WO2023121192A1

WO2023121192A1 - Cartridge and aerosol-generating device including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2023121192A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/020755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Taehun Kim
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2021-12-21
Filing date: 2022-12-19
Publication date: 2023-06-29
Also published as: KR20230094496A

Abstract

A cartridge and an aerosol-generating device are disclosed. The cartridge includes a first chamber structured to store liquid; a second chamber shaped to define a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the chamber outlet is located at a side of the second chamber that is opposite to that of a location of the chamber inlet; a wick that is elongated in a lateral direction relative to the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, wherein the wick is positioned between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet and is in communication with the liquid stored in the first chamber; and a heater configured to heat the wick, wherein a first distance from an upper end of the chamber inlet to a center axis of the wick is longer than a second distance from a lower end of the chamber inlet to the center axis of the wick.

Description

CARTRIDGE AND AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

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

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming 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 object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to improve the efficiency of flow of air passing through a cartridge.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to increase the amount of aerosol that is entrained in air passing through a cartridge.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects, there is provided The cartridge includes a first chamber structured to store liquid; a second chamber shaped to define a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the chamber outlet is located at a side of the second chamber that is opposite to that of a location of the chamber inlet; a wick that is elongated in a lateral direction relative to the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, wherein the wick is positioned between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet and is in communication with the liquid stored in the first chamber; and a heater configured to heat the wick, wherein a first distance from an upper end of the chamber inlet to a center axis of the wick is longer than a second distance from a lower end of the chamber inlet to the center axis of the wick.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to improve the efficiency of flow of air passing through a cartridge.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be possible to increase the amount of aerosol that is entrained in air passing through a cartridge.

Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.

FIGs. 1 to 9 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

With respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes "module" and "unit" are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.

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

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, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Hereinafter, the directions of an aerosol-generating device 100 will be defined based on the coordinate system shown in the drawings.

In the coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the forward-backward direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. Here, based on the origin, the +x-axis direction may be the forward direction, and the -x-axis direction may be the backward direction.

In the coordinate system, the y-axis direction may be defined as the leftward-rightward direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. Here, based on the origin, the +y-axis direction may be the rightward direction, and the -y-axis direction may be the leftward direction.

In the coordinate system, the z-axis direction may be defined as the upward-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. Here, based on the origin, the +z-axis direction may be the upward direction, and the -z-axis direction may be the downward direction.

Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating device 100 may include at least one of a battery 10, a controller 20, a heater 30, or a cartridge 40. At least one of the battery 10, the controller 20, the heater 30, or the cartridge 40 may be disposed in a body 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100.

The body 110 may have an insertion space defined therein to allow a stick 200 to be inserted thereinto. The insertion space, into which the stick 200 can be inserted, may be defined adjacent to the heater 30.

Referring to FIG. 1, the battery 10, the controller 20, the cartridge 40, and the heater 30 may be disposed in a line. Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 40 and the heater 30 may be disposed parallel to each other so as to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

The battery 10 may supply power to operate at least one of the controller 20, the heater 30, or the cartridge 40. The battery 10 may supply power required for driving a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 100.

The controller 20 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 20 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 10, the heater 30, or the cartridge 40. The controller 20 may control the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 20 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 100 is in an operable state.

The heater 30 may generate heat using power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 30 may heat the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

The cartridge 40 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 40 may be delivered to a user via the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100.

Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 and a second container 42. The first container 41 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 42. A plate 45 may be disposed between the first container 41 and the second container 42 or between the first container 41 and a frame 43 so as to be coupled thereto.

The first container 41 may have a first chamber C1 to store liquid therein. The first container 41 may surround the first chamber C1, and the lower portion of the first chamber C1 may be open. The opening in the first chamber C1 may be covered by the plate 45.

The first container 41 may have therein an inflow passage 412 through which air passes. The first chamber C1 and the inflow passage 412 may be separated from each other. The inflow passage 412 may be elongated in one side of the first container 41 in the upward-downward direction.

The first container 41 may have a cartridge inlet 411. The cartridge inlet 411 may be formed in such a manner than the upper portion of the first container 41 is open, and may communicate with the inflow passage 412. The cartridge inlet 411 may communicate with the upper end of the inflow passage 412. The lower end of the inflow passage 412 may communicate with a connecting hole 451, a frame passage 4310, and a chamber inlet 431.

The second container 42 may be coupled to the lower portion of the first container 41. The second container 42 may have therein a space 424 having an open top and a covered bottom. The frame 43 may be accommodated in the space 424 in the second container 42.

The second container 42 may have a cartridge outlet 422. The cartridge outlet 422 may be formed in one lateral portion of the second container 42. The cartridge outlet 422 may be formed in a port, which protrudes in the thickness direction from the lateral portion of the second container 42. The cartridge outlet 422 may communicate with the space 424.

The frame 43 may be inserted into the space 424 in the second container 42 to be coupled to the second container 42. A fastening member 426, which protrudes from the side wall of the second container 42 to the space 424, may be fastened to the frame 43 in order to fix the frame 43.

The frame 43 may have therein a second chamber C2. The frame 43 may surround the second chamber C2, and the upper portion of the second chamber C2 may be open. The upper portion of the second chamber C2 may be covered by the plate 45.

The frame 43 may have a chamber inlet 431. The chamber inlet 431 may be formed in such a manner that one surface of the side wall surrounding the second chamber C2 is open. The chamber inlet 431 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The frame passage 4310 may be open in the upward direction of the frame 43. The chamber inlet 431 may be connected to one end of the frame passage 4310. The frame passage 4310 may extend downwards from the upper end thereof to the chamber inlet 431 in a curved shape.

The frame 43 may have a chamber outlet 432. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed in one lateral portion of the frame 43. The chamber outlet 432 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed in a port protruding in the thickness direction from the lateral portion of the frame 43. The chamber outlet 432 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge outlet 422. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed at a position opposite the second chamber inlet 431 with respect to the second chamber C2. When the frame 43 is coupled to the second container 42, the chamber outlet 432 and the cartridge outlet 422 may communicate with each other.

The frame 43 may have therein a wick-coupling groove 434. The wick-coupling groove 434 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The wick-coupling groove 434 may be formed in such a manner that the second chamber C2 is depressed in one direction. The wick-coupling groove 434 may be formed in a pair. The pair of wick-coupling grooves 434 may be formed in two opposite sides of the second chamber C2. The upper portions of the wick-coupling grooves 434 may be open.

A wick 441 may have a cylindrical shape that is elongated in the lateral direction of the second chamber C2. Both ends of the wick 441 may be respectively inserted into and located in the pair of wick-coupling grooves 434. The central portion of the wick 441 may be located in the second chamber C2. The wick 441 may be connected to the first chamber C1 to receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 441 may be fixedly located in the wick-coupling grooves 434 due to the frame 43 and the plate 45.

A heater 442 may be wound around the central portion of the wick 441. The heater 442 may generate heat to heat the wick 441. For example, the heater 442 may be a resistive heater. The heater 442 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The ends of the heater 442 may pass through the bottom of the frame 43 and may be electrically connected to electrodes disposed on the bottom of the second container 42.

The plate 45 may be disposed between the first container 41 and the second container 42 or between the first container 41 and the frame 43 so as to be coupled thereto. The plate 45 may cover and seal the open portion of the first chamber C1. The plate 45 may cover the upper portion of the frame 43. The plate 45 may cover and seal the open portion of the second chamber C2.

The plate 45 may have a connecting hole 451 formed in one side thereof. The connecting hole 451 may be located between the inflow passage 412 and the frame passage 4310. The connecting hole 451 may connect the inflow passage 412 and the frame passage 4310 to each other.

The plate 45 may have a liquid inlet hole 454 formed therein. The liquid inlet hole 454 may be formed in a pair at positions corresponding to the wick-coupling grooves 434. The pair of liquid inlet holes 454 may be located above both ends of the wick 441. The liquid inlet holes 454 may connect the first chamber C1 and the wick-coupling grooves 434 to each other. The wick 441 may be connected to the first chamber C1 through the liquid inlet holes 454.

A hook recess 435 may be formed above the chamber outlet 432 at a position adjacent to the chamber outlet 432. A hook 453 may protrude downwards from one side of the plate 45. The hook 453 may be inserted into and fastened to the hook recess 435 formed in the upper portion of the frame 43. The plate 45 may be fastened to the frame 43, and the first container 41 coupled to the second container 42 may press the edge of the plate 45 toward the frame 43.

Air may be introduced into the cartridge 40 through the cartridge inlet 411, and may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 40 through the cartridge outlet 422. The air introduced into the cartridge 40 may sequentially pass through the inflow passage 412, the connecting hole 451, the frame passage 4310, the chamber inlet 431, the second chamber C2, the chamber outlet 432, and the cartridge outlet 422, and may then be discharged outside.

When the heater 442 heats the wick 441, an aerosol may be generated from the wick 441 in the second chamber C2. The air passing through the cartridge 40 may be discharged through the cartridge outlet 422 from the second chamber C2 together with the aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 5, the chamber inlet 431 may be formed in the shape of a slot that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the wick 441 (refer to FIG. 3). The width w11 of the chamber inlet 431 may be defined as a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the wick 441 (refer to FIG. 3). The height w12 of the chamber inlet 431 may be defined as a length extending in the upward-downward direction perpendicular to the width w11 of the chamber inlet 431. The width w11 of the chamber inlet 431 may be greater than the height w12 of the chamber inlet 431. For example, the width w11 of the chamber inlet 431 may be about 1.8 mm to 1.9 mm. The height w12 of the chamber inlet 431 may be about 1.5 mm to 1.6 mm.

The chamber outlet 432 may be formed in the shape of a slot that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the wick 441 (refer to FIG. 3). The width w21 of the chamber outlet 432 may be defined as a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the wick 441 (refer to FIG. 3). The height w22 of the chamber outlet 432 may be defined as a length extending in the upward-downward direction perpendicular to the width w21 of the chamber outlet 432. The width w21 of the chamber outlet 432 may be greater than the height w22 of the chamber outlet 432.

Accordingly, the air introduced into the second chamber C2 from the chamber inlet 431 may spread over the entire area of the wick 441, and thus may cause the aerosol to be uniformly moved.

Referring to FIG. 6, the frame 43 may include an inlet port 431a. The inlet port 431a may protrude outwards from one side of the side wall 430 of the frame 43. The frame passage 4310 may be formed in the inlet port 431a. The inlet port 431a may extend curvedly from one end thereof to the other end thereof so as to have a shape corresponding to the frame passage 4310. The inlet port 431a may include an inclined surface 431b, which is formed in such a manner that the outer surface of the inlet port 431a is inclined. The inclined surface 431b may be formed to be offset so that the outer surface of the inlet port 431a has a predetermined inclination.

The frame 43 may include an outlet port 432a. The outlet port 432a may protrude outwards from the other side of the side wall 430 of the frame 43. The outlet port 432a may be located at a position opposite the inlet port 431a. The outlet port 432a may protrude in the thickness direction of the side wall 430. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed in the outlet port 432a. The outlet port 432a may include an inclined surface 432b, which is formed in such a manner that the outer surface of the outlet port 432a is inclined.

The frame passage 4310 may be open upwards. The frame passage 4310 may extend curvedly from the open upper end thereof toward the chamber inlet 431. The chamber inlet 431 may face the second chamber C2 and communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 431 may include a portion that gradually expands toward the second chamber C2. The upper end of the chamber inlet 431 may be formed to be inclined upwards so as to gradually widen toward the second chamber C2. The lower end of the chamber inlet 431 may be formed to be inclined downwards so as to gradually widen toward the second chamber C2.

Accordingly, the diffusion force with which the air introduced into the second chamber C2 from the chamber inlet 431 diffuses to the periphery of the wick 441 may be further increased. In addition, the efficiency of flow of air passing through the cartridge 40 may be improved, and the amount of aerosol that is entrained in the air may be increased.

Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7,

inner walls

421a and 422a of the second container 42 may cover the lateral portion of the space 424. The first inner wall 421a may be disposed opposite the cartridge outlet 422 with respect to the space 424. The second inner wall 422a may be formed so as to face the first inner wall 421a, with the space 424 defined therebetween. The cartridge outlet 422 may be formed in such a manner that a portion of the second inner wall 422a is open.

The

inner walls

421a and 422a of the second container 42 may include inclined portions such that the space 424 gradually narrows toward the bottom of the second container 42. The first inner wall 421a of the second container 42 and the inclined surface 431b of the inlet port 431a may be formed to have inclinations corresponding to each other. When the frame 43 is inserted into the space 424, the inclined surface 431b may come into contact with and slide along the first inner wall 421a. The first inner wall 421a and the inclined surface 431b may support each other.

The second inner wall 422a of the second container 42 and the inclined surface 432b of the outlet port 432a may be formed to have inclinations corresponding to each other. When the frame 43 is inserted into the space 424, the inclined surface 432b may come into contact with and slide along the second inner wall 422a. The second inner wall 422a and the inclined surface 432b may support each other. The chamber outlet 432 may communicate with the cartridge outlet 422.

Accordingly, the frame 43 may be easily inserted into the space 424.

In addition, it may be possible to reduce formation of a gap between the outlet port 432a and the second container 42 and to improve the efficiency of flow of air passing through the cartridge 40.

Referring to FIGs. 6 and 8, when the heater 442 heats the wick 441, an aerosol may be generated around the wick 441. The heat generated from the heater 442 may diffuse to the periphery of the wick 441 in the second chamber C2 together with the aerosol. Heated air in the second chamber C2 may move to the upper portion of the second chamber C2, and relatively-low-temperature air may move to the lower portion of the second chamber C2.

The chamber inlet 431 may face the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 431 may be located so as to be misaligned from the wick 441. The chamber inlet 431 may be oriented in the thickness direction of the side wall 430. The chamber inlet 431 may include a portion that overlaps a portion of the wick 441 in the air flow direction. However, the chamber inlet 431 may be disposed such that the center thereof is misaligned from the center of the wick 441. The center of the chamber inlet 431 may be located above the center axis of the wick 441. A first distance d1 from the upper end of the chamber inlet 431 to the center axis of the wick 441 may be longer than a second distance d2 from the lower end of the chamber inlet 431 to the center axis of the wick 441.

The chamber outlet 432 may face the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 432 may be located so as to be misaligned from the wick 441. The chamber outlet 432 may be oriented in the thickness direction of the side wall 430. The chamber outlet 432 may include a portion that overlaps a portion of the wick 441 in the air flow direction. However, the chamber outlet 432 may be disposed such that the center thereof is misaligned from the center of the wick 441. The center of the chamber outlet 432 may be located below the center axis of the wick 441. A third distance d3 from the upper end of the chamber outlet 432 to the center axis of the wick 441 may be shorter than a fourth distance d4 from the lower end of the chamber outlet 432 to the center axis of the wick 441.

The chamber inlet 431 may include a portion that overlaps a portion of the chamber outlet 432 in the air flow direction. However, the chamber inlet 431 may be disposed such that the center thereof is misaligned from the center of the chamber outlet 432. The center of the chamber inlet 431 may be located higher than the center of the chamber outlet 432.

Accordingly, a larger amount of heat that has diffused in the second chamber C2 may be entrained in the air passing through the cartridge 40 (refer to FIG. 9). In addition, the amount of aerosol that is entrained in the air passing through the cartridge 40 may be increased (refer to FIG. 9).

The frame 43 may include a first inner inclined surface 430a. The first inner inclined surface 430a may be formed on the inner surface of the side wall 430 that is adjacent to the chamber outlet 432 in the frame 43. The first inner inclined surface 430a may be formed to be inclined in the air flow direction.

The lower surface 452 of the plate 45 may cover the second chamber C2. The plate 45 may include a second inner inclined surface 452a, which protrudes from the lower surface 452 of the plate 45 so as to be inclined in the air flow direction. The second inner inclined surface 452a may be formed adjacent to the chamber outlet 432. The second inner inclined surface 452a may cover the second chamber C2. The second inner inclined surface 452a may extend from the lower surface 452 toward the chamber outlet 432.

Accordingly, the air passing through the second chamber C2 is guided to the chamber outlet 432 by the first inner inclined surface 430a and the second inner inclined surface 452a. As a result, the efficiency of flow of air may be improved (refer to FIG. 9). In addition, it may be possible to reduce generation of a swirl due to collision of the air passing through the second chamber C2 with the wall surrounding the second chamber C2.

FIGs. 9(A-1) and 9(A-2) show the results of experimentation regarding flow of fluid in a conventional cartridge, and FIGs. 9(B-1) and 9(B-2) show the results of experimentation regarding flow of fluid in the cartridge according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Comparing the result shown in FIG. 9(B-1) with the result shown in FIG. 9(A-1), it can be seen that the cartridge 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure enables heat to be more uniformly entrained in air and enables air and heat to be more smoothly discharged therefrom. That is, the cartridge 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure exhibits improvement in the efficiency of flow of air. In addition, comparing the result shown in FIG. 9(B-2) with the result shown in FIG. 9(A-2), it can be seen that the cartridge 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure reduces generation of a swirl and ensures smooth discharge of air therefrom. That is, the cartridge 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure exhibits improvement in the efficiency of flow of air.

Referring to FIGs. 1 to 9, a cartridge in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a first chamber structured to store liquid; a second chamber shaped to define a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the chamber outlet may be located at a side of the second chamber that is opposite to that of a location of the chamber inlet; a wick that is elongated in a lateral direction relative to the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, wherein the wick may be positioned between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet and is in communication with the liquid stored in the first chamber; and a heater configured to heat the wick, wherein a first distance from an upper end of the chamber inlet to a center axis of the wick may be longer than a second distance from a lower end of the chamber inlet to the center axis of the wick.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamber inlet may overlap a portion of the wick in an air flow direction between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and a center axis of the chamber inlet is located above the center axis of the wick.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamber inlet may be shaped to define a slot that is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the wick.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamber inlet may have a width of about 1.8 mm to about 1.9 mm relative to the longitudinal direction of the wick.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamber inlet may have a height of about 1.5 mm to about 1.6 mm relative to a radial direction of the wick.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamber inlet may include a portion formed to gradually increase in cross-sectional area in a direction extending from the chamber inlet toward an interior of the second chamber.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the chamber outlet may be shaped to define a slot that is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the wick, and overlaps a portion of the wick in an air flow direction between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and a center axis of the chamber outlet is located below the center axis of the wick.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge may further include a first container shaped to include the first chamber and an inflow passage formed to be separated from the first chamber and to permit communication between an outside and the chamber inlet; a frame located under the first container, the frame shaped to define the chamber inlet, the chamber outlet, and the second chamber; and a second container coupled to a lower side of the first container, the second container accommodating the frame therein and being shaped to define a cartridge outlet in communication with the chamber outlet.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may be shaped to define a frame passage extending curvedly from the inflow passage toward the second chamber to connect the inflow passage to the chamber inlet.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame comprises a first inner inclined surface formed below the chamber outlet, wherein the inclined surface may extend from a bottom of the frame to the chamber outlet to guide air from the second chamber to the chamber outlet.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first chamber may be open downwards, and the second chamber may be open upwards. The cartridge may further include a plate disposed between the first container and the frame to cover an opening in the first chamber and an opening in the second chamber, wherein the plate may comprise a second inner inclined surface extending slantedly from a lower surface thereof and covering the opening in the second chamber and extending toward a periphery of the chamber outlet to guide air from the second chamber to the chamber outlet.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the frame may be shaped to define an outlet port having therein the chamber outlet and protruding from the frame to surround a periphery of the cartridge outlet and contact an inner side surface of the second container.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet port and the inner side surface of the second container that is in contact with the outlet port may be formed to be slanted at inclinations corresponding to each other.

A cartridge in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure may include a first chamber structured to store liquid; a second chamber shaped to define a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the chamber outlet may be located at a side of the second chamber that is opposite to that of a location of the chamber inlet; a wick that is elongated in one direction and is positioned between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet in the second chamber, wherein the wick may be in communication with the first chamber; and a heater configured to heat the wick, wherein the chamber inlet faces the wick, and is formed to be longer in a longitudinal direction of the wick relative to a radial direction of the wick.

An aerosol-generating device in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include the above-described cartridge and a body configured to allow the cartridge to be coupled thereto. a body configured to couple to the cartridge, wherein the body may be shaped to define an insertion space having one side communicating with the chamber outlet and another side open to an outside.

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

A cartridge comprising:

a first chamber structured to store liquid;

a second chamber shaped to define a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the chamber outlet is located at a side of the second chamber that is opposite to that of a location of the chamber inlet;

a wick that is elongated in a lateral direction relative to the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, wherein the wick is positioned between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet and is in communication with the liquid stored in the first chamber; and a heater configured to heat the wick,

wherein a first distance from an upper end of the chamber inlet to a center axis of the wick is longer than a second distance from a lower end of the chamber inlet to the center axis of the wick.
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the chamber inlet overlaps a portion of the wick in an air flow direction between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and a center axis of the chamber inlet is located above the center axis of the wick.
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the chamber inlet is shaped to define a slot that is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the wick.
The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the chamber inlet has a width of about 1.8 mm to about 1.9 mm relative to the longitudinal direction of the wick.
The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the chamber inlet has a height of about 1.5 mm to about 1.6 mm relative to a radial direction of the wick.
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the chamber inlet comprises a portion formed to gradually increase in cross-sectional area in a direction extending from the chamber inlet toward an interior of the second chamber.
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the chamber outlet is shaped to define a slot that is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the wick, and overlaps a portion of the wick in an air flow direction between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and a center axis of the chamber outlet is located below the center axis of the wick.
The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first container shaped to include the first chamber and an inflow passage formed to be separated from the first chamber and to permit communication between an outside and the chamber inlet;

a frame located under the first container, the frame shaped to define the chamber inlet, the chamber outlet, and the second chamber; and

a second container coupled to a lower side of the first container, the second container accommodating the frame therein and being shaped to define a cartridge outlet in communication with the chamber outlet.
The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the frame is shaped to define a frame passage extending curvedly from the inflow passage toward the second chamber to connect the inflow passage to the chamber inlet.
The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the frame comprises a first inner inclined surface formed below the chamber outlet, wherein the inclined surface extends from a bottom of the frame to the chamber outlet to guide air from the second chamber to the chamber outlet.
The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the first chamber is open downwards,

wherein the second chamber is open upwards, and

wherein the cartridge further comprises a plate disposed between the first container and the frame to cover an opening in the first chamber and an opening in the second chamber,

wherein the plate comprises a second inner inclined surface extending slantedly from a lower surface thereof and covering the opening in the second chamber and extending toward a periphery of the chamber outlet to guide air from the second chamber to the chamber outlet.
The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the frame is shaped to define an outlet port having therein the chamber outlet and protruding from the frame to surround a periphery of the cartridge outlet and contact an inner side surface of the second container.
The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the outlet port and the inner side surface of the second container that is in contact with the outlet port are formed to be slanted at inclinations corresponding to each other.
A cartridge comprising:

a first chamber structured to store liquid;

a second chamber shaped to define a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein the chamber outlet is located at a side of the second chamber that is opposite to that of a location of the chamber inlet;

a wick that is elongated in one direction and is positioned between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet in the second chamber, wherein the wick is in communication with the first chamber; and

a heater configured to heat the wick,

wherein the chamber inlet faces the wick, and is formed to be longer in a longitudinal direction of the wick relative to a radial direction of the wick.
An aerosol-generating device comprising:

the cartridge of claim 1 or 14; and

a body configured to couple to the cartridge, wherein the body is shaped to define an insertion space having one side communicating with the chamber outlet and another side open to an outside.