CN118984654A

CN118984654A - Cartridge and aerosol generating device comprising the cartridge

Info

Publication number: CN118984654A
Application number: CN202380029767.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李宗燮; 朴相珪; 曹炳盛
Original assignee: KT&G Corp
Current assignee: KT&G Corp
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2023-04-03
Publication date: 2024-11-19
Also published as: JP2025508240A; US20250212962A1; EP4503985A4; EP4503985A1; CA3246532A1; WO2023195698A1

Abstract

A cartridge and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge are provided. The cartridge includes: a first container comprising a first chamber, a wick, and a heater; a second container configured to be detachably coupled to the first container and comprising a second chamber configured to store a liquid to be supplied to the wick; wherein the first chamber includes a first gas flow inlet and a first gas flow outlet, a first passage being formed between the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet; and wherein the second container is formed to provide a second passage that is separate from the second chamber and communicates with the first airflow outlet.

Description

Cartridge and aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge.

Background

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by generating an aerosol. The medium may comprise a multicomponent material. The substance contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavouring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various researches have been conducted on aerosol generating devices.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to address the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to allow components having different purposes and replacement cycles to be replaced independently of each other.

It is another object of the present disclosure to reduce replacement costs of components.

It is another object of the present disclosure to increase the lifetime of the component.

Another object of the present disclosure is to prevent leakage of liquid.

It is another object of the present disclosure to prevent leakage of flowing gas and to improve the flow efficiency of the gas.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to reduce the size of an aerosol-generating device.

Technical proposal

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a cartridge comprises: a first container comprising a first chamber, a wick, and a heater; a second container configured to be detachably coupled to the first container and comprising a second chamber configured to store a liquid to be supplied to the wick; wherein the first chamber includes a first gas flow inlet and a first gas flow outlet, a first passage being formed between the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet; and wherein the second container is formed to provide a second passage that is separate from the second chamber and communicates with the first airflow outlet.

Advantageous effects

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, components having different purposes and replacement cycles may be replaced independently of each other.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, replacement costs of components may be reduced.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifetime of the component may be improved.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, liquid leakage may be prevented.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, leakage of flowing gas may be prevented, and the flow efficiency of gas may be improved.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the aerosol-generating device may be reduced.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments of the disclosure, such as preferred embodiments, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Drawings

Fig. 1 to 17 show examples of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments according to the disclosure herein will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent parts have the same or similar reference numerals, and the description thereof is not repeated.

In the following description, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Such suffixes are used herein for ease of description only and are not themselves intended to give any particular meaning or function.

In the present disclosure, what is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art is generally omitted for brevity. The drawings are to aid in easy understanding of technical ideas of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the ideas of the present disclosure are not limited by the drawings. The ideas of the present disclosure should be construed as extending to any alterations, equivalents, and alternatives other than the 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 element.

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

As used herein, singular references are intended to include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1, an aerosol-generating device may comprise a body 10 and a cartridge (20, 30). The cartridge (20, 30) may include a first container 20 and a second container 30. The cartridge (20, 30) may be coupled to the body 10.

The main body 10 may house a power source 11 and a controller 12. The power supply 11 may supply power required for operation of the components. The power source 11 may be referred to as a battery 11. The controller 12 may control the operation of the components.

The first container 20 may include a first chamber C1 therein. The first container 20 may include a core 25. The core 25 may be disposed at the first chamber C1. The upper end of the core 25 may protrude upward from the first chamber C1 out of the first container 20.

The first container 20 may include a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be disposed at the first chamber C1. The heater 2531 may heat the core 25. A heater 2531 may be attached to the core 25. The first container 20 may be provided therein with a terminal 223. The terminal 223 may be exposed to the lower side of the first container 20. The terminal 223 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531. The first container 20 may be referred to as a lower container 20 or a heating module 20.

The first container 20 may have a first gas inflow port 241 formed by opening the first chamber C1. The first container 20 may have a first air flow outlet 242 formed by opening the first chamber C1.

The second container 30 may include a second chamber C2 therein. The second container 30 may store the liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may have an airflow discharge path (or airflow outflow channel) 340. Both ends 341 and 342 of the air flow discharging path 340 may be opened. The air flow discharge path 340 may be partitioned from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be referred to as an upper container 30 or a liquid storage portion 30.

A suction nozzle 35 may be coupled to the top of the second container 30. The suction nozzle 35 may cover an upper portion of the second container 30. The suction nozzle 35 may have a second airflow outlet 354 therein. The second airflow outlet 354 may be in communication with the second end 342 of the airflow discharge path 340.

The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10. The first container 20 may be inserted into the body 10. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the heater 2531 may be electrically connected to the power source 11 through the terminal 223. The heater 2531 may generate heat using power supplied from the power source 11. The heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

The second container 30 may be coupled on top of the first container 20. The coupling of the second container 30 with the first container 20 may include the second container 30 being directly coupled to the first container 20 and the second container 30 being indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10.

When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 may supply the stored liquid to the wick 25. The wick 25 may absorb liquid supplied from the second container 30. The heater 2531 may heat the liquid-impregnated core 25 to generate an aerosol in the first chamber C1.

One side of the body 10 may be open to define a second air flow inlet 141. When the first container 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the first air flow inlet 241 and the second air flow inlet 141 may communicate with each other. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the first end 341 of the air flow discharge path 340 and the first air flow outlet 242 may communicate with each other. Thus, a flow path or channel through which air flows may be formed. The user can inhale air while holding the suction nozzle 35 in his or her mouth. When the user inhales air, the external air may sequentially pass through the second air flow inlet 141, the first air flow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first air flow outlet 242, the air flow discharge path 340, and the second air flow outlet 354 to be delivered to the user. The air may flow together with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

Thus, the first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently of each other. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the proper replacement cycle of the first container 20 may be different from each other, and only the second container 30 or the first container 20 may be individually replaced by the user. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 may be shorter than the proper replacement cycle of the first container 20, and thus, when the second container 30 is replaced several times, the first container 20 may be replaced only once. As a result, the first container 20 can be used for a longer time, thereby reducing the replacement cost of the cartridge.

Referring to fig. 2, the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The first coupling 151 may allow the first container 20 and the main body 10 to be detachably coupled to each other. For example, the first coupler 151 may include a hook recess 225 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook recess 225. The hooks 125 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone to seal between the body 10 and the first container 20 near the second air flow inlet 141. As another example, the first coupling 151 may use magnetic force to allow the first container 20 and the main body 10 to be coupled to each other.

The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled on top of the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the body 10 so as to be indirectly coupled to the first container 20. The second coupling 152 may allow the second container 30 and the body 10 to be detachably coupled to each other. For example, the second coupling 152 may include a hook recess 325 and a hook 135 detachably secured to the hook recess 325. As another example, the second coupling 152 may use magnetic force to allow the second container 30 and the body 10 to be coupled to each other.

Referring to fig. 3 to 5, the first container 20 may include a housing 21, a core 25, and a heater 2531. The housing 21 may include a first housing 22 and a second housing 23.

The second housing 23 may be coupled on top of the first housing 22. The first housing 22 may be open at the top and may have a space 224 defining a first chamber C1. The second housing 23 may be open at the bottom and may include a space 234 defining the first chamber C1. The first housing 22 and the second housing 23 may be coupled together up and down to define a first chamber C1 therein.

The terminal 223 may be fixed to the bottom of the first housing 22 to be exposed to the lower side of the first housing 22. The terminal 223 may protrude upward from the first housing 22 toward the first chamber C1. The terminals 223 may be disposed in pairs, and the pair of terminals 223 may be horizontally spaced apart from each other.

The first gas inflow port 241 may be formed at the bottom of the first housing 22. The first gas flow inlet 241 may be provided in the form of a plurality of perforations. The first gas flow inlet 241 may be spaced apart from the terminal 223 in a horizontal direction. Alternatively, the first gas inflow port 241 may be formed by opening a sidewall of the first housing 22 and/or a sidewall of the second housing 23.

The housing 21 may be provided with one part of the first coupling 151 (see fig. 1 and 2). For example, the lower periphery of the first housing 22 may be recessed to define the hook recess 225. As another example, the lower periphery of the first housing 22 may protrude to define the hooks 125. As another example, the first housing 22 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

The first air flow outlet 242 may be formed on the upper wall of the second housing 23. As another example, the first air flow outlet 242 may be formed on a sidewall of the second housing 23. The first gas flow outlet 242 may be formed at a position facing the first gas flow inlet 241.

The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on an upper wall of the second housing 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed at an upper side of the first chamber C1. The liquid inlet 235 may be separated from the first air flow outlet 242. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed at one side of the upper wall of the second housing 23, and the first air flow outlet 242 may be formed at the other side of the upper wall of the second housing 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed at a side corresponding to the terminal 223 and the supporter 227, and the first gas flow outlet 242 may be formed at a side corresponding to the first gas flow inlet 241.

Core 25 may include a first core portion 251 and a second core portion 252. The first core portion 251 may be disposed at the first chamber C1 between the first case 22 and the second case 23. The lower edge of the first core part 251 may be supported by a supporter 227.

The second core portion 252 may protrude upward from the first core portion 251. The second core portion 252 may be exposed to the outside of the first chamber C1 through the liquid inlet 235. The second wick portion 252 may protrude upwardly through the liquid inlet 235 and the first wick seal 265.

The heater 2531 may be coupled to the first core portion 251. The heater 2531 may heat the first core portion 251. The first terminal 2533 provided at each of both ends of the heater 2531 may be in contact with the terminal 223 as the second terminal, thereby allowing the heater 2531 and the second terminal 223 to be electrically coupled to each other.

The support 227 may protrude upward from the bottom of the first housing 22. The support 227 may be disposed near the terminal 223. The support 227 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of supports 227 may be disposed near the terminal 223. The support 227 may include a first support 227a and a second support 227b. The first and second supports 227a and 227b may be disposed in regions corresponding to lower corners of the first core part 251.

The first support 227a and the second support 227b may be spaced apart from each other. The second support 227b may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first gas flow inlet 241. The second support 227b may be disposed between the terminal 223 and the first gas flow inlet 241. The second support 227b may be provided in pairs. The pair of second supports 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c therebetween. The first support 227a and the second support 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d therebetween.

A seal 26 may be coupled to the top of the first container 20. The sealing plate 261 of the seal 26 may cover the upper surface of the housing 21. The seal 26 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the seal 26 may be made of rubber or silicone material.

The seal 26 may include a first core seal 265. The first core seal 265 may be formed by opening the sealing plate 261 at a position corresponding to the liquid inlet 235. The first core seal 265 may define one inner circumferential surface of the sealing plate 261. The first core seal 265 may have a shape corresponding to the peripheral surface 235a surrounding the liquid inlet 235. The first core seal 265 may protrude downward from the sealing plate 261 to be in close contact with the inside of the outer peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The second wick portion 252 may protrude upwardly from the liquid inlet 235 through the first wick seal 265.

The seal 26 may include a second core seal 262. The second core seal 262 may protrude downward from a lower surface of the sealing plate 261. The second core seal 262 may be formed under the first core seal 265 or under the vicinity of the first core seal 265. The second core seal 262 may extend along the perimeter of the first core seal 265.

The seal 26 may include seal walls (266, 267) that protrude upward from an upper surface of the seal plate 261. Sealing walls (266, 267) may surround the liquid inlet 235 and the vicinity of the first core seal 265. The sealing walls (266, 267) may extend along the perimeter of the first core seal 265 to define a perimeter thereof. The sealing walls (266, 267) may be provided in plurality. For example, the sealing walls (266, 267) may include a first sealing wall 266 adjacent the first core seal 265 and a second sealing wall 267 spaced outwardly from the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude further upward than the first sealing wall 266. The second seal wall 267 can surround the first seal wall 266.

Seal 26 may include an airflow seal 268. The airflow seal 268 may surround the vicinity of the first airflow outlet 242. The air flow sealing part 268 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The second seal wall 267 may protrude higher than the airflow seal 268. The airflow seal 268 may be disposed outside the seal walls 266, 267.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the core 25 may be made of a porous rigid body so as to absorb liquid. For example, the core 25 may be made of porous ceramic. The core 25 may have greater rigidity or heat resistance than a cotton core.

Thus, the core 25 may have little or no deformation and may be implemented in various shapes. Further, the durability of the core 25 can be improved, and the replacement cycle of the first container 20 having the core 25 can be prolonged.

The first core portion 251 may be elongated in one horizontal direction. The first core part 251 may have a hexahedral shape. The upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251 may be horizontally formed. The side surface 2512 of the first core portion 251 may be formed between the perimeter of the upper surface 2511 and the perimeter of the lower surface 2513 to define the perimeter of the first core portion 251. The side surface 2512 of the first core portion 251 may be referred to as a peripheral surface 2512 of the first core portion 251.

The second core portion 252 may protrude upward from a middle portion of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251. The second core portion 252 may be elongated in a horizontal direction. The second core portion 252 may have a hexahedral shape. The upper surface 2521 of the second core section 252 may be horizontally formed. The lower surface 2523 of the second core section 252 may be horizontally formed. The lower surface 2523 of the second core section 252 may overlap the upper surface 2511 of the first core section 251. The side surface 2522 of the second core section 252 may be formed between the perimeter of the upper surface 2521 and the perimeter of the lower surface 2523 to define the perimeter of the second core section 252. The side surface 2522 of the second core section 252 may be referred to as a peripheral surface 2522 of the second core section 252.

The first core portion 251 may have a size greater than that of the second core portion 252. The perimeter of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the perimeter of the upper surface 2521 of the second core portion 252. The height H1 of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the height H2 of the second core portion 252. The length L1 of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the length L2 of the second core portion 252. The width W1 of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the width W2 of the second core portion 252.

The first core portion 251 may further protrude outwardly from the lower surface 2523 of the second core portion 252 by predetermined widths w31, w32, w33, and w34 in the horizontal direction. The second core portion 252 may protrude from the inside of the periphery of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251. The perimeter of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may protrude outwardly from the lower surface 2523 of the second core portion 252.

The heater 2531 may be attached to the first core portion 251. The heater 2531 may be patterned on the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251. The heater 2531 may form various patterns along the longitudinal direction of the first core portion 251. Opposite ends of the heater 2531 may be adjacent to opposite ends of the first core portion 251.

A pair of first terminals 2533 may be disposed at opposite ends of the heater 2531. The first terminal 2533 may be coupled to a lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251. The pair of first terminals 2533 may be adjacent to opposite ends of the first core portion 251. The first terminal 2533 may protrude downward from the first core portion 251.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, a first gas inflow port 241 may be formed at a lower side of the first chamber C1. The first air flow outlet 242 may be formed at an upper side of the first chamber C1. The first gas flow inlet 241 and the first gas flow outlet 242 may be arranged in parallel up and down. The core 25 may be disposed at the right side of the first chamber C1, and the first gas flow inlet 241 and the first gas flow outlet 242 may be disposed at the left side of the first chamber C1. The first passage CN1 may be disposed at the left side of the first chamber C1, and may be provided with a first gas flow inlet 241 and a first gas flow outlet 242. Air may be introduced into the first passage CN1 through the first air flow inlet 241 and then discharged through the first air flow outlet 242.

The first terminal 2533 may contact the second terminal 223 to allow the heater 2531 and the second terminal 223 to be electrically connected to each other. The second terminal 223 may support the first terminal 2533 and the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251.

A lower portion of the first core portion 2511 may be supported by the support 227. The upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be supported by the lower portion of the second housing 23 and/or the second core seal 262 near the liquid inlet 235. The periphery of the side surface 2522 of the second core portion 252 may be supported by the outer peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 and/or the inner surface of the first core seal 265.

Thus, the core 25 may be fixed to the first container 20.

The support 227 may allow the first core portion 2511 to be spaced upwardly from the bottom of the first chamber C1. The support 227 may be disposed adjacent to the heater 2531. The support 227 may form gaps 227C, 227d through which the heater 2531 attached to the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 2511 communicates with the first chamber C1. The support 227 may be opened between the first channel CN1 and the heater 2531 to define a first gap 227c.

The support 227 may include a first support 227a and a second support 227b. The second support 227b may be disposed closer to the first gas flow inlet 241 and the first gas flow outlet 242 than the first support 227 a. The first air flow inlet 241 and the first air flow outlet 242 may be adjacent to the left side of the first core portion 251. The first support 227a may be elongated along a right edge between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core portion 251. The first support 227a may support a right-side corner between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core portion 251. A pair of second supports 227b may support the left side corners of the first core portion 251, respectively.

The pair of second supports 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c between the first gas flow inlet 241 and the vicinity of the heater 2531 to allow air to flow therethrough. The first support 227a and the second support 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d between the first gas flow inlet 241 and the vicinity of the heater 2531 to allow air to flow therethrough. The first gap 227c and the second gap 227d may be formed near the lower surface 2513 of the first core portion 251.

Thus, the aerosol generated by the core 25 and the air surrounding it may pass through the vicinity of the plurality of supports 227 to smoothly flow to the first air flow outlet 242.

The first core seal 265 may be disposed between the outer peripheral surface 2522 of the second core section 252 and the outer peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The inner circumferential surface of the first core seal 265 may be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 2522 of the second core section 252. The first core seal 265 may seal between the outer peripheral surface 2522 of the second core section 252 and the outer peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

The perimeter of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be greater than the perimeter of the liquid inlet 235. The perimeter of the upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251 may be positioned outwardly in a horizontal direction relative to the perimeter of the liquid inlet 235. The edge portion of the first core portion 251 may absorb liquid leaking between the liquid inlet 235 and the outer peripheral surface 2522 of the second core portion 252.

The second wick seal 262 may protrude downward from near the liquid inlet 235 toward the upper surface 2511 of the first wick portion 251. The second core sealing part 262 may be in close contact with the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251. The second core seal 262 may support an upper surface 2511 of the first core portion 251.

Accordingly, the liquid supplied from the second container 30 to the wick 25 can be prevented from leaking into the first chamber C1 through the gap between the second wick portion 252 and the outer peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 without being absorbed into the wick 25.

Referring to fig. 10 to 12, the second container 30 may include a second chamber C2 in which a liquid is stored. The second chamber C2 may be defined by the lower wall 311, the side walls (321, 322), and the upper wall 33 of the second container 30. The side walls (321, 322) may extend vertically. The side walls (321, 322) may include an outer side wall 321 defining an outer side (or exterior) of the second container 30 and an inner side wall 322 formed within the second container 30. The inner sidewall 322 may be formed between the second chamber C2 and the airflow discharge path 340 to separate the second chamber C2 and the airflow discharge path 340 from each other.

The second chamber C2 may be open to define a liquid outlet 314. The liquid outlet 314 may be formed at a lower portion of the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may be configured as a plurality of holes. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 may be discharged through the liquid outlet 314.

The drain guide 313 may be disposed around the liquid outlet 314. The drain guide 313 may be inclined downwardly towards the liquid outlet 314. The discharge guide 313 may be formed on the lower wall 311 of the second chamber C2. The drain guide 313 may guide the liquid stored in the second chamber C2 to the liquid outlet 314.

The absorbent portion 316 may block or cover the bottom of the liquid outlet 314. The absorbent portion 316 may absorb liquid that has passed through the liquid outlet 314. For example, the absorbent portion 316 may be made of felt material.

The bracket 317 may protrude downwardly from the second container 30 near the liquid outlet 314. The bracket 317 may surround the lateral periphery of the absorbent portion 316. The absorbing part 316 may be exposed to the lower side of the second container 30 from the bracket 317. The bracket 317 may allow the absorbing part 316 to be fixed to a lower portion of the second container 30. The bracket 317 may support the lower periphery of the absorbent part 316 in a hook shape.

The membrane 316a may be detachably attached to the lower surface of the absorbent portion 316. An edge of the membrane 316a may be attached to a lower surface of the bracket 317. The membrane 316a may be made of a waterproof material. The membrane 316a may prevent leakage of liquid from the absorbent portion 316. The user may remove the film 316a from the absorbent portion 316 before coupling the second container 30 to the first container 20.

The lower surface 312 of the second container 30 may be recessed upwardly to define a recess 315. The recess formed by recess 315 may surround bracket 317.

The second container 30 may be provided with one part of the second coupling 152 (see fig. 1 and 2). For example, the outer sidewall 321 of the second container 30 may be recessed to define a hook recess 325. As another example, the outer sidewall 321 of the second container 30 may protrude to define the hooks 135. As another example, the second container 30 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

The second container 30 may have an airflow discharge path 340. The airflow exhaust path 340 may be separated from the second chamber C2 by an inner sidewall 322 of the second container 30. The air flow discharge path 340 may be defined by an outer sidewall 321 and an inner sidewall 322 of the second container 30. Both ends of the air flow discharge path 340 may be opened. One end (or first end) of the airflow discharge path 340 may be downwardly open. The other end (or second end) of the air flow discharge path 340 may be opened upward. One end of the air flow discharge path 340 may be formed by opening the lower surface 312 of the second container 30. The other end of the air flow discharge path 340 may communicate with a second air flow outlet 354 formed at the suction nozzle 35. The air flow discharge path 340 may be referred to as a second channel CN2.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The first coupling 151 may allow the first container 20 and the main body 10 to be detachably coupled to each other. The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the body 10 by a second coupler 152, allowing the second container 30 to be indirectly coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled on top of the first container 20.

When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 may supply liquid to the wick 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 may pass through the liquid outlet 314 to be absorbed by the absorbing part 316, and the absorbing part 316 impregnated with the liquid may be in contact with the second wick portion 252, so that the liquid is transferred to the second wick portion 252. The liquid absorbed into the second wick portion 252 may be distributed into the first wick portion 251. The heater 3531 may heat the liquid-impregnated first core portion 251 to generate an aerosol.

The seal 26 may seal around the liquid inlet 235 through which the wick 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. When the second container 30 is coupled on top of the first container 20, the seal 26 may seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

The sealing walls 266, 267 may protrude toward the second container 30. The sealing walls 266, 267 may be in intimate contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266, 267 may surround the vicinity of the liquid inlet 235.

Therefore, the liquid discharged from the second container 30 can be prevented from leaking into the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

Referring to fig. 15, a first sealing wall 266 may surround the liquid inlet 235 and the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core section 252. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the lower portion of the second container 30. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the protruding portion formed in the recessed portion 315. For example, the first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the bracket 317. The bracket 317 and the first sealing wall 266 may surround the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core section 252. Thus, the bracket 317 not only secures the absorbent portion 316, but also presses the first sealing wall 266 to seal around the second core portion 252 and the liquid inlet 235.

The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be disposed outside the first sealing wall 266 in the horizontal direction to surround the vicinity of the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be in close contact with the lower portion of the second container 30. The second seal wall 267 may be inserted into a recess formed by the recess 315 to be in close contact with the recess 315.

Thus, the first sealing wall 266 may seal around the second core portion 252 and the liquid inlet 235. Further, even when the liquid flows to the outside of the first sealing wall 266, the liquid can be sealed by the second sealing wall 267.

Referring to fig. 15 and 16, the first passage CN1 may be formed at the left side of the first chamber C1. The core 25 and the heater 2531 may be disposed at the right side of the first chamber C1. The first passage CN1 may have a first gas flow inlet 241 and a first gas flow outlet 242. The first gas flow inlet 241 may be formed on one end (or first end) of the first passage CN 1. The first air flow outlet 242 may be formed on the other (or second) end of the first passage CN 1. The first channel CN1 may be offset or offset from the core 25 with respect to the vertical direction. The core 25 may be spaced between the first gas flow inlet 241 and the second gas flow inlet 242. Unlike the drawings, at least one of the first gas flow inlet 241 and the first gas flow outlet 242 may be formed at the first passage CN1 by opening a sidewall of the first container 20.

When the first container 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the second air flow inlet 141 formed by opening one side of the main body 10 may communicate with the first air flow inlet 241. The gap between the main body 10 and the first container 20 may be sealed near the second air flow inlet 141. For example, the hooks 125 may be sealed between the body 10 and the first container 20 near the second air flow inlet 141.

When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the first air flow outlet 242 and the lower end of the second passage CN2 may communicate with each other. The first channel CN1 and the second channel CN2 may communicate with each other to form one channel CN. The second passage CN2 may be in communication with the second airflow outlet 354.

When the user inhales air while holding the mouthpiece 35 in his or her mouth, external air may sequentially pass through the second air flow inlet 141, the first passage CN1, the second passage CN2, and the second air flow outlet 354 to be delivered to the user. The aerosol may be generated in the first chamber C1 spaced apart from the first passage CN1. Due to the suction and pressure differences, air passing through the first passage CN1 may flow together with air and aerosol of the first chamber C1. Air and aerosol can flow into the first passage CN1 through the first gap 227c and the second gap 227d between the support members 227.

When air is caused to flow to only one side of the first chamber C1, the size of the passage can be reduced and the size of the aerosol-generating device can be reduced or optimized. Further, the air flow resistance from the structure of the support core 25 can be reduced.

The air flow sealing part 268 may be in close contact with the lower portion of the second container 30 near the lower end of the second passage CN 2. The airflow seal 268 may surround the lower end of the second passage CN2 and the vicinity of the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow seal 268 may be sealed between the first container 20 and the second container 30 near the first airflow outlet 242 and the lower end of the airflow discharge path 340.

Accordingly, air flowing from the first air flow outlet 242 to the air flow discharge path 340 may be prevented from leaking between the first container 20 and the second container 30, and air flow efficiency may be improved.

Referring to fig. 17, the first air flow inlet 241 'and the second air flow inlet 141' may be formed at positions different from those of the embodiment of fig. 16. The first gas inflow port 241' may be formed at a lateral side of the first chamber C1. The second air flow inlet 141 'may be formed at the main body 10, and may communicate with the first air flow inlet 241'. The second air flow inlet 141 'may face the first air flow inlet 241'.

The first passage CN1 'may be formed in the first chamber C1, and may have a first gas flow inlet 241' and a first gas flow outlet 242 at both ends thereof. The core 25 may be disposed between the first gas flow inlet 241' and the first gas flow outlet 242. The first passage CN1' may pass through the core 25. The first passage CN1 'may communicate with the second passage CN2 to form a flow passage CN' through which air flows.

The four second supporters 227b may support the four lower vertexes of the first core part 251, respectively. The first gap 227c may be formed near a lower portion of the first core portion 251. The first passage CN1' may pass through the first gap 227c.

The air may be discharged by passing through the second air flow inlet 141', the first passage CN1', the second passage CN2, and the second air flow outlet 354 in this order. The air may entrain or carry the aerosol of the first chamber C1 when passing through the first channel CN 1'.

Thus, the size of the channel and the aerosol-generating device may be reduced. Further, the air flow resistance from the structure of the support core 25 can be reduced.

Referring to fig. 1 to 17, an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a main body in which a power source is accommodated; a first container detachably coupled to the body and including a wick and a heater electrically connected to the power source; and a second container in which the liquid supplied to the wick is stored, and which is detachably coupled to the first container.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the core may include: a first core portion disposed in a first chamber of the first container; and a second core portion protruding from the first core portion to an outside of the first chamber through a liquid inlet formed at the first container, and supplying the liquid from a second chamber of the second container.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the perimeter of the first core portion may protrude outward in a horizontal direction from the perimeter of the second core portion.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the perimeter of the first core portion may be greater than the perimeter of the liquid inlet.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an upper portion of the first wick portion may be supported by the first container near the liquid inlet and a lower portion of the first wick portion may be supported by a support protruding from the lower portion of the first container.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a support supporting the first core portion to allow the first core portion to be spaced apart from one surface of the first chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the heater may be attached to one surface of the first core portion spaced apart from the one surface of the first chamber to form a pattern.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise: a first terminal fixed to one surface of the first core portion and provided at each of both ends of the heater; and a second terminal configured to be in contact with the first terminal, exposed to the outside of the first container, and electrically connected to the power source.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first coupling may be provided by which the first container and the main body are detachably coupled to each other.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second container may include: a liquid outlet opening at the bottom of the second chamber; and an absorbing portion fixed to a lower portion of the second container to cover a bottom of the liquid outlet, absorbing the liquid discharged from the liquid outlet, and configured to contact the wick to transfer the liquid absorbed therein.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second container may include a discharge guide that slopes downwardly from near the liquid outlet toward the liquid outlet.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second container may further include a membrane detachably attached to a lower portion of the absorbent portion before the second container is coupled to the first container to prevent liquid from penetrating.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first container may include: a chamber inlet formed by opening one side of the first container to communicate with the first chamber; and a chamber outlet formed by opening the other side of the first chamber to communicate with the first chamber; and an airflow exhaust path that is separate from the second chamber and communicates with the chamber outlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second coupling may be provided by which the second container and the main body are detachably coupled to each other.

Referring to fig. 1 to 17, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a first container comprising a first chamber, a wick, and a heater; a second container configured to be detachably coupled to the first container and comprising a second chamber configured to store a liquid to be supplied to the wick; wherein the first chamber includes a first gas flow inlet and a first gas flow outlet, a first passage being formed between the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet; and wherein the second container is formed to provide a second passage that is separate from the second chamber and communicates with the first airflow outlet.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge may further include a seal that provides a seal between the first container and the second container near the first airflow outlet when the second container is coupled to the first container.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the seal may surround the first airflow outlet.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first channel may be positioned laterally offset from the location of the core.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first container and the second container may be coupled such that the second container is on top of the first container, and the first air flow outlet may be formed at an upper portion of the first chamber so as to open upward into the second passage.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first gas flow inlet may be formed at a lower portion of the first chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet may be vertically aligned.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first gas flow inlet may be formed at a lateral side of the first chamber.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the core may include: a first core portion disposed in the first chamber; and a second wick portion protruding from the first wick portion and exiting the first chamber through a liquid inlet of the first container, wherein the second wick portion is positioned to supply the liquid from the second container.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge may further include a support configured to support a lower portion of the first core portion to allow the first core portion to be spaced apart from a lower surface of the first chamber. The heater may form a pattern at a lower surface of the first core portion.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the support may be configured to provide an opening between the first channel and the heater.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge may further comprise a mouthpiece covering the second container and having a second airflow outlet in communication with the second channel.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, when air from outside the first container is introduced into the first passage through the first air flow inlet and sequentially passes through the first air flow outlet and into the second passage, aerosol generated by the wick is drawn from the first chamber and introduced into the first passage, thereby also passing through the first air flow outlet and into the second passage.

A cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a first container comprising a first chamber, a wick and a heater, wherein the wick and the heater are disposed at the first chamber; a second container configured to be detachably coupled to the first container and comprising a second chamber configured to store a liquid to be supplied to the wick; wherein the first chamber comprises a first gas flow inlet and a first gas flow outlet forming a first passage through or adjacent to the core; and wherein the second container is formed to provide a second passage that is separate from the second chamber and communicates with the first airflow outlet.

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the disclosure may comprise: a body, the first container configured to be detachably coupled to the body; and a second airflow inlet defined by an opening at the body and configured to communicate with the first airflow inlet.

Referring to fig. 1 to 17, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a first container comprising a wick and a heater, the first container having a liquid inlet through which the wick is exposed; a second container detachably coupled to the first container and configured to supply liquid to the wick through the liquid inlet; and a seal for sealing the first and second containers near the liquid inlet.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the seal may include a sealing wall surrounding the liquid inlet and protruding from the first container toward the second container.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing wall may include: a first sealing wall; and a second sealing wall formed outside the first sealing wall.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second sealing wall may protrude farther than the first sealing wall, and the second container may include a recess into which the second sealing wall is inserted so as to be in close contact therewith.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second container may include: an absorbing portion covering a bottom of a liquid outlet through which the stored liquid is discharged, the absorbing portion absorbing the liquid discharged from the liquid outlet, and configured to be in contact with the core to transfer the liquid absorbed therein; and a bracket protruding downward from the vicinity of the liquid outlet, surrounding the periphery of the absorbing portion, and fixing the absorbing portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the concave portion may surround a vicinity of the bracket, and the bracket may be in close contact with the first sealing wall.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the core may include: a first core portion disposed in the first container; and a second core portion protruding from the first core portion to an outside of the first container through the liquid inlet, and supplying the liquid from the second container.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the seal may include a first chamber seal surrounding a perimeter of the second core portion and sealing between the perimeter of the liquid inlet and the perimeter of the second core portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing member may include a second chamber sealing portion that surrounds the vicinity of the liquid inlet, protrudes downward, and seals between an upper surface of the first core portion and one wall where the liquid inlet is formed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container may include a support for supporting a lower portion of the first core portion.

An aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the disclosure may include a body to which the first container is detachably coupled and in which a power supply electrically connected to the heater is housed.

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

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

While embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments, 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 specifically, various variations and modifications of the constituent components and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement are possible 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

1. A cartridge, the cartridge comprising:

a first container comprising a first chamber, a wick, and a heater;

a second container configured to be detachably coupled to the first container and comprising a second chamber configured to store a liquid to be supplied to the wick;

Wherein the first chamber includes a first gas flow inlet and a first gas flow outlet, a first passage being formed between the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet; and

Wherein the second container is formed to provide a second passage that is separate from the second chamber and communicates with the first airflow outlet.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a seal that provides a seal between the first and second containers near the first airflow outlet when the second container is coupled to the first container.

3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the seal surrounds the first airflow outlet.

4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first channel is positioned laterally offset from a location of the core.

5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the first container and the second container are coupled such that the second container is on top of the first container, and

Wherein the first air flow outlet is formed at an upper portion of the first chamber so as to open upward into the second passage.

6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the first gas flow inlet is formed at a lower portion of the first chamber.

7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet are vertically aligned.

8. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the first gas flow inlet is formed on a lateral side of the first chamber.

9. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the core comprises:

A first core portion disposed in the first chamber; and

A second wick portion protruding from the first wick portion and exiting the first chamber through the liquid inlet of the first container,

Wherein the second core portion is positioned to supply the liquid from the second container.

10. The cartridge of claim 9, further comprising a support configured to support a lower portion of the first core portion to be spaced apart from a lower surface of the first chamber,

Wherein the heater is patterned at a lower surface of the first core portion.

11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the support is configured to provide an opening between the first channel and the heater.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece covering the second container and having a second airflow outlet in communication with the second channel.

13. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein when air from outside the first container is introduced into the first channel through the first airflow inlet and sequentially through the first airflow outlet and into the second channel, aerosol generated by the wick is drawn from the first chamber and introduced into the first channel, thereby also passing through the first airflow outlet and into the second channel.

14. An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

The cartridge of claim 1 comprising a first container configured to be detachably coupled to the body; and

A second airflow inlet defined by an opening at the body and configured to communicate with the first airflow inlet.

15. A cartridge, the cartridge comprising:

A first container comprising a first chamber, a wick and a heater, wherein the wick and the heater are disposed at the first chamber;

Wherein the first chamber comprises a first gas flow inlet and a first gas flow outlet, the first gas flow inlet and the first gas flow outlet forming a first passage through or adjacent to the core; and