WO2024199127A1 - Atomizer and aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An atomizer (1) and an aerosol generation device. The atomizer (1) comprises: a housing (14), inside of which a liquid storage cavity (15) is defined, the liquid storage cavity (15) being configured to store a liquid substrate; a mouthpiece (141); an atomization assembly (11), which is configured to atomize the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol; a support assembly (13), which is configured to support the atomization assembly (11), the support assembly (13) comprising an air intake channel; an airflow channel, which provides a path for airflow communication between the air intake channel and the mouthpiece (141); and a first liquid suction element (12), which surrounds the airflow channel, a partial boundary of the liquid storage cavity (15) being defined by an outer side surface of the first liquid suction element (12). The atomization assembly (11) is arranged in the airflow channel, and the atomization assembly (11) comprises a second liquid suction element (111) and a heat generating member (112) combined with the second liquid suction element (111); and the first liquid suction element (12) is configured to suction the liquid substrate and transfer same to the second liquid suction element (111). Not only can the first liquid suction element (12) be effectively prevented from sucking too many liquid substrates, but also the liquid substrate is prevented from overflowing and leaking from the liquid storage cavity (15).

Description

Nebulizers and aerosol generating devices

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on March 24, 2023, with application number 202320620209.2 and entitled “Atomizer and Aerosol Generating Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of aerosol generation technology, and in particular to a nebulizer and an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

The aerosol generating device is composed of an atomizer and a power supply assembly, etc. The atomizer includes a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid matrix and a liquid absorbing element for absorbing the liquid matrix. In some exemplary prior arts, the liquid absorbing element is basically filled in the entire liquid storage cavity, so as to keep the liquid matrix in the liquid storage cavity, which is conducive to avoiding leakage of the liquid matrix. In order to increase the liquid storage capacity of the liquid storage cavity, a liquid storage space that can directly accommodate the liquid matrix is usually designed in the atomizer. These liquid storage spaces are not filled or occupied by the liquid absorbing element, that is, when the liquid matrix is not completely kept inside the liquid absorbing element, it is easy for the liquid matrix to leak from the liquid storage cavity, affecting the user experience.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of the present application is to provide a nebulizer and an aerosol generating device that can prevent leakage of liquid matrix.

An atomizer provided in an embodiment of the present application includes:

A housing, wherein a liquid storage cavity is defined in the housing, and the liquid storage cavity is used to store a liquid matrix;

Suction nozzle;

An atomizing assembly, used for atomizing the liquid matrix to generate an aerosol;

A support assembly, used to support the atomization assembly, wherein the support assembly includes an air inlet passage;

An airflow channel, providing a path for airflow communication between the air inlet channel and the suction nozzle; and

A first liquid absorbing element, surrounding the airflow channel and an outer surface of the first liquid absorbing element defining a portion of the boundary of the liquid storage chamber;

Wherein, the atomizing assembly is arranged in the air flow channel, and the atomizing assembly includes a second liquid absorption element and a heating element combined with the second liquid absorption element; the first liquid absorption element is configured to absorb the liquid matrix and transfer it to the second liquid absorption element.

An aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned atomizer and also includes a power supply component, and the power supply component controls the operation of the atomizer.

In the above atomizer and aerosol generating device, the first liquid absorption element absorbs the liquid matrix and transfers the liquid matrix to the second liquid absorption element in the atomization assembly, which helps to prevent the liquid matrix from entering the air flow channel from the liquid storage chamber and helps to slow down the speed at which the liquid matrix enters the second liquid absorption element, thereby effectively preventing the first liquid absorption element from absorbing too much liquid matrix and preventing the liquid matrix from overflowing from the liquid storage chamber and leaking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the specific embodiments or the prior art description. In all drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn according to the actual scale.

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizer provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG3 is an exploded view of an atomizer provided in one embodiment of the present application;

FIG4 is another exploded view of the atomizer provided by one embodiment of the present application;

In the figure:
1. Atomizer;
11. atomizing assembly; 111. second liquid absorption element; B. positioning part; 112. heating element;
113. Lead wire;
12. a first liquid-absorbing element;
13. Support assembly; 131. Support; 1311. First convex column; 1312. First hollow cavity;
1313, notch; 1314, wire groove; 1315, second convex column; 1316, first insertion hole; 132, sealing member; 1321, first through hole; 133, base; 1331, second insertion hole; 1332, third convex column; 1333, second hollow cavity; 1334, liquid accumulation groove; 134, electrode;
14. housing; 141. nozzle; 142. connecting pipe;
15. Liquid storage chamber;
16. Support tube; 161. Window; A. Positioning window;
C, ventilation channel; C1, air guide groove;
2. Power supply components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

The terms "first", "second", "third" in the present application are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be interpreted as indicating or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity or order of the indicated technical features. In the present application embodiment, all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back ...) are only used to explain the relative position relationship or movement conditions between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings), and if the specific posture changes, the directional indication also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, the process, method, system, product or equipment comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but optionally also includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

Reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is understood by those skilled in the art, both explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be one or more central elements therebetween. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be the only implementation method.

1 and 2 , an embodiment of the present application provides an atomizer 1 , which includes a housing 14 , a liquid storage chamber 15 , a suction nozzle 141 , a first liquid suction element 12 and an atomizing assembly 11 .

The housing 14 is defined with a liquid storage chamber 15, which is used to store a liquid matrix, and the liquid matrix can be a liquid liquid matrix, and the liquid liquid matrix can include a liquid containing a tobacco substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or can include a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid liquid matrix can include water, a medicinal liquid, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, spices, flavoring agents or a vitamin mixture, and spices can include betel nut extract, menthol, peppermint, green mint oil, various fruity fragrance components, etc., but are not limited thereto. Flavoring agents can include components that can provide various fragrances or local flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture can be a mixture that is mixed with at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. The atomizer 1 can be used for different fields, such as, medical treatment, electronic aerosol atomization, etc.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 , the nozzle 141 is a component of the shell 14 , and the nozzle 141 can be integrally formed with the shell 14 , wherein the nozzle 141 is for the user to hold in the mouth. Referring to FIG. 2 , the atomizer 1 also includes a connecting tube 142 connected to the nozzle 141 , and the connecting tube 142 is located inside the shell 14 and extends downward from the nozzle 141 , and the aerosol generated by the atomizer 1 enters the connecting tube 142 and is then guided to the user's mouth by the connecting tube 142 . In other embodiments, not shown, the shell and the nozzle are independent of each other and constitute a part of the atomizer in an assembled manner, and the injection hole can be set at the top of the liquid storage chamber. When the shell and the nozzle are assembled, the component of the nozzle can seal the injection hole, thereby sealing the top of the liquid storage chamber.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 14 is transparent or translucent so that the The user may see at least a portion of the liquid storage chamber 15 through the housing 14 to observe the amount of liquid matrix stored in the liquid storage chamber 15, or to make the first liquid wicking element 12 visible.

The atomization assembly 11 includes a second liquid absorption element 111 and a heating element 112. The second liquid absorption element 111 is a porous body that can absorb liquid matrix and guide the liquid matrix to the atomization range of the heating element 112; the heating element 112 is used to atomize at least part of the liquid matrix on the second liquid absorption element 111 to form an aerosol.

The second liquid-absorbing element 111 may be flexible, for example, may be made of a flexible strip or rod-shaped or tubular fiber material, such as cotton fiber, non-woven fabric fiber, sponge, etc.

The second wicking element 111 can have larger hardness, for example, can be porous ceramic.The chemical property of porous ceramic is stable, can not chemically react with liquid matrix, and is resistant to high temperature, can not be deformed due to too high heating temperature.In one of them more specific embodiment, the second wicking element 111 can comprise at least one of porous alumina ceramic, porous silicon dioxide ceramic, porous silicon carbide ceramic, porous cordierite ceramic, porous mullite ceramic, porous sepiolite ceramic and porous diatomite ceramic.It is to be understood that the second wicking element 111 is not limited to porous ceramic, can also be other porous materials, for example, the second wicking element 111 can also be porous glass matrix, porous plastic matrix, porous metal matrix etc.

The second liquid absorbing element 111 has pores, and the second liquid absorbing element 111 absorbs and transfers the liquid matrix through its pores. The porosity of the second liquid absorbing element 111 can be 25% to 75%. In a more specific embodiment, the porosity of the second liquid absorbing element 111 is 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% or a range consisting of any two of these values. The size of the porosity of the second liquid absorbing element 111 can also be adjusted according to the composition of the liquid matrix. For example, when the viscosity of the liquid matrix to be atomized is large, a higher porosity is selected to ensure the liquid guiding effect of the second liquid absorbing element 111.

The average pore size of the second liquid absorbing element 111 may be 5 μm to 40 μm. In a more specific embodiment, the average pore size of the second liquid absorbing element 111 is 5 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 30 μm, 35 μm, 40 μm or a range consisting of any two of these values.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 , the second absorbent element 111 is in a hollow tubular shape and extends in the longitudinal direction. The airflow entering the suction nozzle 141 flows through the hollow interior of the second absorbent element 111 . The heating element 112 is combined with the second liquid absorbent element 111, including but not limited to: the heating element 112 is at least partially embedded in the inner wall of the second liquid absorbent element 111, or the heating element 112 and the inner wall of the second liquid absorbent element 111 are interference fit, or the heating element 112 is close to the inner wall of the second liquid absorbent element 111, or the heating element 112 is buried in the second liquid absorbent element 111. In other embodiments, not shown, the second liquid absorbent element is roughly rod-shaped or strip-shaped, and extends in the transverse direction, and the airflow entering the nozzle flows through the outside of the second liquid absorbent element. The heating element is combined with the second liquid absorbent element, including but not limited to: the heating element is coated on or wrapped around the periphery of the second liquid absorbent element, or the heating element is at least partially embedded in the surface of the second liquid absorbent element, or the heating element is close to the surface of the second liquid absorbent element, or the heating element is buried in the second liquid absorbent element.

When the second liquid absorbing element 111 is flexible, the heating element 112 can be a heating circuit, a heating sheet or a heating net. When the second liquid absorbing element 111 has a relatively large hardness, the heating element 112 can be a heating film, a heating circuit, a heating sheet or a heating net.

In one embodiment, the heating element 112 includes a resistive material, and suitable resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, conductive ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, Constantan, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, and cobalt, stainless steel, iron-aluminum-based alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material can be embedded in the insulating material, encapsulated or coated by the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. The heating element 112 may include a metal etched foil that acts as a separator between two layers of inert material. In the case described, the inert material may include all-polyimide or mica foil, etc.

Based on this, the atomizer assembly 11 also includes a lead 113 electrically connected to the heating element 112, and the lead 113 is used to provide power to the resistor material so that the resistor material generates Joule heat. Therefore, the lead 113 has at least two leads, one as a positive lead electrically connected to one end of the resistor material, and one as a negative lead electrically connected to the other end of the resistor material.

The atomizer 1 further includes a support assembly 13 and an air flow channel, wherein the support assembly 13 is used to seal the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 15, and the support assembly 13 includes an air inlet channel, and the air flow channel is used to provide a path for the air inlet channel to communicate with the mouthpiece. The air flow channel may be surrounded by the liquid storage chamber 15. At least a part of the atomizer assembly 11 is disposed in the air flow channel, and at least part of the aerosol may be formed in the air flow channel.

In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the atomizer 1 further comprises a support tube 16, the hardness of the support tube 16 is greater than the hardness of the second liquid absorption element 111, so that the support tube 16 can become a carrier of the second liquid absorption element 111, and can connect the connecting tube 142 and the support assembly 13. Specifically, the upper end of the support tube 16 can be connected to the connecting tube 142, and the lower end can be connected to the support assembly 13. The second liquid absorption element 111 is accommodated in the interior of the support tube 16, and at least one window 161 is provided on the side wall of the support tube 16, and at least part of the liquid matrix absorbed by the second liquid absorption element 111 flows through the window 161.

At least a portion of the air flow channel may be defined by the support tube 16 , and the second liquid-absorbing element 111 may be retained in the support tube 16 by interference fit with the support tube 16 .

When the second liquid absorption element 111 is flexible and extends longitudinally, the following problems occur when assembling the support tube 16 and the atomizer assembly 11: if the second liquid absorption element 111 has a small thickness and thus insufficient hardness, the liquid matrix that can flow freely in the liquid storage chamber 15 may leak through the window 161; if the second liquid absorption element 111 has a large thickness or a large hardness, although the problem of liquid matrix leakage along the inner wall of the support tube 16 can be solved, it will make it difficult to install the second liquid absorption element 111 into the support tube 16.

In order to solve the above problems, in one embodiment of the present application, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the atomizer 1 also includes a first liquid absorption element 12, which is arranged at the periphery of the air flow channel and the outer surface of the first liquid absorption element 12 defines a partial boundary of the liquid storage chamber 15. The first liquid absorption element 12 is used to absorb the liquid matrix and transfer the liquid matrix to the second liquid absorption element 111 for atomization by the heating element 112 combined with the second liquid absorption element 111.

The outer surface of the first absorbent element 12 defines a portion of the boundary of the liquid storage cavity 15 , and the first absorbent element 12 does not occupy the space of the liquid storage cavity 15 , thereby allowing the liquid storage cavity 15 to have a larger liquid matrix storage capacity.

The liquid matrix in the liquid storage chamber 15 is transferred to the second liquid absorption element through the first liquid absorption element 12. 111 helps to slow down the speed at which the liquid matrix enters the second liquid absorption element 111 , thereby effectively preventing the first liquid absorption element 12 from absorbing too much liquid matrix and affecting the atomization quality of the atomization component 11 , and preventing the liquid matrix from leaking through the atomization component 11 .

2 and 3 , the first liquid absorbing element 12 is disposed on the periphery of the support tube 16 and outside the window 161 , and covers the window 161 to prevent the liquid matrix from overflowing from the liquid storage chamber 15 through the window 161 and leaking.

The first liquid-absorbing element 12 may be a porous fiber, the main component of which may be high-molecular cotton, the porous fiber may be hard artificial cotton containing polyester fiber, or the porous fiber may be hard artificial cotton or artificial foam containing filamentous polyurethane.

The first absorbent element 12 may have a hardness or flexibility between that of flexible plant cotton/non-woven fabric and rigid porous ceramic/microporous metal. For example, in some embodiments, the first absorbent element 12 has a Shore hardness between 20A and 80A, so that the structure is stable and has very low expansion after absorbing and soaking the oil. On the one hand, the first absorbent element 12 can independently seal the window 161 by utilizing its own flexibility to prevent the liquid matrix from excessively overflowing and leaking through the window 161. On the other hand, it has a certain hardness, so that it can be easily fixed and maintained at the periphery of the support tube 16.

The second absorbent element 111 may also have a hardness or flexibility between that of a conventional flexible plant cotton/non-woven fabric (Shore hardness less than 20A) and a rigid porous ceramic/microporous metal (Shore hardness greater than 80A), so that the contact between the second absorbent element 111 and the inner wall of the support tube 16 is between a flexible contact and a rigid contact, which helps to make the second absorbent element 111 more easily retained in the support tube 16. In some embodiments, the second absorbent element 111 has a Shore hardness of 50 to 70A, which is approximately equivalent to the hardness of a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone. In some embodiments, the hardness of the first absorbent element 12 may be greater than the hardness of the second absorbent element 111. In some embodiments, the first absorbent element 12 and the second absorbent element 111 may be made of the same material.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first absorbent element 12 is tubular and covers the periphery of a portion of the support tube 16. The hardness of the support tube 16 is greater than that of the first absorbent element 12, so that the support tube 16 can support the first absorbent element 12 and has an interference fit with the tubular first absorbent element 12 to prevent the liquid matrix from leaking through the window 161.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the first absorbent element 12 is smaller than the longitudinal extension length of the support tube 16 , and the first absorbent element 12 may only cover a partial periphery of the support tube 16 to shield and seal the window 161 facing the liquid storage chamber 15 .

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 , the support tube 16 and the connecting tube 142 are nested and connected. Specifically, in FIG. 2 , a portion of the connecting tube 142 is inserted into the support tube 16. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the base of the support tube 16 may be inserted into the connecting tube 142. In order to prevent the liquid matrix from entering the interior of the support tube 16 from the connection boundary between the support tube 16 and the connecting tube 142, the first liquid absorption element 12 may be extended upward and cover the connection boundary between the support tube 16 and the connecting tube 142, so as to prevent the liquid matrix from entering the interior of the support tube 16 from the connection boundary between the support tube 16 and the connecting tube 142 through the first liquid absorption element 12, thereby eliminating the need for other sealing treatments for the connection between the support tube 16 and the connecting tube 142, that is, the liquid matrix can be prevented from leaking through the connection boundary between the support tube 16 and the connecting tube 142, and the assembly efficiency of the atomizer 1 may be improved and the manufacturing cost of the atomizer 1 may be reduced.

In one embodiment, please refer to FIG. 3 , at least one window 161 on the support tube 16 is a positioning window A, and the positioning window A extends to the end of the support tube 16 so that one end of the positioning window A is open, for example, extends to the lower end of the support tube 16 so that the lower end of the positioning window A is open, and a positioning portion B is provided on the second absorbent element 111 corresponding to the positioning window A. When the second absorbent element 111 and the support tube 16 are assembled, the positioning portion B is pushed from the opening of the positioning window A into the interior of the positioning window A, and the size design of the positioning portion B and the positioning window A enables the positioning portion B to be engaged with the positioning window A, thereby achieving a tight fit between the positioning portion B and the positioning window A, which helps to better keep the second absorbent element 111 in the support tube 16. When the positioning portion B is assembled in place, the positioning portion B abuts against the first absorbent element 12 to achieve the transfer of liquid matrix between the first absorbent element 12 and the second absorbent element 111.

In one embodiment, at least one window 161 on the support tube 16 may be a conventional window whose ends are closed, and the first liquid absorption element 12 and the second liquid absorption element 111 may contact each other in the conventional window to achieve transfer of the liquid matrix between the first liquid absorption element 12 and the second liquid absorption element 111.

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the support tube 16 may be smoother than the outer surface of the second absorbent element 111, thereby facilitating the second absorbent element 111 to be pushed into the support tube 16. The outer surface of the support tube 16 may be smoother than the inner surface of the first absorbent element 12, so as to facilitate the first absorbent element 12 to be nested in the periphery of the support tube 16. In one embodiment, the support tube 16 may be a metal tube.

After the first absorbent element 12 is arranged on the periphery of the window 161, the first absorbent element 12 is used to prevent the liquid matrix from leaking through the window 161, thereby reducing the requirements for the thickness and hardness of the second absorbent element 111. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the liquid matrix from leaking and facilitate the assembly of the second absorbent element 111 in the support tube 16.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, not shown, the second absorbent element is flexible and extends laterally, the support tube has two oppositely disposed windows, and opposite ends of the second absorbent element respectively pass through corresponding windows and abut against the first absorbent element.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first liquid absorption element 12 has sufficient hardness, so that the atomizer 1 may not have the support tube 16 described above, but the tubular first liquid absorption element 12 is directly connected to the connecting tube 142 of the shell 14 and the support assembly 13, the first liquid absorption element 12 is arranged on the periphery of the air flow channel and defines at least part of the boundary of the liquid storage chamber 15, so that the first liquid absorption element 12 can be in direct contact with the liquid matrix in the liquid storage chamber 15, and the second liquid absorption element 111 is at least partially arranged inside the tubular first liquid absorption element 12, and the second liquid absorption element 111 absorbs the liquid matrix from the first liquid absorption element 12 and transfers at least part of the absorbed matrix to the heating element 112 for atomization.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the first protruding column 1311 on the supporting assembly 13 is hollow and has a first hollow cavity 1312 running through from top to bottom. The first hollow cavity 1312 defines at least a portion of the air inlet passage.

The support tube 16 or the first liquid absorbing element 12 is nested and connected with the first protrusion 1311, so as to realize the communication between the air inlet channel and the air flow channel. A notch 1313 is provided on the side wall of the first protrusion 1311, and the lead 113 electrically connected to the heating element 112 passes through the first protrusion 1311 through the notch 1313 to be electrically connected to the electrode 134 or the power supply assembly 2. By passing the lead 113 through the first protrusion 1311, the lower end of the lead 113 is located outside the air inlet channel to prevent the liquid formed on the lead 113 by the refluxed aerosol from condensing and leaking through the air inlet channel.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the support assembly 13 further includes an electrode 134, and the electrode 134 is used to be electrically connected to the heating element 112 to provide power for the heating element 112 to generate heat; Specifically, the heating element 112 can be electrically connected to the electrode 134 through the lead 113. The atomizer 1 shown in Figures 2 and 3 includes a support tube 16, a first boss 1311 is embedded in the support tube 16, the top of the first boss 1311 abuts against the atomizer assembly 11 to keep the atomizer assembly 11 in the support tube 16, and a wire groove 1314 is provided on the outer side wall of the first boss 1311, at least part of the outside of the wire groove 1314 is blocked by the support tube 16, and the lead 113 passing through the first hollow cavity 1312 in the first boss 1311 from the notch 1313 extends along the wire groove 1314 to pass through between the support tube 16 and the first boss 1311, and is electrically connected to the electrode 134.

In one embodiment, the support assembly 13 includes a liquid injection hole (not shown), through which the liquid matrix is injected into the liquid storage chamber 15. The support assembly 13 also includes an electrode 134 electrically connected to the heating element 112. At least a portion of the electrode 134 is disposed in the liquid injection hole to block the liquid injection hole and prevent the liquid matrix from leaking from the liquid injection hole.

Further, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the support assembly 13 includes a support 131 and a seal 132. The support 131 can be assembled inside the housing 14, and the seal 132 can provide a sealed connection between the support 131 and the housing 14. At the same time, a first through hole 1321 is provided on the seal 132 facing the liquid storage chamber 15, and a second convex column 1315 is provided on the support 131. At least a portion of the second convex column 1315 is located in the first through hole 1321, and is interference fit with the first through hole 1321 to prevent leakage of the liquid matrix. The second convex column 1315 is hollow and has a first insertion hole 1316 that passes through from top to bottom. The first insertion hole 1316 defines at least a portion of the injection hole. At least a portion of the electrode 134 is located in the second convex column 1315, and the first insertion hole 1316 in the second convex column 1315 is blocked to prevent leakage of the liquid matrix. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the hole wall of the first insertion hole 1316 may be inclined, so that the aperture of at least a portion of the first insertion hole 1316 gradually decreases from bottom to top, thereby facilitating the insertion of the electrode 134 into the first insertion hole 1316 and preventing the leakage of the liquid matrix. In one embodiment, the electrode 134 is columnar, which may be a copper column, and the side wall of the columnar electrode 134 is inclined, so that the outer diameter of at least a portion of the side wall of the electrode 134 gradually increases from top to bottom, thereby facilitating the insertion of the electrode 134 into the first insertion hole 1316 and preventing the leakage of the liquid matrix. It should be noted that it is optional and not mandatory for the support assembly 13 to include a liquid injection hole.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the support assembly 13 may further include a base 133, at least a portion of which may be assembled inside the housing 14; the base 133 may be attached to the inner surface of the housing 14. The sealing connection between the base 133 and the shell 14 is provided to prevent leakage of the liquid matrix, wherein the sealing member 132 described above can extend downward, and a part of the sealing member 132 is located between the base 133 and the shell 14 to provide a sealing connection between the base 133 and the shell 14; it can be understood that the use of the sealing member 132 that provides a sealing connection between the support 131 and the shell 14 to seal the base 133 and the shell 14 is optional but not mandatory, and the base 133 can also be sealed and connected to the shell 14 in other ways.

The base 133 can abut against the support 131 to keep the support 131 in the shell 14 ; the base 133 can be snap-connected with the shell 14 to be fixed to the shell 14 .

Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. The base 133 has a second insertion hole 1331, which corresponds to the first insertion hole 1316 on the support 131. One end of the electrode 134 is exposed outside the second insertion hole 1331 for electrical connection with the power supply component 2, and the other end passes through the second insertion hole 1331 and is inserted into the first insertion hole 1316. One end of the lead 113 is electrically abutted against the corresponding electrode 134 in the first insertion hole 1316. More specifically, one end of the lead wire 113 is first inserted into the first insertion hole 1316 from the lower end of the first insertion hole 1316, and then the base 133 and the support 131 are assembled so that the first insertion hole 1316 and the corresponding second insertion hole 1331 are aligned. At this time, a part of the lead wire 113 is located between the base 133 and the support 131, and then the corresponding electrode 134 is inserted into the second insertion hole 1331, and the lead wire 113 is pushed and squeezed during the process of the electrode 134 being inserted into the first insertion hole 1316. When the electrode 134 is inserted into place, the side wall of the lead wire 113 and the electrode 134 are electrically abutted in the first insertion hole 1316. The base 133 and the support 131 are independently and detachably arranged, so that one end of the lead wire 113 can be easily inserted into the first insertion hole 1316, or the electrode 134 can be easily electrically abutted against the corresponding lead wire 113.

In order to make the electrode 134 more stable, the second insertion hole 1331 is interference-fitted with the corresponding electrode 134 .

It should be noted that when the support component 13 includes a liquid injection hole, the first insertion hole 1316 and the second insertion hole 1331 both define a part of the liquid injection hole, and the first insertion hole 1316 and the second insertion hole 1331 are through holes that penetrate from top to bottom, and the injection needle can sequentially pass through the second insertion hole 1331 and the first insertion hole 1316 to extend into the liquid storage chamber 15, and then inject the liquid matrix into the liquid storage chamber 15; in an embodiment in which the support component 13 does not have a liquid injection hole, the first insertion hole 1316 can be a blind hole with a closed top; in another embodiment in which the support component 13 does not have a liquid injection hole, Without the first insertion hole 1316 , one end of the lead wire 113 only needs to be located at the bottom of the support 131 . After the electrode 134 passes through the corresponding second insertion hole 1331 , the top of the electrode 134 electrically contacts the lead wire 113 .

2 and 3 , the first convex column 1311 is a component of the support 131. In the embodiment where the support assembly 13 includes a base 133, the base 133 has a third convex column 1332, the third convex column 1332 is hollow, and has a second hollow cavity 1333 running through it from top to bottom, the first hollow cavity 1312 and the second hollow cavity 1333 both define a part of the air inlet passage, and the second hollow cavity 1333 is located upstream of the first hollow cavity 1312 in the airflow direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the first protrusion 1311 and the third protrusion 1332 are disconnected and spaced apart from each other, so that the condensate formed by the liquid matrix leaking from the airflow channel and the refluxed aerosol condensing on the wall of the first hollow cavity 1312 cannot directly flow into the second hollow cavity 1333, and thus cannot leak through the second hollow cavity 1333, which helps to prevent the atomizer 1 from leaking.

2 , the first hollow cavity 1312 and the second hollow cavity 1333 share a central axis, and the inner diameter of the third protrusion 1332 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first protrusion 1311 , so that the liquid on the first protrusion 1311 cannot drip into the second hollow cavity 1333 .

Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. The base 133 may also include a liquid collection groove 1334, which is located between the second insertion hole 1331 and the third boss 1332. The tops of the second insertion hole 1331 and the third boss 1332 are both higher than the bottom of the liquid collection groove 1334. Part of the groove wall of the liquid collection groove 1334 abuts the bottom of the first boss 1311, so that the liquid on the first boss 1311 can spread along the corresponding side walls of the liquid collection groove 1334 to the liquid collection groove 1334 and be collected without leaking.

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the support assembly 13 has a ventilation channel C, which provides an air path for the liquid storage chamber 15 and the air inlet channel to communicate with each other. When the liquid storage chamber 15 has a negative pressure due to the consumption of the liquid matrix, part of the air in the air inlet channel can enter the liquid storage chamber 15 through the ventilation channel C, so that the air pressure inside and outside the liquid storage chamber 15 is balanced.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , there is a gap between the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 and the hole wall of the first through hole 1321, and the gap constitutes at least a part of the ventilation channel C, that is, forming the first ventilation channel. The formation of the first ventilation channel includes but is not limited to: the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has an air guide groove C1, or the hole wall of the first through hole 1321 has an air guide groove, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a strip convex rib, or the first through hole 1321 has a gas guide groove C2, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C3, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C4, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C5, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C6, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C7, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C8, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C9, or the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 has a gas guide groove C1 ... The hole wall of the second convex column 1315 has a strip convex rib, or a bone strip such as a metal wire or a plastic strip is sandwiched between the outer wall of the second convex column 1315 and the hole wall of the first through hole 1321. Thus, while the second convex column 1315 and the first through hole 1321 are interference-fitted, a gap for air to pass through is also reserved, and the first ventilation channel is connected to the air intake channel, and part of the air in the air intake channel can enter the liquid storage chamber 15 through the first ventilation channel.

The support assembly 13 also includes a second ventilation channel connecting the first ventilation channel and the air intake channel. More specifically, the wall defining the air intake channel has air holes or part of the wall defining the air intake channel is disconnected, so that part of the air in the air intake channel can enter the second ventilation channel, and then enter the liquid storage chamber 15 through the first air intake channel.

Please refer to Figure 1. The present application also provides an aerosol generating device, including the atomizer 1 described in any of the above embodiments, and also including a power supply assembly 2. The power supply assembly 2 may include any suitable power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or a lithium polymer battery. The power supply assembly 2 may include a circuit board and one or more control circuits arranged on the circuit board, and the control circuit may control the output of the power supply, such as causing the power supply to output an alternating current or a direct current, or, for example, causing the power supply to output a current or a voltage in the form of a pulse.

The control circuit may have one or more controllers. The controller may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. In detail, the controller controls not only the operation of the battery and the heating assembly, but also the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device. In addition, the controller may determine whether the aerosol generating device can be operated by checking the state of the components of the aerosol generating device. The controller includes at least one processor. The processor may include a logic gate array, or may include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing executable programs in the microprocessor. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller may include another type of hardware.

It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are given in the specification and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification. Furthermore, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present application.

Claims (13)

An atomizer, characterized by comprising: A housing, wherein a liquid storage cavity is defined in the housing, and the liquid storage cavity is used to store a liquid matrix; Suction nozzle; An atomizing assembly, used for atomizing the liquid matrix to generate an aerosol; A support assembly, used to support the atomization assembly, wherein the support assembly includes an air inlet passage; An air flow channel, providing a path for air flow communication between the air inlet channel and the suction nozzle; A first liquid absorbing element, surrounding the airflow channel and an outer surface of the first liquid absorbing element defining a portion of the boundary of the liquid storage chamber; Wherein, the atomizing assembly is arranged in the air flow channel, and the atomizing assembly includes a second liquid absorption element and a heating element combined with the second liquid absorption element; the first liquid absorption element is configured to absorb the liquid matrix and transfer it to the second liquid absorption element. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the atomization assembly further comprises a support tube, The support tube has at least one window. The first liquid absorbing element surrounds the periphery of the support tube and covers the window. The second liquid absorbing element is accommodated in the support tube, and the second liquid absorbing element receives the liquid matrix from the first liquid absorbing element through the window. The atomizer according to claim 2 is characterized in that at least one of the windows is a positioning window, and the positioning window extends to the end of the support tube; the second liquid absorption element has a positioning portion engaged with the positioning window, and the positioning portion extends from the positioning window to the outside of the support tube and abuts against the first liquid absorption element. The atomizer according to claim 2, characterized in that the atomizing assembly further comprises a lead wire electrically connected to the heating element, the supporting assembly comprises a first convex column and an electrode, the first convex column is hollow and defines at least a portion of the air inlet channel, and at least a portion of the first convex column is nested with the supporting tube; There is a notch on the side wall of the first convex column, and the lead wire passes through the notch, passes out of the first convex column and is electrically connected to the electrode. The atomizer according to claim 2 is characterized in that the atomizer comprises a connecting tube, the connecting tube connects the supporting tube and the suction nozzle, and the first liquid suction element covers a connecting boundary between the supporting tube and the connecting tube. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the first liquid-absorbing element is configured in a tubular shape. The atomizer according to claim 1 is characterized in that the supporting assembly comprises a liquid injection hole and an electrode electrically connected to the heating element, and the electrode at least partially blocks the liquid injection hole. The atomizer according to claim 1 is characterized in that a ventilation channel is provided in the support assembly, and the ventilation channel provides an air path for airflow communication between the liquid storage chamber and the air inlet channel. The atomizer according to claim 8, characterized in that the support assembly comprises a support and a sealing member; The support is provided with a second convex column, the sealing member is provided with a first through hole which is at least partially interference fit with the second convex column, and the ventilation channel is arranged between the outer side of the second convex column and the hole wall of the first through hole. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the support assembly further comprises an electrode, a support having a first insertion port and a base having a second insertion hole, the base is detachably connected to the support, one end of the electrode is exposed outside the second insertion hole, and the other end passes through the second insertion hole and is inserted into the first insertion hole; The atomizing assembly further includes a lead wire electrically connected to the heating element, and a portion of the lead wire is received from a position between the base and the support into the first insertion port and abuts against the electrode. The atomizer according to claim 1 is characterized in that the first liquid absorbing element and the second liquid absorbing element both extend longitudinally, and the longitudinal extension length of the first liquid absorbing element is greater than the longitudinal extension length of the second liquid absorbing element. The atomizer according to claim 1 is characterized in that at least a portion of the shell is transparent or translucent, so that the first liquid absorption element is visible. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that it comprises any one of claims 1 to 12 The atomizer further comprises a power supply component, and the power supply component controls the operation of the atomizer.