WO2023101324A1

WO2023101324A1 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023101324A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/018781
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sungwook Yoon; Taehun Kim; Jueon Park; HyungJin JUNG; Jungho HAN
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2021-12-01
Filing date: 2022-11-25
Publication date: 2023-06-08

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes: a body shaped to define an insertion space; a cartridge shaped to be coupled to the body; an exhaust port protruding from the cartridge and shaped to define an outlet; a connection passage extending from the insertion space and being sized to receive a portion of the exhaust port, wherein the connection passage permits communication between the insertion space and the exhaust port; and a backflow prevention membrane positioned to cover a portion of the connection passage and being structured to be deformed according to contact with the exhaust port in an insertion direction of the exhaust port.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by producing an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various research on aerosol generating devices has been conducted.

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

It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can prevent backflow of air.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can prevent leakage of the air flow.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes: a body shaped to define an insertion space; a cartridge shaped to be coupled to the body; an exhaust port protruding from the cartridge and shaped to define an outlet; a connection passage extending from the insertion space and being sized to receive a portion of the exhaust port, wherein the connection passage permits communication between the insertion space and the exhaust port; and a backflow prevention membrane positioned to cover a portion of the connection passage and being structured to be deformed according to contact with the exhaust port in an insertion direction of the exhaust port.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that prevents backflow of air may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that prevents leakage of the air flow may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that prevents foreign matter from entering from the outside may be provided.

The additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alterations are possible, without departing from the idea and scope of the present disclosure, and therefore it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are provided only for illustration.

FIGS. 1 to 11 are views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In the following description, a suffix such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.

In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents, and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

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

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, a singular representation is intended to include a plural representation unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one of a battery 10, a controller 20, a heater 30, and a cartridge 300. At least one of the battery 10, the controller 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 300 may be disposed in a body 100 of the aerosol generating device 1.

An insertion space 124 may be formed in the body 100. A stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 124. The heater 30 may be disposed in the vicinity of the insertion space 124. The heater 30 may heat the insertion space 124 or the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 124.

Referring to FIG. 1, the battery 10, the controller 20, the cartridge 300, and the heater 30 may be arranged in a line. Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 300 and the heater 30 may be disposed in parallel to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those shown in the drawings.

The battery 10 may supply power to operate at least one of the controller 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 300. The battery 10 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like installed at the aerosol generating device 1.

The controller 20 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 20 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 20, and the cartridge 300. The controller 20 may control the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, and the like installed at the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 20 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The heater 30 may generate heat by power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 30 may heat the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

The cartridge 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 300 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 300 may be delivered to a user through the stick 400 inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The heater 30 may not be included in the aerosol generating device 1.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the body 100 may include an upper body 120 and a lower body 110. The upper body 120 may be disposed on the lower body 110. The lower body 110 may extend up and down (or vertically) in an elongated manner. The body 100 may accommodate therein components for operating the device. The upper body 120 may provide the insertion space 124 that is open upward. The insertion space 124 may be disposed in the upper body 120. The insertion space 124 may extend vertically in an elongated manner. The insertion space 124 may be formed in the upper body 120. The upper body 120 may also be referred to as a pipe part 120.

An upper case 200 may have a hollow shape with an open lower portion. The pipe part 120 may be inserted into the hollow of the upper case 200. The upper case 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The upper case 200 may surround and cover the pipe part 120. A lateral portion 211 of the upper case 200 may surround and cover a side wall 121 of the pipe part 120. An upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 may cover an upper portion of the pipe part 120 or an outer cover 143. When the upper case 200 is coupled to the body 100, the upper case 200 may cover the body 100 and the cartridge 300 together. The cartridge 300 may be disposed inside the upper case 200.

The upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 may be open to define an insertion hole 214. The insertion hole 214 may correspond to the opening of the insertion space 124. A cap 215 may be movably installed on the upper portion 212 of the upper case 200. A slide hole 213 may be formed in the upper portion 212 of the upper case 200 in a manner of extending to one side from the insertion hole 214. The cap 215 may move along the slide hole 213. The cap 215 may open and close the insertion hole 214 and the insertion space 124. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 124 through the insertion hole 214.

The side wall 121 and a partition wall 122 may define a lateral portion of the pipe part 120. The side wall 121 and the partition wall 122 may be connected to each other. The side wall 121 may be covered by an inner surface of the upper case 200. The partition wall 122 may separate a coupling space S from the insertion space 124.

The body 100 may include a seating portion 130. The seating portion 130 may extend to one side from a lower portion of one side of the pipe part 120 or a lower portion of the partition wall 122. The seating portion 130 may be formed on the lower body 110. The seating portion 130 may cover a lower portion of the coupling space S. A bottom surface of the cartridge 300 may be supported by being seated or placed on the seating portion 130.

The body 100 may include an extension portion 140. The extension portion 140 may extend to one side from an upper portion of the partition wall 122. The extension portion 140 may extend in a direction in which the seating portion 130 is formed. The extension portion 140 may cover an upper portion of the coupling space S. The extension portion 140 may cover a top surface of the cartridge 300. The extension portion 140 may cover a portion where a cartridge inlet 301 is formed at the cartridge 300. A gap through which air can flow may be formed between the extension portion 140 and the cartridge inlet 301.

The cartridge 300 may be inserted into the coupling space S to be coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 300 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. A lateral surface 311 (see FIG. 5) of one side of the cartridge 300 may face the partition wall 122. A top surface 312 of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension portion 140. A bottom surface 322 (see FIG. 6) of the cartridge 300 may be seated on the seating portion 130. A terminal 138 may be connected to the cartridge 300, so that power may be supplied to a heater 342 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) in the cartridge 300.

A coupling hook 125 may be provided at the upper body 120. A pusher 126 may be provided at the upper body 120. The coupling hook 125 and the pusher 126 may each be provided in pair on opposite sides of the upper body 120 so as to be disposed at positions opposite to each other. The cartridge 300 may include a hook coupling recess 315. The hook coupling recess 315 may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hook 125. When the cartridge 300 is inserted into the coupling space S, the coupling hook 125 may be coupled to the hook coupling recess 315 to thereby allow the cartridge 300 and the body 100 to be coupled to each other. The pusher 126 and the coupling hook 125 may be interlocked with each other. When the pusher 126 is pressed, the coupling hook 125 may be moved in a direction separated (or away) from the hook coupling recess 315, allowing the cartridge 300 to be separated from the body 100.

A connection passage 123 may be formed at the lower portion of the partition wall 122. The connection passage 123 may be in communication with the insertion space 124. The connection passage 123 may be open to one side of the upper body 120. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the body 100, an exhaust port 323 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) may be inserted into the connection passage 123, allowing the connection passage 123 and a cartridge outlet 304 to communicate with each other.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cartridge 300 may include a first container 31 and a second container 32. The first container 31 may be coupled to an upper side of the second container 32. A plate 35 may be coupled between the first container 31 and the second container 32 or between the first container 31 and a frame 33.

The first container 31 may have a first chamber C1 in which a liquid is stored. The first container 31 may surround the first chamber C1, and a lower portion of the first chamber C1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber C1 may be covered by the plate 35.

The first container 31 may have an inflow passage 302 through which air passes. The first chamber C1 and the inflow passage 302 may be separated from each other. The inflow passage 302 may extend up and down (or in an up-and-down direction) at one side of the first container 31 in an elongated manner.

The first container 31 may be provided with the cartridge inlet 301. An upper portion of the first container 31 may be open to define the cartridge inlet 301, and the cartridge inlet 301 may be in communication with the inflow passage 302. The cartridge inlet 301 may be in communication with an upper end of the inflow passage 302. A lower end of the inflow passage 302 may be in communication with a connection hole 351 and a chamber inlet 303.

The second container 32 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first container 31. The second container 32 may have a space 324 with an open upper portion and a covered (or blocked) lower portion. The frame 33 may be accommodated in the space 324 of the second container 32.

The second container 32 may be provided with the cartridge outlet 304. The cartridge outlet 304 may be formed at a lateral portion 321 of one side of the second container 32. The cartridge outlet 304 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion 321 of the second container 32 in a thickness direction. The cartridge outlet 304 may be in communication with the space 324. The second container 32 may include the exhaust port 323. The exhaust port 323 may define the cartridge outlet 304 therein. The exhaust port 323 may protrude to one side from the lateral portion 321 of one side of the second container 32. The exhaust port 323 may surround the cartridge outlet 304. The cartridge outlet 304 may be referred to as an outlet 304.

The frame 33 may be inserted into the space 324 in the second container 32 to be coupled to the second container 32. A fastening member 326 protruding from a side wall of the second container 32 to the space 324 may be fastened to the frame 33 to thereby fix the frame 33.

The frame 33 may be provided therein with a second chamber C2. The frame 33 may surround the second chamber C2, and an upper portion of the second chamber C2 may be open. The upper portion of the second chamber C2 may be covered by the plate 35.

The frame 33 may be provided with the chamber inlet 303. One surface of a side wall surrounding the second chamber C2 may be open to define the chamber inlet 303. The chamber inlet C2 may extend by being bent upward from the second chamber C2 toward the inflow passage 302. One end of the chamber inlet 303 may be in communication with the second chamber C2, and another end of the chamber inlet 303 may be connected to the inflow passage 302 and the connection hole 351.

The frame 33 may be provided with a chamber outlet 332. The chamber outlet 332 may be formed on a lateral portion of one side of the frame 33. The chamber outlet 332 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 332 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the frame 33 in a thickness direction. The chamber outlet 332 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 332 may be formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet 304. The chamber outlet 332 may be formed at a position opposite the chamber inlet 303 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the frame 33 is coupled to the second container 32, the chamber outlet 332 and the cartridge outlet 304 may communicate with each other.

The frame 33 may be provided therein with a wick coupling recess 334. The wick coupling recess 334 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be recessed into one side to form the wick coupling recess 334. The wick coupling recess 334 may be provided in pair, and the pair of wick coupling recesses 334 may be disposed on opposite sides of the second chamber C2. An upper portion of the wick coupling recess 334 may be open.

A wick 341 may have an elongated cylindrical shape extending horizontally at the second chamber C2. Opposite (or both) ends of the wick 341 may be inserted into the respective pair of wick coupling recesses 334. A central portion of the wick 341 may be located at the second chamber C2. The wick 341 may be connected to the first chamber C1 to receive a liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 341 may be fixed to the wick coupling recess 334 by the frame 33 and the plate 35.

The heater 342 may be wound around the central portion of the wick 341. The heater 342 may generate heat to thereby heat the wick 341. For example, the heater 342 may be a resistive heater. The heater 342 may be disposed at the second chamber C2. An end of the heater 342 may penetrate through a bottom of the frame 33 to be electrically connected to an electrode disposed on a bottom of the second container 32.

The plate 35 may be coupled between the first container 31 and the second container 32 or between the first container 31 and the frame 33. The plate 35 may cover and seal the opening of the first chamber C1. The plate 35 may cover an upper portion of the frame 33. The plate 35 may cover and seal the opening of the second chamber C2.

The plate 35 may have the connection hole 351 on one side thereof. The connection hole 351 may be disposed between the inflow passage 302 and the chamber inlet 303. The connection hole 351 may connect the inflow passage 302 and the chamber inlet 303.

The plate 35 may have a liquid inlet hole 354. A pair of the liquid inlet holes 354 may be formed at positions corresponding to the pair of wick coupling recesses 334. The pair of liquid inlet holes 354 may be disposed above the opposite ends of the wick 341. The liquid inlet hole 354 may connect the first chamber C1 and the wick coupling recess 334. The wick 341 and the first chamber C1 may be connected to each other through the liquid inlet hole 354.

A hook recess 335 may be formed above the chamber outlet 332 at a position adjacent to the chamber outlet 332. A hook 353 may protrude downward from one side of the plate 35. The hook 353 may be inserted into and fastened to the hook recess 335 formed in the upper portion of the frame 33. The plate 35 may be fastened to the frame 33, and the first container 31 coupled to the second container 32 may press an edge portion of the plate 35 toward the frame 33.

Air may be introduced into the cartridge 300 through the cartridge inlet 301, and may then be discharged to an outside of the cartridge 300 through the cartridge outlet 304. The air introduced into the cartridge 300 may sequentially pass through the inflow passage 302, the connection hole 351, the chamber inlet 303, the second chamber C2, the chamber outlet 332, and the cartridge outlet 304 to be discharged to the outside.

When the heater 342 heats the wick 341, an aerosol may be formed in the second chamber C2 from the wick 341. Air passing through the cartridge 300 may entrain the aerosol from the second chamber C2 to be discharged to the cartridge outlet 304.

Referring to FIG. 7, the extension portion 140 may extend to one side from the upper portion of the pipe part 120. The top surface 312 of the cartridge 300 may be covered by the extension portion 140. The extension portion 140 may cover the cartridge inlet 301 and a periphery of the cartridge inlet 301. A gap may be formed between the extension portion 140 and the cartridge inlet 301 and between a lower portion of the extension portion 140 and the top surface 312 of the cartridge 300. The gap may allow the outside and the cartridge inlet 301 to communicate with each other. The gap may be in communication with an opening 201 formed in the upper case 200.

The connection passage 123 may be formed in the upper body 120. The connection passage 123 may be in communication with a lower end of the insertion space 124. The connection passage 123 may extend downward from the lower end of the insertion space 124, and may then be bent to be open to the outside. When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the upper body 120, the exhaust port 323 may be inserted into the connection passage 123. The cartridge outlet 304 may communicate with the connection passage 123. The connection passage 123 may allow the cartridge outlet 304 and the insertion space 124 to communicate with each other.

Air may be introduced into the cartridge inlet 301 through the opening 201 of the upper case 200. The air introduced into the cartridge inlet 301 may sequentially pass through the inlet passage 302 and the chamber inlet 303 to flow into the second chamber C2. The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 300 through the cartridge outlet 304 along with an aerosol generated near the wick 341. The air discharged through the cartridge outlet 304 may be supplied to the insertion space 124 and the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 124 through the connection passage 123.

A sensor 80 may be installed in the extension portion 140. The sensor 80 may face the top surface 312 of the cartridge 300 or the cartridge inlet 301. The sensor 80 may be installed adjacent to the cartridge inlet 301. The sensor 80 may be disposed above the cartridge inlet 301. The sensor 80 and the cartridge inlet 301 may overlap each other with respect to the up-and-down direction.

The sensor 80 may sense the flow of ambient or surrounding air. The sensor 80 may be an air flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The sensor 80 may sense the flow of air through a change in ambient air pressure. The extension portion 140 may have a hole for sensing the flow of air at a position adjacent to the cartridge inlet 301. The sensor 80 may be mounted on a substrate (no reference numeral) disposed in the extension portion 140, and may be electrically connected to the controller 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The controller 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) may control the operation of various components connected thereto based on the sensor 80 sensing the flow of air.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a backflow prevention membrane 50. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may be positioned to cover a portion of the connection passage 123. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may protrude inward from an outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may extend in a circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. One end of the backflow prevention membrane 50 may be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. Both surfaces of the backflow prevention membrane 50 may be flat. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may be deformable in shape, and may be made of a material having elasticity and restoring force. For example, the backflow prevention membrane 50 may be made of a rubber or silicone material. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may be tiltable about an outer circumferential end thereof fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 8, the backflow prevention membrane 50 in a state of being separated from the exhaust port 323 may be located at a first position. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may have a flange shape or a ring shape in the first position. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may protrude to a direction perpendicular to the exhaust port 323. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may protrude perpendicularly with respect to a circumference of the connection passage 123.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 8, the backflow prevention membrane 50 being pushed by the exhaust port 323 may be located at a second position. The exhaust port 323 may be inserted into the connection passage 123. An end of the exhaust port 323 may push the backflow prevention membrane 50 in a protruding direction of the exhaust port 323. The protruding direction of the exhaust port 323 may be the same as an insertion direction of the exhaust port 323 or an air flow direction. The air flow direction may be inclined in a direction in which air flows from the cartridge outlet 304 as the backflow prevention membrane 50 is pushed by the exhaust port 323. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may be formed such that a layer hole 54 gradually narrows or decreases in the air flow direction. When the exhaust port 323 is separated from the backflow prevention membrane 50, the backflow prevention membrane 50 may be returned to the first position (see (a) of FIG. 8).

The backflow prevention membrane 50 may include the layer hole 54. The layer hole 54 may be surrounded by an inner circumferential end of the backflow prevention membrane 50. The layer hole 54 may be in communication with the connection passage 123. The layer hole 54 may expand or increase as the backflow prevention membrane 50 moves from the first position to the second position. A width W22 or circumference of the layer hole 54 in the second position may be greater than a width W21 or circumference of the layer hole 54 in the first position. The layer hole 54 may seem to be small or absent in the first position. In the first position, the width W21 or circumference of the layer hole 54 may be less than a width W1 or circumference of the cartridge outlet 304. In the second position, the width W22 or circumference of the layer hole 54 may be less than the width W1 or circumference of the cartridge outlet 304.

Accordingly, air may be guided to flow to the connection passage 123 from the cartridge outlet 304, and backflow of air from the connection passage 123 to the cartridge outlet 304 may be prevented (see FIG. 9).

In addition, in a state where the cartridge 300 is separated from the body 100, the backflow prevention membrane 50 located at the first position may prevent foreign matter from entering the connection passage 123 and the insertion space 124.

An end surface 3231 of the exhaust port 323 that is brought into contact with the backflow prevention membrane 50 may be inclined. The end surface 3231 of the exhaust port 323 may also be referred to as an inclined surface 3231. The inclined surface 3231 may have a circumference that gradually decreases toward an end (or tip).

Referring to (b) of FIG. 8, the inclined surface 3231 may support the backflow prevention membrane 50. A slope of the inclined surface 3231 and a slope of the backflow prevention membrane 50 in the second position may correspond to each other. The backflow prevention membrane 50 may be brought into close contact with the inclined surface 3231 to thereby define a slope corresponding to the inclined surface 3231.

Accordingly, a gap between the backflow prevention membrane 50 and the exhaust port 323 may be reduced, and air flow efficiency may be increased. In addition, the backflow prevention membrane 50 may be fixed to be tilted by a set or predetermined slope, thereby improving the structural stability of the backflow prevention membrane 50.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a stopper 127. The stopper 127 may be formed on a periphery of the connection passage 123. One side of the stopper 127 may surround a portion of the connection passage 123. Another side of the stopper 127 may face the lateral portion 321 of one side of the second container 32 at an outside of the connection passage 123. The stopper 127 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the stopper 127 may be made of rubber or silicone.

When the cartridge 300 is coupled to the body 100, and the exhaust port 323 is inserted into the connection passage 123, one side of the stopper 127 may surround the exhaust port 323. The one side of the stopper 127 may be brought into close contact with an outer circumferential surface of the exhaust port 323. The one side of the stopper 127 may be brought into close contact with the lateral portion 321 of the second container 321 formed on a periphery of the exhaust port 323.

Accordingly, the stopper 127 may adjust an insertion depth of the exhaust port 323 into the connection passage 123 and a slope of the backflow prevention membrane 50 based on the adjusted insertion depth of the exhaust port 323. In addition, a gap between the second container 321 and the stopper 127 may be reduced, and air flow efficiency may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 10, a backflow prevention membrane 500 may include a first part 510 and a second part 520. The backflow prevention membrane 500 may be deformable in shape, and may be made of a material having elasticity and restoring force. For example, the backflow prevention membrane 500 may be made of a rubber or silicone material.

The first part 510 may protrude inward from an outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. The first part 510 may extend in a circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. One end of the first part 510 may be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. Both surfaces of the first part 510 may be flat. The first part 510 may be tiltable about an outer circumferential end thereof fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123.

The second part 520 may extend from the first part 510. Both surfaces of the second part 520 may be flat. One end of the second part 520 may be fixed to another end of the first part 510. The second part 520 may be tiltable about a portion between the first part 510 and the second part 520.

A layer hole 540 may be formed at an inside of the backflow prevention membrane 500. The layer hole 540 may be in communication with the connection passage 123. The layer hole 540 may be surrounded by the first part 510 and the second part 520. The first part 510 and the second part 520 may form a predetermined angle theta 21, theta 22 at an outside of the layer hole 540. The angle theta 21, theta 22 between the first part 510 and the second part 520 at the outside of the layer hole 540 may be less than 180 degrees.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 10, the backflow prevention membrane 500 in a state of being separated from the exhaust port 323 may be located at a first position. The first part 510 may have a hollow truncated cone shape in the first position. In the first position, the first part 510 may inclinedly extend from a circumference of the connection passage 123 toward an opening of the connection passage 123. In the first position, the second part 520 may extend from an end of the first part 510 toward the opening of the connection passage 123. The second part 520 may face the exhaust port 323 in the first position. The second part 520 may have a hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow truncated cone shape in the first position. The angle theta 21 between the first part 510 and the second part 520 formed at the outside of the layer hole 540 may be an obtuse angle.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 10, the backflow prevention membrane 500 being pushed by the exhaust port 323 may be located at a second position. The exhaust port 323 may be inserted into the connection passage 123. An end of the exhaust port 323 may push the backflow prevention membrane 500 in a protruding direction of the exhaust port 323. The backflow prevention membrane 500 may be pushed by the exhaust port 323 to move in the protruding direction of the exhaust port 323, so that the backflow prevention membrane 500 may be supported by the exhaust port 323 in the second position.

When the backflow prevention membrane 500 is moved from the first position to the second position, the first part 510 may be tilted about one end thereof fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connection passage 123. Also, the second part 520 may be tilted about another end of the first part 510. When the backflow prevention membrane 500 is moved from the first position to the second position, a portion or space between the first part 510 and the second part 520 may gradually decrease. In the second position, the angle theta 22 between the first part 510 and the second part 520 formed at the outside of the layer hole 540 may be an acute angle. The angle theta 22 between the first part 510 and the second part 520 in the second position may be less than the angle theta 21 between the first part 510 and the second part 520 in the first position.

The first part 510 may face the opening of the connection passage 123 in the first position, and may be tilted such that an angle (theta 11, theta 12) between the first part 510 and the circumference of the connection passage 123 increases toward the second position. The angle theta 12 between the first part 510 and the circumference of the connection passage 123 in the second position may be greater than the angle theta 11 between the first part 510 and the circumference of the connection passage 123 in the first position.

The first part 510 may have a flange shape or a ring shape in the first position of the backflow prevention membrane 500. The first part 510 may protrude to a direction perpendicular to the exhaust port 323. The first part 510 may protrude perpendicularly with respect to the circumference of the connection passage 123.

In the second position of the backflow prevention membrane 500, the second part 520 may be tilted in an air flow direction. In the second position, the second part 520 may be tilted such that the layer hole 540 gradually narrows or decreases in the air flow direction.

The backflow prevention membrane 500 may include a third part 530. The third part 530 may protrude perpendicularly from the end of the first part 510. The third part 530 may extend in a circumferential direction of the first part 510. The third part 530 may protrude to the layer hole 540 in the first position. The third part 530 may have a flange shape or a ring shape in the first position. In the first position, the third part 530 may be perpendicular to the exhaust port 323, or may be formed in an inclined manner. In the second position, the third part 530 may be parallel to the air flow direction. In the second position, a width W3 of the layer hole 540 surrounded by the third part 530 may be constant in the air flow direction. The width W3 of the layer hole 540 surrounded by the third part 530 may be less than a width W1 of the cartridge outlet 304.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a supporter 550. The supporter 550 may protrude from the circumference of the connection passage 123. The supporter 550 may be disposed adjacent to the first part 510, and may be disposed at the rear or downstream side relative to the first part 510. In the second position of the backflow prevention membrane 500, the supporter 550 may support one surface of the first part 510. In the second position, the supporter 550 may support a portion of the third part 530. The supporter 550 may limit the movement of the first part 510, and may fix the backflow prevention membrane 500 to the second position.

Accordingly, air may be guided to flow to the connection passage 123 from the cartridge outlet 304, and backflow of air from the connection passage 123 to the cartridge outlet 304 may be prevented (see FIG. 11).

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a stopper 127. A description thereof is the same as the description described above.

An end surface of the exhaust port 323 may include an inclined surface 3232 and a pressing surface 3233. The inclined surface 3232 may be inclined such that a circumference thereof gradually decreases in the protruding direction of the exhaust port 323. A slope of the inclined surface 3232 and a slope of the second part 520 in the second position may correspond to each other. The second part 520 may be brought into close contact with the inclined surface 3232 to thereby define a slope corresponding to the inclined surface 3232.

The pressing surface 3233 may face the connection passage 123. The pressing surface 3233 may be flat. The pressing surface 3233 may be perpendicular from the protruding direction of the exhaust port 323. The pressing surface 3233 may press the second part 520 to move the second part 520 to the second position from the first position.

Accordingly, a gap between the backflow prevention membrane 500 and the exhaust port 323 may be reduced, and air flow efficiency may be increased. In addition, the backflow prevention membrane 500 may be fixed to be tilted by a set or predetermined slope, thereby improving the structural stability of the backflow prevention membrane 500.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a body shaped to define an insertion space; a cartridge shaped to be coupled to the body; an exhaust port protruding from the cartridge and shaped to define an outlet; a connection passage extending from the insertion space and being sized to receive a portion of the exhaust port, wherein the connection passage may permit communication between the insertion space and the exhaust port; and a backflow prevention membrane positioned to cover a portion of the connection passage and being structured to be deformed according to contact with the exhaust port in an insertion direction of the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the backflow prevention membrane may be positionable at a first position and a second position, wherein the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position based on the exhaust port being separated from the backflow prevention membrane, and the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position according to the contact with the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the backflow prevention membrane may be formed from a material having elasticity.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the backflow prevention membrane may extend in a circumferential direction of the connection passage and may be shaped to form a layer hole that permits communication between the connection passage and the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a diameter of the layer hole may decrease in a direction extending from the exhaust port toward the connection passage based on the backflow prevention membrane being positioned at the second position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a width of the layer hole when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position may be less that a width of the layer hole when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position according to the contact with the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the backflow prevention membrane may protrude perpendicularly from a circumference of the connection passage when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the exhaust port comprises an inclined surface that contacts the backflow prevention membrane, the inclined surface may be inclined at an angle corresponding to an angle of slope of the backflow prevention membrane being deformed according to the contact with the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a stopper positioned relative to the connection passage and being shaped to support a periphery of the exhaust port and limit an insertion depth of the exhaust port within the connection passage.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the backflow prevention membrane may include a first part protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the connection passage and configured to be deformed from the inner circumferential surface of the connection passage; a second part extending from the first part in a tiltable manner; and a layer hole formed by the first part and the second part.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first part may face an opening of the connection passage in a first position where the exhaust port is separated from the second part and may be tilted such that an angle between the first part and a circumference of the connection passage increases toward a second position where the backflow prevention membrane contacts by the exhaust port. The second part may face the opening of the connection passage in the first position, may be formed such that an angle between the first part and the second part formed at an outside of the layer hole decreases toward the second position, and may be tilted such that the layer hole gradually decreases in the insertion direction of the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the backflow prevention membrane may comprise a third part protruding perpendicularly from the first part and surrounding a portion of the layer hole, and wherein the third part may face an inside of the layer hole when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position and faces the insertion direction of the exhaust port when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a supporter disposed at a downstream side relative to the first part, and protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the connection passage and being positioned to support the first part when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the backflow prevention membrane may protrude from an inner circumferential surface of the connection passage.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the deforming of the backflow prevention membrane may include titling of portions of the backflow prevention membrane relative to an initial position occurring prior to the contact with the exhaust port.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge may be shaped to be coupled to a side of the body and the exhaust port protrudes from a side of the cartridge.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings, and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

An aerosol generating device comprising:

a body shaped to define an insertion space;

a cartridge shaped to be coupled to the body;

an exhaust port protruding from the cartridge and shaped to define an outlet;

a connection passage extending from the insertion space and being sized to receive a portion of the exhaust port, wherein the connection passage permits communication between the insertion space and the exhaust port; and

a backflow prevention membrane positioned to cover a portion of the connection passage and being structured to be deformed according to contact with the exhaust port in an insertion direction of the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention membrane is positionable at a first position and a second position,

wherein the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position based on the exhaust port being separated from the backflow prevention membrane, and the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position according to the contact with the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the backflow prevention membrane is formed from a material having elasticity.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention membrane extends in a circumferential direction of the connection passage and is shaped to form a layer hole that permits communication between the connection passage and the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein a diameter of the layer hole decreases in a direction extending from the exhaust port toward the connection passage based on the backflow prevention membrane being positioned at the second position.
The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein a width of the layer hole when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position is less that a width of the layer hole when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position according to the contact with the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the backflow prevention membrane protrudes perpendicularly from a circumference of the connection passage when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the exhaust port comprises an inclined surface that contacts the backflow prevention membrane, the inclined surface being inclined at an angle corresponding to an angle of slope of the backflow prevention membrane being deformed according to the contact with the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a stopper positioned relative to the connection passage and being shaped to support a periphery of the exhaust port and limit an insertion depth of the exhaust port within the connection passage.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention membrane comprises:

a first part protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the connection passage and configured to be deformed from the inner circumferential surface of the connection passage;

a second part extending from the first part in a tiltable manner; and

a layer hole formed by the first part and the second part,

wherein the first part faces an opening of the connection passage in a first position where the exhaust port is separated from the second part and is tilted such that an angle between the first part and a circumference of the connection passage increases toward a second position where the backflow prevention membrane contacts the exhaust port, and

wherein the second part faces the opening of the connection passage in the first position, and is formed such that an angle between the first part and the second part formed at an outside of the layer hole decreases toward the second position, and is tilted such that the layer hole gradually decreases in the insertion direction of the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the backflow prevention membrane comprises a third part protruding perpendicularly from the first part and surrounding a portion of the layer hole, and

wherein the third part faces an inside of the layer hole when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the first position and faces the insertion direction of the exhaust port when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position.
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, further comprising a supporter disposed at a downstream side relative to the first part, and protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the connection passage and being positioned to support the first part when the backflow prevention membrane is positioned at the second position.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the backflow prevention membrane protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of the connection passage.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the deforming of the backflow prevention membrane include titling of portions of the backflow prevention membrane relative to an initial position occurring prior to the contact with the exhaust port.
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is shaped to be coupled to a side of the body and the exhaust port protrudes from a side of the cartridge.