Aerosol generation device

Provided is an aerosol generation device including a first housing, a plurality of shutters, and a second housing. The first housing includes a first aperture into which a cigarette is inserted. The plurality of shutters are provided on the first housing to be rotatable about a virtual line extending in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette, and open and close the first aperture. The second housing includes a second aperture that communicates with the first aperture, surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the first housing to be rotatable with respect to the first housing, and slidably contacts the plurality of shutters and rotates the plurality of shutters according to a rotating manipulation by a user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol generation devices, and more particularly, to an aerosol generation device capable of opening or closing an aperture into which a cigarette is inserted, via a simple manipulation.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, when an aerosol generation device including a heater that heats a cigarette by using electricity is used, a cigarette that generated smoking gas by being heated by a heater may be separated from the aerosol generation device and replaced with a new cigarette.

Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2014-0117395 relates to a polygonal aerosol generation device that generates aerosol by heating a cigarette, and describes an aerosol generation device including a cavity into which a cigarette is inserted.

When a user uses an aerosol generation device having such structure, the smell of a cigarette permeates a cavity even after the cigarette is separated from the cavity. Thus, the smell may spread into a storage space, such as the user's pocket.

In addition, the heat with which the cigarette was heated may remain within the cavity and may cause the user to be burned. Thus, the inside of the aerosol generation device has to be cooled off for a certain period of time, which causes inconvenience to a user using an aerosol generation device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Technical Problem

Provided is an aerosol generation device capable of opening or closing an aperture into which a cigarette is inserted, via a simple manipulation.

Also provided is an aerosol generation device capable of preventing internal smells or foreign materials from coming out, when the aerosol generation device is not used.

Also provided is an aerosol generation device capable of cooling off by discharging heated air that remains inside, even when an aperture is closed while the aerosol generation device is not in use.

Solution to Problem

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation device includes a first housing, a plurality of shutters, and a second housing. The first housing includes a first aperture into which a cigarette is inserted. The plurality of shutters are provided on the first housing to be rotatable about a virtual line extending in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette, and open and close the first aperture. The second housing includes a second aperture that communicates with the first aperture, surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the first housing to be rotatable with respect to the first housing, and slidably contacts the plurality of shutters and rotates the plurality of shutters according to a rotating manipulation by a user.

The first housing may further include first rotation shafts that protrude toward the plurality of shutters, the plurality of shutters may include rotation holes that accommodate the first rotation shafts, and the plurality of shutters may rotate about the first rotation shafts.

The plurality of shutters may be provided in the first housing on a same plane and are arranged circumferentially with respect to the center of the first aperture.

The plurality of shutters may include guiding protrusions that protrude toward the first housing, the first housing may further include guiding grooves that accommodate the guiding protrusions, and the guiding protrusions may slide along the guiding grooves with rotation of the plurality of shutters.

The guiding grooves may include fixing grooves configured to accommodate the guiding protrusions when the plurality of shutters close the first aperture and the second aperture, and moving grooves configured to slidably accommodate the guiding protrusions when the plurality of shutters open the first aperture and the second aperture. The guiding protrusions accommodated in the fixing grooves are fixed to the fixing grooves unless force greater than or equal to a threshold is applied to the plurality of shutters.

The first housing may further include maintaining protrusions that protrude toward the second housing. The second housing may further include maintaining grooves configured to slidably accommodate the maintaining protrusions. The maintaining protrusions may slide along the maintaining grooves with rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing. As the maintaining protrusions are accommodated in the maintaining grooves, movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette may be prevented.

The first housing may further include air flow holes allowing an air flow between the first housing and the second housing.

The plurality of shutters may include cam protrusions that protrude toward the second housing. The second housing may further include cam holes configured to slidably accommodate the cam protrusions. When the user rotates the second housing, rotation of the second housing may be delivered to the cam protrusions accommodated in the cam holes, and the cam protrusions may rotate the plurality of shutters by sliding along the cam holes.

Each of the plurality of shutters may include a step protruding toward another shutter, and a step groove configured to accommodate the step.

When the plurality of shutters close the first aperture and the second aperture, a portion of a gap formed between the plurality of shutters may be closed by the step, and the other portion of the gap formed between the plurality of shutters may be opened.

The second housing may further include a manipulation part that protrudes outwards from an outer circumferential surface of the second housing.

The aerosol generation device may further include a cover including a third aperture connected to the first and second apertures, the cover being coupled to the second housing.

The second housing may further include pressing protrusions configured to rotate the plurality of shutters by pressing the plurality of shutters according to rotation manipulation by the user.

The first housing may further include seating grooves inwardly formed in an opposite direction to a direction toward the plurality of shutters, protruding members formed on the seating grooves and protruding toward the plurality of shutters, elastic members provided on the seating grooves around the protruding members so as to have a certain elastic force, each elastic member having one end on which an elastic protrusion protruding toward the plurality of shutters is formed, fixing protrusions respectively fixing the elastic members onto the seating grooves, accommodating holes rotatably accommodating the plurality of shutters, and guiding grooves guiding rotation of the plurality of shutters. The plurality of shutters may include second rotation shafts protruding toward the first housing and rotatably accommodated in accommodating holes, guiding protrusions protruding toward the first housing and accommodated in the guiding grooves of the first housing, and guiding holes slidably accommodating the elastic protrusions. The elastic protrusions may slide along the guiding holes with rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing, andthe guiding protrusions may slide along the guiding grooves with rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing.

When the plurality of shutters open or close the first aperture and the second aperture and the user does not rotate the second housing, the plurality of shutters may maintain opening or closing of the first aperture and the second aperture.

The elastic protrusions may be located at a first point within the guiding holes such that the plurality of shutters close the first aperture and the second aperture, and may located at a second point opposite to the first point within the guiding holes such that the plurality of shutters open the first aperture and the second aperture. When the elastic protrusions are located at the first point, the elastic protrusions may receive a restoration force of the elastic members in a direction from the first point back to the second point.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation device includes a first housing including a first aperture into which a cigarette is inserted, anda plurality of shutters provided on the first housing to be rotatable about a virtual line extending in a width direction of the cigarette, and configured to open and close the first aperture.

The plurality of shutters may be provided in the first housing on a same plane and are arranged circumferentially with respect to the center of the first aperture.

The plurality of shutters may include third rotation shafts each extending in the width direction of the cigarette, and stoppers respectively defining critical positions of the plurality of shutters rotating about the third rotation shafts.

The plurality of shutters may further include elastic members configured to elastically support the first housing and the plurality of shutters such that the plurality of shutters elastically move between a first point for closing the first aperture and a second point for opening the first aperture.

The elastic members may be seated on installation holes formed in the first housing, and one side of each elastic member may be supported by an inner surface of the first housing and another side of each elastic member may be supported by an inner surface of each of the plurality of shutters.

A portion of each of the plurality of shutters, which is adjacent to the center of the first aperture when the plurality of shutters close the first aperture, may be chamfered.

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

According to aerosol generation devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as described above, a user is able to easily open or close an aperture into which a cigarette is inserted, with one hand, and thus, use of the aerosol generation devices is convenient.

In addition, when there is no manipulation by a user, the aperture into which a cigarette is inserted may be closed, and thus internal smells of the aerosol generation devices or foreign materials may be prevented from leaking to the outside.

Furthermore, a gap space provides fluid communication between the inside and outside of the aerosol generation devices even when the aperture is closed, and thus the heated air remaining after use is discharged from the gap space, thereby cooling down the aerosol generation devices.

BEST MODE

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generation device includes a first housing, a plurality of shutters, and a second housing. The first housing includes a first aperture into which a cigarette is inserted. The plurality of shutters are provided on the first housing to be rotatable about a virtual line extending in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette, and open and close the first aperture. The second housing includes a second aperture that communicates with the first aperture, surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the first housing to be rotatable with respect to the first housing, and slidably contacts the plurality of shutters and rotates the plurality of shutters according to a rotating manipulation by a user.

MODE OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present disclosure is only defined by the appended claims.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between some components of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.1.

The aerosol generation device ofFIGS.1and2includes a first housing10, a plurality of shutters20, and a second housing30. The first housing10includes a first aperture11into which a cigarette7is inserted. The plurality of shutters20are provided on the first housing10to be rotatable about a virtual line extending in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette7, and opens and closes the first aperture11. The second housing30includes a second aperture31that communicates with the first aperture11, surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the first housing10to be rotatable with respect to the first housing10, and slidably contacts the plurality of shutters20and rotates the plurality of shutters20according to a rotating manipulation by a user.

The first housing10accommodates several components of the aerosol generation device within an internal space formed in the first housing10and protects the several components. Because the first housing10has an entirely-hollow cylindrical shape, an accommodating space (not shown) in which the cigarette7may be accommodated is formed within the first housing10.

For example, a heater (not shown) heating the cigarette7, and a support member (not shown) supporting the heater may be provided in the accommodating space. The first aperture11, which is exposed to the outside and into which the cigarette7is insertable, is formed on one end of the accommodating space.

The first housing10may be manufactured using a plastic material that has low heat conductivity or does not transmit heat, or of a metal material on the surface of which a plastic material is coated. The accommodating space of the first housing10accommodates the cigarette7and provides a moving path of the cigarette7such that the cigarette7inserted from the outside may move along the accommodating space. Accordingly, the accommodating space of the first housing10may have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the cigarette7. However, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the shape of this accommodating space, and the shape of the accommodating space may also be an oval or a cross-section of a polygon like a quadrilateral. In this case, a separate support member (not shown) for fixing a cigarette may be provided in the accommodating space.

However, regardless of the shape of the accommodating space of the first housing10, a cross section of the outer circumferential surface of the first housing10may have a circular shape in order to allow the second housing30to rotate relative to the first housing10by using a structure in which the inner circumferential surface of the second housing30and the outer circumferential surface of the first housing10engage with each other. This will be described below in greater detail.

In general, because the diameter of the accommodating space is greater than that of the cigarette7, when the cigarette7is accommodated in the first housing10, a certain space is formed between the accommodating space and the cigarette7. The space between the accommodating space and the cigarette7may be connected to the outside via the first aperture11, thereby forming a flow path through which the air may pass.

The plurality of shutters20are provided on a same plane in the first housing10and are arranged circumferentially with respect to the center of the first aperture11.FIG.2depicts that three shutters20are arranged in the first housing10on the same plane in the circumferential direction with respect to the center of the first aperture11. However, the number of shutters20of the aerosol generation device is not limited thereto.

For example, two or more shutters20may be included. As will be described later, the above arrangement is a structure for discharging remaining heat from the aerosol generation device by connecting the inside and outside of the aerosol generation device to each other even when the plurality of shutters20are closed. This structure is to provide a certain space between the plurality of shutters20.

The second housing30forms the outer appearance of the aerosol generation device and thus accommodates and protects the first housing10, the plurality of shutters20, and several other components (not shown) within an internal space of the second housing30. Because the second housing30has an entirely-hollow cylindrical shape, an accommodating space (not shown) for accommodating the above-described components may be formed within the second housing30.

A second aperture31via which the cigarette7is insertable is formed on one end of the accommodating space, and, when the plurality of shutters20are open, the second aperture31may be connected to the first aperture11and may provide an accommodating space into which the cigarette7is inserted.

Similar to the first housing10, the second housing30may be manufactured using a plastic material that has low heat conductivity or does not transmit heat, or of a metal material on the surface of which a plastic material is coated. The accommodating space of the second housing30receives the cigarette7and provides a moving path of the cigarette7such that the cigarette7inserted from the outside may move along the accommodating space. The accommodating space of the second housing30has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the first housing10. However, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited by the shape of the second housing30. For example, the accommodating space may have a cross sectional shape corresponding to the first housing10, such as a polygon (e.g., a quadrangle) or an oval.

However, regardless of the shape of the accommodating space of the second housing30, a section of the inner circumferential surface of the second housing30in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first housing10may have a circular shape, in order to allow the second housing30to rotate relative to the first housing10by using a structure in which the outer circumferential surface of the second housing30and the outer circumferential surface of the first housing10engage with each other. This will be described below in greater detail.

The second housing30further includes a manipulating part34that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the second housing30in an outward direction. A user may manipulate the manipulating part34to rotate the second housing30with respect to the first housing10.

In detail, the user may rotate the second housing30with respect to the first housing10by pushing the manipulating part34with a finger while holding a base50of the aerosol generation device as shown inFIG.1with one hand. According to this rotation manipulation by the user, the plurality of shutters20may open the first aperture11and the second aperture31, and the user may insert the cigarette7into the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device via the first aperture11and the second aperture31by using the other hand not holding the aerosol generation device.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the presence or shape of the manipulating part34shown in the drawings. For example, the user may rotate the second housing30with respect to the first housing10by rotating the outer surface of the second housing30instead of the manipulating part34. To this end, the outer surface of the second housing30may be formed of a material having a sufficient frictional force to rotate the second housing30via a manipulation of the user. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed hereinafter that the manipulating part34is formed on the outer surface of the second housing30.

The aerosol generation device may include a third aperture41connected to the first aperture11and the second aperture31, and may further include a cover40that is coupled to the second housing30. The cover40may improve the aesthetic by covering cam holes33formed on an upper surface of the second housing30, and cam protrusions23accommodated in the cam holes33.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between the first housing10and the plurality of shutters20of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.3, the first housing10further includes first rotation shafts12protruding toward the plurality of shutters20, and guiding grooves13guiding rotation of the plurality of shutters20. The first rotation shafts12may be accommodated in rotation holes21of the plurality of shutters20, and the plurality of shutters20may rotate about the first rotation shafts12.

The plurality of shutters20include guiding protrusions22protruding toward the first housing10. The guiding protrusions22may be accommodated in the guiding grooves13of the first housing10, and may slide along the guiding grooves13with rotation of the plurality of shutters20. The plurality of shutters20further include cam protrusions23, steps24and step grooves25, which will be described below in detail with reference toFIGS.5and6.

The guiding grooves13include fixing grooves13faccommodating the guiding protrusions22when the plurality of shutters20close the first aperture11and the second aperture31, and moving grooves13mslidably accommodating the guiding protrusions22when the plurality of shutters20open the first aperture11and the second aperture31. BecauseFIG.3illustrates a state in which the plurality of shutters20are open, the guiding protrusions22of the plurality of shutters20ofFIG.3are depicted as being accommodated in the moving grooves13m. Although not shown in the drawings, when the plurality of shutters20are closed, the guiding protrusions22of the plurality of shutters20are accommodated in the fixing grooves13f.

In detail, force that is equal to or greater than a threshold value needs to be applied to take the guiding protrusions22accommodated in the fixing grooves13fout of the fixing grooves13f. In other words, when the plurality of shutters20close the first aperture11and the second aperture31, the plurality of shutters20may continuously maintain the closed state unless the user rotates the second housing30by using the force that is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

Accordingly, in the aerosol generation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when there is no manipulation by a user, the first aperture11and the second aperture31are maintained closed, and thus internal smells or foreign materials may be prevented from leaking to the outside because of exposure of the accommodating space to the outside.

After a user takes the guiding protrusions22out of the fixing grooves13fby rotating the second housing30with the force that is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the guiding protrusions22may slide along the moving grooves13m.FIG.3depicts that the guiding protrusions22are located on the moving grooves13mthat are farthest from the fixing grooves13f. This means a state where the plurality of shutters20are maximally open.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between the first housing10and the second housing30of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.2and4, the first housing10further includes maintaining protrusions14protruding toward the second housing30, and the second housing30further includes maintaining grooves32slidably accommodating the maintaining protrusions14. The maintaining protrusions14may slide along the maintaining grooves32with rotation of the second housing30with respect to the first housing10.

Although not illustrated in the drawings in detail, the base50, which accommodates a circuit board (not shown) and a battery (not shown) of the aerosol generation device, is connected to a bottom side of the first housing10opposite to a top side of the first housing10via which the cigarette7is inserted. The first housing10is fixed to the base50, and, when a user wants to insert the cigarette7, the user generally rotates the second housing30while holding the base50. Thus, the second housing30may rotate with respect to the first housing10.

As such, due to a coupling structure in which the maintaining protrusions14formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first housing10and protruding outwards are coupled with the maintaining grooves32formed inwardly in the inner circumferential surface of the second housing30to accommodate the maintaining protrusions14, the second housing30may rotate with respect to the first housing10about a central axis (not indicated) of the first aperture11.

The maintaining grooves32may allow movement of the maintaining protrusions14in a width direction of the cigarette7(a horizontal direction) but may prevent movement of the maintaining protrusions14in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette7. According to this structure, the second housing30may rotate with respect to the first housing10about the central axis of the first aperture11, but movement of the second housing30in the lengthwise direction of the cigarette7, namely, in a vertical direction in the drawings, is prevented. In other words, the second housing30may rotate with respect to the first housing10about the central axis of the first aperture11along the outside surface of the first housing10without moving in the lengthwise direction of the cigarette7.

The first housing10further includes air flow holes15allowing an air flow between the first housing10and the second housing30. Because the air flow holes15are connected to an internal accommodating space of the first housing10, the external air flowing into the aerosol generation device may also be delivered into the internal accommodating space of the first housing10via a gap formed between the first housing10and the second housing30.

FIG.5is a perspective plan view illustrating a state in which the plurality of shutters20of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.1are closed.

Referring toFIG.5, the plurality of shutters20include the cam protrusions23protruding toward the second housing30, and the second housing30further includes the cam holes33slidably accommodating the cam protrusions23. When a user rotates the second housing30, the rotation of the second housing30is delivered to the cam protrusions23accommodated in the cam holes33, and the cam protrusions23may rotate the plurality of shutters20by sliding along the cam holes33.

FIG.5illustrates that the plurality of shutters20close the first aperture11and the second aperture31. In other words, each of the plurality of shutters20contacts other shutters20by rotating clockwise about the first rotation shafts12. In the case ofFIG.5, three shutters20are brought together to close the first aperture11and the second aperture31.

Although described above, a state in which the plurality of shutters20close the first aperture11and the second aperture31refers to a normal state in which there is no user's manipulation. In this case, although not shown inFIG.5, the guiding protrusions22ofFIG.3of the plurality of shutters20may be accommodated in the fixing grooves13fof the guiding grooves13.

As the plurality of shutters20rotate clockwise about the first rotation shafts12, the cam protrusions23may be arranged adjacent to the center of the first aperture11. As will be described later with respect toFIG.6, when the plurality of shutters20rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the cam protrusions23may move in a direction away from the center of the first aperture11with rotation of the plurality of shutters20. This is because, when the second housing30moves counterclockwise due to rotation manipulation by a user, the cam holes33formed in the second housing30also move counterclockwise, and the cam protrusions23accommodated in the cam holes33move along a path provided by the cam holes33.

Each of the plurality of shutters20may further include a step24protruding toward another shutter20, and a step groove25(seeFIG.3) accommodating the step24. As shown inFIG.5, when the plurality of shutters20close the first aperture11and the second aperture31, portions of gaps formed between the plurality of shutters20may be closed by the steps24, and at the same time respective other portions of the gaps between the plurality of shutters20may be open.

As described above, the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device is closed by closing the plurality of shutters20. As such, a smell of the cigarette7remaining after use within the aerosol generation device may be prevented from being rapidly diffused to the outside. In addition, due to application of a structure that opens a certain space between the plurality of shutters20, heat remaining within the aerosol generation device after use may be discharged to the outside, thereby cooling down the aerosol generation device.

FIG.6is a perspective plan view illustrating a state in which the plurality of shutters20of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.1are opened.

FIG.6illustrates a state in which the plurality of shutters20open the first aperture11and the second aperture31as a result of a user rotating the second housing30in the counterclockwise direction by manipulating the manipulating part34. When the second housing30rotates counterclockwise, the cam holes33formed in the second housing30also move counterclockwise, and, according to the movement of the cam holes33, the cam protrusions23accommodated in the cam holes33also move counterclockwise.

The cam protrusions23move in a direction away from the center of the first aperture11by sliding along the cam holes33, and consequently, the cam protrusions23also move counterclockwise about the first rotation shafts12and thus move to a position opposite to the position of the cam protrusions23within the cam holes33shown inFIG.5.

In other words, when the user rotates the second housing30in the counterclockwise direction, the cam protrusions23also rotate in the counterclockwise direction about the first rotation shafts12as a result, and consequently the plurality of shutters20also rotate in the counterclockwise direction about the first rotation shafts12to open the first aperture11and the second aperture31.

When the plurality of shutters20open the first aperture11and the second aperture31as described above, the user may insert the cigarette7into the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device with a hand not holding the aerosol generation device.

In other words, the user may conveniently open or close the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device with one hand, without a need for a separate component for performing such functions.

FIG.7is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between some components of an aerosol generation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between the first housing110and a plurality of shutters120of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.7.

In the aerosol generation device ofFIG.7, when there is no rotation manipulation by a user, the plurality of shutters120may continuously maintain an open state or a close state, and the plurality of shutters120may be opened or closed due to rotation manipulation by a user.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the first housing110includes seating grooves112inwardly formed opposite the plurality of shutters120, protruding members113formed on the seating grooves112and protruding toward the plurality of shutters120, elastic members114provided on the seating grooves112around the protruding members113to provide elastic force, the elastic members114having respective one ends on which elastic protrusions114pprotruding toward the plurality of shutters120are formed, respectively, fixing protrusions115fixing the elastic members114onto the seating grooves112, accommodating holes116rotatably accommodating the plurality of shutters120, and guiding grooves117guiding rotation of the plurality of shutters120.

The plurality of shutters120include second rotation shafts121protruding toward the first housing110and rotatably accommodated in accommodating holes116, guiding protrusions122protruding toward the first housing110and accommodated in guiding grooves117of the first housing110, and guiding holes123slidably accommodating the elastic protrusions114p.

The second housing130further includes pressing protrusions133that rotate the plurality of shutters120by pressing the plurality of shutters120according to a rotation manipulation by a user or maintain the plurality of shutters120in a closed state.

The first housing110further includes maintaining protrusions118protruding toward the second housing130, and the second housing130further includes maintaining grooves132slidably accommodating the maintaining protrusions118. The maintaining protrusions118may slide along the maintaining grooves132with rotation of the second housing130with respect to the first housing110.

Although not illustrated in the drawings in detail, the base50ofFIG.1, which accommodates a circuit board (not shown) and a battery (not shown) of the aerosol generation device, is connected to a bottom side of the first housing110opposite to a top side of the first housing110via which the cigarette7is inserted. The first housing110is fixed to the base50, and, when a user wants to insert the cigarette7, the user generally rotates the second housing130while fixing the base50with one hand. Thus, a structure in which the second housing30is rotatable with respect to the first housing110may be implemented.

As such, due to a coupling structure in which the maintaining protrusions118formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first housing110and protruding outwards are coupled with the maintaining grooves132formed inwardly in the inner circumferential surface of the second housing130to accommodate the maintaining protrusions118, the second housing130may rotate with respect to the first housing110about a central axis (not indicated) of the first aperture111.

The maintaining grooves132may allow movement of the maintaining protrusions14in a width direction of the cigarette7(a horizontal direction) but may prevent movement of the maintaining protrusions118in a lengthwise direction of the cigarette7. According to this structure, the second housing130may rotate with respect to the first housing110about the central axis of the first aperture111, but movement of the second housing30in the lengthwise direction of the cigarette7, namely, in a vertical direction in the drawings, is prevented. In other words, the second housing130may rotate with respect to the first housing110about the central axis of the first aperture111along the outside surface of the first housing110when the cigarette7while being fixed in the lengthwise direction of the cigarette7.

The first housing110further includes air flow holes119allowing an air flow between the first housing110and the second housing130. Because the air flow holes119are connected to an internal accommodating space of the first housing110, the external air flowing into the aerosol generation device may also be delivered into the internal accommodating space of the first housing110via a gap formed between the first housing110and the second housing130. The elastic protrusions114pmay slide along the guiding holes123as the second housing130rotates with respect to the first housing110. The elastic protrusions114pare located at a first point P1(seeFIG.9) within the guiding holes123when the plurality of shutters120are closed, and are located at a second point P2(seeFIG.9) within the guiding holes123when the plurality of shutters120are open. When the elastic protrusions114pare located at the first point P1, the elastic protrusions114preceive restoration force of the elastic protrusions114pin a direction from the first point P1back to the second point P2.

The guiding protrusions122may be accommodated in the guiding grooves117of the first housing110, and may slide along the guiding grooves117with rotation of the plurality of shutters120. The plurality of shutters120further include steps124and step grooves25, and the steps24and the step grooves125will be described below in detail with reference toFIGS.9and10.

The guiding grooves117include fixing grooves117faccommodating the guiding protrusions122when the plurality of shutters120close the first aperture111and the second aperture131, and moving grooves117mslidably accommodating the guiding protrusions122when the plurality of shutters120open the first aperture111and the second aperture131. BecauseFIGS.7and9illustrate a state in which the plurality of shutters120are closed, the guiding protrusions122of the plurality of shutters120ofFIGS.7and9may be accommodated in the fixing grooves117f. BecauseFIGS.8and10illustrate a state in which the plurality of shutters120are open, the guiding protrusions122of the plurality of shutters120ofFIGS.8and10may be accommodated in the moving grooves117m.

In detail, force that is equal to or greater than a threshold value needs to be applied to take the guiding protrusions122accommodated in the fixing grooves117fout of the fixing grooves117f. In other words, once the plurality of shutters120close the first aperture111and the second aperture131, the plurality of shutters120may continuously maintain the closed state, unless the user applies rotation force to open the plurality of shutters120by rotating the second housing130by using the force that is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

When the plurality of shutters120are closed as shown inFIG.9, the pressing protrusions133of the second housing130may press respective ends of the plurality of shutters120that are away from the second rotation shafts121, to maintain the closed state of the plurality of shutters120, thereby restricting rotation of the plurality of shutters120.

When the user rotates the second housing130in the counterclockwise direction by manipulating a manipulating part134(from a location134ato a location134bofFIG.10), the pressing protrusions133may allow rotation of the plurality of shutters120such that the plurality of shutters120rotate from a close state to an open state (in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS.9and10) due to a restoration force of the elastic members114.

In other words, the pressing protrusions133move by a user's manipulation from a location133aofFIG.9where the pressing protrusions133press respective ends of the plurality of shutters120away from the second rotation shafts121to a location133bofFIG.10where the pressing protrusions133press respective ends of the plurality of shutters120adjacent to the second rotation shafts121. Accordingly, the plurality of shutters120may rotate from the close state to the open state.

Accordingly, in the aerosol generation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the plurality of shutters120are closed and there is no manipulation by a user, the first aperture111and the second aperture131are maintained closed, and thus internal smells or foreign materials may be prevented from leaking to the outside because of exposure of the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device to the outside.

After the user takes the guiding protrusions122out of the fixing grooves117fby rotating the second housing130with the force that is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the guiding protrusions122may slide along the moving grooves117m.FIGS.8and10depict that the guiding protrusions122are located on the moving grooves117mthat are farthest from the fixing grooves117f. This means a state where the plurality of shutters120are maximally open.

The aerosol generation device may include a third aperture141connected to the first aperture111and the second aperture131, and may further include a cover140that is coupled to the second housing130. The cover140may improve the aesthetic by covering the upper surface of the second housing130.

FIG.9is a perspective plan view illustrating a state in which the plurality of shutters120of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.7are closed.

FIG.9illustrates that the plurality of shutters120are brought together and meshed to close the first aperture111and the second aperture131. In other words, each of the plurality of shutters120contacts other shutters120by rotating clockwise about the first rotation shafts121. In the case ofFIG.9, three shutters120are brought together to close the first aperture111and the second aperture131.

Although described above, a state in which the plurality of shutters120close the first aperture111and the second aperture131refers to a normal state in which there is no manipulation by a user to rotate the second housing130. In this case, the elastic members114may be seated on two sides of the seating grooves112each having a fan shape and may apply certain restoration force to the plurality of shutters120via the elastic protrusions114psuch that the elastic members114shrink to the shape shown inFIG.10. At this time, the elastic protrusions114pmay be positioned at the first point P1within the guiding holes123of the plurality of shutters120.

However despite this restoration force, the plurality of shutters120maintain a closed state, because, as described above, the pressing protrusions133fix the plurality of shutters120such that the plurality of shutters120are maintained closed and also because the guiding protrusions122of the plurality of shutters120are accommodated in the fixing grooves117f.

According to a structure as described above, when the user does not rotate the second housing130, the plurality of shutters120may maintain the state of closing the first aperture111and the second aperture131. Accordingly, in the aerosol generation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure ofFIGS.7through10, internal smells or foreign materials may be prevented from leaking to the outside which may be caused when the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device is arbitrarily opened even when there is no manipulation by the user.

Each of the plurality of shutters120may further include a step124protruding toward another shutter120, and a step groove125accommodating the step124. As shown inFIG.9, when the plurality of shutters120close the first aperture111and the second aperture131, respective portions of gaps formed between the plurality of shutters120may be closed by the steps124, and at the same time respective other portions of the gaps between the plurality of shutters120may be open.

As described above, the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device is closed by pushing the plurality of shutters120to each other. As such, a smell of the cigarette7remaining after use within the aerosol generation device may be prevented from being rapidly diffused to the outside. In addition, due to application of a structure that opens a certain space between the plurality of shutters120, heat remaining after use within the aerosol generation device may be discharged to the outside, thereby cooling down the aerosol generation device.

FIG.10is a perspective plan view illustrating a state in which the plurality of shutters120of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.7are opened.

FIG.10, as compared withFIG.9, illustrates a state in which the plurality of shutters120open the first aperture111and the second aperture131as a result of a user rotating the second housing130in the counterclockwise direction (from the position134ato the position134b) by manipulating the manipulating part134.

When the second housing130rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the pressing protrusions133formed in the second housing130also rotate in the counterclockwise direction (from the location133aofFIG.9to the location133bofFIG.10) with the rotation of the second housing130, thereby allowing rotation of the plurality of shutters120. Thus, the plurality of shutters120rotate in the counterclockwise direction. In this case, the rotation force of the plurality of shutters120is caused by a structure in which, as described above, restoration force of the elastic members114is transmitted to the plurality of shutters120via the elastic protrusions114pthat are movable along the guiding holes123of the plurality of shutters120.

In detail, when the second housing130rotates in the counterclockwise direction due to rotation manipulation by the user, the elastic protrusions114pmove in a direction away from the first rotation shafts121along the guiding holes123. Accordingly, one side of each of the elastic members114, which includes the elastic protrusions114p, from among two sides of the elastic members114maximally expanded to be seated on the sides of the seating grooves112, rotates in the counterclockwise direction about the protruding members113as the elastic protrusions114pmoves. Consequently, the plurality of shutters120also rotate in the counterclockwise direction about the first rotation shafts121and thus operate to open the first aperture111and the second aperture131.

In other words, when the user rotates the second housing130in the counterclockwise direction, the elastic protrusions114pmove to the second point P2opposite to the first point P1within the guiding holes123such that the plurality of shutters120open the first aperture111and the second aperture131.

When the elastic protrusions114pare located at the first point P1, the elastic protrusions114pmay receive the restoration force of the elastic members114in a direction from the first point P1back to the second point P2. This means that the plurality of shutters120may maintain in an open state as shown inFIG.10until the user closes the plurality of shutters120by manipulating the second housing130clockwise again.

In other words, once the plurality of shutters120open the first aperture111and the second aperture131as shown inFIG.10, the open state may be maintained without user's continuous manipulation of the second housing130, and thus the user may conveniently insert the cigarette7into the accommodating space.

In other words, the user may conveniently open or close the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device by using one hand, and furthermore may not need to separately store a component for opening or closing the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device, thereby reducing user's concern about loss.

FIG.11is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between some components of an aerosol generation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the aerosol generation device according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.11, without a need for a user to manipulate a first housing210or a second housing230, a plurality of shutters220may be opened or closed automatically by inserting the cigarette7into the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device and extracting the cigarette7from the accommodating space.

Referring toFIG.11, the aerosol generation device includes the first housing210including a first aperture211via which the cigarette7is inserted, and the plurality of shutters220, which are provided on the first housing210to be rotatable about a virtual line extending in the width direction of the cigarette7and open or close the first aperture211.

The plurality of shutters220may be provided in the first housing210on a same plane and may be arranged circumferentially with respect to the center of the first aperture211.

In detail, the plurality of shutters220include third rotation shafts221each extending in the width direction of the cigarette7, and stoppers221srespectively defining critical positions at which the plurality of shutters220may rotate about the third rotation shafts221. The first housing210includes accommodating parts212rotatably accommodating the third rotation shafts221.

The aerosol generation device further includes elastic members213that elastically support the first housing210and the plurality of shutters220such that the plurality of shutters220may elastically move between a first point D1ofFIG.12for closing the first aperture211and a second point D2ofFIG.12for opening the first aperture211.

The first housing210further includes maintaining protrusions215protruding toward the second housing230, and the second housing230further includes maintaining grooves232accommodating the maintaining protrusions215. When the first housing210and the second housing230are coupled to each other, the maintaining protrusions215may fit into the maintaining grooves232. To this end, upper surfaces of the maintaining protrusions215may be slant surfaces.

Due to this structure, when the first housing210is inserted into the second housing230and slides upwards, friction between the maintaining protrusions215and the second housing230may be minimized, and, after the maintaining protrusions215are coupled to the maintaining grooves232by simply fitting into the maintaining grooves232, the maintaining protrusions215may fix the first housing210to the second housing230such that the first housing210is not separated downwards from the second housing230.

The aerosol generation device may include a third aperture241connected to the first aperture211and the second aperture231, and may further include a cover240that is coupled to the second housing230. The cover240may improve the aesthetic by covering the upper surface of the second housing230.

FIG.12is a magnified cross-sectional view illustrating a combinational relationship between some components of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.11.

Referring toFIG.12, the elastic members213may be seated on installation holes214formed in the first housing210, and one side213aof each of the elastic members213may be supported by the inner surface of the first housing210. The other side213bof the elastic members213may be supported by the inner surface of the plurality of shutters220. Curved portions213cmay be formed on the other side213bof the elastic members213, which slidingly contact the inner surface of the plurality of shutters220. The curved portions213cmay be formed to have a round shape such that the elastic members213smoothly slide the inner surface of the plurality of shutters220.

In detail, because the curved portions213cdirectly contact the inner surface of the plurality of shutters220when the plurality of shutters220are opened or closed, if the curved portions213chave pointy cross-sections instead of round shapes, the inner surface of the plurality of shutters220may be scratched and thus residues due to the scratching may permeate into the accommodating space. However, in the case ofFIG.12, because the respective inner surface of the plurality of shutters220and the curved portion213cmay smoothly slide each other, scratching of the respective inner surfaces of the plurality of shutters220and permeation of residues due to the scratching into the accommodating space may be prevented.

In detail, one side213aof the elastic members213may be fixed to a location shown inFIG.11regardless of opening or closing of the plurality of shutters220, and the other side213bof the elastic members213may elastically move between the first point D1and the second point D2according to opening or closing of the plurality of shutters220. In other words, when the plurality of shutters220are closed, the other side213bof the elastic members213may be located at the first point D1, and, when the plurality of shutters220are opened, the other side213bof the elastic members213may be located at the second point D2.

According to such a structure, when the cigarette7is not inserted into the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device, the plurality of shutters220may maintain a position that closes the first aperture211and the second aperture231as shown inFIG.11. In addition, even when the cigarette7is inserted into the accommodating space and the plurality of shutters220are temporarily open, when the cigarette7is separated from the accommodating space after being used, the plurality of shutters220may return to the position that closes the first aperture211and the second aperture231.

FIG.13is a perspective view of each of the plurality of shutters220of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.11, andFIG.14is a magnified perspective view illustrating a combinational relationship between the first housing210and each of the plurality of shutters120of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.11.

Referring toFIGS.13and14, the shutter220includes the third rotation shaft221that is rotatably accommodated in the accommodating part212of the first housing210, and the stopper221sfor preventing rotation of the third rotation shaft221in a direction of closing the first aperture211by contacting the first housing210when the plurality of shutters220close the first aperture211, and preventing rotation of the third rotation shaft221in a direction of opening the first aperture211by contacting the first housing210when the plurality of shutters220open the first aperture211.

FIG.14illustrates the stopper221sof which one side surface221s_ais in contact with the first housing210when the shutter220is closed. When the one side surface221s_aof the stopper221sengages with the first housing210, clockwise rotation of the third rotation shaft221shown inFIG.14may be prevented.

The clockwise rotation of the third rotation shaft221corresponds to a direction in which the shutter220closes the first aperture211. However, if the shutter220rotates further upwards than a location shown inFIG.13, the first aperture211may be re-opened. Accordingly, when the shutter220rotates clockwise about the third rotation shaft221up to the position that closes the first aperture211, namely, a location where the shutter220is arranged in a horizontal direction as shown inFIG.14. To this end, the third rotation shaft221may include the stopper221ssuch that the third rotation shaft221may rotate up to the position where the one side surface221s_aof the stopper221sengages with the first housing210.

Although not shown in the drawings, when the other side surface221s_bof the stopper221sengages with the first housing210, counterclockwise rotation of the third rotation shaft221shown inFIG.14may be prevented. Because the counterclockwise rotation of the third rotation shaft221corresponds to a direction in which the shutter220opens the first aperture211, the shutter220may rotate in the counterclockwise direction about the third rotation shafts221to open the first aperture211. However, the third rotation shaft221may not rotate beyond the position where the other side surface221s_bof the stopper221sengages with the first housing210.

FIG.15is a magnified perspective view illustrating a case where the plurality of shutters220of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.11are closed.

As shown inFIG.15, the corner portions220mof the plurality of shutters220, which are adjacent to the center of the first aperture211when the plurality of shutters220close the first aperture211, may be chamfered.

The respective corner portions220mof the plurality of shutters220are the last points of contact with the cigarette7when the cigarette7is separated from the aerosol generation device. Thus, if the corner portions220mare processed to be pointy, the pointy corner portions220mmay scratch the outer surface of the cigarette7when the cigarette7is separated, and thus may damage the cigarette7. When the cigarette7is damaged by the corners of the plurality of shutters220, various materials used to form the cigarette7may flow into the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device. In this case, the accommodating space may need to be additionally cleaned.

However, if the respective corner portions220mof the plurality of shutters220are chamfered as shown inFIG.15, the cigarette may be safely separated from the aerosol generation device without damage to the cigarette7, and thus residues of the cigarette7after use may be prevented from flowing into the accommodating space.

Moreover, each of the plurality of shutters220includes the step224protruding toward another shutter220, and the step groove225accommodating the step224. As shown in the bottom ofFIG.16, when the plurality of shutters220close the first aperture211and the second aperture231, a portion of gaps formed between the plurality of shutters220may be closed by the steps224, and at the same time other portion of the gaps between the plurality of shutters220may be open.

According to the above-described structure, the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device is closed by bringing the plurality of shutters220together, thereby preventing a smell of the cigarette7remaining after use within the aerosol generation device from being rapidly diffused to the outside. In addition, due to application of a structure that opens a certain space between the plurality of shutters220, heat remaining after use within the aerosol generation device may be discharged to the outside, thereby cooling down the aerosol generation device.

FIG.16is a perspective plan view illustrating a state in which the plurality of shutters220of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.11are closed.

FIG.16illustrates that the plurality of shutters220are brought together and meshed to close the first aperture211and the second aperture231. In other words, each of the plurality of shutters220contacts other shutters220by rotating about the third rotation shafts221. In the case ofFIG.15, three shutters220are brought together to close the first aperture211and the second aperture231.

As described above, a state in which the plurality of shutters220close the first aperture211and the second aperture231refers to a normal state in which the cigarette7is not inserted into the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device. In this case, the respective other sides213bof the elastic members213may maintain a maximally expanded state by being located at the first point D1as shown inFIG.12.

According to a structure as described above, when a user does not insert the cigarette7into the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device, the plurality of shutters220may maintain the state of closing the first aperture211and the second aperture231. Accordingly, in the aerosol generation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure ofFIGS.11through17, the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device may be prevented from being arbitrarily opened even when there is no manipulation by the user, and thus leakage of internal smells or foreign materials to the outside may be prevented.

FIG.17is a perspective plan view illustrating a state in which the plurality of shutters220of the aerosol generation device ofFIG.11are opened.

FIG.17illustrates a state in which the plurality of shutters220opened the first aperture11and the second aperture31as a result of a user inserting the cigarette7into the internal accommodating space via the first aperture211and the third aperture231of the aerosol generation device. In this case, the other side213bof the elastic members213may be located at the second point D2as shown inFIG.11, and may press the lower surface of the plurality of shutters220by restoration force to move the other side213bfrom the second point D2back to the first point D1.

While the cigarette7is in the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device, even when the other side213bof the elastic members213applies a restoration force to the lower surface of the plurality of shutters220, the plurality of shutters220may maintain the open state.

However, when a user separates the cigarette7from the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device, the plurality of shutters220may return to the location of closing the first aperture211and the second aperture231by rotating about the third rotation shafts221again due to the restoration force applied by the other side213bof the elastic members213to the lower surface of the plurality of shutters220.

In the aerosol generation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure ofFIGS.11through17, without having to manipulate the first housing210or the second housing230, a user may open or close the plurality of shutters220simply by inserting the cigarette7into the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device and extracting the cigarette7from the accommodating space after the cigarette7is used.

Accordingly, while a user is holding the aerosol generation device with one hand, the user may simply perform an operation of inserting and separating the cigarette7into and from the aerosol generation device with the other hand. Also, leakage of internal smells or foreign materials, which may be caused when the accommodating space of the aerosol generation device is arbitrarily opened even when there is no manipulation by the user, may be prevented.

Furthermore, as described above, the internal accommodating space of the aerosol generation device is closed by bringing the plurality of shutters220together, thereby preventing a smell of the cigarette7remaining after use within the aerosol generation device from being rapidly diffused to the outside. In addition, a certain space is formed between the plurality of shutters220, so heat remaining after use within the aerosol generation device may be discharged to the outside, thereby cooling down the aerosol generation device.

The configuration and effects of the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments may be made. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be determined by the accompanying claims.