CARTRIDGE AND AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

A cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same are provided. The cartridge includes: A cartridge comprising: first chamber configured to store a liquid; second chamber including an inlet and an outlet; wick disposed at the second chamber to be in communication with the first chamber; and heater configured to heat the wick, wherein the second chamber comprises a curved surface defining at least a portion thereof between the inlet and the outlet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

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

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

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

It is another objective of the present disclosure to reduce the flow resistance caused when air passes through a cartridge.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to allow an aerosol generated in a cartridge to be uniformly mixed with or distributed in air.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to prevent a vortex from being generated when air passes through a cartridge.

It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to increase the amount or density of aerosol in air to be inhaled.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a cartridge includes: A cartridge comprising: first chamber configured to store a liquid; second chamber including an inlet and an outlet; wick disposed at the second chamber to be in communication with the first chamber; and heater configured to heat the wick, wherein the second chamber comprises a curved surface defining at least a portion thereof between the inlet and the outlet.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the flow resistance caused when air passes through a cartridge may be reduced.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the formation of a vortex may be prevented when air passes through a cartridge.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generated in a cartridge may be uniformly mixed with or distributed in air.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount or density of aerosol in air to be inhaled may be increased.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 24 are diagrams illustrating examples of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected with” another element, there may be intervening elements present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the following description, a z-axis direction shown in a coordinate system may be referred to as an “up direction”, and a direction opposite the z-axis direction may be referred to as a “down direction”. An x-axis direction shown in the coordinate system may be referred to as a “rear direction”, and a direction opposite the x-axis direction may be referred to as a “front direction”. A y-axis direction shown in the coordinate system may be referred to as a “right direction”, and a direction opposite the y-axis direction may be referred to as a “left direction”.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one of a battery 10, a controller 20, a heater 30, and a cartridge 40. At least one of the battery 10, the controller 20, and the heater 30 may be disposed in a case 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. The cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to one side of the case 110.

The case 110 may include an insertion space 50 into which a stick 200 is inserted. The insertion space 50 may be open to the outside, and may extend long or in an elongated manner. The heater 30 may be disposed around the insertion space 50. The cartridge 40 and the insertion space 50 may be arranged in parallel to face each other. An internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the internal structure shown in FIG. 1. The stick 200 may protrude outside of the case 110 when being inserted into the insertion space 50. A user may perform the act of inhalation while holding the stick 200 by the mouth of the user.

The battery 10 may supply power to allow at least one of the controller 20, the heater 30, and the cartridge 40 to be driven. The battery 10 may supply power required for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like installed at the aerosol generating device 100.

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

Power supplied from the battery 10 may allow the heater 30 to generate heat. The heater 30 may heat the stick 200 inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

The cartridge 40 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol produced by the cartridge 40 may pass through the stick 200 that is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 to be delivered to a user.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 and a second container 42. The second container 42 may be coupled to a lower side of the first container 41. One side of the cartridge 40 may be open to define a cartridge inlet 414. One side of the first container 41 may be open to define the cartridge inlet 414. One side of the second container 42 may be open to define the cartridge inlet 414. The cartridge inlet 414 may communicate with the outside. Air at an outside of the cartridge 40 may be introduced, through the cartridge inlet 414, into an inside of the cartridge 40.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first container 41 may be provided therein with a first chamber C1. The first chamber C1 may store a liquid therein. An upper end of the first container 41 may be open to define the cartridge inlet 414.

The second container 42 may be provided therein with a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the first chamber C1.

A wick 61 may be installed in the second chamber C2. The wick 61 may be connected to the first chamber C1. A liquid stored in the first chamber C1 may be supplied to the wick 61 from the first chamber C1.

A heater 62 may be installed in the second chamber C2. The heater 62 may be wound around the wick 61. The heater 62 may heat the wick 61. When the heater 62 heats the wick 61 supplied with a liquid, an aerosol may be produced near the wick 61 in the second chamber C2.

One side (or a first side) of the second chamber C2 may be open to define a chamber inlet 542. Another side (or a second side) of the second chamber C2 may be open to define a chamber outlet 543. The chamber inlet 542 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber outlet 543 may communicate with the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 542 and the chamber outlet 543 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 542 and the chamber outlet 543 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the wick 61. The chamber inlet 542 may also be referred to as an inlet 542. The chamber outlet 543 may also be referred to as an outlet 543.

An inlet channel 541 may be formed between the chamber inlet 542 and the cartridge inlet 414. The inlet channel 541 may connect the chamber inlet 542 and the cartridge inlet 414. The inlet channel 541 may extend downward from the cartridge inlet 414 toward the chamber inlet 542 in an elongated manner. The inlet channel 541 may be separated from the first chamber C1. The inlet channel 541 may be separated from the second chamber C2. The inlet channel 541 may be disposed in parallel with the first chamber C1. The inlet channel 541 may be bent toward the chamber inlet 542 in the vicinity of the chamber inlet 542 to thereby communicate with the chamber inlet 542.

The second container 42 may be open to define an outlet channel 544. The outlet channel 544 may communicate with the chamber outlet 543. The outlet channel 544 may communicate with the outside of the cartridge 40. The outlet channel 544 may be open in the front-and-rear direction. The outlet channel 544 may extend in the front-and-rear direction in an elongated manner. A front side of the second container 42 may protrude forward to define an outlet port 512. The outlet channel 544 may be formed in the outlet port 512, and may be surrounded by the outlet port 512.

Air at the outside of the cartridge 40 may sequentially pass through the cartridge inlet 414, the inlet channel 541, and the chamber inlet 542 to be introduced into the second chamber C2. The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may sequentially pass through the chamber outlet 543 and the outlet channel 544 to be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 40. An aerosol may be suspended in the air introduced into the second chamber C2.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the chamber inlet 542 may be open in the front-and-rear direction. The chamber inlet 542 may be open toward the wick 61. The chamber outlet 543 may be open in the front-and-rear direction. The chamber outlet 543 may be open toward the wick 61. The wick 61 may be disposed between the chamber inlet 542 and the chamber outlet 543. The chamber inlet 542 and the chamber outlet 543 may be disposed in parallel with the wick 61 interposed therebetween, and may face each other.

The wick 61 may extend in the left-and-right direction in an elongated manner. The wick 61 may extend long in a direction intersecting a direction in which the chamber inlet 542 is open. The wick 61 may extend long in a direction intersecting a direction in which the chamber outlet 543 is open. The wick 61 may have an elongated cylindrical shape. A cross-section of the wick 61 may be circular.

A center line L may be defined as an imaginary line connecting a center of the chamber inlet 542 and a center of the chamber outlet 543. The center line L may extend long from the chamber inlet 542 to the chamber outlet 543. The wick 61 may overlap the center line L. The wick 61 may extend long in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the center line L. A center of the wick 61 may coincide with the center line L, or may be adjacent to the center line L.

A width W2 of the chamber inlet 542 in the left-and-right direction may be greater than a width W1 of the chamber inlet 542 in the up-and-down direction. A diameter of the chamber inlet 542 may be longer in a longitudinal or lengthwise direction of the wick 61. A width W4 of the chamber outlet 543 in the left-and-right direction may be greater than a width W3 of the chamber outlet 543 in the up-and-down direction. A diameter of the chamber outlet 543 may be longer in the longitudinal direction of the wick 61. The chamber inlet 542 and/or the chamber outlet 543 may be open in an elongated manner in the longitudinal direction of the wick 61 to face.

The width W1 of the chamber inlet 542 in the up-and-down direction may be the same as or similar to the width W3 of the chamber outlet 543 in the up-and-down direction. The width W2 of the chamber inlet 542 in the left-and-right direction may be the same as or similar to the width W4 of the chamber outlet 543 in the left-and-right direction.

A width W0 of the wick 61 may be the same as or similar to the width W1 of the chamber inlet 542 in the up-and down-direction. The width W0 of the wick 61 may be the same as or similar to the width W3 of the chamber outlet 543 in the up-and-down direction.

The second chamber C2 may include, on at least one side, a curved surface that is formed in a curved manner. The curved surface may cover or surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The curved surface may define at least a portion of the outer shape of the second chamber C2.

The second chamber C2 may have an inlet curved surface 52. The inlet curved surface 52 may be formed around the chamber inlet 542 in a curved manner. The inlet curved surface 52 may cover one side (or a first side) of the second chamber C2 at a periphery of the chamber inlet 542. A rear end of the inlet curved surface 52 may be connected to a circumference of the chamber inlet 542. The inlet curved surface 52 may extend outward from the circumference of the chamber inlet 542 toward the front. The inlet curved surface 52 may have a bowl shape covering a rear space of the wick 61. The inlet curved surface 52 may cover a rear side of the wick 61. The inlet curved surface 52 may be formed as a continuous surface.

The second chamber C2 may have an outlet curved surface 53. The outlet curved surface 53 may be formed around the chamber outlet 543 in a curved manner. The outlet curved surface 53 may cover another side (or a second side) of the second chamber C2 at a periphery of the chamber outlet 543. A front end of the outlet curved surface 53 may be connected to a circumference of the chamber outlet 543. The outlet curved surface 53 may extend outward from the circumference of the chamber outlet 543 toward the rear. The outlet curved surface 53 may have a bowl shape covering a front space of the wick 61. The outlet curved surface 53 may cover a front side of the wick 61. The outlet curved surface 53 may be formed as a continuous surface.

The second chamber C2 may have a connection surface 55. The connection surface 55 may be formed between a front end of the inlet curved surface 52 and a rear end of the outlet curved surface 53. The connection surface 55 may connect the front end of the inlet curved surface 52 and the rear end of the outlet curved surface 53. The connection surface 55 may define a perimeter of upper, lower, left, and right planes of the second chamber C2. The connection surface 55 may extend in the front-and-rear direction. The connection surface 55 may have no or very little curvature.

The second chamber C2 may be surrounded by the inlet curved surface 52, the outlet curved surface 53, and the connection surface 55. The rear of the second chamber C2 may be covered by the inlet curved surface 52. The front of the second chamber C2 may be covered by the outlet curved surface 53. The connection surface 55 may cover regions near upper and lower sides of the wick 61. The connection surface 55 may cover regions near left and right sides of the wick 61.

The inlet channel 541 may communicate with the chamber inlet 542. The inlet channel 541 may extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the chamber inlet 542 is open. The inlet channel 541 may extend in the up-and-down direction in an elongated manner, and may be bent toward the chamber inlet 542 in the vicinity of the chamber inlet 542. An inlet channel surface 511 may surround the inlet channel 541. The inlet channel surface 511 may be bent to be connected to the circumference of the chamber inlet 542 and the inlet curved surface 52.

A channel curved surface 513 may be formed at a portion where the inlet channel surface 511 is bent. The channel curved surface 513 may be connected to the inlet curved surface 52.

The inlet curved surface 52 may be integrally connected with the inlet channel surface 511. The inlet curved surface 52 and the inlet channel surface 511 may define a continuous surface. The outlet curved surface 53 may be integrally connected with an inner surface of the outlet port 512. The outlet curved surface 53 and the inner surface of the outlet port 512 may define a continuous surface. The inner surface of the outlet port 512 may be referred to as an outlet channel surface 512.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the inlet curved surface 52 may include a first inlet curved surface 521 and a second inlet curved surface 522.

The first inlet curved surface 521 may surround the circumference of the chamber inlet 542. The first inlet curved surface 521 may extend along the circumference of the chamber inlet 542. The chamber inlet 542 may be formed at an inside of the first inlet curved surface 521. A rear end of the first inlet curved surface 521 may be connected to the inlet channel surface 511. The rear end of the first inlet curved surface 521 may be connected to the channel curved surface 513.

The first inlet curved surface 521 may become wider such that the circumference of the chamber inlet 542 gradually increases from the rear toward the front of the chamber inlet 542. The first inlet curved surface 521 may have a tapered shape. The first inlet curved surface 521 may be formed in a curved manner. The first inlet curved surface 521 may have a center of curvature located outside the chamber inlet 542 and/or the second chamber C2. The first inlet curved surface 521 may protrude inward therefrom, namely, be curved or rounded inward. The first inlet curved surface 521 may have a bell-mouth shape.

A rear end of the second inlet curved surface 522 may be connected to a front end of the first inlet curved surface 521. The second inlet curved surface 522 may form a continuous surface with the first inlet curved surface 521. An inflection point and/or an inflection surface may be formed between the second inlet curved surface 522 and the first inlet curved surface 521. A front end of the second inlet curved surface 522 may be connected to a rear end of the connection surface 55.

The second inlet curved surface 522 may become wider such that the second chamber C2 gradually increases from the front end of the first inlet curved surface 521 toward the front. The second inlet curved surface 522 may have a tapered shape. The second inlet curved surface 522 may be formed in a curved manner. The second inlet curved surface 522 may have a center of curvature located inside the second chamber C2. The second inlet curved surface 522 may protrude outward therefrom, namely, be curved or rounded outward. The center of curvature of the second inlet curved surface 522 may be adjacent to the wick 61, or may overlap the wick 61.

The channel curved surface 513 may smoothly guide a flow of air to the chamber inlet 542 and the second chamber C2, which is the flow orientation, while reducing flow resistance. Air may flow from the inlet channel 541 to the chamber inlet 542 to be introduced into the second chamber C2. Air flowing through the inlet channel 541 may be guided to the chamber inlet 542 and the second chamber C2 along the inlet channel surface 511 and the channel curved surface 513.

This may result in reducing the resistance to air flowing from the inlet channel 541 to the chamber inlet 542 and air flow loss.

The first inlet curved surface 521 may smoothly guide air to be spread around the wick 61 while reducing flow resistance. Air passing through the chamber inlet 542, from the chamber inlet 542 toward the wick 61, may be spread around the chamber inlet 542 along the first inlet curved surface 521.

The second inlet curved surface 522 may smoothly guide air to pass around the wick 61 while reducing flow resistance. Air introduced from the chamber inlet 542 may flow between the wick 61 and the second inlet curved surface 522 along the second inlet curved surface 522. The second inlet curved surface 522 may allow air discharged and spread from the chamber inlet 542 to be converged or gathered in the flow orientation. The second inlet curved surface 522 may prevent a decrease in flow efficiency or the formation of a vortex caused by an abrupt or sudden change in direction of air flowing from the chamber inlet 542 toward the vicinity of the wick 61.

Accordingly, diffusion or distribution efficiency for air flowing from the chamber inlet 542 to the second chamber C2 may be improved. Also, the efficiency of air distribution around the wick 61 may be increased. In addition, the formation of a vortex near the wick 61 or a corner of the second chamber C2 may be prevented. Further, an aerosol may be more uniformly mixed with or distributed in air. Also, the amount of aerosol in air may be increased.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the outlet curved surface 53 may include a first outlet curved surface 531 and a second outlet curved surface 532.

The first outlet curved surface 531 may surround the circumference of the chamber outlet 543. The first outlet curved surface 531 may extend along the circumference of the chamber outlet 543. The chamber outlet 543 may be formed at an inside of the first outlet curved surface 531. A front end of the first outlet curved surface 531 may be connected to the outlet channel surface 512.

The first outlet curved surface 531 may become wider such that the circumference of the chamber outlet 543 gradually increases from the front toward the rear of the chamber outlet 543. The first outlet curved surface 531 may gradually decrease from the rear toward the front of the chamber outlet 543. The first outlet curved surface 531 may have a tapered shape. The first outlet curved surface 531 may be formed in a curved manner. The first outlet curved surface 531 may have a center of curvature located outside the chamber outlet 543 and/or the second chamber C2. The first outlet curved surface 531 may protrude inward therefrom, namely, be curved or rounded inward. The first outlet curved surface 531 may have a bell-mouth shape.

A front end of the second outlet curved surface 532 may be connected to a rear end of the first outlet curved surface 531. The second outlet curved surface 532 may gradually decrease toward the front of the second chamber C2. The second outlet curved surface 532 may form a continuous surface with the first outlet curved surface 531. An inflection point and/or an inflection surface may be formed between the second outlet curved surface 532 and the first outlet curved surface 531. A rear end of the second outlet curved surface 532 may be connected to a front end of the connection surface 55.

The second outlet curved surface 532 may become wider such that the second chamber C2 gradually increases from the rear end of the first outlet curved surface 531 toward the rear. The second outlet curved surface 532 may have a tapered shape. The second outlet curved surface 532 may be formed in a curved manner. The second outlet curved surface 532 may have a center of curvature located inside the second chamber C2. The second outlet curved surface 532 may protrude outward therefrom, namely, be curved or rounded outward. The center of curvature of the second outlet curved surface 532 may be adjacent to the wick 61, or may overlap the wick 61.

The second outlet curved surface 532 may smoothly guide air, so that the air passes around the wick 61 and flows to the chamber outlet 543 while reducing flow resistance. The air passing around the wick 61 may flow between the wick 61 and the second outlet curved surface 532 along the second outlet curved surface 532. The second outlet curved surface 532 may allow the air passing around the wick 61 to be gathered near the chamber outlet 543, which is the flow orientation. The second outlet curved surface 532 may prevent a decrease in flow efficiency or the formation of a vortex caused by an abrupt or sudden change in direction of air flowing from the vicinity of the wick 61 to the chamber outlet 543.

The first outlet curved surface 531 may smoothly guide air to the chamber outlet 543 from the vicinity of the wick 61 while reducing flow resistance. Air passing around the wick 61 may be gathered inside the chamber outlet 543 along the first outlet curved surface 531. The first outlet curved surface 531 may prevent a decrease in flow efficiency or the formation of a vortex, which is caused by a sudden change in direction of air flowing from the vicinity of the chamber outlet 543 to the chamber outlet 543 or collision resistance between air (molecules) gathered in the chamber outlet 543.

Accordingly, flow efficiency of air flowing from the second chamber C2 or the vicinity of the wick 61 to the chamber outlet 543 may be increased. In addition, the formation of a vortex near the wick 61 or a corner of the second chamber C2 may be prevented. Further, an aerosol may be more uniformly mixed with or distributed in air. Also, the amount of aerosol in air may be increased.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, the wick 61 may extend in a direction intersecting the center line L in an elongated manner. The wick 61 may be disposed perpendicular to the center line L. The wick 61 may be disposed between the chamber inlet 542 and the chamber outlet 543 in a manner of extending long to the left and right.

The chamber inlet 542 may be open in the front-and-rear direction toward the wick 61. The chamber inlet 542 may be open in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the wick 61. The chamber inlet 542 may have a longer width (W2) along the longitudinal direction of the wick 61. The width W2 of the chamber inlet 542 in the left-and-right direction may be greater than the width W1 of the chamber inlet 542 in the up-and-down direction.

The chamber outlet 543 may be open in the front-and-rear direction toward the wick 61. The chamber outlet 543 may be open in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the wick 61. The chamber outlet 543 may have a longer width (W4) along the longitudinal direction of the wick 61. The width W4 of the chamber outlet 543 in the left-and-right direction may be greater than the width W3 of the chamber outlet 543 in the up-and-down direction.

The inlet curved surface 52 may gradually increase from the chamber inlet 542 toward the vicinity of both ends of the wick 61 disposed at the second chamber C2. The first inlet curved surface 521 may be formed such that a width in the left-and-the right direction gradually increases from a rear end toward a front end of the chamber inlet 542. The second inlet curved surface 522 may have a width that gradually increases from the chamber inlet 542 toward the vicinity of both ends of the wick 61.

Accordingly, air introduced into the second chamber C2 from the chamber inlet 542 may be evenly spread toward the wick 61 that extends in an elongated manner. In addition, flow resistance of air flowing from the chamber inlet 542 toward the vicinity of both ends of the wick 61 may be reduced, and the formation of a vortex may be prevented, thereby increasing flow efficiency. Further, the amount of aerosol in air may be increased.

The outlet curved surface 53 may gradually decrease from the vicinity of both ends of the wick 61 that is disposed at the second chamber C2 toward the chamber outlet 543. The first outlet curved surface 531 may be formed such that a width in the left-and-right direction gradually decreases from a rear end to a front end of the chamber outlet 543. The second outlet curved surface 532 may have a width that gradually decreases from the vicinity of both ends of the wick 61 toward the chamber outlet 543.

Accordingly, air flowing from the second chamber C2 to the chamber outlet 543 may be uniformly gathered from the wick 61 that extends in an elongated manner. In addition, flow resistance of air flowing from the vicinity of both ends of the wick 61 to the chamber outlet 543 may be reduced, and the formation of a vortex may be prevented, thereby increasing flow efficiency. Further, the amount of aerosol in air may be increased.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a curved surface may cover only a portion of the second chamber C2. A curved surface may be formed on the periphery of the chamber outlet 543, and the periphery of the chamber inlet 542 may be covered by a flat surface 56. The curved surface may be formed on a lower periphery of the chamber outlet 543, and the rest may be covered by the flat surface 56. The curved surface may be formed on an upper periphery of the chamber outlet 543, and the rest may be covered by the flat surface 56.

A curved surface may be formed on the periphery of the chamber inlet 542, and the periphery of the chamber outlet 543 may be covered by a flat surface 56. The curved surface may be formed on a lower periphery of the chamber inlet 542, and the rest may be covered by the flat surface 56. The curved surface may be formed on an upper periphery of the chamber inlet 542, and the rest may be covered by the flat surface 56.

A curved surface may cover any one side of the second chamber C2, and the rest may be covered by a flat surface 56. A position in which the curved surface is disposed is not limited to the embodiments described above. The flat surface 56 may be entirely flat or mostly flat in area.

Referring to FIG. 14, the second chamber C2 may have a spherical shape. The second inlet curved surface 522 and the second outlet curved surface 532 may be connected to each other. A curvature of the second inlet curved surface 522 may be the same as or similar to a curvature of the second outlet curved surface 532. A center of curvature of the second inlet curved surface 522 may coincide with or be adjacent to a center of curvature of the second outlet curved surface 532. The center of curvature of the second inlet curved surface 522 and the center of curvature of the second outlet curved surface 532 may coincide with or be adjacent to the center of the wick 61.

This may prevent a vortex caused by an air flow from being generated in the second chamber C2. In addition, flow resistance to air flowing around the wick 61 may be reduced to thereby increase flow efficiency. Further, the amount of aerosol in air may be increased.

Referring to FIG. 15, the second chamber C2 may have an ellipsoid shape. The second inlet curved surface 522 and the second outlet curved surface 532 may be connected to each other. The second inlet curved surface 522 and the outlet curved surface 532 may be convex outward from the second chamber C2. A length D1 of the second chamber C2 in the front-and-rear direction may be greater than a length D2 of the second chamber C2 in the up-and-down direction. The second chamber C2 may be longer in a direction from the chamber inlet 542 toward the chamber outlet 543. The second chamber C2 may be longer in an air flow direction. Upper and lower ends of the second chamber C2 may be located closer to the wick 61.

Accordingly, the straightness of the flow of air passing through the second chamber C2 may be improved. As a result, a decrease in flow efficiency of air, which is due to a change in path or route, may be reduced. In addition, air may flow closer to the wick 61 in the second chamber C2, and the amount or density of aerosol in the air may be increased.

Referring to FIG. 16, the channel curved surface 513 and a lower portion of the second inlet curved surface 522 may be integrally connected to each other. The channel curved surface 513 and the lower portion of the second inlet curved surface 522 may define a continuous surface. The channel curved surface 513 and the second inlet curved surface 522 may be convex outward of the second chamber C2. A curvature of the channel curved surface 513 and a curvature of the lower portion of the second inlet curved surface 522 that is connected to the channel curved surface 513 may coincide with each other. A curvature of a lower portion of the second chamber C2 may be less than a curvature of an upper portion of the second chamber C2. An inflection point and/or an inflection surface may not be formed between the second channel curved surface 513 and the second inlet curved surface 522.

Accordingly, a swirl of air, which is introduced, through the chamber inlet 542, into the second chamber C2 from the inlet channel 541, may not be caused, and the straightness of flow may be improved. In addition, as the air does not collide with a wall formed near the chamber inlet 542, the resistance to flow may be reduced to thereby increase air flow efficiency.

Referring to FIG. 17, the first inlet curved surface 521 may be excluded. The first outlet curved surface 531 may be excluded. A rear side of the second chamber C2, at the periphery of the chamber inlet 542, may be covered by the second inlet curved surface 522. A front side of the second chamber C2, at the periphery of the chamber outlet 543, may be covered by the second outlet curved surface 532.

Referring to FIG. 18, a width of the first inlet curved surface 521 may gradually increase from a rear end toward a front end of the chamber inlet 542. A width W1 of a rear end of the first inlet curved surface 521 may be the same as or similar to a width W0 of the wick 61. A width W10 of a front end of the first inlet curved surface 521 may be greater than the width W0 of the wick 61. The front end of the first inlet curved surface 521 may be connected to a rear end of the connection surface 55. The first inlet curved surface 521 may have a bell-mouth shape that gradually widens toward the wick 61.

A width of the first outlet curved surface 531 may gradually decrease from a rear end toward a front end of the chamber outlet 543. A width W3 of a front end of the first outlet curved surface 531 may be the same as or similar to the width W0 of the wick 61. A width W30 of a rear end of the first outlet curved surface 531 may be greater than the width W0 of the wick 61. The rear end of the first outlet curved surface 531 may be connected to a front end of the connection surface 55. The first outlet curved surface 531 may have a bell-mouth shape that gradually widens toward the wick 61.

Referring to FIG. 19, an inlet inclined surface 523 may be formed around the chamber inlet 542. The inlet inclined surface 523 may gradually increase toward the front. The inlet inclined surface 523 may gradually increase toward the wick 61. The inlet inclined surface 523 may be outwardly inclined toward the wick 61. The inlet inclined surface 523 may have a truncated cone shape such as a circular truncated cone or an elliptical truncated cone. The inlet inclined surface 523 may not have a curvature. The inlet inclined surface 523 may be formed between the first inlet curved surface 521 and the second inlet curved surface 522. The inlet inclined surface 523 may connect between the first inlet curved surface 521 and the second inlet curved surface 522.

An outlet inclined surface 533 may be formed around the chamber outlet 543. The outlet inclined surface 533 may gradually decrease toward the front. The outlet inclined surface 533 may gradually increase toward the wick 61. The outlet inclined surface 533 may be outwardly inclined toward the wick 61. The outlet inclined surface 533 may have a truncated cone shape such as a circular truncated cone or an elliptical truncated cone. The outlet inclined surface 533 may not have a curvature. The outlet inclined surface 533 may be formed between the first outlet curved surface 531 and the second outlet curved surface 532. The outlet inclined surface 533 may connect between the first outlet curved surface 531 and the second outlet curved surface 532.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, one side of the second container 42 may be open to allow an inlet channel 5410 to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 40. The inlet channel 5410 may communicate with the rear end of the chamber inlet 542. The inlet channel 5410 may not be bent. The inlet channel 5410 may be open in the front-and-rear direction. The inlet channel 5410 may extend in the front-and-rear direction in an elongated manner. The inlet channel 5410 may be in parallel with the outlet channel 544. The inlet channel 5410 and the outlet channel 544 may face each other.

Accordingly, a length of a flow path from the outside of the cartridge 40 to the second chamber C2 may be reduced, and a force of inhalation required for a user to inhale air may be reduced. In addition, a swirl of air may not be caused when the air flows from the inlet channel 5410 to the chamber inlet 542, and the straightness of air flow in the cartridge 40 may be improved to thereby increase flow efficiency.

Referring to FIG. 24, a baffle 58 may be installed at the chamber inlet 542. The baffle 58 may be installed between the second chamber C2 and the inlet channel 541. The baffle 58 may have a plurality of holes. The baffle 58 may block the chamber inlet 542, but the plurality of holes of the baffle 58 may allow the second chamber C2 and the inlet channel 541 to communicate with each other. The baffle 58 may have a perforated plate or mesh shape. Air may be introduced, through the baffle 58, into the second chamber C2 from the inlet channel 541. The baffle 58 may allow the flow velocity of air introduced into the second chamber C2 to be constant.

Accordingly, air may be evenly spread to the second chamber C2 and the vicinity of the wick 61 from the chamber inlet 542. In addition, the amount or density of aerosol in air may be increased.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 24, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge 40 including: a first chamber C1 in which a liquid is stored; a second chamber C2 having an inlet 542 and an outlet 543; a wick 61 disposed at the second chamber C2 and connected to the first chamber C1; and a heater 62 configured to heat the wick 61, wherein the second chamber C2 includes a curved surface defining at least a portion thereof between the inlet 542 and the outlet 543.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may include an outlet curved surface 53 that defines the second chamber C2 at a periphery of the outlet 543 and is formed in a curved manner.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet curved surface 53 may include a first outlet curved surface 531 that surrounds the outlet 543, has a center of curvature located outside the second chamber C2, and a circumference of the first outlet curved surface gradually decreases outward from an inner part of the second chamber C2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first outlet curved surface 531 may have a bell-mouth shape.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet curved surface 53 may include a second outlet curved surface 532 curved outwardly, wherein a circumference of the second outlet curved surface gradually decreases toward the outlet 543.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet curved surface 53 may include: a first outlet curved surface 531 surrounding the outlet 543, having a center of curvature located outside the second chamber C2, and a circumference of the first outlet curved surface gradually decreases outward from an inner part of the outlet 543; and a second outlet curved surface 532 curved outwardly, a circumference of the second outlet curved surface gradually decreases toward the outlet 543, and the second outlet curved surface and the first outlet curved surface 531 are adjacent to define a continuous surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may include an inlet curved surface 52 that defines the second chamber C2 at a periphery of the inlet 542 and is formed in a curved manner.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet curved surface 52 may include a first inlet curved surface 521 that surrounds the inlet 542, has a center of curvature located outside the second chamber C2, and a circumference of the first inlet curved surface gradually increases inward from an outer part of the second chamber C2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first inlet curved surface 521 may have a bell-mouth shape.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet curved surface 52 may include a second inlet curved surface 522 curved outwardly, and a circumference of the second inlet curved surface gradually increases in a direction from the inlet 542 toward the second chamber C2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet curved surface 52 may include: a first inlet curved surface 521 surrounding the inlet 542, having a center of curvature located outside the second chamber C2, and a circumference of the first inlet curved surface gradually increases inward from an outer part of the second chamber C2; and a second inlet curved surface 522 curved outwardly, circumference of the second inlet curved surface gradually increases from the inlet 542 toward the second chamber C2, and the second inlet curved surface and the first inlet curved surface 521 are adjacent to define a continuous surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick 61 may be disposed between the inlet 542 and the outlet 543 to be extended to one side. The inlet 532 may face toward the wick 61 in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the wick 61, and a diameter of the inlet along a first axis along the longitudinal direction of the wick 61 is greater than its diameter along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the outlet 543 may face toward the wick 61 in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the wick 61, and a diameter of the inlet along a first axis along the longitudinal direction of the wick 61 is greater than its diameter along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may include an inlet curved surface 52 having a circumference that gradually increases from the inlet 542 toward the wick 61 and defines a portion of the second chamber C2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may include an outlet curved surface 53 having a circumference that gradually decreases toward the outlet 543 from the wick and defines a portion of the second chamber C2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may have a spherical shape.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may have an ellipsoidal shape having a longitudinal axis extending from the inlet 542 toward the outlet 543.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 40 may further include: an inlet channel 541 extending toward a curved channel curved surface leading to the inlet 542.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second chamber C2 may include a second inlet curved surface 522 continuously formed with the channel curved surface and defining a portion of the second chamber C2 adjacent to the inlet 542, the second inlet curved surface has a center of curvature located inside the second chamber C2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet 542 and the outlet 543 may be disposed opposite each other with respect to the wick. The cartridge 40 may further include an inlet channel 541 configured to allow outside gas.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 40 may further include a baffle 58 that is installed at the inlet 542 and has a plurality of holes.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge 40 may include: a first chamber C1 in which a liquid is stored; a second chamber C2 including an inlet 542 and an outlet 543; a wick 61 disposed at the second chamber C2 to be communication with the first chamber C1; and a heater 62 configured to heat the wick 61, wherein the second chamber C2 includes a surface that gradually decreases from a vicinity of the wick 61 toward at least one of the inlet 542 or the outlet 543, the surface defining a portion of the second chamber C2.

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

For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment and/or drawings may be combined with a configuration “B” described in another embodiment and/or drawings. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cartridge comprising:

first chamber configured to store a liquid;

second chamber including an inlet and an outlet;

wick disposed at the second chamber to be in communication with the first chamber; and

heater configured to heat the wick,

wherein the second chamber comprises a curved surface defining at least a portion thereof between the inlet and the outlet.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second chamber comprises an outlet curved surface that defines the second chamber at a periphery of the outlet and is formed in a curved manner.

3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the outlet curved surface comprises a first outlet curved surface that surrounds the outlet and having a center of curvature located outside the second chamber, and wherein a circumference of the first outlet curved surface gradually decreases outward from an inner part of the second chamber.

4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the first outlet curved surface has a bell-mouth shape.

5. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the outlet curved surface comprises a second outlet curved surface curved outwardly, wherein a circumference of the second outlet curved surface gradually decreases toward the outlet.

6. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the outlet curved surface comprises:

a first outlet curved surface surrounding the outlet and having a center of curvature located outside the second chamber, wherein a circumference of the first outlet curved surface gradually decreases outward from an inner part of the outlet; and

a second outlet curved surface curved outwardly, wherein a circumference of the second outlet curved surface gradually decreases toward the outlet,

wherein the second outlet curved surface and the first outlet curved surface are adjacent to define a continuous surface.

7. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second chamber comprises an inlet curved surface that defines the second chamber at a periphery of the inlet and is formed in a curved manner.

8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the inlet curved surface comprises a first inlet curved surface that surrounds the inlet and having a center of curvature located outside the second chamber, and wherein a circumference of the first inlet curved surface gradually increases inward from an outer part of the second chamber.

9. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein the first inlet curved surface has a bell-mouth shape.

10. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the inlet curved surface comprises a second inlet curved surface curved outwardly, wherein a circumference of the second inlet curved surface gradually increases in a direction from the inlet toward the second chamber.

11. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the inlet curved surface comprises:

a first inlet curved surface surrounding the inlet and having a center of curvature located outside the second chamber, wherein a circumference of the first inlet curved surface gradually increases inward from an outer part of the second chamber; and

a second inlet curved surface curved outwardly, wherein a circumference of the second inlet curved surface gradually increases from the inlet toward the second chamber,

wherein the second inlet curved surface and the first inlet curved surface are adjacent to define a continuous surface.

12. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the wick is disposed between the inlet and the outlet to be extended to one side,

wherein at least one of the inlet or the outlet faces the wick in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the wick, and

wherein a diameter of the at least one of the inlet or the outlet along a first axis along the longitudinal direction of the wick is greater than its diameter along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

13. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the second chamber comprises an inlet curved surface having a circumference that gradually increases from the inlet toward the wick, the inlet curved surface defining a portion of the second chamber.

14. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the second chamber comprises an outlet curved surface having a circumference that gradually decreases toward the outlet from the wick, the outlet curved surface defining a portion of the second chamber.

15. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a baffle installed at the inlet and having a plurality of holes.