US20250241367A1

US20250241367A1 - Atomizer and electronic atomization apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20250241367A1
Application number: US19/033,883
Authority: US
Inventors: Junfeng Liao; Zhiwen Pan; Daimo ZHANG; Zhanggui LAN
Original assignee: Shenzhen Smoore Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Smoore Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-26
Filing date: 2025-01-22
Publication date: 2025-07-31
Also published as: CN222367069U

Abstract

An atomizer includes: a liquid storage housing; and a first end cap provided in the liquid storage housing. A liquid storage space and an airflow channel are formed in the liquid storage housing, and one end of the liquid storage space is covered by the first end cap. At least one capillary channel is provided on the first end cap, the at least one capillary channel being separately in communication with the airflow channel and the liquid storage space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

Priority is claimed to Chinese Patent Application No. 202420205002.3, filed on Jan. 26, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present application relates to the field of electronic atomization technologies, and in particular, to an atomizer and an electronic atomization apparatus.

BACKGROUND

An electronic atomization apparatus is generally configured to heat and atomize an aerosol-forming medium stored therein, to form an atomized aerosol for inhalation by a user. The user generally inhales the atomized aerosol through an intake channel in an airflow channel of the electronic atomization apparatus. In the inhalation process, some atomized aerosols condensate to form a condensate on the inner side wall of the airflow channel. If not processed, the user easily sucks the condensate into the mouth, thereby affecting user experience.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an atomizer, comprising: a liquid storage housing; and a first end cap provided in the liquid storage housing, wherein a liquid storage space and an airflow channel are formed in the liquid storage housing, and one end of the liquid storage space is covered by the first end cap, and wherein at least one capillary channel is provided on the first end cap, the at least one capillary channel being separately in communication with the airflow channel and the liquid storage space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter of the present disclosure will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features and advantages of various embodiments will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate the following:

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic atomization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is an exploded structural diagram of the electronic atomization apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the electronic atomization apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an exploded structural diagram of an atomizer of the electronic atomization apparatus shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first end cap of the atomizer shown in FIG. 4 from a perspective;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the first end cap shown in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the first end cap shown in FIG. 5 from another perspective; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic atomization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application when a first end cap and a vent tube are installed together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention provides an improved atomizer and an electronic atomization apparatus, so as to reduce the risk that condensate in an airflow channel is sucked into a user's mouth.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides an atomizer, including a liquid storage housing and a first end cap provided in the liquid storage housing; where a liquid storage space and an airflow channel are formed in the liquid storage housing, and one end of the liquid storage space is covered by the first end cap; and at least one capillary channel is provided on the first end cap, and the at least one capillary channel is separately in communication with the airflow channel and the liquid storage space.
Preferably, the airflow channel includes a first airflow channel and a second airflow channel that are in communication with each other;

- the liquid storage space surrounds the periphery of the second airflow channel; and
- the first end cap is provided between the first airflow channel and the liquid storage space, and the at least one capillary channel communicates the first airflow channel with the liquid storage space.

Preferably, the liquid storage housing includes a housing and a suction nozzle that are connected;

- the second airflow channel and the liquid storage space are formed inside the housing;
- the first airflow channel is formed inside the suction nozzle; and
- the first end cap is provided between the housing and the suction nozzle.

Preferably, the first end cap includes a first surface facing away from the liquid storage space, a second surface facing the liquid storage space, and a through hole running through the first surface and the second surface; and

- the through hole is in communication with the airflow channel, and each capillary channel is distributed on the hole wall surface of the through hole and the second surface.

Preferably, a plurality of first bosses protruding in the direction close to the central axis of the through hole are provided at intervals on the hole wall surface of the through hole, and the capillary channel distributed on the hole wall surface of the through hole is formed between adjacent first bosses.
Preferably, a plurality of second bosses provided at intervals are formed on the second surface, and the capillary channel distributed on the second surface is formed between adjacent second bosses.
Preferably, a plurality of third bosses provided at intervals are further formed on the second surface, the third bosses are distributed on the periphery of each of the second bosses, and a groove in communication with the capillary channel is formed between the third boss and the second boss.
Preferably, the through hole includes a first portion and a second portion that are in communication with each other, the cross-sectional area of the first portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of the second portion, and the first portion is farther away from the liquid storage space than the second portion; and

- at least one capillary channel is partially provided on the hole wall surface of the second portion.

Preferably, the atomizer further includes a liquid storage member provided in the liquid storage space, and the first end cap contacts the liquid storage member; or

- the atomizer further includes a liquid storage member provided in the liquid storage space, and the first end cap is spaced apart from the liquid storage member; and/or
- at least one capillary channel is a capillary groove; and/or
- at least one capillary channel has a width of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

The present application further provides an electronic atomization apparatus, including the atomizer according to any one of the foregoing, and a power supply apparatus connected to the atomizer.
The present application has at least the following beneficial effects: Condensate accumulated in an airflow channel flows back to a liquid storage space through a capillary channel, thereby reducing the risk that the condensate in the airflow channel is sucked into a user's mouth, and the condensate can be recycled to the liquid storage space for reuse, thereby improving utilization of an aerosol-forming medium.
To have a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present application, specific implementations of the present application are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show an electronic atomization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. The electronic atomization apparatus is generally cylindrical, and may include a power supply apparatus 2 and an atomizer 1 provided in the longitudinal direction above the power supply apparatus 2. The atomizer 1 is configured to: accommodate an aerosol-forming medium, and heat and atomize the aerosol-forming medium to generate an aerosol. The power supply apparatus 2 is configured to supply power to the atomizer 1. It may be understood that in other embodiments, the electronic atomization apparatus is not limited to being in a cylindrical shape, and may alternatively be in another shape, such as an oval columnar shape, a square columnar shape, or a flat columnar shape. The power supply apparatus 2 may include a housing 21 and a battery 20 accommodated in the housing 21. The battery 20 is electrically connected to a heating component 32 of the atomizer 1, and is configured to supply power to the heating component 32. The housing 21 may be generally cylindrical, and the battery 20 may be accommodated in the lower part of the housing 21. The upper part of the housing 21 is formed with an accommodating space for accommodating the atomizer 1. During assembly, the atomizer 1 is inserted into the accommodating space, and then the atomizer 1 is connected to the housing 21 to be fastened.
In an embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , the atomizer 1 includes a liquid storage housing 10 and a first end cap 11 provided in the liquid storage housing 10. A liquid storage space 5 and an airflow channel 4 are formed in the liquid storage housing 10, and one end of the liquid storage space 5 is covered by the first end cap 11, so as to seal the liquid storage space 5 to some extent. At least one capillary channel 40 is provided on the first end cap 11, and the at least one capillary channel 40 is separately connected to the airflow channel 4 and the liquid storage space 5, so as to communicate the airflow channel 4 with the liquid storage space 5 by using the at least one capillary channel 40. Therefore, condensate accumulated in the airflow channel 4 flows back to the liquid storage space 5 through the capillary channel 40, thereby reducing the risk that the condensate in the airflow channel 4 is sucked into a user's mouth, and the condensate can be recycled to the liquid storage space 5 for reuse, thereby improving utilization of an aerosol-forming medium. In addition, technically, only the capillary channel 40 needs to be designed on the first end cap 11 to recycle the condensate. No other parts are required, assembly operations are reduced, assembly efficiency is high, and costs are low.
The capillary channel 40 is a channel that is slender enough to produce a capillary action. For example, the width of the capillary channel 40 may be 0.3 mm to 1 mm. That is, the width of the capillary channel 40 may be 0.3 mm, 1 mm, or any value between 0.3 mm and 1 mm. The width of the capillary channel 40 is the maximum width in the cross-sectional direction thereof, and the cross-sectional direction is perpendicular to the fluid flow direction in the capillary channel 40. For example, when the capillary channel 40 is a circular channel, its width is the inner diameter thereof. Therefore, the condensate located in the airflow channel 4 is subject to the capillary force of the capillary channel 40, is sucked into the capillary channel 40, and finally enters the liquid storage space 5 and continues to be used.
In some embodiments, at least one capillary channel 40 may be a capillary groove. Alternatively, at least one capillary channel 40 may be a capillary tube. Alternatively, at least one capillary channel 40 may be a combination of a capillary groove and a capillary tube.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the airflow channel 4 includes a first airflow channel 41 and a second airflow channel 42 that are in communication with each other. The liquid storage space 5 surrounds the periphery of the second airflow channel 42. Specifically, the liquid storage space 5 is annular, and surrounds the outer side of the second airflow channel 42. The first end cap 11 is provided between the first airflow channel 41 and the liquid storage space 5, and at least one capillary channel 40 communicates the first airflow channel 41 with the liquid storage space 5. Specifically, the liquid storage housing 10 has a suction nozzle end and a bottom end that are opposite to each other. The aerosol in the airflow channel 4 overflows through the suction nozzle end for the user to inhale. The first airflow channel 41 is closer to the suction nozzle end of the liquid storage housing 10 than the second airflow channel 42, and the first airflow channel 41 is farther away from the heating component 32 than the second airflow channel 42. Herein, the temperature difference from the heating component 32 is relatively large, and condensate is more likely to be generated. Therefore, the first airflow channel 41 is communicated with the liquid storage space 5 by using the capillary channel 40, and the condensate may be recycled in the position in which the condensate is more likely to be generated in the airflow channel 4 under the capillary force provided by the capillary channel 40 and the gravity of the condensate. Certainly, at least one capillary channel 40 may alternatively communicate the second airflow channel 42 with the liquid storage space 5. Under the user's inhalation force and the capillary force of the capillary channel 40, the condensate at the second airflow channel 42 may also be recycled into the liquid storage space 5, so that the condensate is prevented from entering the user's mouth.
From the perspective of an entity structure, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the liquid storage housing 10 includes a housing 101 and a suction nozzle 102 that are connected to each other. The first end cap 11 is provided between the housing 101 and the suction nozzle 102.
Specifically, the second airflow channel 42 and the liquid storage space 5 are formed inside the housing 101. The housing 101 includes a cylinder 1011 and a second end cap 1012 connected to the lower end of the cylinder 1011. The atomizer 1 further includes a vent tube 30 provided inside the cylinder 1011. The inner wall surface of the vent tube 30 defines the second airflow channel 42, and the liquid storage space 5 is defined between the outer wall surface of the vent tube 30 and the inner wall surface of the cylinder 1011. An opening end of the housing 101 is formed at the end (the upper end) of the cylinder 1011 away from the second end cap 1012, and a closed end of the housing 101 is formed at the end of the second end cap 1012 away from the cylinder 1011. The first end cap 11 is sleeved on one end of the vent tube 30. Specifically, the first end cap 11 is connected to one end (the upper end) of the cylinder 1011 of the housing 101 away from the second end cap 1012, that is, the first end cap 11 is connected to the opening end of the housing 101. Between the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 1012, the liquid storage space 5 is defined between the outer wall surface of the vent tube 30 and the inner wall surface of the cylinder 1011. In some embodiments, the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 1012 may be separately made of an elastic material such as silicone, so as to seal and block two ends of the liquid storage space 5, thereby reducing leakage.
The atomizer 1 further includes a liquid storage member 31 provided in the liquid storage space 5. The liquid storage member 31 is in a circular cylindrical shape, and a via 310 for the vent tube 30 to penetrate is formed thereon in the longitudinal direction. The liquid storage member 31 may be liquid storage cotton. The first end cap 11 is in contact with or spaced apart from the liquid storage member 31. That is, the liquid storage member 31 may occupy the full liquid storage space 5, so that the first end cap 11 contacts the liquid storage member 31 or is in interference fit therewith, so that the capillary channel 40 is as close to the liquid storage member 31 as possible, and the condensate can be directly adsorbed by the liquid storage member 31. Preferably, the outlet of the capillary channel 40 may directly contact the liquid storage member 31. Alternatively, the liquid storage member 31 may occupy only a part of the liquid storage space 5, and has a short enough distance from the first end cap 11, so that the condensate can be sent to the liquid storage space 5 under the capillary force with this short enough distance, and is absorbed by the liquid storage member 31.
The first airflow channel 41 is formed inside the suction nozzle 102. The end of the suction nozzle 102 away from the housing 101 forms the suction nozzle end of the liquid storage housing 10. The suction nozzle 102 includes a connection portion 1021 and a center tube 1022, and the connection portion 1021 surrounds the periphery of the center tube 1022 and is connected to the cylinder 1011 of the housing 101. The upper end of the center tube 1022 is connected to the connection portion 1021, and the lower end of the center tube 1022 extends in the direction close to the first end cap 11. The connection portion 1021 and the center tube 1022 may be integrally formed. The inner wall surface of the center tube 1022 defines the first airflow channel 41.
The atomizer 1 further includes a heating component 32. The heating component 32 is provided in the liquid storage housing 10 and is connected to the vent tube 30, and is further in contact with the liquid storage member 31 and is configured to heat and atomize an aerosol-forming medium stored in the liquid storage member 31 after being energized. Generated aerosol flows upward from the vent tube 30 to the suction nozzle 102 for the user to inhale.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 , the first end cap 11 includes a first surface 11 a facing away from the liquid storage space 5, a second surface 11 b facing the liquid storage space 5, and a through hole 113 running through the first surface 11 a and the second surface 11 b. FIG. 5 shows the first surface 11 a of the first end cap 11, and FIG. 7 shows the second surface 11 b of the first end cap 11. The through hole 113 is in communication with the airflow channel 4, and each capillary channel 40 is distributed on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 and the second surface 11 b. That is, the capillary channel 40 extends from the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 to the second surface 11 b, and the second surface 11 b directly faces the liquid storage space 5. For case of understanding, hereinafter, the capillary channel 40 distributed on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 is referred to as a vertical capillary channel 40, and the capillary channel 40 distributed on the second surface 11 b is a lateral capillary channel 40. The vertical capillary channel 40 is in communication with the lateral capillary channel 40.
Specifically, the through hole 113 is separately in communication with the first airflow channel 41 and the second airflow channel 42.
The condensate generated at the first airflow channel 41 flows downward under gravity, and is guided to the liquid storage space 5 through the vertical capillary channel 40 and the lateral capillary channel 40. Preferably, the first end cap 11 may be enabled to be in interference fit with the liquid storage member 31, so that the second surface 11 b is as close to the liquid storage member 31 as possible, so that the lateral capillary channel 40 is as close as possible to or directly in contact with the liquid storage member 31, and the liquid storage member 31 directly and quickly absorbs the condensate in the capillary channel 40.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality of first bosses 1141 protruding in the direction close to the central axis of the through hole 113 are provided on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113, the plurality of first bosses 1141 are distributed at intervals, and the capillary channel 40 distributed on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 is formed between adjacent first bosses 1141. That is, a vertical capillary channel 40 is formed between adjacent first bosses 1141. Certainly, in some other embodiments, a groove may also be formed on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113, and the groove is used as a vertical capillary channel 40.
The first bosses 1141 may be distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the through hole 113, and are evenly distributed, so that vertical capillary channels 40 can also be evenly distributed. The cross-section of the first end cap 11 may be circular, but is not limited to being circular, or may be in another shape.
Preferably, the lower end of the capillary channel 40 provided on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 may extend through the second surface 11 b, so that the condensate in the capillary channel 40 directly reaches the second surface 11 b, and finally enters the liquid storage space 5. Alternatively, the lower end of the capillary channel 40 provided on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 may not run through the second surface 11 b, but may be spaced from the second surface 11 b by a short enough distance. The upper end of the capillary channel 40 provided on the hole wall surface of the through hole 113 may extend through the first surface 11 a, or may not run through the first surface 11 a.
As shown in FIG. 8 , because the through hole 113 on the first end cap 11 is also in communication with the second airflow channel 42, under the inhalation force of the user, the condensate on the second airflow channel 42 successively reaches the through hole 113, the vertical capillary channel 40, and the lateral capillary channel 40 from bottom to top, and may also be guided to the liquid storage space 5.
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , a plurality of second bosses 1142 provided at intervals and protruding in the direction away from the second surface 11 b are formed on the second surface 11 b of the first end cap 11, and the capillary channel 40 distributed on the second surface 11 b is formed between two adjacent second bosses 1142. That is, a lateral capillary channel 40 is formed between two adjacent second bosses 1142. Certainly, in some other embodiments, a groove may also be formed on the second surface 11 b as a lateral capillary channel 40.
Similarly, the second bosses 1142 may also be distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first end cap 11, and are evenly distributed, so that lateral capillary channels 40 can also be evenly distributed.
Each first boss 1141 and each second bosses 1142 may be of an integrated structure formed in a manner of injection molding or the like. Alternatively, each first boss 1141 and each second boss 1142 may be of a separate structure separately formed and connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Correspondingly, each vertical capillary channel 40 and each lateral capillary channel 40 are also communicated in a one-to-one correspondence, so that the condensate can be rapidly and uniformly drained into the liquid storage space 5.
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , a plurality of third bosses 1143 provided at intervals are further formed on the second surface 11 b, the third bosses 1143 are distributed on the periphery of the second bosses 1142, a groove 11 c is formed between the third boss 1143 and the second boss 1142, and the groove 11 c is in communication with the capillary channel 40. Specifically, the groove 11 c is in communication with the lateral capillary channel 40. The condensate flowing out of the lateral capillary channel 40 may be concentrated in the groove 11 c, so that the condensate can be rapidly and uniformly drained into the liquid storage space 5, for example, absorbed by the liquid storage member 31. Similarly, the third bosses 1143 may be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the first end cap 11.
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the through hole 113 includes a first portion 1131 and a second portion 1132 that are in communication with each other, the cross-sectional area of the first portion 1131 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the second portion 1132, and the first portion 1131 is farther away from the liquid storage space 5 than the second portion 1132. At least one capillary channel 40 is partially provided on the hole wall surface of the second portion 1132. That is, at least one vertical capillary channel 40 is formed on the hole wall surface of the second portion 1132. In this case, the upper end of the vertical capillary channel 40 does not run through the first surface 11 a. In addition, a step 1133 is formed between the first portion 1131 and the second portion 1132.
Referring to FIG. 3 together, the lower end of the center tube 1022 extends into the first portion 1131 of the through hole 113 on the first end cap 11, and the lower end of the center tube 1022 may directly abut against the step 1133, or may be spaced from the step 1133 by a short enough distance. Therefore, the lower end of the center tube 1022 may be as close as possible to or directly in contact with the vertical capillary channel 40 on the hole wall surface of the second portion 1132 of the through hole 113, so that the condensate in the first airflow channel 41 can be rapidly sucked into the vertical capillary channel 40, and finally flow back to the liquid storage space 5.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.
The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An atomizer, comprising:

a liquid storage housing; and

a first end cap provided in the liquid storage housing,

wherein a liquid storage space and an airflow channel are formed in the liquid storage housing, and one end of the liquid storage space is covered by the first end cap, and

wherein at least one capillary channel is provided on the first end cap, the at least one capillary channel being separately in communication with the airflow channel and the liquid storage space.

2. The atomizer of claim 1, wherein the airflow channel comprises a first airflow channel and a second airflow channel that are in communication with each other,

wherein the liquid storage space surrounds a periphery of the second airflow channel,

wherein the first end cap is provided between the first airflow channel and the liquid storage space, and

wherein the at least one capillary channel communicates the first airflow channel with the liquid storage space.

3. The atomizer of claim 2, wherein the liquid storage housing comprises a housing and a suction nozzle that are connected,

wherein the second airflow channel and the liquid storage space are formed inside the housing,

wherein the first airflow channel is formed inside the suction nozzle, and

wherein the first end cap is provided between the housing and the suction nozzle.

4. The atomizer of claim 1, wherein the first end cap comprises a first surface facing away from the liquid storage space, a second surface facing toward the liquid storage space, and a through hole running through the first surface and the second surface, and

wherein the through hole is in communication with the airflow channel, and

wherein each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel is distributed on a hole wall surface of the through hole and the second surface.

5. The atomizer of claim 4, wherein a plurality of first bosses protruding in a direction close to a central axis of the through hole are provided at intervals on the hole wall surface of the through hole, and

wherein a capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel distributed on the hole wall surface of the through hole is formed between adjacent first bosses of the plurality of first bosses.

6. The atomizer of claim 4, wherein a plurality of second bosses provided at intervals are formed on the second surface, and

wherein a capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel distributed on the second surface is formed between adjacent second bosses of the plurality of second bosses.

7. The atomizer of claim 6, wherein a plurality of third bosses provided at intervals are formed on the second surface, the plurality of third bosses being distributed on a periphery of each second boss of the plurality of second bosses, and

wherein a groove in communication with the at least one capillary channel is formed between the plurality of third bosses and each second boss.

8. The atomizer of claim 4, wherein the through hole comprises a first portion and a second portion that are in communication with each other,

wherein a cross-sectional area of the first portion is greater than a cross-sectional area of the second portion,

wherein the first portion is farther away from the liquid storage space than the second portion, and

wherein the at least one capillary channel is partially provided on the hole wall surface of the second portion.

9. The atomizer of claim 1, wherein the atomizer further comprises a liquid storage member provided in the liquid storage space, the first end cap contacting the liquid storage member, or

wherein the atomizer further comprises a liquid storage member provided in the liquid storage space, the first end cap being spaced apart from the liquid storage member, and/or

wherein the at least one capillary channel comprises a capillary groove, and/or

wherein the at least one capillary channel has a width of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

10. An electronic atomization apparatus, comprising:

the atomizer of claim 1; and

a power supply apparatus connected to the atomizer.