Cartridge and aerosol generation system

Abstract

This cartridge comprises: a storage unit that stores an aerosol source; a liquid retainer that is accommodated in the storage unit and extends in a first direction; a heater that is configured to atomize the aerosol source; a wick that is disposed so as to be in contact with the heater; and a transporter that extends in the first direction, is in contact with the liquid retainer and the wick in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is configured to transport the aerosol source retained in the liquid retainer to the wick. The transporter has: a first portion that is in contact with the wick in the second direction; and a second portion that is disposed at a position different from the position of the first portion in the first direction, is not in contact with the wick, and is in contact with the liquid retainer in the second direction.

Description

Cartridge and Aerosol Generating System

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

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

[0003] Some electronic cigarettes include a tank that accommodates a liquid aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a heater that atomizes the aerosol source. In such electronic cigarettes, in order to prevent leakage of the aerosol source, it is known to accommodate a liquid holder in the tank and cause the liquid holder to carry the aerosol source (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6711752

[0005] However, when the liquid holder carries the aerosol source in the tank, there is a risk that the supply of the aerosol source to the heater is delayed, or liquid remains in the liquid holder without being atomized by the heater.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to suppress the aerosol source from remaining in the liquid holder and efficiently use the aerosol source stored in the cartridge.

[0007] According to a first embodiment, a cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a storage section for storing an aerosol source, a liquid holder housed in the storage section and extending in a first direction, a heater configured to atomize the aerosol source, a wick positioned to contact the heater, and a transporter extending in the first direction and in contact with the liquid holder and the wick in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, configured to transport the aerosol source held in the liquid holder to the wick. The transporter has a first portion that contacts the wick in the second direction, and a second portion positioned differently from the first portion in the first direction, not in contact with the wick, and in contact with the liquid holder in the second direction.

[0008] In this case, since the transporter has a second portion that is separated from the wick and in contact with the liquid holder, the aerosol source held in the portion of the liquid holder far from the wick can be moved to the wick by the transporter. As a result, the retention of aerosol source in the liquid holder can be suppressed, and the aerosol source stored in the storage unit can be used efficiently.

[0009] The porosity of the transport body may be smaller than the porosity of the liquid holder and larger than the porosity of the wick.

[0010] In this case, the transporter can stably transport the aerosol source, which is held in the liquid holder, to the wick.

[0011] The wick has a first surface in contact with the heater and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the transport body may be in contact with the second surface of the wick.

[0012] In this case, the transport body can come into contact with the wick over a relatively large area and in a position close to the heater, allowing for more stable transport of the aerosol source to the wick.

[0013] The transporter may be in contact with one end or both ends of the liquid holder in the first direction in the second direction.

[0014] In this case, the transport body can come into contact with the liquid holder over a relatively large area and at a position far from the heater, allowing the aerosol source held by the liquid holder to be transported stably by the wick.

[0015] The cartridge may have a pressing member between the transport body and the liquid holder, configured to press the transport body and the wick against the heater.

[0016] In this case, a gap is created between the transporter and the wick and the liquid holder, which suppresses the transfer of heat from the heater to the liquid holder, allowing the aerosol source held in the wick to be heated efficiently.

[0017] The transporter may include a porous sheet.

[0018] In this case, the increase in the volume of the transporter can be suppressed, thus reducing the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter.

[0019] The thickness of the sheet may be 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0020] If the sheet thickness is less than 0.05 mm, the amount of aerosol source that the transporter can hold becomes too small, which may make it difficult to stably supply the aerosol source to the wick. Conversely, if the sheet thickness exceeds 0.5 mm, the volume of the transporter becomes too large, which may make it difficult to appropriately control the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter. Therefore, when the sheet thickness is within the above range, it is possible to stably supply the aerosol source to the wick while appropriately controlling the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter.

[0021] The transport body may be provided with through holes or slits.

[0022] In this case, the volume of the transport body corresponding to the through-hole or slit can be reduced, thereby suppressing the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transport body.

[0023] The volume of the transporter may be smaller than the volume of the wick.

[0024] In this case, the increase in the volume of the transporter can be suppressed, thus reducing the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter.

[0025] The cartridge has a lid that closes the storage section, and the lid may be configured to press the liquid holder toward the transport body.

[0026] In this case, the liquid holder and the transporter can be brought into more reliable contact, thus enabling more stable transfer of the aerosol source from the liquid holder to the transporter.

[0027] The transporter may have a third portion that contacts the wick in the first direction.

[0028] In this case, the contact area between the transporter and the wick can be increased, allowing for more stable transfer of the aerosol source from the transporter to the wick.

[0029] The liquid holder may be positioned so as not to be in direct contact with the wick.

[0030] In this case, the direct movement of the aerosol source from the liquid holder to the wick can be suppressed, allowing the aerosol source held in the liquid holder to be properly transferred to the transporter.

[0031] The transporter may be in contact with one or both ends of the liquid holder in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0032] In this case, the transport body can come into contact with the liquid holder over a relatively large area and at a position far from the heater, allowing the aerosol source held by the liquid holder to be transported stably by the wick.

[0033] The cartridge may have a flavor source placed on the aerosol channel.

[0034] In this case, a flavored aerosol can be supplied to the user.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 schematic side view of the liquid holder, transporter, and wick as seen from a third direction. This is a perspective view of the heater. This is a perspective view of the pressing member. This is a schematic side view of the liquid holder, transporter, and wick as seen from a third direction of a cartridge according to another embodiment. This is a schematic side view of the liquid holder, transporter, and wick as seen from a third direction of a cartridge according to another embodiment. This is a schematic side view of the liquid holder, transporter, and wick as seen from a third direction of a cartridge according to another embodiment.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Next, the configuration of the cartridge 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the cartridge 100. FIG. 4 is a top view of the cartridge 100. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cartridge 100. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the cartridge 100. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the cartridge 100. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the cartridge 100. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view seen from the arrow 9-9 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the rear side of the cartridge 100. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the front side of the cartridge 100.

[0045] As illustrated, the cartridge 100 includes an aerosol source, a heater 120 configured to atomize the aerosol source, and a housing 101 that accommodates the heater 120. The housing 101 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes 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.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the upper wall portion 102, the bottom wall portion 103, the third side wall portion 106, and the 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 liquid-impermeable and flexible film. Each of the films constituting the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 is attached to a frame defined by the upper wall portion 102, the bottom wall portion 103, the third side wall portion 106, and the fourth side wall portion 107, whereby the substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101 is assembled. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 are formed of a transparent film, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and they may be formed of a translucent film or an opaque film. Further, the first side wall portion 104 and the second side wall portion 105 may be formed of the same resin material as that of the upper wall portion 102 or the like, instead of being formed of a film.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the cartridge 100 includes a storage portion 101a that stores an aerosol source, a liquid holder 110, a heater 120, a wick 114, and a transporter 112. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 100 is defined as a first direction d1, and a direction in which the liquid holder 110, the transporter 112, and the wick 114 overlap each other, the direction orthogonal to the first direction d1 is defined as a second direction d2. Note that the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 100 in the present embodiment is the same direction as the insertion direction when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the housing portion 44 of the aerosol generating device 200. The liquid holder 110 is housed in the storage portion 101a and extends in the first direction d1. The heater 120 is configured to atomize the aerosol source. The wick 114 is disposed so as to be in contact with the heater 120. The transporter 112 extends in the first direction d1, is in contact with the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114 in the second direction d2, and is configured to transport the aerosol source held by the liquid holder 110 to the wick 114. In the illustrated example, the transporter 112 is disposed so as to be partially sandwiched between the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114, but is not limited thereto, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0048] The aerosol source is mainly held by the liquid holder 110, and the transporter 112 is configured to transport the aerosol source held by the liquid holder 110 to the wick 114. The wick 114 is configured to be capable of holding the aerosol source. The liquid holder 110 is formed of, for example, a porous material, and specifically may be a nonwoven fabric or a sponge formed of cellulose, polyester, polyurethane, or the like. The transporter 112 and the wick 114 may be formed of, for example, a porous material. Specifically, the transporter 112 may be formed of cotton. The wick 114 may be formed of, for example, absorbent cotton.

[0049] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the liquid holder 110, transporter 112, and wick 114 as seen from a third direction perpendicular to the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. In Figure 12, a gap is provided between the transporter 112 and the liquid holder 110 and wick 114 for the sake of understanding, but the transporter 112 is in contact with the liquid holder 110 and wick 114 in the second direction d2. As shown in Figure 12, the transporter 112 has a first portion 112a that is in contact with the wick 114 in the second direction d2, and a second portion 112b that is positioned differently from the first portion 112a in the first direction d1, does not come into contact with the wick 114, and comes into contact with the liquid holder 110 in the second direction d2. Thus, since the transporter 112 has a second portion 112b that is separated from the wick 114 and in contact with the liquid holder 110, the aerosol source held in the portion of the liquid holder 110 far from the wick 114 can be moved to the wick 114 by the transporter 112. As a result, it is possible to suppress the retention of aerosol source in the liquid holder 110, and to efficiently use the aerosol source stored in the storage section 101a. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first portion 112a of the transporter 112 is in contact with the liquid holder 110 on the surface opposite to the surface that contacts the wick 114.

[0050] The porosity of the transporter 112 is preferably smaller than that of the liquid holder 110 and larger than that of the wick 114. In this case, the capillary force of the transporter 112 may be greater than that of the liquid holder 110, and the capillary force of the wick 114 may be greater than that of the transporter 112. Therefore, the transporter 112 can stably transport the aerosol source held in the liquid holder 110 to the wick 114.

[0051] Preferably, the transporter 112 is in contact with one end or both ends of the liquid holder 110 in a first direction d1 and in a second direction d2. In this case, the transporter 112 can contact the liquid holder 110 over a relatively large area and at a position far from the heater 120, so that the aerosol source held by the liquid holder 110 can be stably transported by the wick 114. In the example shown in Figure 12, the first portion 112a of the transporter 112 is in contact with the first end 110a of the liquid holder 110 in a first direction d1, and the second portion 112b is in contact with the second end 110b in a first direction d1. However, the transporter 112 may be in contact with only the first end 110a or the second end 110b of the liquid holder 110. Furthermore, in this specification, the "end" of the liquid holder 110 in the first direction d1 means a region of a predetermined length from the end face of the liquid holder 110, for example, a range of 10% of the total length of the liquid holder 110 in the first direction d1 from the end face.

[0052] Similarly, it is preferable that the transporter 112 contacts one or both ends of the liquid holder 110 in a third direction d3 (see Figures 11 and 12) that is perpendicular to the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. In this case as well, since the transporter 112 can contact the liquid holder 110 over a relatively large area and at a position far from the heater 120, the aerosol source held by the liquid holder 110 can be stably transported by the wick 114.

[0053] As shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the liquid holder 110 is positioned so as not to be in direct contact with the wick 114. In this case, the direct movement of the aerosol source from the liquid holder 110 to the wick 114 can be suppressed, so that the aerosol source held in the liquid holder 110 can be appropriately moved to the transporter 112. In the example shown in Figure 12, the liquid holder 110 is separated from the wick 114 via the transporter 112. Specifically, the liquid holder 110 is positioned on one side of the transporter 112, and the wick 114 is positioned on the opposite side. This prevents the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114 from coming into direct contact.

[0054] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the wick 114 has a first surface 114a that contacts the heater 120, and a second surface 114b opposite to the first surface 114a. In this case, as shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the transport body 112 contacts the second surface 114b of the wick 114. This allows the transport body 112 to contact the wick 114 over a relatively large area and at a position close to the heater 120, thereby enabling more stable transport of the aerosol source to the wick 114.

[0055] The transporter 112 preferably includes a porous sheet. In this case, the volume of the transporter 112 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter 112. The thickness of this sheet is particularly preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. If the thickness of the sheet is less than 0.05 mm, the amount of aerosol source that the transporter 112 can hold will be too small, which may make it difficult to stably supply the aerosol source to the wick 114. Also, if the thickness of the sheet is greater than 0.5 mm, the volume of the transporter 112 will be too large, which may make it difficult to appropriately suppress the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter 112. Therefore, when the thickness of the sheet is within the above range, the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transporter 112 can be appropriately suppressed while stably supplying the aerosol source to the wick 114. Furthermore, if air bubbles (air layers) are generated within the transport body 112, liquid transport to the wick 114 may be hindered. However, if the sheet thickness is within the above range, the thickness of the transport body 112 is small, so the generation of air bubbles (air layers) can be suppressed. Moreover, even if such air bubbles (air layers) are generated, gas-liquid exchange occurs between the liquid holder 110 and the transport body 112, and the air bubbles (air layers) within the transport body 112 can be eliminated.

[0056] The transport body 112 may be provided with through holes or slits. In this case, the volume of the transport body 112 corresponding to the through holes or slits can be reduced, thereby suppressing the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transport body 112. Preferably, the volume of the transport body 112 is smaller than the volume of the wick 114. In this case, the increase in the volume of the transport body 112 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the amount of aerosol source that may remain in the transport body 112.

[0057] As described above, the film constituting the first side wall portion 104 is attached to a frame defined by the upper wall portion 102, the bottom wall portion 103, the third side wall portion 106, and the fourth side wall portion 107. This assembles a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101 and defines the storage portion 101a. That is, the first side wall portion 104 functions as a lid that closes the storage portion 101a. Here, it is preferable that the first side wall portion 104 is configured to press the liquid holder 110 toward the transporter 112. In this case, the liquid holder 110 and the transporter 112 can be brought into contact more reliably, so the transfer of the aerosol source from the liquid holder 110 to the transporter 112 can be performed more stably. Specifically, for example, by housing a liquid holder 110 that is thicker than the thickness of the storage section 101a in the second direction d2 of the storage section 101a, the liquid holder 110 can be pressed toward the transport body 112 by the first side wall portion 104. Furthermore, if the first side wall portion 104 is formed of a film, the bending of the film can cause the liquid holder 110 to be pressed toward the transport body 112 even more.

[0058] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the cartridge 100 has a flavor source storage section 101b for storing the flavor source 60, and a partition wall 108 that separates the storage section 101a from the flavor source 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.

[0059] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the partition wall 108 has an opening 108a that penetrates to connect the storage section 101a and the flavor source storage section 101b. The wick 114 is positioned to close the opening 108a. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a portion of the heater 120 is positioned to contact the first surface 114a 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 flavor source storage section 101b.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the flavor source storage unit 101b houses the flavor source 60. The flavor source 60 is preferably placed on the aerosol flow path. In other words, the flavor source 60 is preferably placed downstream of the atomization chamber 162, which will be described later. This allows the user to be supplied with a flavored aerosol. The flavor source 60 may contain at least one of tobacco raw materials and non-tobacco raw materials. In this case, not only tobacco but also other plant materials can be used in the flavor source 60, so a variety of flavors can be provided. Tobacco raw materials are raw materials derived from tobacco, and specifically include shredded dried tobacco leaves or crushed tobacco leaves. Crushed tobacco leaves are particles obtained by crushing tobacco leaves. As non-tobacco raw materials, 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.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, the flavor source storage unit 101b has a flavor source placement unit 161 where the flavor source 60 is placed, and an atomizing chamber 162 adjacent to the flavor source placement unit 161 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a part of the wick 114 and a part of the heater 120 are exposed to the atomizing chamber 162. This allows the heater 120 to atomize the aerosol source held by the wick 114, generating an aerosol in the atomizing chamber 162. In the example shown in Figure 10, the flavor source placement unit 161 is positioned closer to the air outlet 102a, which will be described later, than to the atomizing chamber 162. This allows the flavor source placement unit 161 to be located downstream of the atomizing chamber 162, and the aerosol source generated in the atomizing chamber 162 to pass through the flavor source 60.

[0064] As shown in Figures 6 and 10, the third side wall portion 106 has an air inlet 106a for taking air into the housing 101. Also, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the housing 101 has an air passage A1 that connects the air inlet 106a and the atomizing chamber 162. As a result, the air flowing in from the air inlet 106a reaches the atomizing chamber 162 through the air passage A1, comes into contact with the flavor source 60 along with the aerosol, and imparts flavor to the aerosol.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the upper wall portion 102 has an air outlet 102a for discharging air containing aerosols from the housing 101. As shown in Figures 4, 8, and 10, this embodiment has a filter 163 covering the air outlet 102a. The aerosols generated in the atomizing chamber 162 are passed through the flavor source 60 by air through the air passage A1 and discharged from the air outlet 102a.

[0066] Next, the heater 120 will be described. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the heater 120. As shown in Figure 13, the heater 120 has a first electrode 121, a second electrode 122, a fixing part 123, a first heating element 124, and a second heating element 125. The fixing part 123 is configured to fix the heater 120 to the housing 101. The first heating element 124 extends to connect the first electrode 121 and the fixing part 123. The second heating element 125 extends to connect the second electrode 122 and the fixing part 123. The first electrode 121, the first heating element 124, the fixing part 123, the second heating element 125, and the second electrode 122 are electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the heater 120 has a first heating element 124 and a second heating element 125, but is not limited thereto. 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.

[0067] 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 that power can be used efficiently for the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125. Specifically, as shown in Figure 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. The fixed portion 123 is not limited to this and can have any shape. Note that the fixed portion 123, the first heating element 124, and the second heating element 125 may be made of the same material or different materials. For example, in order to suppress the heating of the fixed portion 123, the fixed portion 123 may be made of a metal with low volume resistivity. In this case, the fixed portion 123 and the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be connected by soldering or resistance welding.

[0068] 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 Figure 13. This allows the fixing part 123 to be fixed to the housing 101 by engaging the protrusion 101c with the hole 123a. 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.

[0069] As shown in Figure 13, it is preferable that the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 are curved. In this case, even if the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 expand due to thermal expansion, the direction of deformation of the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 can be easily controlled, making it easier to maintain 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.

[0070] As shown in Figure 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. 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. In the example shown in Figure 13, the first contact portion 121b and the second contact portion 122b are bent in a direction that causes the first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125 to curve relative to the first electrode portion 121a and the second electrode portion 122a, 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 third direction d3 shown in Figure 11 when the pressing member 140 is assembled 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 third direction d3 so as to fit the curved first heating element 124 and the second heating element 125.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Figures 15 to 17 are schematic side views of the liquid holder 110, transport body 112, and wick 114 of the cartridge 100 according to another embodiment, as seen from a third direction d3. In Figures 15-17, a gap is provided between the transport body 112 and the liquid holder 110 and wick 114 for the sake of understanding, but the transport body 112 is in contact with the liquid holder 110 and wick 114 in the second direction d2. The example shown in Figure 15 differs from the example shown in Figure 12 in the length of the liquid holder 110 in the first direction d1. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 15, the liquid holder 110 is in contact with the second portion 112b of the transport body 112 in the second direction d2, but not with the first portion 112a. In this case, compared to the example shown in Figure 12, the placement of the liquid holder 110 in a position relatively close to the heater 120 that contacts the first surface 114a of the wick 114 is suppressed, thus suppressing the transfer of heat from the heater 120 to the liquid holder 110.

[0076] The example shown in Figure 16 differs from the example shown in Figure 15 in that the liquid holder 110 is positioned on the same side as the wick 114 relative to the transporter 112. Even in the position of the liquid holder 110 shown in Figure 16, the transporter 112 can still contact the liquid holder 110 in the second direction d2. In this case, the thickness of the cartridge 100 in the second direction d2 can be reduced compared to the examples shown in Figures 12 and 15, thus allowing the cartridge 100 to be miniaturized. It is preferable that the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114 do not come into direct contact in order to suppress the direct movement of the aerosol source from the liquid holder 110 to the wick 114. For example, it is preferable to partition the space between the first end 110a of the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114 with a part of the housing 101.

[0077] The example shown in Figure 17 differs from the example shown in Figure 15 in that the transporter 112 is bent and extends in a second direction d2 between the liquid holder 110 and the wick 114. In other words, the transporter 112 shown in Figure 17 has a third portion 112c that contacts the wick 114 in a first direction d1. In this case, the contact area between the transporter 112 and the wick 114 can be increased, so the movement of the aerosol source from the transporter 112 to the wick 114 can be performed more stably. As shown in Figure 17, it is preferable that the third portion 112c contacts the liquid holder 110 (specifically the first end portion 110a) in a first direction d1. In this case, the contact area between the transporter 112 and the liquid holder 110 can be increased, so the movement of the aerosol source from the liquid holder 110 to the transporter 112 can be performed more stably.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Some embodiments disclosed herein are described below: (1) A cartridge comprising: a storage section for storing an aerosol source; a liquid holder housed in the storage section and extending in a first direction; a heater configured to atomize the aerosol source; a wick positioned to contact the heater; and a transporter extending in the first direction and in contact with the liquid holder and the wick in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the transporter comprises a first portion in contact with the wick in the second direction and a second portion positioned differently from the first portion in the first direction, not in contact with the wick, and in contact with the liquid holder in the second direction. (2) The cartridge according to (1), wherein the porosity of the transporter is smaller than that of the liquid holder and larger than that of the wick. (3) A cartridge according to (1) or (2), wherein the wick has a first surface that the heater contacts and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the transporter is in contact with the second surface of the wick. (4) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the transporter is in contact with one end or both ends of the liquid holder in the first direction in the second direction. (5) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a pressing member is provided between the transporter and the liquid holder, configured to press the transporter and the wick against the heater. (6) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the transporter includes a porous sheet. (7) A cartridge according to (6), wherein the thickness of the sheet is 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. (8) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the transport body is provided with through holes or slits.(9) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the volume of the transport body is smaller than the volume of the wick. (10) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein it has a lid for closing the storage section, and the lid is configured to press the liquid holder toward the transport body. (11) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the transport body has a third portion that contacts the wick in the first direction. (12) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the liquid holder is arranged so as not to be in direct contact with the wick. (13) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the transport body is in contact with one or both ends of the liquid holder in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. (14) A cartridge according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein it has a flavor source arranged on the aerosol channel. (15) An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge as described in any of (1) to (14), and an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery for supplying power to the cartridge.

[0080] 10: Battery 60: Flavoring source 100: Cartridge 101a: Storage section 110: Liquid holder 110a: First end 110b: Second end 112: Transport body 112a: First part 112b: Second part 112c: Third part 114: Wick 114a: First surface 114b: Second surface 120: Heater 140: Pressing member 200: Aerosol generating device 1000: Aerosol generating system d1: First direction d2: Second direction d3: Third direction

Claims

1. A cartridge comprising: a storage section for storing an aerosol source; a liquid holder housed in the storage section and extending in a first direction; a heater configured to atomize the aerosol source; a wick positioned to contact the heater; and a transporter extending in the first direction and in contact with the liquid holder and the wick in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, configured to transport the aerosol source held in the liquid holder to the wick, wherein the transporter comprises a first portion that contacts the wick in the second direction, and a second portion positioned differently from the first portion in the first direction, not in contact with the wick, and in contact with the liquid holder in the second direction.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the porosity of the transport body is smaller than the porosity of the liquid holder and larger than the porosity of the wick.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wick has a first surface in contact with the heater and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the transport body is in contact with the second surface of the wick.

4. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transport body is in contact with one end or both ends of the liquid holder in the first direction in the second direction.

5. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pressing member is provided between the transport body and the liquid holder, configured to press the transport body and the wick against the heater.

6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transport body comprises a porous sheet.

7. A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of the sheet is 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

8. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transport body is provided with through holes or slits.

9. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the volume of the transport body is smaller than the volume of the wick.

10. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cartridge has a lid for closing the storage section, and the lid is configured to press the liquid holder toward the transport body.

11. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the transport body has a third portion that contacts the wick in the first direction.

12. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the liquid holder is arranged so as not to be in direct contact with the wick.

13. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the transport body is in contact with one or both ends of the liquid holder in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

14. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cartridge has a flavor source arranged on an aerosol channel.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and an aerosol generating device equipped with a battery for supplying power to the cartridge.

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