Cartridge and aerosol generation system

Abstract

This cartridge comprises an aerosol source, a heater that is configured to atomize the aerosol source, and a housing that accommodates the heater. The heater comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a fixing portion for fixing the heater to the housing, a first heating element extending so as to connect the first electrode and the fixing portion, and a second heating element extending so as to connect the second electrode and the fixing portion. The first electrode and the second electrode are located on a first side of the fixing portion. The first electrode, the first heating element, the fixing portion, the second heating element, and the second electrode are electrically connected to each other.

Description

Cartridge and Aerosol Generating System

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and an aerosol generating system.

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavor without burning materials are known. As such a flavor inhaler, for example, electronic cigarettes are known. Electronic cigarettes supply an aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol generating material containing a flavor such as nicotine to a user's mouth, or supply an aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol generating material that does not contain a flavor such as nicotine to a user's mouth after passing the aerosol through a flavor source (e.g., a tobacco source).

[0003] Some electronic cigarettes include a tank that stores a liquid for generating aerosol, and a heater that atomizes the liquid. As such an electronic cigarette, one having a cartridge in which a curved heater is brought into contact with a liquid holding member fluidly connected to the tank is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] International Publication No. 2020 / 165949

[0005] In a cartridge including a single heater as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the length of the heater is increased, the amount of thermal expansion caused by the heat generation of the heater itself increases, and there is a risk that the heater is separated from the liquid holding member. In such a case, the separation from the liquid holding member further increases the temperature of the heater, and there is a risk that the heater is broken.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to suppress the heating element from becoming overheated and broken.

[0007] According to a first embodiment, a cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes an aerosol source, a heater configured to atomize the aerosol source, and a housing for housing the heater. The heater includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a fixing portion for fixing the heater to the housing, a first heating element extending to connect the first electrode and the fixing portion, and a second heating element extending to connect the second electrode and the fixing portion. The first electrode and the second electrode are located on the first side of the fixing portion. The first electrode, the first heating element, the fixing portion, the second heating element, and the second electrode are electrically connected to each other.

[0008] In this case, the first heating element and the second heating element are located on the first side, and a roughly U-shaped heating element can be formed. Even with such a long U-shaped heating element, by providing a fixing portion between the first heating element and the second heating element, it is possible to suppress the separation of the heating elements from the object to be heated (specifically the wick) even if each heating element expands due to heat generation. As a result, it is possible to suppress the heating elements from becoming too hot and breaking.

[0009] The electrical resistance of the fixed portion may be lower than the electrical resistance of the first heating element and the second heating element, respectively.

[0010] In this case, since heat generation in the fixed part is suppressed, power can be used efficiently for the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0011] The housing has a wick capable of holding the aerosol source, and the fixing part may be positioned between the wick and the housing.

[0012] In this case, the fixing part is covered by the wick and the housing, which prevents it from being exposed. This prevents components from directly contacting the fixing part and causing it to detach from the housing.

[0013] The cartridge may have a pressing member configured to press the wick against the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0014] In this case, the wick can be brought into more reliable contact with the first and second heating elements, so that the aerosol source held in the wick can be heated efficiently. Furthermore, preferably, the first and second heating elements can be embedded in the wick, so that even if the first and second heating elements expand due to heat, separation from the wick can be suppressed.

[0015] The first heating element and the second heating element may be curved in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode and the fixed portion are adjacent to each other, and the second direction in which the first heating element and the second heating element are adjacent to each other.

[0016] In this case, since the first heating element and the second heating element are curved, even if the first heating element and the second heating element undergo thermal expansion, the direction of deformation of the first heating element and the second heating element can be easily controlled, making it easier to maintain contact between the object to be heated (e.g., a wick) and the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0017] The heater may be positioned between the first heating element and the second heating element and the fixed portion, and may have a connecting portion whose cross-sectional shape gradually increases from the first heating element and the second heating element toward the fixed portion.

[0018] In this case, abrupt changes in the cross-sectional area at the connection portion between the first heating element and the second heating element and the fixed part are suppressed, thereby preventing the connection portion between the first heating element and the second heating element and the fixed part from breaking. Furthermore, the provision of the connection portion allows for good contact between the first heating element and the second heating element and the object to be heated (e.g., a wick).

[0019] The housing may have a protrusion, and the fixing portion may have a hole that engages with the protrusion.

[0020] In this case, the fixing part can be secured to the housing by engaging the protrusion with the hole.

[0021] The hole may be configured to be loosely fitted into the protrusion.

[0022] In this case, the manufacturing tolerances of the heater can be accommodated, making it easy to fit the holes into the protrusions during cartridge manufacturing. Furthermore, since the fixing part can move slightly when the first and second heating elements undergo thermal expansion, stress on the first and second heating elements can be suppressed compared to when the fixing part is fixed in an immovable position.

[0023] The protrusion may be elastic and configured to apply stress to the fixed portion in a direction away from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0024] In this case, stress can be applied to pull the first heating element and the second heating element, so that when the first heating element and the second heating element bend, they can be pressed against the object to be heated (e.g., a wick). In this case, when the first heating element and the second heating element expand due to heat generation, separation of the first heating element and the second heating element from the object to be heated (e.g., a wick) can be suppressed.

[0025] The cartridge may have a flavor source placed on the aerosol channel.

[0026] In this case, a flavored aerosol can be supplied to the user.

[0027] According to a second embodiment, an aerosol generation system is provided. This aerosol generation system comprises the cartridge and an aerosol generation device equipped with a battery that supplies power to the cartridge.

[0028] This is a schematic diagram showing the aerosol generation system according to this embodiment. This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system as seen from arrow 2-2 in Figure 1. This is a front view of the cartridge. This is a top view of the cartridge. This is a bottom view of the cartridge. This is a left side view of the cartridge. This is a right side view of the cartridge. This is a rear view of the cartridge. This is a cross-sectional perspective view as seen from arrow 9-9 in Figure 8. This is an exploded rear perspective view of the cartridge. This is an exploded front perspective view of the cartridge. This is a perspective view of the heater. This is a plan view of the heater. This is a perspective view of the pressing member.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the aerosol generation system 1000 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 1000 as seen from the line 2-2 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generation system 1000 includes a cartridge 100 and an aerosol generation device 200 equipped with a battery 10 that supplies power to the cartridge 100.

[0030] As described later, the cartridge 100 includes an aerosol source, a heater for atomizing the aerosol, and a flavor source, and is configured to supply the aerosol generated from the aerosol source to the user by passing it through the flavor source. The cartridge 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, it is not limited to this, and the cartridge 100 may have a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape with a polygonal cross-section.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 200 includes a battery 10 and a control circuit 20. The battery 10 stores the power used by the aerosol generator 200. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the aerosol generator 200 has an external heater 30 for heating the flavor source of the cartridge 100, which will be described later. In this case, by heating the flavor source of the cartridge 100 from the outside with the external heater 30, flavor can be imparted to the aerosol produced in the cartridge 100 more efficiently.

[0032] The control circuit 20 consists of a CPU and memory, and controls the operation of the aerosol generator 200. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the aerosol source of the cartridge 100 in response to the user's puffing action and stops heating the aerosol source in response to the end of the puffing action. If the aerosol generator 200 has an external heater 30, the control circuit 20 can also control the supply of power to the external heater 30. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the external heater 30 is positioned to be in contact with one side of the cartridge 100. The external heater 30 may include a heating element, such as a heating track, and an electrically insulating sheet covering at least one side of the heating element. Alternatively, the external heater 30 may include a susceptor that is inductively heated by an induction coil (not shown).

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 has a housing 40 that houses a battery 10 and a control circuit 20, etc. The housing 40 has an opening 42 into which a cartridge 100 is inserted, and a housing section 44 which is a space for housing the cartridge 100. In the example shown in Figure 2, an external heater 30 is positioned to define a part of the housing section 44. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 200 has a pair of electrodes 46 that are electrically connected to the battery 10 and configured to supply power to the cartridge 100 housed in the housing section 44. In the example shown in Figure 1, the electrodes 46 are positioned at the bottom of the housing section 44.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 may have a mouthpiece 50 that is detachably disposed on the housing 40 to close the opening 42. The mouthpiece 50 may have a mouthpiece body 52 and a sealing member 54, such as an O-ring, for sealing the space between the housing 40 and the mouthpiece body 52. ​​This can prevent aerosol leakage from between the housing 40 and the mouthpiece body 52. ​​The mouthpiece body 52 has an internal space 56 through which the aerosol generated in the cartridge 100 passes. The user can inhale the aerosol generated in the cartridge 100 through the internal space 56 by holding the mouthpiece body 52 in their mouth and sucking. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 has a mouthpiece 50, but it is not limited to this, and the mouthpiece may be provided on the cartridge 100. In this case, the mouthpiece is replaced together with the cartridge 100, so the cleanliness of the mouthpiece can be easily maintained.

[0036] Next, the configuration of cartridge 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a front view of cartridge 100. Figure 4 is a top view of cartridge 100. Figure 5 is a bottom view of cartridge 100. Figure 6 is a left side view of cartridge 100. Figure 7 is a right side view of cartridge 100. Figure 8 is a rear view of cartridge 100. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken from arrow 9-9 shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of cartridge 100. Figure 11 is an exploded front perspective view of cartridge 100.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the cartridge 100 includes an aerosol source, a heater 120 configured to atomize the aerosol source, and a housing 101 that houses the heater 120. The housing 101 is substantially rectangular in shape and has an upper wall portion 102, a bottom wall portion 103, a first side wall portion 104, a second side wall portion 105, a third side wall portion 106, and a fourth side wall portion 107. The first side wall portion 104 is located between the upper wall portion 102 and the bottom wall portion 103. The second side wall portion 105 faces the first side wall portion 104. The fourth side wall portion 107 faces the third side wall portion 106.

[0038] In this embodiment, the top wall portion 102, bottom wall portion 103, third side wall portion 106, and fourth side wall portion 107 are formed of a resin material and have a predetermined thickness and rigidity. In contrast, the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 are formed of a film that is impermeable to liquids and flexible. The films constituting the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 are attached to a frame defined by the top wall portion 102, bottom wall portion 103, third side wall portion 106, and fourth side wall portion 107 to assemble a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 8, the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 are formed of a transparent film, but are not limited to this, and may be formed of a translucent film or an opaque film. Furthermore, the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 may be formed of the same resin material as the top wall portion 102, etc., instead of a film.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the housing 101 has a first storage section 101a for storing an aerosol source, a second storage section 101b for storing a flavor source 60, and a partition wall 108 that separates the first storage section 101a and the second storage section 101b. In the illustrated example, the partition wall 108 is arranged to be connected to the upper wall section 102, the bottom wall section 103, the third side wall section 106, and the fourth side wall section 107, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 101. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 100 is the same direction as the insertion direction when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the housing section 44 of the aerosol generator 200.

[0040] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the first storage section 101a houses a liquid holder 110, a transporter 112, a wick 114, and a heater 120. The liquid holder 110 is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction. The transporter 112 extends in the longitudinal direction and contacts the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (thickness direction). In other words, the transporter 112 is arranged such that a portion of it is sandwiched between the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114. The aerosol source is mainly held in the liquid holder 110, and the transporter 112 is configured to transport the aerosol source held in the liquid holder 110 to the wick 114. The wick 114 is configured to hold the aerosol source. The liquid holder 110 is formed of a porous material, for example, a nonwoven fabric or sponge made of cellulose, polyester, or polyurethane. The transport body 112 may be made of, for example, cotton. The wick 114 may be made of, for example, absorbent cotton.

[0041] The wick 114 is positioned to be in contact with the heater 120. The heater 120 is configured to atomize the aerosol source held in the wick 114. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the partition wall 108 has an opening 108a that penetrates to connect the first storage section 101a and the second storage section 101b. The wick 114 is positioned to close the opening 108a. A portion of the heater 120 is positioned to be in contact with the surface of the wick 114 that closes the opening 108a. As a result, a portion of the heater 120 and a portion of the wick 114 are exposed to the second storage section 101b.

[0042] As shown in Figure 11, the cartridge 100 preferably has a pressing member 140. The pressing member 140 is positioned between the transport body 112 and the liquid holder 110 and is configured to press the transport body 112 and the wick 114 against the heater 120. In this case, a gap is created between the transport body 112 and the wick 114 and the liquid holder 110, so that the transfer of heat from the heater 120 to the liquid holder 110 can be suppressed, and the aerosol source held in the wick 114 can be heated efficiently. The pressing member 140 may also be positioned between the transport body 112 and the wick 114. That is, the pressing member 140 may be configured to press only the wick 114 against the heater 120. In this case, the wick 114 is in contact with the transport body 112 in the portion not pressed by the pressing member 140, and the aerosol source can be transported from the transport body 112.

[0043] An aerosol source is a material that vaporizes upon heating and generates an aerosol upon cooling, or a material that generates an aerosol upon atomization. Known materials can be used as aerosol sources, including, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a flavor source 60 is accommodated in the second storage portion 101b. The flavor source 60 is preferably arranged on the aerosol flow path. In other words, the flavor source 60 is preferably arranged downstream of an atomization chamber 162 described later. This allows aerosol imparted with a flavor to be supplied to a user. The flavor source 60 may include at least one of a tobacco raw material and a non-tobacco raw material. In this case, not only tobacco but also other plant materials and the like can be used for the flavor source 60, so various flavors can be provided. A tobacco raw material is a raw material derived from tobacco, and specific examples thereof include shredded dried tobacco leaves, pulverized tobacco leaves, and the like. Pulverized tobacco leaves are particles obtained by pulverizing tobacco leaves. As the non-tobacco raw material, for example, plants used as herbs and spices can be used. Specific examples of plants used as herbs and spices include dill seeds, rosemary, star anise, cloves, oregano, ginger, and chamomile.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, the second storage portion 101b includes a flavor source placement portion 161 where the flavor source 60 is placed, and an atomization chamber 162 adjacent to the flavor source placement portion 161 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a part of the wick 114 and a part of the heater 120 are exposed to the atomization chamber 162. Accordingly, the heater 120 atomizes the aerosol source held by the wick 114, and aerosol can be generated in the atomization chamber 162. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the flavor source placement portion 161 is arranged closer to an air outlet 102a described later than the atomization chamber 162 is. Accordingly, the flavor source placement portion 161 is located downstream of the atomization chamber 162, and the aerosol generated in the atomization chamber 162 can pass through the flavor source 60.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the third side wall portion 106 has an air inlet 106a for taking air into the housing 101. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the housing 101 has an air flow path A1 that communicates the air inlet 106a with the atomization chamber 162. Accordingly, the air flowing in from the air inlet 106a reaches the atomization chamber 162 through the air flow path A1, contacts the flavor source 60 together with the aerosol, and can impart flavor to the aerosol.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the upper wall portion 102 has an air outlet 102a for discharging air accompanied by aerosol out of the housing 101. As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 10, in the present embodiment, a filter 163 that covers the air outlet 102a is provided. The aerosol generated in the atomization chamber 162 passes through the flavor source 60 by the air passing through the air flow path A1, and is discharged from the air outlet 102a.

[0048] Next, the heater 120 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the heater 120. FIG. 13 is a plan view of the heater 120. Note that FIG. 13 shows the heater 120 before a first contact portion 121b and a second contact portion 122b, which will be described later, are bent. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the heater 120 includes a first electrode 121, a second electrode 122, a fixing portion 123, a first heating element 124, and a second heating element 125. The fixing portion 123 is configured to fix the heater 120 to the housing 101. The first heating element 124 extends so as to connect the first electrode 121 and the fixing portion 123. The second heating element 125 extends so as to connect the second electrode 122 and the fixing portion 123. The first electrode 121, the first heating element 124, the fixing portion 123, the second heating element 125, and the second electrode 122 are electrically connected to each other. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the fixing portion 123 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite to the first side S1. The first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 are preferably located on the first side S1 of the fixing portion 123. In other words, both the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 are located on the same side with respect to the fixing portion 123.

[0049] According to the heater 120 of this embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are located on the first side S1, and a substantially U-shaped heating element can be formed. Even with such a substantially U-shaped, long heating element, by providing a fixing portion 123 between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125, even if the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 each expand due to heat generation, separation of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 from the object to be heated (specifically, the aerosol source held in the wick 114) can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 from becoming too hot and burning out. In this embodiment, the heater 120 has a first heating element 124 and a second heating element 125, but is not limited to this. For example, the heater 120 may have one or more heating elements arranged in parallel with the first heating element 124. Similarly, the heater 120 may have one or more heating elements arranged in parallel with the second heating element 125. The number of heating elements arranged in parallel with the first heating element 124 may be the same as or different from the number of heating elements arranged in parallel with the second heating element 125.

[0050] Preferably, the electrical resistance of the fixed portion 123 is lower than the electrical resistance of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125. In this case, heat generation of the fixed portion 123 is suppressed, so power can be used efficiently for the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125. Specifically, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the fixed portion 123 is flat, and the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are linear. Furthermore, the fixed portion 123 and the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are made of the same material, such as a nickel alloy such as Invar, Kovar, Hastelloy, or nichrome, or stainless steel. For this reason, the fixed portion 123 has a larger cross-sectional area and lower electrical resistance than the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125. However, the fixed portion 123 can have any shape. The fixing portion 123, the first heating element 124, and the second heating element 125 may be formed from the same material or from different materials. For example, in order to suppress the heating of the fixing portion 123, the fixing portion 123 may be made of a metal with low volume resistivity. In this case, the fixing portion 123 and the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be connected by soldering or resistance welding.

[0051] As shown in Figure 11, it is preferable that the housing 101 has a protrusion 101c. In this case, it is preferable that the fixing part 123 has a hole 123a that engages with the protrusion 101c, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. This allows the fixing part 123 to be fixed to the housing 101 by engaging the protrusion 101c with the hole 123a. It is preferable that the hole 123a is configured to loosely fit the protrusion 101c. Here, "loosely fit" means a state in which the hole 123a and the protrusion 101c are fitted together such that there is a gap (play) between them. In other words, it is preferable that the diameter of the hole 123a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 101c. In this case, it is possible to accommodate the manufacturing tolerances of the heater 120, so that the hole 123a can be easily fitted into the protrusion 101c during the manufacturing of the cartridge 100. Furthermore, when the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 expand due to heat, the fixing part 123 can move slightly, so that stress on the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be suppressed compared to when the fixing part 123 is fixed so that it does not move. More specifically, it is preferable to loosely fit the hole 123a into the protrusion 101c, and then press the wick 114 or the like against the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 to make the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 taut.

[0052] The protrusion 101c may be elastic. In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion 101c is configured to apply stress to the fixing portion 123 in a direction away from the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122. This allows stress to be applied in a pulling manner to the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125, so that when the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 bend as described later, the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be pressed against the object to be heated (e.g., the wick 114). In this case, when the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 expand due to heat generation, separation of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 from the object to be heated (e.g., the wick 114) can be suppressed. Furthermore, even when the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are not curved, the convex portion 101c applies stress to the fixing portion 123 in a direction away from the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122, thereby eliminating the deflection of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 due to thermal expansion. As a result, the separation of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 from the object to be heated (e.g., the wick 114) due to deflection can be suppressed.

[0053] As shown in Figure 11, it is preferable that the fixing portion 123 be positioned between the wick 114 and the housing 101. In this case, exposure of the fixing portion 123 is suppressed by the wick 114 and the housing 101, so it is possible to suppress the fixing portion 123 from coming off the housing 101 due to direct contact of a component with the fixing portion 123. Alternatively, a support member may be provided that sandwiches the fixing portion 123 together with the housing 101. Furthermore, the fixing portion 123 may be prevented from coming off the housing 101 by loosely fitting the hole 123a of the fixing portion 123 into the protrusion 101c and then applying heat to the protrusion 101c to flatten it.

[0054] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the direction in which the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 and the fixed portion 123 are adjacent is defined as the first direction d1, and the direction in which the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are adjacent is defined as the second direction d2. In this case, as shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are curved toward a third direction d3 which is perpendicular to both the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. In this case, even if the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 undergo thermal expansion, the direction of deformation of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be easily controlled, and contact between the object to be heated (for example, an aerosol source held in the wick 114) and the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be easily maintained.

[0055] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the heater 120 is preferably positioned between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the fixed part 123, and has a connecting portion 126 whose cross-sectional shape gradually increases from the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 toward the fixed part 123. In this case, abrupt changes in the cross-sectional area at the connection portion between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the fixed part 123 are suppressed, thereby preventing the connection portion between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the fixed part 123 from breaking. Furthermore, by providing the connecting portion 126, good contact between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the object to be heated (for example, the wick 114) can be maintained. Similarly, it is preferable that the heater 120 is positioned between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122, and has a connection portion 127 whose cross-sectional shape gradually increases from the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 toward the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122. In this case, abrupt changes in the cross-sectional area at the connection portion between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 are suppressed, thereby preventing the connection portion between the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 and the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 from breaking.

[0056] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 each have a first electrode portion 121a and a second electrode portion 122a, and a first contact portion 121b and a second contact portion 122b, respectively. The first electrode portion 121a and the second electrode portion 122a are portions that connect to the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125, respectively. The first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b are portions that contact the electrode 46 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 12, the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b are bent along a third direction d3 relative to the first electrode portion 121a and the second electrode portion 122a. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b are bent in the direction in which the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 curve, but they may be bent in the opposite direction. As shown in Figures 5, 9, and 10, the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b are positioned to be exposed through an opening 103a provided in the bottom wall portion 103. This allows the electrode 46 shown in Figure 1 to come into contact with the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, each of the first electrode portion 121a and the second electrode portion 122a may have holes 121c and 122c configured to engage with a protrusion (not shown) of the housing 101. By engaging the protrusion (not shown) with holes 121c and 122c, the first electrode portion 121a and the second electrode portion 122a can be positioned or fixed relative to the housing 101. It is preferable that holes 121c and 122c are configured to loosely fit with the protrusion (not shown). Similarly, each of the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b may have holes 121d and 122d configured to engage with a protrusion (not shown) of the housing 101. By engaging the protrusion (not shown) with holes 121d and 122d, the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b can be positioned or fixed relative to the housing 101. It is preferable that holes 121d and 122d are configured to be loosely fitted to a protrusion (not shown). The first electrode portion 121a or the second electrode portion 122a may be positioned between the wick 114 and the housing 101, or between the support member and the housing 101, similar to the fixing portion 123. Furthermore, after loosely fitting hole 121c or hole 122c to a protrusion (not shown), heat may be applied to the protrusion to flatten it, thereby preventing the first electrode portion 121a or the second electrode portion 122a from coming off the housing 101.

[0058] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the pressing member 140. The pressing member 140 is configured to press the wick 114 against the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125. In this case, the wick 114 can be made to contact the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 more reliably, so that the aerosol source held in the wick 114 can be heated efficiently. Furthermore, preferably, the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be embedded in the wick 114, so that even if the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 expand due to heat, separation from the wick 114 can be suppressed.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the pressing member 140 has a pressing portion 141 and a pair of base portions 143. The pressing portion 141 is a substantially rod-shaped member that extends along the second direction d2 shown in Figures 12 and 13 when the pressing member 140 is incorporated into the cartridge 100. The pressing portion 141 has a pressing surface 141a that contacts the transport body 112. The pressing surface 141a presses the wick 114 against the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 via the transport body 112. As shown in Figure 14, it is preferable that the pressing surface 141a is arc-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction d2 in order to fit the curved first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125.

[0060] A pair of base portions 143 are provided at both ends of the pressing portion 141 and are configured to position the pressing member 140 relative to the housing 101. Specifically, the pair of base portions 143 have contact surfaces 143a that contact the housing 101. By having the contact surfaces 143a contact the housing 101, the pressing portion 141 can prevent the wick 114 from pressing too hard against the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125.

[0061] The pressing member 140 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as synthetic resin. Furthermore, the pressing member 140 is preferably non-porous so as not to retain liquid. The pressing member 140 may also be elastic. Specifically, for example, the pressing portion 141 may be made of an elastic material, and the base portion 143 may be made of an inelastic material such as synthetic resin.

[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention.

[0063] Some embodiments disclosed herein are described below: (1) A cartridge comprising: an aerosol source; a heater configured to atomize the aerosol source; and a housing for housing the heater, wherein the heater comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode; a fixing portion for fixing the heater to the housing; a first heating element extending to connect the first electrode and the fixing portion; and a second heating element extending to connect the second electrode and the fixing portion, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are located on the first side of the fixing portion, and the first electrode, the first heating element, the fixing portion, the second heating element, and the second electrode are electrically connected to each other. (2) The cartridge according to (1), wherein the electrical resistance of the fixing portion is lower than the electrical resistance of the first heating element and the second heating element, respectively. (3) A cartridge according to (1) or (2), wherein the cartridge has a wick capable of holding the aerosol source, and the fixing portion is disposed between the wick and the housing. (4) A cartridge according to (3), wherein the cartridge has a pressing member configured to press the wick against the first heating element and the second heating element. (5) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are curved toward a third direction perpendicular to both a first direction in which the first electrode and the second electrode and the fixing portion are adjacent, and a second direction in which the first heating element and the second heating element are adjacent. (6) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the heater is disposed between the first heating element and the second heating element and the fixing portion, and has a connecting portion whose cross-sectional shape gradually increases toward the fixing portion from the first heating element and the second heating element. (7) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the housing has a protrusion and the fixing part has a hole that engages with the protrusion. (8) A cartridge according to (7), wherein the hole is configured to be loosely fitted to the protrusion.(9) A cartridge according to (7) or (8), wherein the protrusion is elastic and configured to apply stress to the fixed portion in a direction away from the first electrode and the second electrode. (10) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein it has a flavor source arranged on the aerosol channel. (11) An aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge according to any one of (1) to (10) and an aerosol generation device equipped with a battery that supplies power to the cartridge.

[0064] 10: Battery 46: Electrode 60: Flavoring source 100: Cartridge 101: Housing 101c: Protrusion 114: Wick 120: Heater 121: First electrode 122: Second electrode 123: Fixing part 123a: Hole 124: First heating element 125: Second heating element 126: Connection part 140: Pressing member 200: Aerosol generating device S1: First side d1: First direction d2: Second direction d3: Third direction

Claims

1. A cartridge comprising: an aerosol source; a heater configured to atomize the aerosol source; and a housing for housing the heater, wherein the heater comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode; a fixing portion for fixing the heater to the housing; a first heating element extending to connect the first electrode and the fixing portion; and a second heating element extending to connect the second electrode and the fixing portion, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are located on the first side of the fixing portion, and the first electrode, the first heating element, the fixing portion, the second heating element, and the second electrode are electrically connected to each other.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the electrical resistance of the fixed portion is lower than the electrical resistance of the first heating element and the second heating element, respectively.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge has a wick capable of holding the aerosol source, and the fixing portion is disposed between the wick and the housing.

4. A cartridge according to claim 3, comprising a pressing member configured to press the wick against the first heating element and the second heating element.

5. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are curved toward a third direction perpendicular to both a first direction toward which the first electrode and the second electrode and the fixed portion are adjacent, and a second direction toward which the first heating element and the second heating element are adjacent.

6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heater is disposed between the first heating element and the second heating element and the fixed part, and has a connecting part whose cross-sectional shape gradually increases from the first heating element and the second heating element toward the fixed part.

7. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing has a protrusion and the fixing portion has a hole that engages with the protrusion.

8. A cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the hole is configured to be loosely fitted to the protrusion.

9. A cartridge according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the protrusion is elastic and configured to apply stress to the fixing portion in a direction away from the first electrode and the second electrode.

10. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cartridge has a flavor source disposed on an aerosol channel.

11. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery for supplying power to the cartridge.

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