Aerosol generating device
The aerosol generating device's sealing cap and frame design enhances waterproofing and durability, while a light source enables use in dark conditions, addressing usability issues.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025194170
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-17
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
AI Technical Summary
Aerosol generating devices lack improved waterproof performance, durability, and usability in dark environments.
The device incorporates a sealing cap and sealing frame design that enhances waterproofing, along with a bracket frame and actuator mechanism to improve durability, and includes a light source for operation in dark conditions.
The design improves waterproof performance, durability, and usability in dark environments, ensuring reliable operation and enhanced user experience.
Smart Images
Figure 2026021583000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]
[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The components contained in the medium may be flavorings of a variety of components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal, and / or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device with improved waterproof performance.
[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device with improved durability.
[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that is more usable in dark environments.
[0006] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes a body formed to provide an insertion space, a heater adjacent to the body, a buttonhole formed in the body, a button key disposed in the buttonhole and operating in connection with the function of the aerosol generating device, a bracket frame disposed inside the body and located behind the button key, a substrate coupled to the bracket frame and located between the bracket frame and the button key, an actuator coupled to the substrate and located between the button key and the substrate, a sealing cap disposed between the bracket frame and the button key and covering the substrate and the actuator, and a sealing frame disposed between the sealing cap and an inner surface of the body and surrounding the sealing cap, wherein the sealing cap contacts the bracket frame and the sealing frame, and the sealing frame contacts the sealing cap and the inner surface of the body. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the waterproof performance of the aerosol generating device can be improved.
[0009] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the durability of the aerosol generating device can be improved.
[0010] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the usability of the aerosol generating device in dark environments.
[0011] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.
[0014] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for the convenience of explanation of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.
[0015] Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein. Therefore, the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.
[0017] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between, whereas when a component is said to be "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there are no other components in between.
[0018] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0019] 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 10. The body 10 may be elongated. The body 10 may be formed in the shape of a pipe having a hollow interior. For example, the body 10 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners.
[0020] The body 10 may be open from the hollow interior on at least one side, for example, on both sides in the length direction.
[0021] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a head case 14 that forms one side of the body 10. The head case 14 may cover the open side of the body 10. The head case 14 may extend in the length direction of the body 10. The body 10 may be cut according to the shape of the head case 14. For example, the head case 14 may form a first end of the body 10 in the length direction, and the opposite end of the head case 14 may extend in the length direction of the body 10.
[0022] The head case 14 may include a cap slot 15 that communicates with the insertion space 12. The cross-sectional area of the cap slot 15 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the insertion space 12. For example, the cap slot 15 may have a rectangular shape having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the cylindrical insertion space 12.
[0023] The stick 200 can be inserted into the insertion space 12 through the cap slot 15 .
[0024] The head case 14 may further include a cap 16 disposed in the cap slot 15. The cap 16 may cover the insertion space 12. The cap 16 may move along the cap slot 15 to open or close the insertion space 12. For example, the cap 16 may open or close the insertion space 12 in a sliding manner.
[0025] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cover 18 that forms the other side of the body 10. The other side may be opposite to the side on which the head case 14 is disposed. The other side may be an end of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the head case 14 may be disposed at one end of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction, and the cover 18 may be disposed at the other end of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction.
[0026] The cover 18 can cover the other open side of the body 10. The cover 18 can have the same cross-sectional shape as the body 10. A portion of the cover 18 can extend in the length direction of the body 10. For example, the cover 18 can cover the other open side of the body 10, and both side ends can be bent and extend in the length direction of the body 10.
[0027] The edge of the cover 18 may face the edge of the body 10. The body 10 may be cut into a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover 18. The cover 18 may prevent the inside of the body 10 from being exposed to the outside. A small gap may be formed between the body 10 and the cover 18. For example, both ends of the cover 18 may be bent and extended to form the other side of the body 10, and a portion of the side of the body 10 may be cut into a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover 18.
[0028] The aerosol generating device 100 may provide an insertion space 12. The insertion space 12 may be open on one side of the aerosol generating device 100. A stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 12. The insertion space 12 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the stick 200. For example, the insertion space 12 may have a cylindrical shape.
[0029] The insertion space 12 can communicate with the outside through a cap slot 15 of the head case 14. The insertion space 12 can be opened and closed by a cap 16 of the head case 14. For example, the insertion space 12 can be open when in use and covered by the cap 16 when not in use.
[0030] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 6 coupled to the body 10. The heater 6 may heat the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may heat the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may heat the stick 200 to generate an aerosol. The heater 6 may be an electric resistance heater. The heater 6 may be made of a conductive metal.
[0031] The heater 6 may protrude from the bottom of the insertion space 12 toward the opening of the insertion space 12. The heater 6 may have a long rod shape. The heater 6 may be formed so that its upper end is pointed. The stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 12, and the heater 6 may be inserted inside the stick 200.
[0032] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 2. The battery 2 may be disposed inside the body 10. The battery 2 may supply power to the heater 6. The heater 6 may receive current from the battery 2 and directly generate heat. The battery 2 may supply power to the control unit 4.
[0033] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 4. The control unit 4 may be disposed inside the body 10. The battery 2, the control unit 4, and the heater 6 may be disposed in a line. For example, the control unit 4 may be disposed between the battery 2 and the heater 6.
[0034] The control unit 4 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 4 can control the operation of at least one of the battery 2 and the heater 6. The control unit 4 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.
[0035] The lower end of the stick 200 is inserted into the insertion space 12, and the upper end thereof may be exposed to the outside from the insertion space 12. A user can inhale air by holding the exposed upper end of the stick 200 in their mouth. The air flows into the aerosol generating device 100, carries the aerosol with it, and then moves to the user's respiratory tract.
[0036] The aerosol generating device may include a key assembly. The key assembly may include a button key 20. The key assembly may include a buttonhole 12 into which the button key 20 is inserted and reciprocates.
[0037] The button key 20 may be disposed on one side of the body 10. The buttonhole 12 may be formed on one side of the body 10. The button key 20 may be inserted into the buttonhole 12 and may move back and forth. For example, when the button key 20 is pressed, the button key 20 may move toward the inside of the body 10 and then return to its original position.
[0038] The button keys 20 and the buttonholes 12 may have corresponding shapes. For example, the button keys 20 and the buttonholes 12 may have corresponding rectangular shapes. The buttonholes 12 and the button keys 20 may be elongated on one side and have major and minor axes. The buttonholes 12 and the button keys 20 may have the same horizontal and vertical lengths. For example, the buttonholes 12 and the button keys 20 may be regular rectangular shapes.
[0039] As another example, the button keys 20 may be formed on one side of the body 10 without the buttonholes 12. Here, the button keys 20 may be formed integrally with the body 10 on one side of the body 10. The button keys 20 may have elasticity.
[0040] 3 and 4, the buttonhole 12 may be formed by opening one side of the body 10. The button key 20 may be disposed on one side of the body 10. The button key 20 may be inserted into the buttonhole 12. The front of the button key 20 may have a shape corresponding to the buttonhole 12 so as to be inserted into the buttonhole 12, and the rear of the button key 20 may be disposed behind the buttonhole 12 so as to hang on the body 10 around the buttonhole 12.
[0041] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a substrate 64 disposed inside the body 10. The substrate 64 may face the button keys 20. The substrate 64 may be disposed behind the button keys 20. The substrate 64 may be disposed alongside the button keys 20 and / or the buttonhole 12. For example, the buttonhole 12, the button keys 20, and the substrate 64 may be formed vertically. The control unit 4 may be mounted on the substrate 64 or may be electrically connected to the control unit 4. A user may press the button key 20 to transmit a signal to the substrate 64 and / or the control unit 4. For example, pressing the button key 20 may activate or deactivate the aerosol generating device 100.
[0042] The substrate 64 may have a plate shape. The substrate 64 may be bent in one direction. For example, the substrates 64 may be bent 180 degrees to face each other.
[0043] The aerosol generating device 100 may include an actuator 62 connected to a substrate 64. The actuator 62 may be disposed between the button key 20 and the substrate 64. A first end of the actuator 62 may be connected to the substrate 64, and a second end of the actuator 62 may be connected to the button key 20. The first and second ends may face each other. The substrate 64 is electrically connected to the actuator 62 and may receive a signal from the actuator 62. The actuator 62 may provide an elastic force from the substrate 64 to the button key 20. When the button key 20 moves backward, i.e., toward the inside of the body 10, the button key 20 pushes the actuator 62 backward, and the substrate 64 may detect the signal. The actuator 62 may return the button key 20 to its forward position. For example, when the button key 20 moves toward the inside of the body 10 and presses the actuator 62, the actuator 62 transmits a signal to the substrate 64, and the actuator 62 may provide an elastic force such that the button key 20 moves outward from the body 10.
[0044] The actuator 62 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the button key 20. For example, the center of the actuator 62 may correspond to the center of the button key 20.
[0045] The aerosol generating device 100 is disposed inside the body 10 and may include a recess 72 in which the substrate 64 and the actuator 62 are disposed. The recess 72 may be disposed behind the button key 20. The recess 72 may be spaced apart from the button key 20. The recess 72 may have a depth formed in a bracket frame 70, which will be described later. The recess 72 may face the button key 20. For example, the recess 72 may be disposed behind the button key 20 and formed to face the rear surface of the button key 20.
[0046] The aerosol generating device 100 may further include a bracket frame 70 on which the substrate 64 is mounted. The substrate 64 may be disposed between the bracket frame 70 and the button key 20. At least a portion of the substrate 64 may be fixed to the bracket frame 70.
[0047] The bracket frame 70 may be disposed inside the body 10. The bracket frame 70 may face the button key 20. The bracket frame 70 may have a shape corresponding to the inside of the body 10. A small gap may be formed between the bracket frame 70 and the body 10.
[0048] The recess 72 may be formed in the bracket frame 70. The recess 72 may be formed in a direction from the button key 20 toward the bracket frame 70. The recess 72 may be formed by the bracket frame 70 being recessed toward the rear. A peripheral wall 74 may be formed on the edge of the recess 72. The substrate 64 may be in contact with the recess 72. The actuator 62 may be disposed to protrude forward, i.e., outward, from the recess 72. For example, the actuator 62 protruding forward from the substrate 64 disposed adjacent to the recess 72 may be adjacent to the button key 20.
[0049] The recess 72 may be formed so that the rear of the button key 20 is inserted therein. A lateral width t2 of the recess 72 may be greater than a lateral width t1 of the rear surface of the button key 20. For example, when a user presses the button key 20, the rear of the button key 20 is inserted into the recess 72, thereby compressing the actuator 62.
[0050] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a sealing cap 30 disposed inside the body 10. The sealing cap 30 may be disposed between the bracket frame 70 and the button key 20. The sealing cap 30 may be disposed between the button key 20 and the actuator 62. The sealing cap 30 may cover the actuator 62. The sealing cap 30 may cover the base plate 64.
[0051] The sealing cap 30 may contact the bracket frame 70 and the sealing frame 40. One side of the sealing cap 30 may contact the button key 20, and the other side may contact the actuator 62. The one side and the other side may face each other. For example, the front side of the sealing cap 30 may contact the rear side of the button key 20, and the rear side of the sealing cap 30 may contact the actuator 62.
[0052] The sealing cap 30 may be disposed behind the button key 20. The rear surface of the button key 20 may contact the front surface of the sealing cap 30. One side of the actuator 62 may contact the sealing cap 30, and the other side may be coupled to the substrate 64. The button key 20 may be disposed in front of the sealing cap 30 and the actuator 62. For example, when a user applies pressure to press the button key 20, the button key 20 may transmit pressure to the sealing cap 30 and the actuator 62 simultaneously.
[0053] The center of the sealing cap 30 may be located at a position corresponding to the center of the button key 20. The center of the sealing cap 30 may be located at a position corresponding to the center of the actuator 62. The sealing cap 30, the button key 20, and the actuator 62 may be arranged in a line in the front-to-back direction. For example, the center of the button key 20 may be located at a position corresponding to the center of the actuator 62, and the central part of the sealing cap 30 may be located at a position corresponding to the centers of the button key 20 and the actuator 62.
[0054] The sealing cap 30 may contact the bracket frame 70. The sealing cap 30 may cover the recess 72 of the bracket frame 70. The sealing cap 30 may contact the bracket frame 70 adjacent to the recess 72. The sealing cap 30 may contact a peripheral wall 74 formed on an edge of the recess 72. For example, the edge of the sealing cap 30 may contact the peripheral wall 74 formed on the edge of the recess 72 to cover the recess 72.
[0055] The sealing cap 30 may be positioned forward and spaced apart from the recess 72. The actuator 62 and the substrate 64 may be positioned between the sealing cap 30 and the recess 72.
[0056] The sealing cap 30 can cover the substrate 64 and the actuator 72 disposed in the recess 72 of the bracket frame 70 .
[0057] Therefore, the waterproof performance of the aerosol generating device can be improved.
[0058] The sealing cap 30 has a shape corresponding to the recess 72 and may be formed to be larger than the recess 72. For example, the area of the sealing cap 30 may be larger than the vertical cross-sectional area of the recess 72 of the bracket frame 70.
[0059] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a sealing frame 40 connected to the sealing cap 30. The sealing frame 40 may be disposed between the sealing cap 30 and the body 10. The sealing frame 40 may contact the inner surfaces of the sealing cap 30 and the body 10. For example, the front surface of the sealing frame 40 may contact the inner surface of the body 10, and the rear surface may contact the edge of the sealing cap 30.
[0060] The sealing frame 40 may extend along the periphery of the sealing cap 30. The sealing frame 40 may have a frame opening (not numbered) to which the sealing cap 30 is attached. The frame opening may face the button key 20. The frame opening may be located behind the button key 20. The frame opening may be larger than the rear surface of the button key 20. For example, the frame opening may be larger than the rear surface of the button key 20, so that the button key 20 can pass through the frame opening and move in a direction toward the bracket frame 70.
[0061] 5, the sealing cap 30 may contact the button key 20 and the actuator 62. For example, the front surface of the sealing cap 30 may contact the button key 20, and the rear surface of the sealing cap 30 may contact the actuator 62.
[0062] The sealing cap 30 may include a base 31 that contacts the bracket frame 70. The base 31 may be formed on an edge of the sealing cap 30. The base 31 may contact the sealing frame 40. The edge of the base 31 may be coupled to a groove 44 of the sealing frame 40.
[0063] The sealing cap 30 may include a contactor 32 that contacts the button key 20. The contactor 32 may be configured such that the center of the sealing cap 30 is spaced apart from the base 31. The contactor 32 may protrude forward from the base 31. The contactor 32 may contact the rear surface of the button key 20. The contactor 32 may have a flat surface that contacts the rear surface of the button key 20. The contactor 32 may be formed at a position corresponding to the center of the sealing cap 30. The center of the contactor 32 may correspond to the center of the sealing cap 30.
[0064] The sealing cap 30 may include an inclined surface 34 connecting the contactor 32 and the base 31. The inclined surface 34 may be inclined inward of the sealing cap 30 toward the button key 20. The inclined surface 34 may be inclined forward toward the center of the sealing cap 30. For example, the inclined surface 34 may connect the contactor 32, which is disposed in the center of the sealing cap 30, to the base 31, which is disposed behind the contactor 32 and forms the periphery of the sealing cap 30.
[0065] Therefore, the stretchability and range of movement of the sealing cap can be improved.
[0066] The sealing cap 30 may include a presser 33 that contacts the actuator 62. The presser 33 can apply pressure to the actuator 62. For example, when a user presses the button key 20, pressure is applied to the sealing cap 30, and the presser 33 can transmit the pressure to the actuator 62.
[0067] The presser 33 may face the contactor 32. The presser 33 may protrude from the contactor 32 toward the bracket frame 70, i.e., the rear side. The presser 33 may be formed by a protruding portion of the contactor 32. The presser 33 may have a flat surface that contacts the actuator 62. The flat surface of the presser 33 may be smaller than the flat surface of the contactor 32. The presser 33 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the center of the actuator 62. The presser 33 may be formed at a position corresponding to the center of the contactor 32. The center of the presser 33 may correspond to the center of the contactor 32. The presser 33 may be formed at a position corresponding to the center of the sealing cap 30.
[0068] The sealing cap 30 may have an edge that fits tightly against the bracket frame 70. The sealing cap 30 may include a rib 36 extending along the periphery. The rib 36 may be formed on the edge of the sealing cap 30. The rib 36 may be formed on the rear surface of the base 31. The rib 36 may be positioned to contact the bracket frame 70 adjacent to the recess 72. The rib 36 may contact a peripheral wall 74 formed on the edge of the recess 72. The base 31 may be spaced from the bracket frame 70 by the rib 36.
[0069] Therefore, the movable range of the sealing cap can be improved.
[0070] Therefore, the waterproof performance of the aerosol generation device can be improved.
[0071] The sealing frame 40 may be connected to an edge of the sealing cap 30. The groove 44 may correspond to the edge of the sealing cap 30. The edge of the sealing cap 30 may contact the groove 44. For example, the sealing cap 30 may be disposed near the rear side of the sealing frame 40, and the edge of the sealing cap 30 may contact the groove 44 formed in the sealing frame 40.
[0072] The sealing frame 40 may face the inner surface of the body 10. The sealing frame 40 may include a front surface facing the inner surface of the body 10. The front surface of the sealing frame 40 may be formed as a curved surface corresponding to the internal shape of the body 10. For example, the inner surface of the body 10 may be a curved surface that is concave toward the front, and the front surface of the sealing frame 40 may be a curved surface that is convex toward the front.
[0073] A gasket 50 may be disposed on the front surface of the sealing frame 40. The gasket 50 may be disposed between the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 may be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. For example, the gasket 50 may be disposed so as to contact the front surface of the sealing frame 40 and the inner surface of the body 10.
[0074] A gap 17 may be formed between the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 may fill the gap 17 between the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 may have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the gap 17 between the body 10 and the sealing frame 40.
[0075] Therefore, the waterproof performance of the aerosol generating device can be improved.
[0076] The gasket 50 can connect the sealing frame 40 and the body 10. The gasket 50 can fix the sealing frame 40 to the body 10. For example, the gasket 50 can be a double-sided adhesive member.
[0077] The body 10 may include a guide protrusion 14 that contacts the edge of the sealing frame 40. The guide protrusion 14 may protrude inward from the body 10. The guide protrusion 14 may extend in the length direction of the body 10.
[0078] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a light source 66 coupled to the substrate 64. The light source 66 may be coupled to the substrate 64 toward the button key 20, i.e., facing forward. The light source 66 may be disposed in a recess 72. The light source 66 may be disposed adjacent to an actuator 62 coupled to the substrate 64. For example, the light source 66 may be disposed on the substrate 64 along the periphery of the actuator 62.
[0079] The light source 66 may be provided in a form that covers the actuator 62. A plurality of light sources 66 may be provided. For example, four light sources 66 may be arranged radially around the actuator 62.
[0080] The light source 66 can emit light by receiving power via the substrate 64. The light source 66 can receive power from the battery 2 via the substrate 64. The control unit 4 can control the power supplied to the light source 66.
[0081] The sealing cap 30 can transmit light. For example, the sealing cap 30 can be made of a translucent or light-transmitting material. Light emitted from the light source 66 passes through the sealing cap 30 and may leak into the gap between the body 10 and the button key 20. For example, the light that passes through the sealing cap 30 may be diffracted into the gap between the body 10 and the button key 20 and dissipate to the outside.
[0082] The button keys 20 can transmit light. For example, the button keys 20 can be made of a translucent or light-transmitting material. Light emitted from the light source 66 can pass through the sealing cap 30 and the button keys 20 and be emitted to the outside.
[0083] Therefore, the user can operate the aerosol generating device even in a dark environment.
[0084] 6 to 8, the button key 20 can be inserted into the buttonhole 12. The front of the button key 20 can have a shape corresponding to the buttonhole 12 so that it can be inserted into the buttonhole 12. The rear of the button key 20 can be disposed behind the buttonhole 12 and can be hung on the body 10 around the buttonhole 12. For example, the flange 22 of the button key 20 can be hung on the body 10 around the buttonhole 12.
[0085] The button key 20 may include a flange 22 extending from the periphery. The flange 22 may extend along the periphery of the button key 20. The flange 22 may be formed by extending a portion of the periphery of the button key 20. For example, the flange 22 may extend along the periphery of the button key 20 into a shape corresponding to the button key 20.
[0086] The flange 22 may extend longitudinally in the length direction of the body 10. For example, the flange 22 may extend along the periphery of the button key 20 and extend longitudinally in the up-down direction.
[0087] The flange 22 may be formed by extending the rear surface of the button key 20. The flange 22 can move back and forth between the body 10 and the sealing frame 40. The flange 22 can prevent the button key 20 from being separated from the buttonhole 12.
[0088] The sealing frame 40 may include a stopper 42 corresponding to the flange 22. The stopper 42 may prevent the button key 20 from being pressed beyond a predetermined depth. The stopper 42 may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the sealing frame 40 corresponding to the flange 22. The stopper 42 may be formed around the frame opening of the sealing frame 40. A plurality of stoppers 42 may be formed on the sealing frame 40. For example, the stoppers 42 may be formed on the upper and lower sides of the frame opening of the sealing frame 40, respectively.
[0089] 9, the button key 20 may include a circumferentially extending flange 22. The button key 20 may be coupled to the back of the buttonhole 12 with the flange 22 facing the inner surface of the body 10. The flange 22 may be formed larger than the buttonhole 12 to prevent the button key 20 from slipping forward through the buttonhole 12.
[0090] The gasket 50 may have a gasket opening 52 that communicates with the frame opening of the sealing frame 40 and allows the button key 20 to move forward and backward. The gasket opening 52 may be formed in a shape that corresponds to the button key 20. The gasket opening 52 may be formed in a shape that corresponds to the flange 22 of the button key 20. For example, the gasket opening 52 may be formed in the shape of the flange 22 that surrounds the button key 20.
[0091] The button key 20, the gasket 50, the sealing frame 40, the sealing cap 30, the actuator 62, the substrate 64, and the bracket frame 70 may be arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction.
[0092] 10 , the sealing cap 30 may have a plate shape. The sealing cap 30 may include a plate-shaped base 31. The sealing cap 30 may include a recessed surface 37 recessed from the base 31 toward the bracket frame 70, i.e., rearward. The sealing cap 30 may include a contactor 32 protruding from the recessed surface 37 toward the button key 20, i.e., forward. The contactor 32 may contact the rear surface of the button key 20.
[0093] 11 , the sealing cap 30 may include a rib 36 protruding rearward from the base 31. The rib 36 may extend along the periphery of the base 31 so as to be provided independently. For example, the rib 36 may have a single rectangular shape protruding rearward from the base 31 and extending along the periphery of the base 31. The rib 36 may be positioned to contact the bracket frame 70 around the recess 72, and the sealing cap 30 may be spaced forward from the recess 72. For example, the rib 36 may contact a peripheral wall 74 formed on the edge of the recess 72, and the sealing cap 30 may be spaced forward from the recess 72 by the thickness of the peripheral wall 74.
[0094] The sealing cap 30 may include a presser 33 that protrudes rearward from the contactor 32. The presser 33 may be smaller than the contactor 32. For example, the presser 33 may protrude rearward from the contactor 32 and have a cylindrical shape with a smaller area than the contactor 32.
[0095] The presser 33 may be disposed so as to contact the actuator 62. The presser 33 may be disposed so as to correspond to the center of the actuator 62.
[0096] The sealing cap 30 may include an inclined surface 34 connecting the contactor 32 and the base 31. The inclined surface 34 may connect the contactor 32 disposed at the front with the base 31 disposed at the rear relatively. The inclined surface 34 may be formed to incline forward toward the center of the sealing cap 30.
[0097] 12, the contactor 32 and presser 33 of the sealing cap 30 may be disposed to face each other. The presser 33 may be formed smaller than the contactor 32, and a flat surface may be formed around the presser 33. For example, a rectangular contactor 32 may be formed on the front surface of the sealing cap 30, and a circular presser 33 may protrude rearward from the contactor 32, and a rectangular flat surface may be formed around the presser 33.
[0098] 13, the sealing frame 40 may extend longitudinally along the length of the body 10. For example, the sealing frame 40 may extend longitudinally in the vertical direction and have a narrow rectangular shape.
[0099] The sealing cap 30 can be placed in a frame opening formed in the sealing frame 40. The sealing cap 30 can be coupled to the sealing frame 40.
[0100] 14 , the bracket frame 70 may include a recess 72 in which the substrate 64 is disposed. The recess 72 may be formed by recessing the bracket frame 70. The substrate 64 may be disposed so as to contact the recess 72. The sealing cap 30 may contact the bracket frame 70 adjacent to the recess 72. An edge of the sealing cap 30 may contact the peripheral wall 74.
[0101] The bracket frame 70 may include a slit 76 that opens to one side from the recess 72. The slit 76 may be formed in the recess 72. The slit 76 may be formed by cutting a portion of the peripheral wall 74 and / or the recess 72. For example, the slit 76 may be formed by cutting a long corner where the peripheral wall 74 and the recess 72 meet.
[0102] The substrate 64 can pass through the slit 76. The substrate 64 can be bent at the slit 76. For example, the substrate 64 can be bent 180 degrees at the slit 76 to surround the recess 72.
[0103] The electrical wires of the substrate 64 disposed in the recess 72 can be routed through the slits.
[0104] Air can move through the slits 76. For example, when the button key 20 is pressed, the sealing cap 30 is compressed backward, reducing the volume of the space surrounded by the sealing cap 30, the recess 72, and the peripheral wall 74. The pressure that increases due to the reduction in the volume of the space can be reduced as the air escapes through the slits 76.
[0105] Therefore, the waterproof performance of the aerosol generating device can be improved.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 15 , the button key 20 can move back and forth based on the buttonhole 12. The button key 20 can be inserted into the frame opening of the sealing frame 40 by the distance it has moved. The button key 20 that has moved backward can compress the sealing cap 30 rearward by the distance it has moved. The compressed sealing cap 30 transmits pressure to the actuator 62, which is then pushed rearward and activated. When the actuator 62 is activated, the substrate 64 can receive a signal. The substrate 64 can transmit the received signal to the control unit 4. For example, when the control unit 4 receives a signal, the aerosol generating device can be activated or deactivated.
[0107] 1 to 15, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an elongated body; an insertion space formed inside the body, extending in the length direction of the body, and opening to one side of the body; a heater coupled to the body adjacent to the insertion space; a buttonhole formed in the body; button keys disposed in the buttonhole; a bracket frame disposed inside the body and facing the button keys; a substrate disposed between the bracket frame and the button keys, at least a portion of which is fixed to the bracket frame; an actuator disposed between the button keys and the substrate and connected to the substrate; a sealing cap disposed between the bracket frame and the button keys, covering the substrate and the actuator; and a sealing frame disposed between the sealing cap and an inner surface of the body, extending along a periphery of the sealing cap, wherein the sealing cap contacts the bracket frame and the sealing frame, and the sealing frame contacts the sealing cap and the inner surface of the body.
[0108] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing cap may have an edge that is in close contact with the bracket frame, and a rib may be formed on the edge.
[0109] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket frame may include a recess formed in a direction from the button key toward the bracket frame, in which the substrate and the actuator are disposed.
[0110] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing cap may include a base formed on an edge of the sealing cap to contact the bracket frame, a contactor whose center is spaced from the base and contacts the button key, and an inclined surface connecting the base and the contactor.
[0111] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inclined surface may be formed to incline inward of the sealing cap toward the button key.
[0112] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing cap may include a presser protruding from the contactor toward the bracket frame.
[0113] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing frame may have an opening facing the button key so that the button key can move toward the bracket frame, and a sealing cap may be disposed in the opening.
[0114] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing frame may have a groove corresponding to an edge of the sealing cap, and the edge of the sealing cap may contact the groove.
[0115] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body may include a guide protrusion that protrudes inward, extends in a length direction of the body, and contacts an edge of the sealing frame.
[0116] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a gasket disposed between the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body, the gasket being in close contact with the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body.
[0117] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the gasket may be configured to secure the sealing frame to the body.
[0118] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the bracket frame may include a slit formed in the recess, and electrical wires of the board disposed in the recess may be routed through the slit.
[0119] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the button key may include a flange extending from at least a portion of its periphery, and the sealing frame may include a stopper corresponding to the flange.
[0120] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.
[0121] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of the present disclosure and drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.
[0122] While the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More particularly, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. an elongated body having an insertion space configured to receive a stick; a heater configured to heat the stick; a button provided on one side of the body; an actuator provided within the body and configured to provide a resilient force to the button; a bracket frame provided within the body to which the actuator is attached; a sealing cap provided between the bracket frame and the button to cover the actuator; The aerosol generating device, wherein one surface of the sealing cap contacts the button, and the other surface of the sealing cap contacts the actuator and the bracket frame.
2. The sealing cap is a base corresponding to an edge of the sealing cap and contacting the bracket frame; a contactor corresponding to the center of the sealing cap and contacting the button; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: an inclined surface that connects the base and the contactor so as to be inclined.
3. the sealing cap further includes a presser that protrudes from the contactor toward the bracket frame and contacts the actuator; The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , wherein when the button is pressed, the presser presses the actuator.
4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a sealing frame provided between the bracket frame and the body.
5. the sealing frame has a frame opening in which the sealing cap is disposed; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the sealing frame presses an edge of the sealing cap toward the bracket frame.
6. the sealing cap includes a rib protruding from the other surface of the sealing cap and contacting the bracket frame; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the sealing frame presses the rib against the bracket frame.
7. The bracket frame is a recess in which the actuator is disposed; a peripheral wall surrounding the recess, The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the rib of the sealing cap is disposed on the peripheral wall.
8. the sealing frame includes a groove to which an edge of the sealing cap is coupled; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the sealing cap is bonded within and contacts a groove in the sealing frame.
9. the sealing frame includes a stopper recessed from the one surface of the sealing frame; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the button includes a flange disposed between the stopper of the sealing frame and the inner surface of the body.
10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein the stopper is set so that the button is not pressed beyond a predetermined depth.
11. a gasket provided between the body and the sealing frame; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the gasket contacts the inner surface of the body and the sealing frame.
12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the sealing frame has a convex surface facing the inner surface of the body and corresponding to the concave inner surface of the body.
13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the gasket bonds the body and the sealing frame together.
14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the body includes a guide protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the body and contacting an edge of the sealing frame.