WO2023128662A1

WO2023128662A1 - Cartridge and aerosol generating device including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2023128662A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/021623
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sungwook Yoon; Taehun Kim; Jueon Park; HyungJin JUNG; Jungho HAN
Original assignee: Kt&G Corporation
Priority date: 2022-01-03
Filing date: 2022-12-29
Publication date: 2023-07-06

Abstract

A cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same are provided. The cartridge includes: a container shaped to define a first chamber structured to store a liquid; a frame shaped to define a second chamber through which air passes; a plate positioned between the container and the frame and separating the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the plate is shaped to define a first liquid inlet hole to permit communication between the first chamber and the second chamber; a wick disposed at the second chamber and being in communication with the first chamber through the first liquid inlet hole; a heater configured to heat the wick; and a needle protruding from the plate into the first chamber, wherein the needle gradually narrows as a distance from the plate increases.

Description

CARTRIDGE AND AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

The present disclosure is related to a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same.

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

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

It is another objective of the present disclosure to reduce the size of bubbles or remove bubbles in a liquid stored in a cartridge.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to reduce obstruction by bubbles of the flow of a liquid toward a wick.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to prevent a wick from being heated in a state where a liquid is not absorbed into the wick.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a cartridge includes: a container shaped to define a first chamber structured to store a liquid; a frame shaped to define a second chamber through which air passes; a plate positioned between the container and the frame and separating the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the plate is shaped to define a first liquid inlet hole to permit communication between the first chamber and the second chamber; a wick disposed at the second chamber and being in communication with the first chamber through the first liquid inlet hole; a heater configured to heat the wick; and a needle protruding from the plate into the first chamber, wherein the needle gradually narrows as a distance from the plate increases.

According to another aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes: the cartridge; and a body shaped to define an insertion space that is open outward and is configured to couple to a cartridge to permit communication with the insertion space.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, bubbles in a liquid stored in a cartridge may be reduced in size or be removed.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, obstruction by bubbles of the flow of a liquid toward a wick may be reduced.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a wick may be prevented from being heated in a state where a liquid is not absorbed into the wick.

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

FIGS. 1 to 15 illustrate examples of a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The body 110 may have an insertion space 34 into which a stick 200 is inserted. The insertion space 34 may be open upward. The insertion space 34 may have a cylindrical shape elongated in an up-and-down direction. The heater 30 may be disposed around the insertion space 34. For example, the heater 30 may surround a circumference of the insertion space 34.

Referring to FIG. 1, the battery 10, the controller 20, the cartridge 40, and the heater 30 may be arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 40 and the heater 30 may be disposed in parallel to face each other. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The battery 10 may supply power to operate least one of the controller 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 40. The battery 10 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like, installed at 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 20, and the cartridge 40. The controller 20 may control the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, and the like, installed at 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 by the power supplied from the battery 10. The heater 30 may heat the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 34.

The cartridge 40 may store a liquid therein. The cartridge 40 may heat the liquid to generate an aerosol therein. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 40 may pass through the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 and then be delivered to a user.

A lower portion of the stick 200 may be inserted into the insertion space 34, and an upper portion thereof may be exposed to the outside. The user may inhale air while holding the upper portion of the stick 200 in his or her mouth. When the user inhales air through the stick 200, the air may be introduced into the cartridge 40. Then, the air along with an aerosol may pass through the insertion space 34 and the stick 200 inserted into the insertion space 34 to be delivered to the user.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 and a second container 42. The second container 42 may be couped to a lower side of the first container 41. One side of the cartridge 40 may be open to define a cartridge inlet 411. An upper end of the first container 41 may be open to define the cartridge inlet 411. The cartridge inlet 411 may be in communication with the outside. Air at an outside of the cartridge 40 may be introduced into the cartridge 40 through the cartridge inlet 411.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the cartridge 40 may include the first container 41 and the second container 42. The first container 41 may be coupled to an upper side of the second container 42. A plate 45 may be coupled between the first container 41 and the second container 42 or between the first container 41 and a frame 43.

The first container 41 may be provided with a first chamber C1 in which a liquid is stored. The first container 41 may surround the first chamber C1, and a lower portion of the first chamber C1 may be open. The opening of the first chamber C1 may be covered by the plate 45.

The first container 41 may be provided with an inlet passage 412 through which air passes. The first chamber C1 and the inlet passage 412 may be separated from each other. The inlet passage 412 may be elongated in the up-and-down direction (or vertically) on one side of the first container 41. The first chamber C1 and the inlet passage 412 may be disposed parallel to each other.

The first container 41 may be provided with the cartridge inlet 411. An upper portion of the first container 41 may be open to define the cartridge inlet 411, and the cartridge inlet 411 may be in communication with the inlet passage 412. An upper end of the inlet passage 412 may be in communication with the cartridge inlet 411. A lower end of the inlet passage 412 may be in communication with a connection hole 451, a frame passage 4310, and a chamber inlet 431.

The second container 42 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first container 41. The second container 42 may have a space 424 with an open upper portion and a closed (covered) lower portion. The frame 43 may be accommodated in the space 424 of the second container 42.

The second container 42 may be provided with a cartridge outlet 422. The cartridge outlet 422 may be formed at a lateral portion of one side of the second container 42. The cartridge outlet 422 may be formed inside an exhaust port 423 protruding from the lateral portion of the second container 42 in a thickness direction. The cartridge outlet 422 may be in communication with the space 424 in the second container 42.

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 protruding from a side wall of the second container 42 to the space 424 may be fastened to the frame 43 to thereby fix the frame 43.

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

The frame 43 may be provided with the chamber inlet 431. One surface of the side wall surrounding the second chamber C2 may be open to define the chamber inlet 431. The chamber inlet 431 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The frame passage 4310 may be open toward an upper side 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 downward from an upper end thereof, and may extend up to the chamber inlet 431 in a curved manner.

The frame 43 may be provided with a chamber outlet 432. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed at a lateral portion of one side of the frame 43. The chamber outlet 432 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 432 may be formed inside a port protruding from the lateral portion of the frame 43 in a thickness direction. The chamber outlet 432 may be in communication 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. A wick 441 may be disposed between the chamber inlet 431 and the chamber outlet 432. 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 be provided therein with a wick recess 434. The wick recess 434 may be in communication with the second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be recessed into one side to define the wick recess 434. The wick recess 434 may be provided in pair. The pair of wick recesses 434 may be formed on both or opposite sides of the second chamber C2. The pair of wick recesses 434 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the second chamber C2. An upper portion of the wick recess 434 may be open.

The wick 441 may have a cylindrical shape elongated transversely (or horizontally) at the second chamber C2. Both or opposite ends of the wick 441 may be inserted into the pair of wick recesses 434, respectively. A central portion of the wick 441 may be located at the second chamber C2. Both or opposite ends of the wick 441 may be referred to first end and second end respectively. First end of the wick 441 may corresponds to and be positioned below the first liquid inlet hole and the second end of the wick 441 may corresponds to and be positioned below the second liquid inlet hole. The wick 441 may extend from the wick recess 434 on one side of the second chamber C2 to the wick recess 434 on another (or opposite) side of the second chamber C2 in an elongated manner. The wick 441 may be connected to the first chamber C1, so as to receive the liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 441 may be fixed to the wick recess 434 by the frame 43 and the plate 45.

A heating coil 442 may be wound around the central portion of the wick 441. The heating coil 442 may be wound around the wick 411 along a longitudinal direction of the wick 441. The heating coil 442 may be disposed at the second chamber C2. The heating coil 442 may be disposed between the pair of wick recesses 434.

The heating coil 442 may be an electrical resistance heater. When a current is supplied, the heating coil 442 may generate heat by internal resistance, and the heat may be discharged to the outside. The heating coil 442 may generate heat to thereby heat the wick 441. The heating coil 442 may be a conductor.

A lead 443 may extend from the heating coil 442. A pair of leads 443 may be provided so as to be electrically connected to both ends of the heating coil 442, respectively. The lead 443 may extend from the end of the heating coil 442 to an outside of the wick 441. The lead 443 may penetrate through a bottom of the frame 43 to be electrically connected to an electrode disposed on a bottom of the second container 42. The battery 10 may sequentially apply a current to the lead 443 and the heating coil 441, allowing the heating coil 442 to generate heat. The lead 443 may be a conductor.

The plate 45 may be coupled between the first container 41 and the second container 42 or between the first container 41 and the frame 43. The plate 45 may cover and seal the opening of the first chamber C1. The plate 45 may cover an upper portion of the frame 43. The plate 45 may cover and seal the opening of the second chamber C2. The plate 45 may be disposed between the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2, and may separate the first chamber C1 from the second chamber C2.

The plate 45 may have the connection hole 451 on one side thereof. The connection hole 451 may be disposed between the inlet passage 412 and the frame passage 4310. The connection hole 451 may connect the inlet passage 412 and the frame passage 4310.

The plate 45 may have a liquid inlet hole 454. One of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be one of a plurality of the liquid inlet hole 454. One of the plurality of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be referred to a first liquid inlet hole, and another of the plurality of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be referred to a second liquid inlet hole. For example, there is a pair of the liquid inlet hole 454 formed at the plate 45, and one the pair of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be referred to the liquid first inlet hole and another one may be referred to the second liquid inlet hole. A pair of liquid inlet holes 454 may be formed at positions corresponding to the pair of wick recesses 434. The pair of liquid inlet holes 454 may be disposed above the opposite ends of the wick 441. The liquid inlet hole 454 may allow the first chamber C1 and the wick recess 434 to communicate with each other. The opposite ends of the wick 441 may be connected to the first chamber C1 through the respective pair of liquid inlet holes 454. The liquid stored in the first chamber C1 may be introduced into the wick recess 434 through the liquid inlet hole 454. The liquid introduced into the wick recess 434 through an end portion of the wick 441 may be absorbed into the entire wick 441.

A hook recess 435 may be formed above the chamber outlet 432 at a position adjacent to the chamber outlet 432. A hook 457 may protrude downward from one side of the plate 45. The hook 457 may be inserted into and fastened to the hook recess 435 formed at 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 an edge 456 of the plate 45 toward the frame 43.

A coupling rib 425 may protrude upward from an upper edge of the second container 42. A coupling recess 415 may be recessed upward from a lower edge of the first container 41. The coupling rib 425 and the coupling recess 415 may correspond to each other. The coupling rib 425 may be inserted into the coupling recess 415, so as to be adhered to the first container 41. The lower edge of the first container 41 may protrude inward of the coupling rib 425, and may press the edge 456 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 412. Air introduced into the cartridge 40 may be discharged to the outside after sequentially passing through the inlet passage 412, the connection hole 451, the frame passage 4310, the chamber inlet 431, the second chamber C2, the chamber outlet 432, and the cartridge outlet 422.

When the heating coil 442 generates heat to heat the wick 441, an aerosol may be produced in the second chamber C2 by the wick 441. Air passing through the cartridge 40 may entrain or carry the aerosol from the second chamber C2 and then be discharged to the cartridge outlet 422.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the plate 45 may include an inlet guide 453. The inlet guide 453 may be inclined toward the liquid inlet hole 454. The inlet guide 453 may be downwardly inclined from an upper surface of the plate 45, which faces the first chamber C1, toward the liquid inlet hole 454. The upper surface of the plate 45 may be recessed downward to define the inlet guide 453. The liquid stored in the first chamber C1 may be guided to the liquid inlet hole 454 through the inlet guide 453.

The inlet guide 453 may be provided in pair. The pair of inlet guides 453 may correspond to the pair of liquid inlet holes 454, respectively. The pair of liquid inlet holes 454 may be formed on both or opposite sides of the plate 45.

One end of the inlet guide 453 may be adjacent to a center of the plate 45 and another end of the inlet guide 453 may be adjacent to the liquid inlet hole 454. The inlet guide 453 may extend from near the center of the plate 45 toward the liquid inlet hole 454. The pair of inlet guides 453 may extend from near the center of the plate 45 to the opposite sides, toward the respective pair of liquid inlet holes 454. The inlet guide 453 may guide the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 to flow into the liquid inlet hole 454.

The inlet guide 453 may gradually widen from the one end thereof adjacent to the center of the plate 45 to the another end thereof adjacent to the liquid inlet hole 454. A width of the inlet guide 453 may gradually increase toward the liquid inlet hole 454 and gradually decrease downward. The inlet guide 453 may define a guide passage 4534. The guide passage 4534 may be in communication with one side of the liquid inlet hole 454.

Each of the pair of inlet guides 453 may have a pair of inclined surfaces 4531 that gradually widen toward the liquid inlet hole 454. Each of the pair of inlet guides 453 may include an inclined line 4532 located between the pair of inclined surfaces 4531. The pair of inclined surfaces 4531 may meet at the inclined line 4532. The inclined line 4532 may extend to be inclined downward toward the liquid inlet hole 454. An end of the inclined line 4532 may be located to correspond to a wick supporter 452 and the wick 441 in the up-and-down direction. The inclined surface 4531 may guide a liquid flowing on the inlet guide 453 to the inclined line 4532. Then, the liquid may be gathered or collected to the inclined line 4532 from both the inclined surfaces 4531, and the inclined line 4532 may guide the liquid to the liquid inlet hole 454. The inclined surface 4531 may be referred to as a guide inclined surface 4531.

The liquid inlet hole 454 may have a shape elongated in a width direction of the inlet guide 453. A long width W21 of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be greater than a short width W22 of the liquid inlet hole 454. The long width W21 of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be greater than a width W1 of the another end of the inlet guide 453. Based on an interval between the liquid inlet hole 454 and the inlet guide 453, the width W21 of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be greater than the width W1 of the inlet guide 453. With respect to a short width direction of the liquid inlet hole 454, the width W22 of the liquid inlet hole 454 may have a maximum size at a position adjacent to a position corresponding to the end of the inclined line 4532.

The liquid inlet hole 454 may have an irregular shape. For example, the shape of the liquid inlet hole 454 may not be a regular shape such as a rectangle, a circle, an oval, or a triangle. For example, one side of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be in communication with the guide passage 4534 surrounded by the inlet guide 453, and another side of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be surrounded by a hole perimeter portion 4541 formed at the plate 45 and have a squiggly shape. The hole perimeter portion 4541 may have a squiggly shape.

In a manufacturing process of the cartridge 40, when liquid is put or filled into the first chamber C1, bubbles are formed in the liquid phase, and accordingly, liquid may be stored in the first chamber C1 with bubbles mixed therein. However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 flows along the slope of the inlet guide 453, a transport speed of the liquid and bubbles may be increased, and a collision between bubbles may occur. As a result, bubbles may be spontaneously eliminated or be reduced in size. In addition, as one end of the inlet guide 453 has a narrow width, bubbles with a relatively large size may be suppressed from being introduced to the inlet guide 453. Thus, clogging of the liquid inlet hole 454 by large-sized bubbles may be reduced.

In addition, as the long width W21 of the liquid inlet hole 454 is greater than the width W1 of the inlet guide 453, and the liquid inlet hole 454 has the irregular shape, clogging of the liquid inlet hole 454 by bubbles transported by the inlet guide 453 may be reduced.

The plate 45 may include a needle 455. The needle 455 may be referred to as a protrusion 455 or a pattern 455. The needle 455 may protrude from the plate 45 into the first chamber C1. The needle 455 may gradually narrow in a protruding direction. The needle 455 may have a shape with a pointed or sharp end. For example, the needle 455 may have a pyramid shape or a cone shape. However, the shape of the needle 455 is not limited thereto. The needle 455 may be formed on a periphery of the liquid inlet hole 454 and/or the inlet guide 453.

When the liquid flows from the first chamber C1 to the wick recess 434 and the wick 441 through the liquid inlet hole 454, the needle 455 may come into contact with bubbles entrained in the liquid to thereby reduce the bubbles in size.

Accordingly, clogging of the liquid inlet hole 454 by the bubbles entrained in the liquid may be reduced. In addition, the wick 441 may be prevented from being heated with the liquid not being absorbed into the wick 441, which is due to bubbles blocking the flow of the liquid.

A plurality of needles 455 may be disposed on the periphery of the inlet guide 453. The plurality of needles 455 may surround the inlet guide 453. The needle 455 may be disposed adjacent to an edge 4531a of the inlet guide 453. The plurality of needles 455 may be arranged in a shape corresponding to a shape of the edge 4531a of the inlet guide 453.

The plurality of needles 455 may be spaced apart from each other along the edge 4531a of the inlet guide 453 by a predetermined distance d. The distance d between the plurality of needles 455 may be less than the width W1 of the inlet guide 453 or the long width W21 of the liquid inlet hole 454. The distance d between the plurality of needles 455 may be less than the short width W22 of the liquid inlet hole 454. A liquid or bubble may pass between the plurality of needles 455 to be introduced to the inlet guide 453.

Accordingly, the size of bubbles introduced to the inlet guide 453 may be limited. In addition, bubbles introduced to the inlet guide 453 may be reduced in size or be removed.

The needle 455 may have a pyramid shape. For example, the needle 455 may have a triangular pyramid shape. The needle 455 may include a needle tip 4551. The needle tip 4551 may be defined as a pointed or sharp portion of an upper end of the needle 455. The needle 455 may include a needle inclined surface 4552. The needle inclined surface 4552 may be defined as one surface of the needle 455 of the pyramid shape. The needle inclined surfaces 4552 may have different sizes. The needle 455 may include a needle edge 4553. The needle edge 4553 may be defined as an edge portion where two needle inclined surfaces 4552 meet.

The needle 455 may gradually narrow in a direction reverse to a direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide 453. The needle 455 may gradually widen in a direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide 453. For example, when the needle 455 has a triangular pyramid shape, the needle 455 may be disposed such that, with respect to any one needle edge 4553, two needle inclined surfaces 4552 gradually widen in the direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide 453.

Accordingly, bubbles in the liquid may collide with an edge of the needle 455, and thus, the bubbles may be reduced in size or be removed.

One side of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be in communication with the guide passage 4534 surrounded by the inlet guide 453. Another side of the liquid inlet hole 454 may be surrounded by the hole perimeter portion 4541 formed at the plate 45.

The inlet guide 453 may extend downward of the liquid inlet hole 454. One end of the inclined line 4532 may be formed at a height corresponding to the upper surface of the plate 45, and another end of the inclined line 4532 may be located below the liquid inlet hole 454. The another end of the inclined line 4532 may be spaced downward from the liquid inlet hole 454 by a predetermined height H. A width W3 between the another end of the inclined line 4532 and the hole perimeter portion 4541 may be greater than the short width W22 of the liquid inlet hole 454 formed in a transverse (or horizontal) direction.

Accordingly, a cross-sectional area through which the liquid passes along the inclined line 4532 may be increased, and bubbles being trapped or caught in the liquid inlet hole 454 may be reduced.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9, the plate 45 may include the wick supporter 452. The wick supporter 452 may protrude downward of the plate 45. The wick supporter 452 may extend downward from a position adjacent to the another end of the inlet guide 453. The wick supporter 452 may be adjacent to the liquid inlet hole 454. The wick 441 and the wick supporter 452 may be disposed to correspond to the inclined line 4532. A lower surface of the wick supporter 452 may be recessed upward in a shape corresponding to a cross section of the wick 441. For example, the lower surface of the wick supporter 452 may have a curved shape corresponding to one side of the wick 441 of the cylindrical shape.

The wick supporter 452 may be provided in pair. The pair of wick supporters 452 may be adjacent to the pair of liquid inlet holes 454, respectively. The pair of wick supporters 452 may correspond to both or opposite end portions of the wick 441, respectively. The pair of wick supporters 452 may support or fix the opposite ends of the wick 441. A lower end of the wick 441 may be supported on the wick recess 434 by the frame 43, and an upper end of the wick 441 may be supported by the wick supporter 452. The end portion of the wick 441 may be disposed below the liquid inlet hole 454.

Referring to FIG. 10, the needle inclined surface 4552 may have a shape that gradually narrows from a lower end of the needle 455 to the needle tip 4551. The needle inclined surface 4552 may have a triangular shape. The needle inclined surface 4552 may be inclined from the upper surface of the plate 45. The needle inclined surface 4552 adjacent to the edge 4531a of the guide inclined surface 4531 may be inclined in a direction in which the guide inclined surface 4531 is inclined. A slope of the needle inclined surface 4552 may be equal or similar to a slope of the guide inclined surface 4531. The needle inclined surface 4552 may be connected to the guide inclined surface 4531. The needle inclined surface 4552 may form a continuous inclined surface with the guide inclined surface 4531. The needle inclined surface 4552 may have a shape that extends upward from the guide inclined surface 4531.

Accordingly, bubbles in a liquid introduced to the inlet guide 453 may be reduced in size or be removed by the needle tip 4551, and the liquid may be guided by the needle inclined surface 4552 to be introduced and collected to the inlet guide 453. In addition, the needle inclined surface 4552 may allow the liquid and bubbles flowing on the inlet guide 453 to be accelerated to thereby reduce the size of the bubbles or remove the bubbles.

Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of first needles 455a may be arranged along the edge 4531a of the inlet guide 453. The plurality of first needles 455a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance d. A plurality of second needles 455b may be arranged at intervals between the plurality of first needles 455a to be spaced apart from the first needle 455a by a predetermined distance d'. The distance d between the plurality of first needles 455a and the distance d' between the first needle 455a and the second needle 455b may be the same or similar. A liquid or bubble may pass between the plurality of first needles 455a and the second needles 455b to be introduced to the inlet guide 453.

Accordingly, the size of bubbles introduced to the inlet guide 453 may be limited. In addition, the collision frequency between a bubble and the needle 455 or between bubbles may be increased to thereby reduce the size of bubbles or remove bubbles.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a needle 455 may protrude from the inlet guide 453. The needle 455 may protrude from the inclined surface 4531 of the inlet guide 453. A plurality of needles 455 may be provided on the inclined surface 4531. The plurality of needles 455 may be adjacent to the edge 4531a of the inclined surface 4531. The plurality of needles 455 may be spaced apart from one another along a direction in which the edge 4531a of the inclined surface 453 extends. The plurality of needles 455 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance d. A liquid may pass between the plurality of needles 455 to be introduced into the liquid inlet hole 454.

The needle 455 may have a triangular pyramid shape. The needle 455 may gradually narrow in a direction reverse to a direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide 453. The needle 455 may gradually widen in a direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide 453. For example, the needle 455 may be disposed such that, with respect to any one needle edge 4553, two needle inclined surfaces 4552 gradually widen in the direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide 453.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the inlet guide 453 may not be provided. A liquid inlet hole 454 may be surrounded by a first hole perimeter portion 4541 and a second hole perimeter portion 4542. The first hole perimeter portion 4541 may cover one side of the liquid inlet hole 454. The first hole perimeter portion 4541 may have an irregular shape. The first hole perimeter portion 4541 may have a squiggly shape. The second hole perimeter portion 4542 may cover another side of the liquid inlet hole 454. The first hole perimeter portion 4541 and the second hole perimeter portion 4542 may be connected to each other.

A needle 455 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the plate 45. The needle 455 may be adjacent to an edge of the second hole perimeter portion 4542. A plurality of needles 455 may be spaced apart from one another along the second hole perimeter portion 4542. The plurality of needles 455 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance d. A liquid may pass between the plurality of needles 455 to be introduced into the liquid inlet hole 454.

The needle 455 may have a triangular pyramid shape. The needle 455 may be disposed to gradually widen in a direction from the center of the plate 45 toward the liquid inlet hole 454. In any one needle 455, any one needle edge 4553 may be inclined in a direction toward the liquid inlet hole 454. With respect to the one needle edge 4553, two needle inclined surfaces 4552 may gradually widen in a direction toward the liquid inlet hole 454.

Accordingly, the size of bubbles introduced into the liquid inlet hole 454 may be limited. In addition, bubbles introduced into the liquid inlet hole 454 may be reduced in size or be removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a container shaped to define a first chamber structured to store a liquid; a frame shaped to define a second chamber through which air passes; a plate positioned between the container and the frame and separating the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the plate is shaped to define a first liquid inlet hole to permit communication between the first chamber and the second chamber; a wick disposed at the second chamber and being in communication with the first chamber through the first liquid inlet hole; a heater configured to heat the wick; and a needle protruding from the plate into the first chamber, wherein the needle may gradually narrow as a distance from the plate increases.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plate may include an inlet guide recessed in an inclined manner from a surface facing the first chamber toward the first liquid inlet hole.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the needle may be adjacent to the inlet guide.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the needle may be one of a plurality of needles, wherein the plurality of needles may be spaced apart from each other around the inlet guide.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure each of the plurality of needles may be shaped to gradually widen in a direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide from the first chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of needles may have a pyramid shape.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet guide may gradually increase in width in a direction toward the first liquid inlet hole and gradually decrease in width in a downward direction.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet guide may include: an inclined line inclined downward from one end thereof toward the first liquid inlet hole; and a pair of inclined surfaces gradually increasing in width toward the first liquid inlet hole along the inclined line and gradually decreasing in width toward the inclined line, the pair of inclined surfaces meeting at the inclined line.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the needle may include a needle inclined surface adjacent to an edge of the inclined surface and inclined in a direction in which the inclined surface is inclined.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plate may be shaped to define a second liquid inlet hole to further permit the communication between the first chamber and the second chamber, and wherein the wick may extend in a transverse direction relative to the second chamber and includes first and second ends that respectively correspond to, and may be positioned below, the first liquid inlet hole and the second liquid inlet hold.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, another end of the inclined line may be disposed to correspond to the wick.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure the inlet guide may be inclined downward relative to the first liquid inlet hole, and wherein a lower end of the inlet guide may be located below a bottom side of the first liquid inlet hole.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a width of a portion of the inlet guide that may be adjacent to the first liquid inlet hole is less than a width of the first liquid inlet hole.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the needle may protrude from a surface of the inlet guide.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the needle may be formed on a periphery of the first liquid inlet hole.

An aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: the cartridge; and a body shaped to define an insertion space that is open outward and is configured to couple to a cartridge to permit communication with the insertion space,

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 container shaped to define a first chamber structured to store a liquid;

a frame shaped to define a second chamber through which air passes;

a plate positioned between the container and the frame and separating the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the plate is shaped to define a first liquid inlet hole to permit communication between the first chamber and the second chamber;

a wick disposed at the second chamber and being in communication with the first chamber through the first liquid inlet hole;

a heater configured to heat the wick; and

a needle protruding from the plate into the first chamber, wherein the needle gradually narrows as a distance from the plate increases.
The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises an inlet guide recessed in an inclined manner from a surface facing the first chamber toward the first liquid inlet hole.
The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the needle is adjacent to the inlet guide.
The cartridge of claim 3, further comprising:

wherein the needle is one of a plurality of needles;

wherein the plurality of needles are spaced apart from each other around the inlet guide.
The cartridge of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of needles is shaped to gradually widen in a direction in which the liquid is introduced to the inlet guide from the first chamber.
The cartridge of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of needles has a pyramid shape.
The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the inlet guide gradually increases in width in a direction toward the first liquid inlet hole and gradually decreases in width in a downward direction.
The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the inlet guide comprises:

an inclined line inclined downward from one end thereof toward the first liquid inlet hole; and

a pair of inclined surfaces gradually increasing in width toward the first liquid inlet hole along the inclined line and gradually decreasing in width toward the inclined line, the pair of inclined surfaces meeting at the inclined line.
The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the needle comprises a needle inclined surface adjacent to an edge of the inclined surface and inclined in a direction in which the inclined surface is inclined.
The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the plate is shaped to define a second liquid inlet hole to further permit the communication between the first chamber and the second chamber, and

wherein the wick extends in a transverse direction relative to the second chamber and includes first and second ends that respectively correspond to, and are positioned below, the first liquid inlet hole and the second liquid inlet hold.
The cartridge of claim 10, wherein another end of the inclined line is disposed to correspond to the wick.
The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the inlet guide is inclined downward relative to the first liquid inlet hole, and wherein a lower end of the inlet guide is located below a bottom side of the first liquid inlet hole.
The cartridge of claim 2, wherein a width of a portion of the inlet guide that is adjacent to the first liquid inlet hole is less than a width of the first liquid inlet hole.
The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the needle protrudes from a surface of the inlet guide.
The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the needle is formed on a periphery of the first liquid inlet hole.
An aerosol generating device comprising:

a body shaped to define an insertion space that is open outward and is configured to couple to a cartridge to permit communication with the insertion space,

wherein the cartridge comprises:

a container shaped to define a first chamber structured to store a liquid;

a frame shaped to define a second chamber through which air passes;

a plate positioned between the container and the frame and separating the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the plate is shaped to define a first liquid inlet hole to permit communication between the first chamber and the second chamber;

a wick disposed at the second chamber and being in communication with the first chamber through the first liquid inlet hole;

a heater configured to heat the wick; and

a needle protruding from the plate into the first chamber, wherein the needle gradually narrows as a distance from the plate increases.