 35 may be inserted into the sealing groove 225. The sealing protrusion 35 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing protrusion 35 may be made of rubber or silicone. When the cover 30 is coupled to the housing 20, the sealing protrusion 35 may be brought into contact with the sealing groove 225 in the upper end of the inner wall 22, and may be subjected to upward stress, thereby being changed in shape. When the cover 30 is coupled to the housing 20, the sealing protrusion 35 may be brought into close contact with and be inserted into the sealing groove 225. The second cover part 32 may be brought into close contact with the upper end of the inner wall 22.

The sealing protrusion 35 may project downwards from the second cover part 32. The sealing groove 225 may be depressed downwards from the upper end of the inner wall 22. The length R1 that the sealing protrusion 35 projects downwards may be greater than the length R2 that the sealing groove 225 is depressed downwards. The sealing protrusion 35 may have an elliptical cross-section which is elongate vertically. The sealing groove 225 may have an elliptical cross-section which is elongate horizontally. The curvature of the sealing protrusion 35 may be different from the curvature of the sealing groove 225.

When the sealing protrusion 35 is inserted into the sealing groove 225, the sealing protrusion 35 may be brought into contact with the sealing groove 225 while being subjected to stress, and may be changed into a shape corresponding to that of the sealing groove 225. The sealing protrusion 35 may be fully disposed in the sealing groove 225 and may be brought into close contact with the sealing groove 225 while being changed in shape.

Consequently, the cover 30 may be moved downwards while being rotated in one direction, thereby being coupled to the housing 20. As a result, the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20 may be tightly sealed, thereby making it possible to prevent air or contaminants from entering the coil reception space 25 through the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heating coil 15.

Referring to FIG. 10, an extension 2151 and 2152 may extend from the end of the guide channel 215 and may be curved at least once. A first extension 2151 may be connected to the end of the guide channel 215. The first extension 2151 may be positioned between the guide channel 215 and the second extension 2152 so as to connect them to each other. The first extension 2151 may be curved downwards at the end of the guide channel 215, and may extend therefrom. The first extension 2151 may be formed by depressing the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 21 radially outwards, similarly to the guide channel 215.

A second extension 2152 may be connected to the end of the first extension 2151. The second extension 2152 may be curved at the end of the first extension 2151, and may extend therefrom. The second extension 2152 may extend in a direction such that it intersects the first extension 2151. Similarly to the guide channel 215, the second extension 2152 may be formed by depressing the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 21 radially outwards.

When moved in one direction, the guide protrusion 325 may pass through the guide channel 215 and the first extension in that order, and may then be disposed in the second extension 2152. The guide protrusion 325 disposed in the second extension 2152 may catch on the outer wall 21 near the first extension 2151 and the second extension 2152. Consequently, movement of the guide protrusion 325 in an upward direction or in another direction may be restricted.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the cover 30 may be moved in one direction, and may be coupled to the housing 20. The cover 30 may be threadedly coupled to the housing 20 so as to be moved downwards while being rotated.

The housing 20 may include a female thread. The female thread 216 may be circumferentially formed around the upper end of the insertion space 24. The female thread 216 may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the outer wall 21.

The cover 30 may include a male thread 326. The male thread 326 may be circumferentially formed in the outer circumferential surface of the cover 30. The male thread 326 may be circumferentially formed in the outer circumferential surface of the second cover part 32. The mal thread 326 may have a shape corresponding to the female thread 216. The male thread 316 may be rotated in one direction while being engaged with the female thread 216, thereby moving the cover 30 downwards. The cover 30 may be moved downwards so as to press the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 21 downwards.

Accordingly, the cover 30 may be moved downwards while being rotated in one direction, and may be coupled to the housing 20. As a result, the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20 may be tightly sealed, thereby making it possible to prevent air or contaminants from entering the coil reception space 25 through the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heating coil 15.

A restriction protrusion 326b may project outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the cover 30. The restriction protrusion 326b may project outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the second cover part 32. The restriction protrusion 326b may be one of a plurality of restriction protrusions, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The restriction protrusion 326b may be disposed above the male thread 326. When the cover 30 is rotated in one direction, the restriction protrusion 326b may also be rotated in the one direction.

A stopper 216b may be formed on the housing 20 around the opening. The stopper 216b may be positioned close to the female thread 216. The stopper may be disposed above the female thread 216. The stopper 216b may project inwards from the outer wall 21. The stopper 216b may be curved and may then extend in the direction in which the cover 30 is rotated. The stopper 216b may have a curved surface, which is convex toward the restriction protrusion 326b. The stopper 216b may have elasticity. The stopper 216b may provide elastic force in one direction. The stopper 216b may be referred to as a second stopper 216b. The second stopper 216b may have a shape identical or similar to that of the first stopper 215a, which has been described above.

When the cover 30 is rotated such that the male thread 326 is engaged with the female thread 216, the restriction protrusion 326b may be moved over the stopper 216b, and may be brought into contact with the end of the stopper 216b or catch on the end of the stopper 216b. Once the restriction protrusion 326b is moved over the stopper 216b, the stopper 216b may be brought into contact with the restriction protrusion 326b, thereby providing repulsive force in one direction. Consequently, the stopper 216b may provide the restriction protrusion 326b with repulsive force, thereby preventing the cover 30 from being rotated in the opposite direction.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the cover 30 may be fastened to the housing 20 in a snap-fit manner while being moved downwards. The cover 30 may include a hook 328. The housing 20 may have a hook-engaging groove 218.

The hook 328 may project outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the second cover part 32. The hook 328 may have an inclined shape so as to be widened moving upwards. The hook 328 may have an upper flat end.

The hook-engaging groove 218 may be formed by depressing the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the outer wall 21 outwards. The hook-engaging groove 218 may have a shape corresponding to the hook 328. The hook 328 may be one of a plurality of hooks, which are symmetrically disposed around the insertion port 34. The hook-engaging groove 218 may be formed at a location corresponding to the hook 328.

The hook 328 may be moved downwards, and may be inserted into the hook-engaging groove 218 and engaged therewith, thereby preventing the cover 30 from being moved upwards or being separated from the housing 20. When the hook 328 is engaged with the hook-engaging groove 218, the cover 30 and the inner wall 22 may be subjected to stress in a vertical direction. When the hook 328 is engaged with the hook-engaging groove 218, the cover 30 and the outer wall 21 may be subjected to stress in a vertical direction.

Accordingly, the cover 30 may be moved downwards, and may then be coupled to the housing 20. As a result, the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20 may be tightly sealed, thereby making it possible to prevent air or contaminants from entering the coil reception space 25 through the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heating coil 15.

Referring to FIG. 15, the stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 24 through the insertion port 34. The plurality of the first support protrusions 37 may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the stick 200, and may support the outer circumferential surface of the stick 200 that is inserted into the insertion space 24. The second support protrusion 27 may support the bottom of the stick 200 that is inserted into the insertion space 24.

The first support protrusion 37 may project so as to have a round convex shape. When the stick 200 passes through the insertion port 34, the first support protrusion 37 may guide the stick 200 such that the stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 24 while sliding on the surface of the first support protrusion 37.

The second support protrusion 27 may have a flat surface 271 and a sloping surface 272. The flat surface 271 may come into contact with the bottom surface of the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 24 so as to support the stick 200.

The stick 200 may include the susceptor (not shown) therein. The susceptor may be disposed in the lower portion of the stick 200. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 24, the susceptor in the stick 200 may be disposed in the insertion space 24, and may be surrounded by the heating coil 15. The heating coil 15 may heat the susceptor in the stick 200. The heating coil 15 may induce a magnetic field in the susceptor. The susceptor may generate heat using the magnetic field, induced by the heating coil 15. Alternatively, the heating coil 15 may directly generate heat to heat the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 24. The outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the stick 200 may be coated with glycerin.

The upper portion of the stick 200 may be exposed to the outside of the cover 30. A user may inhale air through the upper portion of the stick 200, which is exposed to the outside. When the user inhales air, the air may be supplied to the stick 200 through the insertion port 34 and the insertion space 24. Here, the air may be introduced into the insertion space 24 through the gaps between the plurality of first support protrusions 37. The air introduced into the insertion space 2 may be provided to the bottom of the stick 200 through the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the stick 200 and the gap between the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22 and the bottom of the stick 200. A portion of the air that is present between the bottom of the inner wall 22 and the bottom of the stick 200 may obliquely flow along the sloping surface 272 of the second support protrusion 27, and may then be supplied to the bottom of the stick 200.

Accordingly, the flow path of air may be shortened, and flow efficiency may be improved. Furthermore, the air may be supplied to the stick 200 without passing through the coil reception space 25 in which the heating coil 15 is disposed. In addition, it is possible to prevent air from being introduced into the coil reception space 25 through the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heating coil 15.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a third support protrusion 28 may project toward the insertion space 24 from the periphery of the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. The third support protrusion 28 may be one of a plurality of third support protrusions, which are spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface of the insertion space 24. The plurality of third support protrusions 28 may be arranged along the periphery of the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. Gaps may be formed between the plurality of third support protrusions 28 so as to allow air to flow therethrough. Each third support protrusion may include a portion that is sloped toward the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22 from the bottom of the inner wall 22.

The third support protrusion 28 may include a sloping portion 281. The sloping portion 281 may be shaped so as to be sloped downwards from the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22. The sloping portion 22 may be sloped such that the cross-sectional area of the insertion space 24 decreases moving downwards. The sloping portion 281 may be spaced upwards apart from the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. The sloping portion 281 may be one of a plurality of sloping portions, which are arranged circumferentially. When the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 24, the periphery of the bottom of the stick 200 may be brought into contact with the sloping portion 281, thereby guiding the positioning of the stick 200.

The third support protrusion 28 may include a side support portion 282. The side support portion 282 may have a shape that projects toward the inside of the insertion space 24 from the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22. The distance that the side support portion 282 projects may be equal or similar to the distance that the first support protrusion 37 projects. The side support portion 282 may extend downwards from the lower end of the sloping portion 281. The side support portion 282 may extend parallel to the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22. The side support portion 282 may support the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the stick 200. The first support protrusion 37 and the side support portion 282 may support the outer circumferential surface of the stick 200 at upper and lower levels in order to prevent the stick 200 from being shaken in the insertion space 24.

The third support protrusion 28 may include a bottom support portion 283. The bottom support portion 283 may project upwards from the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22. The bottom support portion 283 may abut the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22. The bottom support portion 283 may extend so as to project radially inwards from the lower end of the sloping portion 281 or the side support portion 282. The bottom support portion 283 may support the peripheral portion of the stick 200. The bottom support portion 283 may upwardly space the stick 200 apart from the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22.

When a user inhales air through the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 24, air may be supplied to the stick 200 through the insertion port 34 and the insertion space 24. Here, the air may be introduced into the insertion space 24 through the gaps between the plurality of first support protrusions 37. The air introduced into the insertion space 24 may pass through the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the stick 200. After passing through the gaps between the third support protrusions 28, the air may flow into the space between the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22 and the bottom of the stick 200, and may thus be supplied to the bottom of the stick 200.

Accordingly, when the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 24, the bottom of the stick 200 may be positioned in the center of the insertion space 24 while sliding on the third support protrusion 28. Furthermore, the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 24 may be stably held. In addition, the stick 200 may be spaced upwards apart from the bottom of the insertion space 24 by means of the third support protrusion 28, thereby providing a gap through which air flows.

Furthermore, the flow path of air may be shortened, and flow efficiency may be improved. In addition, air may be more uniformly supplied to the center of the bottom of the stick 200. Furthermore, air may be supplied to the stick 200 without passing through the coil reception space 25, in which the heating coil 15 is disposed. In addition, it is possible to prevent air from being introduced into the coil reception space 25 through the gap between the cover 30 and the housing 20. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the heating coil 15.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17, an aerosol-generating device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing 20 including an inner wall 22 to define an insertion space 24 therein and an outer wall 21 surrounding an outer side of the inner wall 22 to define coil reception space 25 formed between the inner wall 22 and the outer wall 21, wherein each of the insertion space 24 and the coil reception space 25 have an opening at one side, a heating coil 15 wound around the outer side of the inner wall 22 and disposed in the coil reception space 25, and a cover 30 configured to cover the opening of the coil reception space 25 and comprising an insertion port 34 allowing communication between the insertion space 24 and an outside of the housing 20, wherein the cover 30 includes a sealing protrusion positioned between the opening of the insertion space 24 and the opening of the coil reception space 25 to press against the inner wall 22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further comprise a sealing groove 225 formed in the inner wall, wherein the sealing protrusion 35 may protrude downward from the cover 30 and may be configured to be inserted into the sealing groove 225.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing protrusion 35 may be configured to be fitted into the sealing groove 225 in an interference-fit manner.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing protrusion 35 may have a curvature different than a curvature of the sealing groove 225.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the sealing groove 225 and the sealing protrusion 35 extends circumferentially along the inner wall, and the sealing protrusion 35 may have elasticity.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover 30 may be rotated in one direction to be coupled to the housing 20 by moving the cover 30 downwards to press an upper end of the inner wall 22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing 20 may include a recessed helical guide 214 and 215 formed at the upper portion of the outer wall 21, the helical guide 214 and 215 may be angled downwards, and the aerosol-generating device may further include a guide protrusion 325, projecting from the cover 30 and configured to be moved along the helical guide 214 and 215 when the cover 30 is rotated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a first stopper 215a projecting from the helical guide 214 and 215, the first stopper 215a being brought into contact with the guide protrusion 325 to prevent the cover 30 from being rotated in the opposite direction.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a first extension 2151, curved downwards at an end of the helical guide 214 and 215, and a second extension 2152, curved at an end of the first extension 2151 and extending therefrom.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing 20 may include a female thread 216 circumferentially formed around the opening of the insertion space 24, and the cover may include a male thread 326 configured to be engaged with the female thread 216.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover 30 may include a restriction protrusion 326b formed near the male thread 326, and the aerosol-generating device may further include a second stopper 216b projecting from the housing 20 near the female thread 216, the second stopper 216b being brought into contact with the restriction protrusion 326b so as to prevent the cover 30 from being rotated in the opposite direction.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover 30 may be configured to be fastened to the housing 20 in a snap-fit manner.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a plurality of first support protrusions 37 projecting inward from a circumferential surface of the cover 30 defining the insertion port 34.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of first support protrusions 37 may be spaced apart from each other.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a second support protrusion 27 projecting toward the insertion space 24 from the center of the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second support protrusion 27 may be tapered and comprise a planar top surface

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a third support protrusion 28 projecting toward the insertion space 24 from the periphery of the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the third support protrusion 28 may be one of a plurality of third support protrusions, which are arranged along the periphery of the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22 and spaced apart from each other.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the third support protrusion 28 may include a sloping portion (281) obliquely extending toward the bottom 23 of the inner wall 22 from the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall 22.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the third support protrusion 28 may include a side support portion 282, extending downwards from the lower end of the sloping portion 281 to be parallel to the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 22, and a bottom support portion 283, projecting radially inwards from the lower end of the side support portion 282.

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.

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

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