Patent Description:
Recently, various types of devices to which mouthpieces are applied have been used. However, foreign materials may flow into mouthpieces through an externally exposed mouth portion, and thus there is a problem in terms of hygiene.

In addition, there is a disadvantage in that an appearance is not good and portability of a user is poor due to the exposed mouth portion. Accordingly, there is a need for a cover assembly including a mouthpiece with improved hygiene, aesthetics, and portability.

<CIT> presents an electronic cigarette system comprising: a main body having an inner cavity; electronic circuitry, including a main circuit board and battery, wherein said circuitry is housed in said cavity; a delivery chamber containing at least one delivery solution, housed in said cavity; an actuator, wherein said actuator is configured to interact with said system; a heater operatively associated with said delivery chamber and said actuator; at least one air flow inlet formed in said body; at least one air flow outlet, wherein said inlet and outlet define a channel for an airflow path, and wherein said airflow path is configured such that air flow has no contact with said circuitry; wherein said electronic cigarette is constructed and arranged to heat a delivery material contained in said chamber, said material is formed into a gas and exits said electronic cigarette through said outlet.

A cover assembly and an aerosol generating device to which the cover assembly is applied are provided. Specifically, when one end of the mouthpiece is pressed, the cover assembly may be opened or closed by rotating around the other end of the mouthpiece. Accordingly, the mouthpiece may be easily opened and closed, and when not in use, the mouthpiece may prevent foreign materials from entering the mouthpiece.

The problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described problems, and undescribed problems may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A cover assembly includes a mouthpiece that includes one end, which comes into contact with a mouth of a user, and another end, the one end being opened and closed by rotation of the mouthpiece around the other end, and an accommodation unit for accommodating the one end of the mouthpiece when the one end is closed, wherein the accommodation unit includes a button unit that is in contact with the one end of the mouthpiece and is displaced in a longitudinal direction when the one end is pressed, and a locking unit including a first portion in contact with the one end of the mouthpiece and a second portion in contact with the button unit.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a mouth portion of a mouthpiece may be in a closed position so as not to be exposed to the outside, and thus, hygiene may be improved, and a protrusion portion of the device is minimized to increase aesthetics and portability. In addition, a mouthpiece may be opened and closed semi-automatically, and thus, convenience of a user may be increased.

Effects of embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and undescribed effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to one or more embodiments, a cover assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes: a mouthpiece including one end, that is configured to come into contact with a mouth of a user, and another end opposite to the one end, the mouthpiece configured to move to an open position and a closed position by rotation of the mouthpiece around the other end; and an accommodation unit for accommodating the one end of the mouthpiece in the closed position. The accommodation unit includes: a button unit including a body, the button unit configured to contact the one end of the mouthpiece and to be displaced in a longitudinal direction based on the one end being pressed; and a locking unit including a body, the body of the locking unit including a first portion that is configured to contact the one end of the mouthpiece and a second portion that is configured to contact the button unit.

According to an embodiment, the first portion of the locking unit is configured to be coupled to the mouthpiece such as to fix the mouthpiece, and is further configured to be separated from the mouthpiece by being moved in a transverse direction based on the second portion being pressed by the button unit being longitudinally displaced.

According to an embodiment, the one end of the mouthpiece is configured to move to the open position based on the locking unit being separated from the mouthpiece.

According to an embodiment, the first portion of the body of the locking unit includes a protrusion portion, and the mouthpiece includes a groove having a shape that is configured to couple to the protrusion portion.

According to an embodiment, the protrusion portion includes a curved surface.

The second portion of the body of the locking unit includes a sliding portion that is an inclined surface, and the body of the button unit includes an inclined surface that has a shape corresponding to the sliding portion.

According to an embodiment, the cover assembly further includes: a first elastic body in contact with at least a part of an outer surface of the locking unit; and a second elastic body coupled to the other end of the mouthpiece, wherein the first elastic body is configured to return the locking unit to a position after the locking unit is moved, and the second elastic body is configured to rotate the other end of the mouthpiece based on the mouthpiece being separated from the locking unit.

According to an embodiment, a speed at which the second elastic body is configured to rotate the other end of the mouthpiece is faster than a speed at which the first elastic body is configured to return the locking unit to the position.

According to an embodiment, the first elastic body is a compression spring, and the second elastic body is a torsion spring.

According to an embodiment, the accommodation unit further includes a guide unit including a body, the guide unit configured to limit displacement of the button unit to a predetermined range.

According to an embodiment, the mouthpiece further includes a passage extending from the one end to the other end such as to allow an aerosol to pass therethrough.

According to an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the one end of the mouthpiece is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the other end of the mouthpiece.

According to one or more embodiments, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes the cover assembly and a medium storage.

According to an embodiment, the mouthpiece further includes a passage extending from the one end to the other end such as to allow an aerosol to pass therethrough, and the medium storage communicates with the passage based on whether the mouthpiece is in the open position or the closed position.

According to an embodiment, the medium storage includes a liquid cartridge or a granular cartridge.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "over," "above," "on," "below," "under," "beneath," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly over, above, on, below, under, beneath, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly over," "directly above," "directly on," "directly below," "directly under," "directly beneath," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising"" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used in the present specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

In addition, some of components in the drawings may be illustrated to be somewhat exaggerated in size or ratio. In addition, components illustrated in some drawings may not be illustrated in other drawings.

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a cover assembly coupled to an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is an exploded view of the cover assembly of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a case <NUM>, a medium storage <NUM>, and a cover assembly <NUM>. Specifically, the medium storage <NUM> may be included in the case <NUM>. In addition, the cover assembly <NUM> may be adjacent to at least part of the medium storage <NUM>, and at least some components of the cover assembly <NUM> are included in the case <NUM>, and at least part of a mouthpiece <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) constituting the cover assembly <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the case <NUM>.

Meanwhile, those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will be able to understand without difficulty that the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to another embodiment may further include other general-purpose components for generating an aerosol as well as the components illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover assembly <NUM> may include the mouthpiece <NUM>, an accommodation unit <NUM>, a button unit <NUM>, a locking unit <NUM>, a guide unit <NUM>, a first elastic body <NUM>, a second elastic body <NUM>, a rotation shaft <NUM>, and a shaft support <NUM>. Hereinafter, a specific structure of each component and a coupling relationship with other components will be described.

The mouthpiece <NUM> may include one end <NUM> that comes into contact with a mouth of a user and the other end <NUM> opposite to the one end <NUM>, and as the mouthpiece <NUM> rotates around the other end <NUM>, the one end <NUM> may be moved to an opened or closed position. In addition, the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be coupled to a rotation shaft <NUM> and the second elastic body <NUM>.

In addition, the shaft support <NUM> may be in contact with at least part of the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> to be coupled to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> together with the rotation shaft <NUM>.

The accommodation unit <NUM> may include the button unit <NUM> that is in contact with the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and is displaced in a longitudinal direction by pressing the one end <NUM>. According to one embodiment, when the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is pressed by a user, the button unit <NUM> in contact with the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may also be pressed by the mouthpiece <NUM> to be displaced in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may be a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

In addition, the accommodation unit <NUM> may include the locking unit <NUM> that includes a first portion in contact with the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and a second portion in contact with the button unit <NUM>. According to one embodiment, as the first portion of the locking unit <NUM> is coupled to the mouthpiece <NUM>, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be fixed, and as the second portion is pressed by the longitudinal displacement of the button unit <NUM> to move the locking unit <NUM> in a transverse direction, the locking unit <NUM> may be separated from the mouthpiece <NUM>.

The transverse direction may be a direction crossing both a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device <NUM> and a direction facing the one end <NUM> of the closed mouthpiece <NUM>.

The locking unit <NUM> may be separated from the mouthpiece <NUM> by moving in the transverse direction by being pressed by the button unit <NUM> that is displaced in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, as the first portion of the locking unit <NUM> is separated from the mouthpiece <NUM>, the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be moved to an opened position. That is, as the one end <NUM> is pressed, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be separated from the locking unit <NUM> to be opened semi-automatically.

In contrast to this, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed, the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and the locking unit <NUM> may be coupled to each other to fix the mouthpiece <NUM> in a closed state.

The locking unit <NUM> may include a protrusion portion <NUM>. Specifically, the locking unit <NUM> may include the protrusion portion <NUM> in at least part of the first portion, and the mouthpiece <NUM> may include a groove <NUM> having a shape couplable to the protrusion portion <NUM>.

In addition, the protrusion portion <NUM> may include a curved surface, and the groove <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may also include a curved surface having a shape corresponding to the curved surface of the protrusion portion <NUM>. Specifically, the curved surface of the protrusion portion <NUM> may be convex, and the curved surface of the groove <NUM> may be concave.

As the protrusion portion <NUM> and the groove <NUM> include the curved surfaces, the button unit <NUM> may be easily displaced by pressing the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. Specifically, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed, the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be displaced within a predetermined range. For example, when the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is pressed in the longitudinal direction, the protrusion portion <NUM> and the groove <NUM> may be finely separated, and the mouthpiece <NUM> may be displaced in the longitudinal direction, and accordingly, the button unit <NUM> may be pressed.

Meanwhile, the locking unit <NUM> includes a sliding portion <NUM> having the second portion formed as an inclined surface, and the button unit <NUM> may include an inclined surface having a shape corresponding to the sliding portion <NUM>. Specifically, when the button unit <NUM> is pressed by the mouthpiece <NUM> to be displaced in the longitudinal direction, sliding occurs on the inclined surface, and the sliding portion <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM> may be pressed in the transverse direction. Accordingly, as the locking unit <NUM> moves in the transverse direction, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be separated from the first portion, and the mouthpiece <NUM> no longer receives a binding force. Accordingly, the mouthpiece <NUM> rotates around the other end <NUM>, and the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be moved to the opened position.

The cover assembly <NUM> may further include the first elastic body <NUM> and the second elastic body <NUM>. The first elastic body <NUM> may be in contact with at least part of an outer surface of the locking unit <NUM>. Specifically, when the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is in the closed position, the first elastic body <NUM> may be inserted in a finely deformed state into a space between the locking unit <NUM> and the case <NUM> to apply an elastic force to the locking unit <NUM>. For example, a direction of the elastic force of the first elastic body <NUM> may be the aforementioned transverse direction.

Here, a state in which the first elastic body <NUM> is finely deformed may mean a deformed state to the extent that the first elastic body <NUM> may apply a fine elastic force to the locking unit <NUM> so that the mouthpiece <NUM> and the locking unit <NUM> may be maintained in a coupled state in the first portion or the curved surface.

In addition, when the locking unit <NUM> is pressed by the button unit <NUM> to move, the first elastic body <NUM> may be further deformed. That is, the first elastic body <NUM> may be in a more deformed state than the finely deformed state described above. Because an elastic body generates an elastic force in proportion to the degree of deformation according to Hook's Law, when the locking unit <NUM> moves, the first elastic body <NUM> may apply a greater elastic force to the locking unit <NUM> to return the locking unit <NUM> to an original position.

Meanwhile, the first elastic body <NUM> may correspond to a compression spring or an elastic pad. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment may understand without difficulty that various types of elastic bodies capable of providing elasticity to the locking unit <NUM> may be included in the present disclosure.

As described above, the second elastic body <NUM> may be coupled to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> together with a rotation shaft <NUM>. Specifically, when the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is in the closed position, the second elastic body <NUM> may be coupled to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> in a slightly deformed state to apply an elastic force to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Here, the slightly deformed state may refer to a state in which, when the mouthpiece <NUM> and the locking unit <NUM> are separated from each other, the second elastic body <NUM> applies a rotational force to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> to move the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> to the opened position.

Meanwhile, the second elastic body <NUM> may be a torsion spring. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and various types of elastic bodies capable of providing a rotational force to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be included in the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, a speed at which the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened may be faster than a speed at which the locking unit <NUM> returns. For example, a speed at which the second elastic body <NUM> rotates the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be faster than a speed at which the first elastic body <NUM> returns the locking unit <NUM>.

Specifically, the second elastic body <NUM> may be made of a material or a dimension that generates a greater elastic force than the first elastic body <NUM>. For example, an elastic modulus of the second elastic body <NUM> may be an elastic body having a value greater than an elastic modulus of the first elastic body <NUM>.

The accommodation unit <NUM> may further include a guide unit <NUM> for limiting displacement of the button unit <NUM> to a predetermined range. The guide unit <NUM> may be located between the locking unit <NUM> and the button unit <NUM>, and a position of the guide unit <NUM> may be fixed by being in contact with at least part of the button unit <NUM> and/or at least part of the locking unit <NUM>.

The accommodation unit <NUM> may include an empty space between the button unit <NUM> and the locking unit <NUM>, and as the button unit <NUM> is displaced into the empty space due to impact or so on of the cover assembly <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM> may not move in the transverse direction and the mouthpiece <NUM> may not be opened.

In order to prevent this, the guide unit <NUM> may be located in at least part of the empty space, and the guide unit <NUM> may guide the button unit <NUM> so that the button unit <NUM> may be displaced within a certain range inside the accommodation unit <NUM>.

In addition, the guide unit <NUM> may include a locking projection <NUM> for limiting longitudinal displacement of the button unit <NUM> to a predetermined range, and the button unit <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> that may be caught on locking projection <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the button unit <NUM> pressed by the locking unit <NUM>, which is returned to an original position again by receiving an elastic force of the first elastic body <NUM>, from being displaced to a position where the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is accommodated, after the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is moved to the opened position.

Referring to the above description, as the guide unit <NUM> is further included in the accommodation unit <NUM>, coupling between the locking unit <NUM> and the button unit <NUM> may be more solid, and the mouthpiece <NUM> may be semi-automatically opened and closed more smoothly.

<FIG> is a front cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to an embodiment, <FIG> is a view illustrating one aspect of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a view illustrating another aspect of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>.

The cover assembly according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the mouthpiece <NUM>, the locking unit <NUM>, the button unit <NUM>, the guide unit <NUM>, the first elastic body <NUM>, and the case <NUM> are illustrated. Specifically, the mouthpiece <NUM>, while in the closed position, may be accommodated in the accommodation unit <NUM> comprising the locking unit <NUM>, the button unit <NUM>, and the guide unit <NUM>, and the protrusion portion <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM> and the groove <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be combined and fixed in an accommodated state.

In addition, the mouthpiece <NUM> may further include a passage extending from the one end <NUM> to the other end <NUM> so that an aerosol may pass therethrough. A cross section of the passage is illustrated in a circular shape but is not limited thereto, and a passage having a cross section of various shapes may be included therein.

The locking unit <NUM> may include the protrusion portion <NUM>, including a curved surface, and a second portion that is spaced apart from the protrusion portion <NUM> and in contact with the button unit <NUM>. In addition, the second portion may include the sliding portion <NUM>. In addition, the locking unit <NUM> may be composed of two members having symmetrical properties.

When the locking unit <NUM> is composed of two members, the mouthpiece <NUM> and the button unit <NUM> may include two of the groove <NUM> and two of the inclined surface and two of the protrusion <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, semi-automatic opening and closing of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be made more balanced.

Meanwhile, there may be a predetermined space between the locking unit <NUM> and an inner wall of the case <NUM> so that the locking unit <NUM> may move in the transverse direction. The first elastic body <NUM> may be inserted into at least part of the predetermined space.

The button unit <NUM> may include the two of the inclined surface and the two of the protrusion <NUM>. The inclined surfaces may each have a shape corresponding to a respective one of the sliding portion <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM> and may convert longitudinal displacement of the button unit <NUM> to a transverse movement of the locking unit <NUM>. In addition, the protrusion <NUM> may have a shape that may be caught on a respective one of the locking projection <NUM> included in the guide unit <NUM>.

As described above, the first elastic body <NUM> may be inserted into a space between the locking unit <NUM> and the inner wall of the case <NUM>. Specifically, the first elastic body <NUM> may be in contact with at least part of an outer surface of the locking unit <NUM> and in contact with at least part of the inner wall of the case <NUM>.

According to <FIG>, two of the first elastic body <NUM> are illustrated to be provided in lower portions of spaces between the locking unit <NUM> and the case <NUM> but are not limited thereto, and the first elastic body <NUM> may be provided in another place where a position of the locking unit <NUM> moved by being pressed by the button unit <NUM> may be returned. In addition, more than two of the first elastic body <NUM> may be included in the cover assembly <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a semi-automatic opening/closing mechanism of the mouthpiece <NUM> included in the cover assembly <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, after the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is pressed, a positional relationship of each component of the cover assembly <NUM> may be known.

Specifically, when the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is pressed, slip occurs on the groove <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and on a curved surface of the protrusion portion <NUM> of the locking unit <NUM>, and at the same time, the mouthpiece <NUM> may press at least part of the button unit <NUM> to displace the button unit <NUM> in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, the button unit <NUM> is displaced in the longitudinal direction along the sliding portion <NUM> of the protrusion portion <NUM> by the mouthpiece <NUM>, and at the same time, the locking unit <NUM> is pressed on the sliding portion <NUM> by the protrusion portion <NUM> to move in the transverse direction, and thus, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be separated from the locking unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, after the pressing on the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is removed, a positional relationship of each component of the cover assembly <NUM> in which the mouthpiece <NUM> and the locking unit <NUM> are separated from each other may be seen.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the mouthpiece <NUM> and the locking unit <NUM> are separated from each other, the second elastic body <NUM> rotates the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>, and thus, the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be exposed.

In this case, a speed at which the second elastic body <NUM> rotates the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be faster than a speed at which the first elastic body <NUM> returns the moved locking unit <NUM>. Accordingly, only after the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened, the compressed first elastic body <NUM> may return the locking unit <NUM> to an original position thereof. In response to this operation, the button unit <NUM> may be returned to an original position thereof.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to an embodiment, <FIG> is a partial plan view of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a view illustrating one aspect of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a partial plan view of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a view illustrating another aspect of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is a partial plan view of the cover assembly illustrated in <FIG>.

Hereinafter, a cover assembly according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. In order to aid understanding, the second elastic body <NUM> is enlarged.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed and the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation unit <NUM>. That is, <FIG> may correspond to <FIG>, and illustrates a state in which the mouthpiece <NUM> is fixed by a locking unit.

In a state where the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed, the second elastic body <NUM> may be in a deformed state. That is, the second elastic body <NUM> applies a torque to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>, but the locking unit is coupled to the mouthpiece <NUM>, and thus, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be in a fixed state so as not to rotate.

The mouthpiece <NUM> may include a passage <NUM> extending from the one end <NUM> to the other end <NUM> so that the aerosol may pass therethrough, and the passage <NUM> may further include a distal portion <NUM> arranged close to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and a proximal portion <NUM> arranged close to the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Specifically, the proximal portion <NUM> refers to a hole through which an aerosol exits through the passage <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>, and the distal portion <NUM> refers to a hole through which an aerosol generated from the medium storage <NUM> enters the passage <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is in a pressed state. In addition, it can be seen that the button unit <NUM> is displaced in the longitudinal direction when the mouthpiece <NUM> is pressed. That is, <FIG> may correspond to <FIG> and illustrates that the button unit <NUM> is displaced in the longitudinal direction, the locking unit moves in the transverse direction, and the mouthpiece <NUM> and the locking unit are separated from each other. In addition, the distal portion <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be in a state in which the distal portion <NUM> is not connected to the medium storage <NUM>.

When the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed, the second elastic body <NUM> may be in a deformed state. For example, the second elastic body <NUM> may be in a state in which an arm is twisted by about <NUM> degrees. Specifically, the deformed second elastic body <NUM> applies a rotational force to the other end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>, but because the one end <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is pressed, the mouthpiece <NUM> is not in the opened state.

Referring to the plan view illustrated in <FIG>, it can be seen that the second elastic body <NUM> having the number of turns of three is coupled to one end of the rotation shaft <NUM> in a deformed state. In addition, in order to adjust an opening speed of the mouthpiece <NUM>, the second elastic body <NUM> having the different number of turns may be coupled to the rotation shaft <NUM>, and an additional one of the second elastic body <NUM> may be further coupled to the other end of the rotation shaft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the mouthpiece <NUM> is in an opened state. That is, <FIG> may correspond to <FIG>, and illustrates a state in which the mouthpiece <NUM> rotates around the other end <NUM> to be opened. In addition, the distal portion <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> may be connected to the medium storage <NUM>.

In a state in which the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened, the second elastic body <NUM> may be in a non-deformed state. For example, the arm of the second elastic body <NUM> may not be twisted. Specifically, the second elastic body <NUM> may be returned to an original shape, and the mouthpiece <NUM> may be opened by receiving a rotational force.

According to embodiments, the arm of the second elastic body <NUM> may be twisted by about <NUM> degrees. Accordingly, even in a state in which the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened, the second elastic body <NUM> may apply a predetermined rotational force to the other end <NUM> in a state of being deformed by a predetermined angle. Accordingly, when a user inhales an aerosol through the mouthpiece <NUM>, the mouthpiece <NUM> may not rotate easily in the direction in which the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed.

Referring to the plan view illustrated in <FIG>, it can be seen that the second elastic body <NUM> having the number of turns of <NUM> is coupled to one end of the rotation shaft <NUM> in a non-deformed state.

<FIG> is a plan view of a cover assembly according to another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a cross-sectional area of one end 110a of a mouthpiece may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the other end 120a thereof. Specifically, as the mouthpiece extends from the other end 120a to one end 110a, a width of the mouthpiece may be linearly narrowed. Accordingly, a more precise operation may be required to press the one end 110a of the mouthpiece, and the one end 110a of the mouthpiece may be prevented from being pressed accidentally.

For example, when a user does not intend to open the mouthpiece, it is possible to prevent the mouthpiece from being opened when the one end 110a of the mouthpiece comes into contact with an object or a user. In addition, when a user intends to open the mouthpiece, the user may open the mouthpiece by precisely pressing the one end 110a of the mouthpiece having a narrow cross-sectional area.

Referring to <FIG>, a cross-sectional area of one end 110b of a mouthpiece may be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the other end 120b. For example, a width of the mouthpiece may be changed based on a predetermined point between the other end 120b and the one end 110b.

Specifically, the width of the mouthpiece is changed at a midpoint between the one end 110b and the other end 120b, and thus the width of the one end 110b may be smaller than the width of the other end 120b. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the mouthpiece from being opened again by excessively pressing the one end of the mouthpiece when a user moves the one end 110b of the mouthpiece to the closed position with a finger.

For example, a user may press the one end 110b of the mouthpiece with a finger to close the open mouthpiece. As the width of the one end 110b is narrow, a finger may touch part of the case <NUM> at the time when a groove of the one end 110b and a protrusion of a locking unit are coupled to each other.

In this way, when the mouthpiece is closed, the one end 110b of the mouthpiece is prevented from being excessively pressed, and thus, a button unit may be prevented from being displaced in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the mouthpiece may be pressed only until being coupled to the locking unit.

Meanwhile, the above-described effects are not limited to the shapes of the mouthpieces illustrated in <FIG> and may be realized by various shapes of mouthpieces that facilitate opening and closing of the mouthpiece.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one aspect of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and <FIG> is a view illustrating another aspect of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment to which a cover assembly <NUM> is applied will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment may include the cover assembly <NUM> and the medium storage <NUM> according to the above-described embodiments, and an aerosol generated from the medium storage <NUM> may exit to the outside through a mouthpiece <NUM>.

According to opening and closing of the mouthpiece <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment may be changed from one aspect illustrated in <FIG> to another aspect illustrated in <FIG>, and in contrast to this, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be changed from the another aspect illustrated in <FIG> to the one aspect illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a cover structure in which the mouthpiece <NUM> is closed and a medium storage <NUM> are illustrated. The mouthpiece <NUM> may include a passage <NUM> connecting one end to the other end of the mouthpiece <NUM> to allow an aerosol to pass therethrough, and the passage <NUM> may include a distal portion <NUM> and a proximal portion <NUM>. The medium storage <NUM> may be located inside the case <NUM> and may further include at least one ejection port <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the medium storage <NUM> may communicate with the mouthpiece <NUM> based on whether the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened or closed. Specifically, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is in a closed state, the distal portion <NUM> of the passage <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is not connected to the ejection port <NUM> of the medium storage <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and thus, the medium storage <NUM> may not communicate with the passage <NUM>, and an aerosol in the medium storage <NUM> may not exit to the outside of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is in an open state, the distal portion <NUM> of the passage <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> is connected to the ejection port <NUM> of the medium storage <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and thus, the medium storage <NUM> and the passage <NUM> may communicate with each other, and an aerosol in the medium storage <NUM> may exit from the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

Power of the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be turned on/off based on whether the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened or closed. Specifically, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is in a closed state, the power may be turned off so that the aerosol generating device <NUM> does not operate to prevent an aerosol from being generated from the medium storage <NUM>. Meanwhile, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is in an open state, the power may be turned on so that the aerosol generating device <NUM> may operate.

For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include a sensor and a processor, and the sensor may detect a position change signal of a configuration of the aerosol generating device <NUM> that changes according to whether the mouthpiece <NUM> is opened or closed. The processor may turn on/off a power of the aerosol generating device <NUM> based on a signal detected by the sensor.

The medium storage <NUM> may include a liquid cartridge or a granular cartridge. The liquid cartridge may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material. In addition, the granulation cartridge may store a material containing the same component as the liquid composition or a similar component to the liquid composition in the form of granules or capsules.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may accommodate a liquid cartridge and may include a vaporizer that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid in the liquid cartridge. The vaporizer for heating a liquid may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer but is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may generate an aerosol through the vaporizer after accommodating the liquid cartridge.

The medium storage <NUM> may be replaceable. Specifically, the medium storage <NUM> may also be manufactured to be detachable from/attachable to the aerosol generating device <NUM> or may also be manufactured integrally with the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include components for generating an aerosol therein. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a battery, a processor, and a heater or an ultrasonic vibrator.

The configuration and effects of the cover assembly <NUM>, which is included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, may be the same as the cover assembly <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, and detailed descriptions overlapping the configuration and effects are omitted.

Those skilled in the art related to embodiments of the present disclosure may understand without difficulty that general-purpose components for generating an aerosol may be further included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cover assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a mouthpiece (<NUM>) including one end (<NUM>), that is configured to come into contact with a mouth of a user, and another end (<NUM>) opposite to the one end (<NUM>), the mouthpiece (<NUM>) configured to move to an open position and a closed position by rotation of the mouthpiece (<NUM>) around the other end (<NUM>); and
an accommodation unit (<NUM>) for accommodating the one end (<NUM>) of the mouthpiece (<NUM>) in the closed position,
wherein the accommodation unit (<NUM>) comprises:
a button unit (<NUM>) comprising a body, the button unit configured to contact the one end of the mouthpiece and to be displaced in a longitudinal direction based on the one end being pressed; and
a locking unit (<NUM>) comprising a body, the body of the locking unit (<NUM>) comprising a first portion that is configured to contact the one end (<NUM>) of the mouthpiece (<NUM>) and a second portion that is configured to contact the button unit, and
wherein the second portion of the body of the locking unit (<NUM>) comprises a sliding portion (<NUM>) that is an inclined surface, and
the body of the button unit (<NUM>) comprises an inclined surface that has a shape corresponding to the sliding portion (<NUM>).