WO2025016172A1

WO2025016172A1 - Atomizing assembly and atomizing device

Info

Publication number: WO2025016172A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/102031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yonghai LI; Zhongli XU; Baofeng Xie; Ruilong HU; Yongqiang Liu
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-07-20
Filing date: 2024-06-27
Publication date: 2025-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-20

Abstract

An atomizing assembly (13) comprises a bracket (131), a body (132a), and a susceptor layer (132b). The bracket has an airflow channel and a receiving cavity inside. The body is disposed within the receiving cavity. The body has an atomizing surface (132a1) and a liquid absorption surface (132a2) opposite the atomizing surface, with the atomizing surface having a planar surface and facing the airflow channel. The susceptor layer is configured to generate heat upon penetration by a varying magnetic field, wherein the susceptor layer is provided on the atomizing surface of the body and covers only a portion of the atomizing surface.

Description

ATOMIZING ASSEMBLY AND ATOMIZING DEVICE

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of electronic atomization technology, in particular to an atomizing assembly and an atomizing device.

Background Art

In an existing aerosol generating device, a heating element is configured to be capable of generating heat upon penetration by a varying magnetic field, thereby evaporating a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol. The problem with this aerosol generation device is that the heating element is usually assembled on the liquid guiding element. Due to the processing techniques, intensity and complexity of assembly, etc., the heating element is not easily miniaturized, and the weight and heating area of the heating element greatly affects the efficiency of the device, i.e. the atomization efficiency of the device is low.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, an atomizing assembly is provided. The atomizing assembly comprises:

a bracket having an airflow channel and a receiving cavity inside;

a body disposed within the receiving cavity, wherein the body has an atomizing surface and a liquid absorption surface opposite the atomizing surface, with the atomizing surface having a planar surface and facing the airflow channel;

a susceptor layer configured to generate heat upon penetration by a varying magnetic field, wherein the susceptor layer is provided on the atomizing surface of the body and covers only a portion of the atomizing surface.

A main extension plane of the susceptor layer may extend in parallel to the atomizing surface. A main extension plane of the susceptor layer may extend in parallel to the liquid absorption surface. The susceptor layer may be flat.

In an example, the susceptor layer extends from a first end to a second end opposite the first end; wherein a width dimension of both ends of the susceptor layer is greater than a width dimension of a middle portion of the susceptor layer.

In an example, the width dimension of the middle portion of the susceptor layer is between one-third and two-thirds of the width dimension of one end of the susceptor layer.

In an example, sides of the susceptor layer are substantially arcuate along an extension direction from the first end to the second end.

In an example, the susceptor layer has a continuous surface that extends flat on the atomizing surface. The continuous surface may be an uninterrupted or non-porous complete surface.

In an example, a periphery of the susceptor layer has one or a plurality of outwardly extending projections.

In an example, there is a gap between the susceptor layer and the periphery of the atomizing surface.

In an example, the susceptor layer is formed on the atomizing surface by at least one of printing, vapor deposition, or etching.

The susceptor layer may be configured to be inductively heated by being subjected to an alternating magnetic field, thereby heating liquid to generate aerosol. The susceptor layer may comprise a metal material. The metal material may comprise steel or stainless steel, in particular SUS430.

In an example, the susceptor layer is bonded to the atomizing surface of the body. For example, the susceptor layer may be bonded to the atomizing surface by thin sheet metal.

In an example, the susceptor layer is a separate part from the body. The susceptor layer may be provided without a fixed connection to the body. The susceptor layer may be provided on the atomizing surface of the body without being bonded to the body.

The susceptor layer may be in contact with the body, in particular with the atomizing surface of the body. The susceptor layer may be in contact with the body without being attached to the body. The susceptor layer and the body may be positioned or pressed in contact with each other without the susceptor layer being attached to the body.

A main extension plane of the susceptor layer may be parallel to the atomizing surface. A main extension plane of the susceptor layer may be parallel to the absorption surface. The atomizing surface may face the airflow channel. The liquid absorption surface may face away from the airflow channel.

In an example, the susceptor layer has the form of a mesh.

In an example, the susceptor layer has one or more openings or through-holes. The one or more openings or through-holes may face in a direction perpendicular to one or both of the atomizing surface and the liquid absorption surface. One or more openings or through-holes of the susceptor layer may facilitate that vaporized liquid from the atomizing surface reaches the airflow channel.

In an example, the body is configured to draw liquid at the liquid absorption surface and to deliver the drawn liquid to the susceptor layer. The body may be permeable to liquid. The body may be a wicking body. The body may be configured to supply liquid to the susceptor layer. The body may comprise a fibrous material or consist of fibrous material.

The body may comprise a fibrous material or consist of a fibrous material. The body may comprise cotton or consist of cotton. The body may comprise a ceramic material or consist of a ceramic material. The body may comprise or be made of a hard capillary structure such as porous ceramic, porous glass-ceramic, porous glass. The body may be configured to be soaked with a liquid.

In an example, the body is a porous body. The porous body may comprise or consist of a fibrous material. The porous body may comprise or consist of a cotton material. The porous body may comprise or consist of a hard capillary structure such as porous ceramic, porous glass-ceramic, porous glass. The porous body may comprise a ceramic material or consist of a ceramic material.

In an example, the body, in particular the porous body, comprises through-holes running through the liquid absorption surface to the atomizing surface.

In an example, the body, in particular the porous body, is a plate-like structure and is mounted along a longitudinal direction of the bracket.

In an example, the bracket is a tubular structure, with an inner hollow portion of the tubular structure forming the airflow channel and the receiving cavity.

The bracket may have a bracket air inlet at an upstream end of the bracket and a bracket air outlet at a downstream end of the bracket. The airflow channel may connect the bracket air inlet and the bracket air outlet. The airflow channel may extend along a longitudinal direction.

The bracket air inlet may have an opening through which air passes to enter the airflow channel. The opening may have a circular cross-section, or an oval cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section, or an irregular cross-section, for example. A diameter of the opening may be lower than 5 millimeter, or lower than 2 millimeter, or lower than 1 millimeter. A diameter of the may be between 0.3 millimeter and 1 millimeter, or between 0.5 millimeter and 1 millimeter, for example. An opening cross-section of the opening may be smaller than 1 square millimeter, or smaller than 0.5 square millimeter, for example. An opening cross-section of the opening may be between 0.2 square millimeter and 1 square millimeter, or between 0.2 square millimeter and 0.5 square millimeter, for example. A small opening may reduce leakage of liquid substrate.

The atomizing assembly may comprise a distal sealing element. The distal sealing element may be in contact with the bracket and the base, in particular an inner wall surface of the base, to prevent or reduce leakage of liquid substrate. The distal sealing element may have an annular shape. The bracket may have at its upstream end a seat for the distal sealing element. The seat may comprise a groove at least partially receiving the distal sealing element. Alternatively, the seat may be formed by a plane circumferential surface of the bracket. The distal sealing element may be circumferentially in contact with the plane circumferential surface of the bracket and the base, in particular an inner wall surface of the base, to prevent or reduce leakage of liquid substrate.

The distal sealing element may have at least one circumferential sealing lip portion extending radially outwards and engaging the inner surface of the base. The at least one sealing lip portion may comprise two sealing lip portions spaced along the longitudinal direction. The at least one sealing lip portion may be asymmetrical with respect to any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The at least one sealing lip portion may be shaped to have a lower resistance against being bent along the longitudinal direction than against being bent against the longitudinal direction. The at least one sealing lip portion may be shaped to elastically press against the inner surface of the base to provide sealing between the bracket and the base.

The distal sealing element may have a plane inner circumferential surface being in contact with the plane circumferential surface of the bracket. A flange of the distal sealing element may extend radially inwardly from the plane inner circumferential surface. The flange may engage and at least partially cover an end surface of the bracket facing against the longitudinal direction.

A side wall of the bracket may have an opening. The liquid absorption surface of the body, in particular of the porous body, may be disposed facing the opening.

The body, in particular the porous body, and the susceptor layer may together form an atomizing core.

In an example, the atomizing assembly further comprises a retaining element disposed at the opening, with the retaining element abutting against a portion of the liquid absorption surface of the body, in particular of the porous body.

In an example, the atomizing assembly further comprises a heat-insulating element.

In an example, the heat-insulating element is disposed within the receiving cavity. At least a portion of the heat-insulating element may be disposed between the body, in particular the porous body, and an inner surface of the bracket to space apart the body, in particular the porous body, and the bracket.

In an example, at least a portion of the heat-insulating element is disposed between the susceptor layer and the bracket. The heat-insulating element may space the susceptor layer and the bracket from each other. The heat-insulating element may reduce heat transfer from the susceptor layer to the bracket. The heat-insulating element may circumferentially extend around the susceptor layer. The heat-insulating element may have a frame-shape surrounding a frame opening. The frame opening may face in a direction perpendicular to the atomizing surface. The frame opening may face away from the atomizing surface. The frame opening may face towards the airflow channel. The frame-shape may be a rectangular frame-shape, for example. The frame opening may leave at least a central portion of the susceptor layer uncovered by the heat-insulating element.

In an example, the heat-insulating element is configured to retain or support one or both of the body, in particular the porous body, and the susceptor layer within the receiving cavity.

In an example, the heat-insulating element comprises a flexible material or is made of a flexible material. The heat-insulating element may provide a seal between the bracket and the body, in particular the porous body.

The heat-insulating element may be a porous element.

In an example, the heat-insulating element comprises a fibrous material.

In an example, the heat-insulating element comprises cotton or ceramic or consists of cotton or ceramic.

In an example, the heat-insulating element is configured to be soaked with a liquid. The heat-insulating element may be soaked or saturated with liquid, in particular with liquid from the liquid storage cavity. The heat-insulating element may be a fibrous element, such as a cotton element, saturated with liquid. The heat-insulating element may work as thermal buffer to reduce heat transfer from the susceptor layer to the bracket.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an atomizing device (atomizer) is provided. The atomizing device comprises a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid substrate and the atomizing assembly. The liquid absorption surface of the body, in particular of the porous body, is in fluid communication with or connected to the liquid storage cavity.

The liquid absorption surface of the body may be configured to receive the liquid from the liquid storage cavity. The body may be permeable to the liquid from the liquid storage cavity. The susceptor layer may be configured to be heated by a varying magnetic field to vaporize the liquid received from the liquid storage cavity via the atomizing surface.

According to an example, the atomizing device extends along a longitudinal direction from an air inlet end to a suction nozzle end or mouthpiece end. At the air inlet end, the atomizing device has an air inlet. At the suction nozzle end, the atomizing device has a suction nozzle or air outlet, through which aerosol can be delivered to a user. At the air inlet end, the atomizing device may be connected to a power supply assembly.

The liquid absorption surface may be parallel to the longitudinal direction. The atomizing surface may be parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The susceptor layer may extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction. A main extension plane of the susceptor layer may be parallel to the longitudinal direction.

One or both of the body and the susceptor layer may be laterally offset from a longitudinal center axis of the atomizing device.

According to an example, the atomizing device comprises a transmission tubular structure (or transmission tube) at least partially traversing the liquid storage cavity. The transmission tubular structure may centrally extend through the liquid storage cavity. The transmission tubular structure may extend in parallel to the longitudinal direction. The transmission tubular structure may comprise an inner end configured to receive aerosol generated by the susceptor layer. The transmission tubular structure may comprise an outer end forming the suction nozzle or air outlet configured to release the aerosol to an outside of the atomizing device for consumption by a user. The liquid storage cavity may circumferentially extend around the transmission tubular structure.

According to an example, the atomizing device may comprise at least one liquid supply channel connecting the liquid storage cavity and the liquid absorption surface. The at least one liquid supply channel may comprise exactly one liquid supply channel or more than one liquid supply channel. The at least one liquid supply channel may comprise at least two liquid supply channels.

Each liquid supply channel may be connected to the liquid storage cavity via a separate opening of the liquid storage cavity.

The at least one liquid supply channel may be laterally offset from a longitudinal center axis of the atomizing device. The liquid absorption surface may face towards a direction in which the at least one liquid supply channel is laterally offset from the longitudinal center axis of the atomizing device. The liquid absorption surface may face towards a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the at least one liquid supply channel is laterally offset from the longitudinal center axis of the atomizing device.

According to an example, the atomizing device comprises a proximal part and a distal part. The proximal part may comprise a suction nozzle end. The distal part may comprise an air inlet end. The proximal part may be downstream of the distal part with respect to a longitudinal direction.

The proximal part may be gradually tapered from its distal end to its proximal end defining he suction nozzle end of the atomizing device.

The proximal part of the atomizing device may have an oval or elliptical cross-section in sectional planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each oval or elliptical cross-section may have a short axis and a long axis of the ellipse. The short axis and the long axis may be perpendicular to each other. The short axis and the long axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

A main extension plane of the atomizing core, in particular a main extension plane of the body and/or a main extension plane of the susceptor layer, is preferably parallel to the long axis and to the longitudinal direction. One or both of the atomizing surface and the liquid absorption surface of the body are preferably parallel to the long axis and the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, one or both of the atomizing surface and the liquid absorption surface of the body are perpendicular to the long axis and the longitudinal direction.

The distal part of the atomizing device may have a cylindrical shape. A longitudinal center axis of the distal part may extend through the susceptor layer, or the body, or the atomizing core.

The cross-sections of the proximal part of the atomizing device in sectional planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be larger than the cross-sections of the distal part of the atomizing device. The atomizing device may have a general shape of a mushroom, wherein the proximal part generally corresponds to the cap portion of the mushroom and the distal part generally corresponds to the stem portion of the mushroom.

A diameter of the atomizing device may decrease against the longitudinal direction where the proximal part meets the distal part. The diameter of the atomizing device may decrease in a smooth manner, or in a gradual manner, or in a step-like manner against the longitudinal direction where the proximal part meets the distal part.

A ratio of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, in particular the greatest lateral direction of the proximal part along the long axis, and the greatest lateral extension of the distal part may be at least 1.4, or at least 1.6, or at least 1.8, or at least 2, or at least 2.2, or at least 2.4, or at least 2.6, or at least 3, or at least 4.

A ratio of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, in particular the greatest lateral direction of the proximal part along the long axis, and the greatest lateral extension of the distal part may be between 2 and 5, or between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 4, or between 3 and 3.5, for example. The greatest lateral extension of the distal part may be between 15 percent and 40 percent of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, or between 20 percent and 40 percent of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, or between 25 percent and 40 percent of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, or between 25 percent and 35 percent of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, or between 30 percent and 35 percent of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part, for example.

Along the longitudinal direction, a step portion may be provided between the distal part and the proximal part of the atomizing device. At the step portion, a diameter of the atomizing device may increase from the distal part to the proximal part in a stepwise manner. A diameter of the atomizing device may increase from the distal part to the proximal part at the step portion by a factor between 2 and 5, or by a factor between 2 and 4, or by a factor between 3 and 4, when measuring the diameter along a lateral direction in which the diameter of the proximal part is largest, or along a lateral direction along which the diameter of the proximal part is smallest.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an atomization system is provided. The atomization system comprises the atomizing device and a power supply assembly. The power supply assembly comprises a receiving cavity configured to at least partially receive the atomizing device. The power supply assembly comprises an inductor coil surrounding the receiving cavity, wherein the inductor coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field to heat the susceptor layer. The susceptor layer is centered along a longitudinal direction within the induction coil, when the atomizing device is coupled to the power supply assembly.

Alternatively, the susceptor layer may be offset from a longitudinal center of the induction coil along the longitudinal direction.

The receiving cavity may be configured to receive the distal part of the atomizing device. The distal part of the atomizing device may be inserted into the receiving cavity against the longitudinal direction. The proximal part of the atomizing device may remain outside the receiving cavity and/or outside the power supply assembly, when the atomizing device is coupled to the power supply assembly.

The receiving cavity may have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the distal part. The inductor coil of the power supply assembly may concentrically extend around the receiving cavity. The inductor coil may extend along the longitudinal direction. When the atomizing device is coupled to the power supply assembly, the induction coil may be powered by a battery of the power supply assembly to generate a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field may penetrate the susceptor layer provided in the receiving cavity, thereby inducing currents into the susceptor layer that heat the susceptor layer, thereby heating liquid provided to the susceptor layer via the atomizing surface of the body.

A combined length of the atomizing device and a power supply assembly in the engaged state may be between 100 millimeters and 150 millimeters, or between 100 millimeters and 120 millimeters, for example.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an atomizing device is provided. The atomizing device comprises:

a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid substrate,

a porous body having an atomizing surface and a liquid absorption surface opposite the atomizing surface, with the liquid absorption surface configured to receive the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity;

a susceptor layer configured to generate heat upon penetration by a varying magnetic field, with the susceptor layer provided on the atomizing surface of the porous body;

wherein the susceptor layer extends from a first end to a second end opposite the first end; and

wherein a width dimension of both ends of the susceptor layer is greater than a width dimension of a middle portion of the susceptor layer.

The susceptor layer may be bonded to the atomizing surface, in addition or as an alternative to being provided on the atomizing surface.

The above atomizing devices may be formed as or may comprise an aerosol generating device or atomizer.

The susceptor, in particular the susceptor layer, may be formed on the atomizing surface and only cover a portion of the atomizing surface, thereby constituting an integrated atomizing core. An overall strength of the susceptor, in particular of the susceptor layer, may be enhanced, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the susceptor and improving the atomization efficiency of the atomizing device. In addition, this can simplify the assembly process of the atomizing assembly.

Description of Accompanying Drawings

Embodiments are exemplified by the figures in the corresponding accompanying drawings, and these exemplary illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the examples. Elements having the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are similar elements. Unless specifically stated, the figures in the accompanying drawings are not to scale.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 2 is an exploded schematic view of the aerosol generating device provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 3 is an exploded schematic view of an atomizer provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the cross-section of the atomizer provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 5 is an exploded schematic view of an atomizing assembly provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an atomizing core provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the cross-section of the porous body provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 8 is a schematic view of a susceptor layer provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of another atomizing core provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 10 is a schematic view of a susceptor layer in the other atomizing core provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 11 is a schematic view of a base provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of the cross-section of the base provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the cross-section of another atomizer provided by the embodiments of the present application;

Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of another atomizer according to an embodiment;

Figure 15 is a schematic side view of the atomizer of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a schematic sectional view of the atomizer of Figures 14 and 15;

Figure 17 is a schematic sectional view of the atomizer of Figures 14 and 15 with the sectional plane perpendicular to the sectional plane in Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a schematic exploded view of the atomizing assembly of the atomizer of Figures 14 to 17;

Figure 19 is a schematic sectional view of an atomization system comprising the atomizer of Figures 14 to 17;

Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative bracket and distal sealing element;

Figure 21 is a schematic sectional view of the alternative distal sealing element; and

Figure 22 is a schematic sectional view of the alternative bracket.

Specific Embodiments

In order to facilitate understanding of the present application, the following is a more detailed description of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It must be noted that when an element is expressed as “secured” to another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be one or more intervening elements between them. When one element is expressed as “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected to another element, or there may be one or more intervening elements between them. The terms “upper” , “lower” , “left” , “right” , “inner” , “outer” , and the like, as used herein, are for purposes of illustration only.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the relevant technology field pertaining to the present application. The terms used in the Specification of the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. The term “and/or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

As shown in FIG. 1 –FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises an atomizer 10 and a power supply assembly 20.

The atomizer 10 is detachably or removably connected to the power supply assembly 20, including but not limited to snap-on, magnetic, or threaded connections.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the atomizer 10 is provided with a protrusion, and the inner surface of the power supply assembly 20 is provided with a groove. The snap-on connection between the atomizer 10 and power supply assembly 20 is achieved through the mating of the protrusion and groove.

The power supply assembly 20 comprises a battery core, circuitry, and a magnetic field generator.

The battery core provides the power needed to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery core may be a rechargeable battery core or a disposable battery core.

The circuitry is capable of controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The circuitry not only controls operation of the battery core and the magnetic field generator, but also controls the operation of other elements in the aerosol generating device 100. The circuitry comprises at least one processor. The processor may comprise a logic gate array or may comprise a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and memory storing programs executable in the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art should understand that the circuitry may comprise another type of hardware.

The magnetic field generator generates a varying magnetic field under an alternating current, and the magnetic field generator includes but is not limited to an induction coil. The magnetic field generator is electrically connected to the battery core. The magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator is capable of substantially covering the atomizing core 132; thus, the coupling distance between a susceptor layer 132b of the atomizing core 132 and the magnetic field generator is reduced, and the heating efficiency of the atomizer 10 can be improved. In a preferred embodiment, the atomizing core 132 is coaxial with the magnetic field generator, with both extending along the axial direction of the aerosol generating device 100, which is advantageous for improving the heating efficiency of the atomizer 10.

As shown in Fig. 3 –Fig. 4, the atomizer 10 comprises an upper housing 11, a sealing element 12, an atomizing assembly 13, a sealing element 14, and a base 15.

The upper housing 11 has a suction nozzle end and an open end. The suction nozzle end is provided with a suction nozzle or air outlet, and the atomized aerosol can be sucked by a user or aspirant through the suction nozzle. Inside the upper housing 11, there is also an integrally molded transmission tube 11a, which is used to guide the aerosol to the suction nozzle. The upper end of the transmission tube 11a is connected to the suction nozzle, and its lower end extends into the atomizing assembly 13. In another example, it is also feasible for the transmission tube 11a to be formed from a separate hollow tube.

The liquid storage cavity A is used to store a liquid substrate that is capable of generating an aerosol. The liquid storage cavity A is at least partially defined by the inner surface of the upper housing 11, the outer surface of the atomizing assembly 13, and the inner surface of the base 15.

The liquid substrate preferably comprises tobacco-containing materials comprising volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the liquid substrate upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid substrate may comprise non-tobacco materials. The liquid substrate may comprise water, ethanol, or other solvents, plant extracts, nicotine solutions, and natural or artificial flavorants. Preferably, the liquid substrate further comprises an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

The sealing element 12 is disposed between the transmission tube 11a and the atomizing assembly 13, between the atomizing assembly 13 and the base 15, and between the base 15 and the upper housing 11 to seal the gaps between the transmission tube 11a and the atomizing assembly 13, between the atomizing assembly 13 and the base 15, and between the base 15 and the upper housing 11. The sealing element 12 is made of a flexible material, such as silicone. In another example, the sealing element 12 may comprise a plurality of separate sealing elements, for example, one sealing element disposed between the transmission tube 11a and the atomizing assembly 13, and another sealing element disposed between the base 15 and the upper housing 11. In another example, it is also possible for the sealing element 12 to be integrally molded with the base 15 (or the upper housing 11) , for example, they may be integrally molded by two-color injection molding. In another example, it is also possible not to provide the sealing element 12.

In further embodiments, an air pressure balancing channel may be provided within the sealing element 12, and/or between the sealing element 12 and the transmission tube 11a, and/or between the sealing element 12 and the upper housing 11, and between the transmission tube 11a and the atomizing assembly 13, and/or between the base 15 and the upper housing 11 to supplement gas to the liquid storage cavity A, thereby balancing the internal and external air pressure of the liquid storage cavity A, facilitating the transmission of the liquid substrate.

As shown in FIG. 5, the atomizing assembly 13 comprises a bracket 131, an atomizing core 132, a heat-insulating element 133, and a retaining element 134.

The bracket 131 is configured as a tubular structure with openings at both ends, and its cross-section may be circular, elliptical, square, racetrack-shaped, annular, or any other shape. The upper end of bracket 131 extends toward the direction of the transmission tube 11a, and the lower end of the transmission tube 11a extends into the bracket 131 through the opening at the upper end of the bracket 131. The lower end of the bracket 131 is housed or retained within a second connecting portion 152 of the base 15, and the opening at the lower end of the bracket 131 is connected to the air inlet 152b.

In a further embodiment, the bracket 131 has a positioning portion 131a extending radially outward near its upper end outer surface, and the inner surface of a first connecting portion 151 of the base 15 has a positioning post 151a. The assembly of the bracket 131 into the base 15 is facilitated by the mating of the positioning portion 131a with the positioning post 151a.

In a further embodiment, a supporting portion 152a is provided within the second connecting portion 152 of the base 15, and the lower end of the bracket 131 abuts against the supporting portion 152a. In this way, when the bracket 131 is assembled into the base 15, the bracket 131 may be supported by the supporting portion 152a. In a preferred embodiment, the supporting portion 152a comprises a plurality of protrusions that are spaced apart, which extend longitudinally and protrude from the inner surface of the second connecting portion 152.

An opening 131b is provided on the side wall of the bracket 131. The hollow interior of the bracket 131 forms a receiving cavity connected to the opening 131b and an airflow channel connected to the receiving cavity. As can be seen from FIG. 4, a portion of the liquid storage cavity A, which is defined between the inner surface of the second connecting portion 152 and the outer surface of the bracket 131, the receiving cavity, and the airflow channel are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the atomizer 10 or the aerosol generating device 100. The portion of the liquid storage cavity A and the airflow channel are located on both sides of the atomizing core 132, wherein a liquid absorption surface 132a2 of a porous body 132a defines the boundary of the portion of the liquid storage cavity A, and an atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a defines the boundary of the airflow channel. In this way, on one hand, the volume of the liquid storage cavity A is increased, and on the other hand, the liquid substrate may be smoothly delivered to the atomizing core 132. Air flows into the bracket 131 through the opening at the lower end, passes through the airflow channel, and exits from the opening at the upper end of the bracket 131 into the transmission tube 11a.

As shown in FIG. 6 –FIG. 7, the atomizing core 132 comprises the porous body 132a and the susceptor layer 132b bonded to the surface of the porous body 132a.

The porous body 132a is used to draw the liquid substrate of the liquid storage cavity A and to deliver the drawn liquid substrate to the susceptor layer 132b. The porous body 132a may be made of a hard capillary structure such as porous ceramic, porous glass-ceramic, porous glass, or the like. The shape of the porous body 132a is configured as a plate-like structure with the atomizing surface 132a1 and the liquid absorption surface 132a2 relatively disposed to each other, wherein the atomizing surface 132a1 and the liquid absorption surface 132a2 are both flat and planar, of which the liquid absorption surface 132a2 is disposed facing the opening 131b and the atomizing surface 132a1 is disposed facing the airflow channel.

In one example, the porous body 132a comprises a plurality of orderly through-holes 132a3 running through the liquid absorption surface 132a2 to the atomizing surface 132a1. The plurality of through holes 132a3 may be formed by etching or similar methods. The plurality of through holes 132a3 may be arranged in an array and may or may not be connected to each other. The aperture of the through-holes 132a3 is between 0.1 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 1 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 2 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 80 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 60 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 40 μm, and preferably between 5 μm and 20 μm.

In one example, the porous body 132a comprises a plurality of disordered through-holes running through the liquid absorption surface 132a2 to the atomizing surface 132a1. These disordered through-holes are determined by the material of the porous body 132a. Similar to the above, the aperture of the disordered through-holes is between 0.1 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 1 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 2 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 100 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 80 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 60 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 40 μm, and preferably between 5 μm and 20 μm. The porosity ranges from 30%to 60%.

The porous body 132a is assembled into the bracket 131 through the opening 131b and is housed within the receiving cavity. The porous body 132a is arranged to be mounted along the longitudinal direction of the bracket 131. The liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the porous body 132a is fluidly connected to the liquid storage cavity A, with the liquid absorption surface 132a2 used to receive the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity A, and at least a portion of the airflow channel is defined between the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a and the inner surface of the bracket 131.

The susceptor layer 132b is configured to be inductively coupled with the magnetic field generator and generates heat upon penetration by a varying magnetic field, thereby heating the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation. The susceptor layer 132b may be made of at least one of the following materials: aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, bronze, cobalt, plain-carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel or austenitic stainless steel. As an example of the method of preparation of the susceptor layer 132b, the raw material powder for preparing the susceptor layer 132b is mixed with a printing aid to form a paste and then combined with the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a after printing first, followed by sintering, so that the entire or the vast majority of the surface is tightly bonded to the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a. This method results in high atomization efficiency, minimal heat loss, and prevents dry burning or significantly reduces effects such as dry burning. It is to be understood that the bonding of the susceptor layer 132b onto the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a is not limited to the above method, and may also be achieved through methods such as vapor deposition or etching. Additionally, it may be achieved by bonding thin metal sheets to the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a and sintering.

The susceptor layer 132b covers only a portion of the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a. There is a gap between the susceptor layer 132b and the periphery of the atomizing surface 132a1. In this way, after the porous body 132a is mounted, the susceptor layer 132b may be kept out of contact with the bracket 131 or the heat-insulating element 133, which reduces heat loss and also reduces the material selection requirements (e.g., temperature resistance requirements) for components such as the bracket 131 or the heat-insulating element 133. Additionally, the region of the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a near the periphery that is not covered by the susceptor layer 132b may be provided with a location for mating with the heat-insulating element 133.

As shown in FIG. 8, the width dimension of the upper and lower ends of the susceptor layer 132b is greater than the width dimension of the middle portion of the susceptor layer 132b. Specifically, the width dimension of the upper end of the susceptor layer 132b is d1, the width dimension of the middle portion of the susceptor layer 132b is d2, the width dimension of the lower end of the susceptor layer 132b is d3, and both d1 and d3 are greater than d2. In a preferred embodiment, d1 and d3 are of the same dimension. The dimension of d2 is between one-third and two-thirds of the dimension of d1 (or d3) , and the preferred dimension of d2 is half of the dimension of d1 (or d3) . The dimension of d2 is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm; preferably between 0.1 mm and 4 mm; preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm; preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm; in a specific example, it may be 0.7 mm. The length dimension of the susceptor layer is between 1 mm and 15 mm; preferably between 1 mm and 12 mm; preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm; preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm; in a specific example, it may be 6 mm. The thickness of the susceptor layer 132b is between 0.02 mm and 0.15 mm; preferably between 0.02 mm and 0.12 mm; preferably between 0.02 mm and 0.1 mm; preferably between 0.04 mm and 0.1 mm; preferably between 0.06 mm and 0.1 mm.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, the sides of the susceptor layer 132b are substantially arcuate along the extension direction from the upper end of the susceptor layer 132b to the lower end of the susceptor layer 132b. The susceptor layer 132b has a first surface in contact with the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a (i.e., extending flatly on the atomizing surface 132a1) and a second surface relative to the first surface (facing away from the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a) . Both surfaces are continuous surfaces, which means they are complete surfaces that are uninterrupted or without grooves or holes.

With regard to this shape of the susceptor layer 132b, on one hand, it facilitates the concentration of magnetic lines in the middle portion of the susceptor layer 132b, thereby enhancing the current density in this portion. During operation, the current density in the middle portion of the susceptor layer 132b is greater than at the two ends, resulting in a faster temperature rise in the middle portion than at the two ends. This results in the heat generated by the susceptor layer 132b being more concentrated, which facilitates the reduction of energy required for the susceptor layer 132b to reach the desired atomization temperature. On the other hand, this irregular shape of the susceptor layer 132b helps to reduce its volume and mass, which results in the susceptor layer 132b needing less energy to reach the atomization temperature, and improves the atomization efficiency.

With reference again to FIG. 9 –FIG. 10, in another example, the periphery of the susceptor layer 132b has one or more outwardly extending projections, such as the projection 132b1 and the projection 132b2 illustrated, wherein the projection 132b1 extends along the length direction of the porous body 132a and the projection 132b2 extends along the width direction of the porous body 132a. The projection 132b1 and the projection 132b2 facilitate heat transfer and increase atomization area.

The heat-insulating element 133 is housed in the receiving cavity. At least a portion of the heat-insulating element 133 is disposed between the bracket 131 and the porous body 132a to space apart the bracket 131 from the porous body 132a, thereby avoiding excessive heat transfer from the atomizing core 132 to the bracket 131, thus avoiding heat loss issues. The heat-insulating element 133 may be made of a flexible material, such as high-temperature-resistant silicone, such that the gap between the inner surface of the bracket 131 and the porous body 132a may also be sealed by the flexible sealing properties of the silicone.

The heat-insulating element 133 is configured to retain or support the porous body 132a within the receiving cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the heat-insulating element 133 is configured with a cavity structure with openings at both ends, wherein the opening at one end of the heat-insulating element 133 is connected to the opening 131b, and the opening at the other end of the heat-insulating element 133 is connected to the airflow channel. The porous body 132a is housed in a hollow portion 133a within the heat-insulating element 133. The end of the heat-insulating element 133 proximate the airflow channel also has a limiting portion 133b that abuts against a portion of the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a to restrict the movement of the porous body 132a toward the airflow channel.

The retaining element 134 is disposed at the opening 131b. The retaining element 134 is configured in the shape of a racetrack around the through-holes, through which the liquid substrate stored by the liquid storage cavity A may flow to the liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the porous body 132a. The retaining element 134 comprises a body 134a, lugs 134b disposed on the body 134a, and crossbeams 134c. The body 134a is assembled into the bracket 131 through the opening 131b and abuts against a portion of the liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the porous body 132a; the lugs 134b are exposed on the side wall of the bracket 131, protruding along the width direction or length direction of the body 134a to abut against the side wall of the bracket 131. The porous body 132a may be retained within the heat-insulating element 133 by the retaining element 134. The crossbeams 134c span across the body 134a to enhance its strength. As can be seen from the illustration, two crossbeams 134c span across the body 134a, dividing the through-holes of the retaining element 134 into three smaller through-holes.

During assembly, the porous body 132a may first be assembled onto the heat-insulating element 133 to form an integral module, and the module may then be assembled into the bracket 131 through the opening 131b. Finally, the retaining element 134 is assembled onto the bracket 131. Once assembled, the lugs 134b of the retaining element 134 are exposed on the side wall of the bracket 131 and abut against the side wall of the bracket 131.

As shown by R1 in the figure, the liquid substrate stored by the liquid storage cavity A flows through the through-holes of the retaining element 134 to the porous body 132a, is drawn by the liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the porous body 132a and delivered in the direction of the atomizing surface 132a1 of the porous body 132a, and is then atomized by the susceptor layer 132b to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the atomization of the susceptor layer 132b can flow into the bracket 131 or the airflow channel through the opening at the other end of the heat-insulating element 133. The aerosol mixes with the outside air and flows together into the transmission tube 11a, and can be inhaled by the user or aspirant through the suction nozzle, as shown by R2 in the figure.

The sealing element 14 is used to seal the gap between the bracket 131 and the second connecting portion 152 of the base 15. Similar to the sealing element 12, the sealing element 14 is made of a flexible material, such as silicone. Other structural designs may reference the sealing element 12.

As shown in FIG. 11 –FIG. 12, the base 15 and the upper housing 11 form a housing assembly of the atomizer 10. The base 15 comprises the integrally molded first connecting portion 151 and second connecting portion 152. In other examples, it is possible for the first connecting portion 151 and the second connecting portion 152 to be formed separately.

The first connecting portion 151 is housed within the upper housing 11 and the cross section of the first connecting portion 151 is substantially elliptical in shape. The area of the upper end opening of the first connecting portion 151 is greater than the area of the lower end opening thereof, with the lower end opening proximate the second connecting portion 152 or the defining upper end opening of the second connecting portion 152.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the first connecting portion 151 is provided with protrusions 151b and the inner surface of the upper housing 11 is provided with a groove (not shown) , wherein the snap-on connection between the first connecting portion 151 and the upper housing 11 is achieved by the mating of the protrusions 151b with the groove.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the first connecting portion 151 has supporting portions 151c extending radially outward to support the end of the open end of the upper housing 11. The outer surface of the first connecting portion 151 proximate the upper end also has a step 151d on which part of the sealing element 12 is held.

The second connecting portion 152 is exposed outside the upper housing 11 or the atomizer 10. In this way, the upper housing 11 forms the first portion of the housing assembly of the atomizer 10, and the second connecting portion 152 forms the second portion of the housing assembly of the atomizer 10. The second portion is housed in the power supply assembly. The radial dimensions of the second portion are smaller relative to the first portion.

The second connecting portion 152 is configured in the shape of a sleeve having radial dimensions smaller than or equal to 9 mm. The radial dimensions of the second connecting portion 152 are smaller than that of the first connecting portion 151. For example, the width dimension of the cross section of the second connecting portion 152 is smaller than that of the first connecting portion 151, or the length dimension of the cross section of the second connecting portion 152 is smaller than that of the first connecting portion 151, or the outer diameter dimension of the cross section of the second connecting portion 152 is smaller than that of the first connecting portion 151, or the cross sectional area of the first connecting portion 151 is greater than that of the second connecting portion 152, while the length dimension along the longitudinal direction of the second connecting portion 152 is greater than that of the first connecting portion 151.

In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the second connecting portion 152 is elliptical, with the radial dimensions of the second connecting portion 152 being either the long axis or the short axis of the ellipse. The difference between the long axis and the short axis of the second connecting portion 152 is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm (preferably, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm; more preferably, between 0.5 mm and 1 mm) . Specifically, the length of the long axis d1 of the ellipse is between 8 mm and 9 mm (preferably, between 8 mm and 8.8 mm; more preferably, between 8 mm and 8.6 mm; more preferably, between 8.2 mm and 8.6 mm; more preferably, between 8.4 mm and 8.6 mm) ; the length of the short axis of the ellipse is between 6 mm and 8 mm (preferably, between 7 mm and 8 mm; more preferably, between 7.2 mm and 8 mm; more preferably, between 7.4 mm and 8 mm; more preferably, between 7.6 mm and 8 mm, more preferably, between 7.6 mm and 7.8 mm) . In a specific example, the length of the long axis d1 is 8.5 mm and the length of the short axis d2 is 7.7 mm.

In other examples, the cross section of the second connecting portion 152 may also be circular. The radial dimension of the second connecting portion 152 is the diameter of the circle.

The bottom end of the second connecting portion 152 is provided with an air inlet 152b, with the wall forming the air inlet 152b protruding from the bottom end of the second connecting portion 152, thereby preventing the liquid substrate collected in the collection cavity 152c from flowing directly to the power supply assembly 20 through the air inlet 152b. External air flows in through the air inlet 152b, then passes through the sealing element 14, the bracket 131 and the transmission tube 11a in sequence, and finally exits from the air outlet of the upper housing 11.

As shown in FIG. 13, in another example, a one-way valve 16 is disposed on the air inlet 152b. When the atomizer 10 is aspirating, airflow enters through the air inlet 152b, and the one-way valve 16 opens. When the atomizer 10 is not aspirating, there is no airflow through the air inlet channel, and the one-way valve 16 closes to isolate the air inlet channel, preventing liquid substrate or atomized aerosol from flowing from the air inlet 152b.

Figs. 14 to 19 are schematic views of an atomizer 10’ according to an alternative embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the atomizer 10’ according to the alternative embodiment may be used with a power supply assembly 20’ in the same manner as the atomizers 10 in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 13 are used with the power supply assembly 20. The general working principle of the atomizer 10’ according to the embodiment of Figs. 14 to 19 is similar to that of the atomizers 10 previously discussed.

As shown in Fig. 14, the atomizer 10’ extends along a longitudinal direction 100 from an air inlet end 110 to a mouthpiece end 120. At the mouthpiece end 120, the atomizer 10’ comprises a suction nozzle or air outlet 130, through which atomized aerosol is delivered to a user. At the air inlet end 110, the atomizer 10’ has an air inlet 152b. At the air inlet end 110, the atomizer 10’ may be connected to the power supply assembly 20’ .

The atomizer 10’ comprises a proximal part 140 and a distal part 150. The proximal part 140 comprises the mouthpiece end 120 and the distal part 150 comprises the air inlet end 110. The proximal part 140 is downstream of the distal part 150 with respect to the longitudinal direction 100 from the air inlet end toward the mouthpiece end.

As illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17, the atomizer 10’ comprises an upper housing 11, a proximal sealing element 12, an atomizing assembly 13, a distal sealing element 14, and a base 15.

The base 15 defines the air inlet end 110 where the air inlet 152b is provided. The upper housing 11 defines the mouthpiece end 120 where the air outlet 130 is provided.

The upper housing 11 comprises a transmission tubular structure 11a for guiding aerosol to the suction nozzle or air outlet 130 provided at the air outlet end 120. A liquid storage cavity A circumferentially extends around the transmission tubular structure 11a for storing a liquid substrate. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission tubular structure 11a is an integral part of the upper housing 11, but the transmission tubular structure 11a may alternatively be provided as a separate part.

As shown in more detail in Fig. 18, the atomizing assembly 13 comprises a bracket 131, an atomizing core 132, a heat-insulating element 133, and a retaining element 134.

The bracket 131 is a tubular structure defining an airflow channel through the bracket 131. The airflow channel extends along the longitudinal direction 100. The bracket 131 has a bracket air inlet 1312 at an upstream end of the bracket 131 and a bracket air outlet 1313 at a downstream end of the bracket 131. The airflow channel connects the bracket air inlet 1312 and the bracket air outlet 1323. The downstream end of the bracket 131 and the bracket air outlet 1313 is connected with or in fluid communication with the transmission tubular structure 11a. The upstream longitudinal end of the bracket 131 and the bracket air inlet 1312 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 152b of the base 15.

The atomizing core 132 comprises a body 132a and a susceptor layer 132b. The body 132a may have a wicking function to supply liquid from the liquid storage cavity A to the susceptor layer 132b. The body 132a may be permeable to the liquid substrate. The body 132a may be a porous body. The body 132a may comprise ceramic material. The body 132a may comprise fibrous material, such as cotton.

The susceptor layer 132b is configured to be inductively heated by being subjected to an alternating magnetic field, thereby heating the liquid substrate to generate aerosol. The susceptor layer 132b may comprise a metal material. The metal material may comprise steel or stainless steel, in particular SUS430. The susceptor layer 132b may comprise one or more openings or through-holes. The susceptor layer 132b may have the shape of a mesh.

The body 132a has an atomizing surface 132a1 and a liquid absorption surface 132a2 opposite to the atomizing surface 132a1. The body 132a is configured to draw liquid at the liquid absorption surface132a2 and to deliver the drawn liquid to the susceptor layer 132b via the atomizing surface 132a1. The atomizing surface 132a1 and the liquid absorption surface 132a2 are both flat and planar and extend in parallel to each other. The susceptor layer 132b is provided on the atomizing surface 132a1 of the body 132a. The susceptor layer 132b may be a separate element from the body 132a, or may be integrated with the body 132a.

An opening 131b is provided in a lateral sidewall of the bracket 131. The hollow interior of the bracket 131 forms a receiving cavity connected to the opening 131b and an airflow channel connected to the receiving cavity. The atomizing core 132 and the heat-insulating element 133 are housed in the receiving cavity of the bracket 131. The atomizing surface 132a1 and the susceptor 132b face towards an inside of the bracket 131 and therefore towards the airflow channel. The liquid absorption surface 132a2 faces outwardly of the bracket 131 and therefore away from the airflow channel and towards outlets of the liquid supply channels 151 (see Fig. 17) .

The heat-insulating element 133 is at least partially disposed between the bracket 131 and the body 132a and/or the susceptor layer 132b to space apart the bracket 131 from the body 132a and/or the susceptor layer 132b, thereby avoiding excessive heat transfer from the atomizing core 132 to the bracket 131. The heat-insulating element 133 may comprise a high temperature silicone, or a cotton material, or a ceramic material, for example. The heat-insulating element 133 may have a frame shape. The heat-insulating element 133 may be a porous element. The heat-insulating element 133 may be a fibrous element, such as a cotton element, saturated with liquid from the liquid storage cavity A and working as thermal buffer to minimize heat transfer from the susceptor layer 132b to the bracket 131. A shape of the heat-insulating element 133 may be frame-like and matching an outer profile of the susceptor 132b.

The retaining element 134 is disposed at the opening 131b of the bracket 131. The retaining element 134 holds the atomizing core 132 and the heat-insulating element at the bracket 131. The retaining element 134 comprises one or more openings through which the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity A may flow to, or otherwise absorbed by, the liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the body 132a.

Figure 17 shows two liquid flow paths R1 from the liquid storage cavity A towards the atomizing core 132. Alternatively, only one liquid flow path R1, or more than two liquid flow paths R1 may be provided. The liquid flow paths R1 extend through liquid supply channels 151. Each liquid supply channel 151 opens into the liquid storage cavity A via a separate opening 153. The liquid flow paths R1 from both liquid supply channels 151 may at least partly join and feed the liquid substrate through the opening of the retaining element 134 to the liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the body 132a such that the liquid substrate is supplied to the susceptor layer 132b for vaporization.

At the susceptor layer 132b, the liquid substrate is vaporized and mixes with air flowing along an airflow path R2 extending from the air inlet 152b of the base 15 through the inner space of the bracket 131, where the air mixes with the vaporized liquid to from an aerosol, and further through the transmission tube 11a to the air outlet 130.

Fig. 19 shows the atomizer 10’ coupled with the power supply assembly 20’ . The atomizer 10’ and the power supply assembly 20’ together form an atomization system. The power supply assembly 20’ has a receiving cavity 200 receiving the distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’ , when the atomizer 10’ is coupled to the power supply assembly 20’ . The distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’ is inserted into the receiving cavity 200 against the longitudinal direction 100. The proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ may remain completely or partially outside the receiving cavity 200 and/or outside the power supply assembly 20’ , when the atomizer 10’ is coupled to the power supply assembly 20’ .

The distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’ has a tubular shape extending along the longitudinal direction 100. The distal part 150 may be cylindrically shaped. The atomizing core 132 may extend through a longitudinal center axis of the distal part 150. The susceptor layer 132b or the body 132a may extend through a longitudinal center axis of the distal part 150.

The receiving cavity 200 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the distal part 150. An inductor coil 201 of the power supply assembly 20’ concentrically extends around the receiving cavity 200. The inductor coil 201 extends along the longitudinal direction 100. When the atomizer 10’ is coupled to the power supply assembly 20’ , the induction coil 201 may be powered by a battery 203 of the power supply assembly 20’ to generate a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor layer 132b provided in the receiving cavity 200, thereby inducing currents into the susceptor layer 132b that heat the susceptor layer 132b, thereby heating liquid substrate provided to the susceptor layer 132b via the atomizing surface 132a1 of the body 132a.

The cylindrical shape of the distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’ facilitates positioning the susceptor layer 132b centrally in the receiving cavity 200 or centrally in the induction coil 201, which may increase efficiency of heat generation.

The atomizing core 132 and/or the susceptor layer 132b may be centrally positioned within the induction coil 201 along the longitudinal direction 100, when the atomizer 10’ is coupled to the power supply assembly 20’ . This may increase heat generation efficiency. Alternatively, the atomizing core 132, in particular the susceptor layer 132b, may be offset relative to the longitudinal center of the induction coil 201 along the longitudinal direction 100 as shown in Figure 19. The atomizing core 132 may be centrally positioned within the induction coil 201 with respect to a lateral direction. The susceptor layer 132b may be centrally positioned within the induction coil 201 with respect to a lateral direction.

The proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ may have an oval or elliptical cross-section in sectional planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100, gradually tapering from the distal, engaging end towards the proximal, mouthpiece end, as shown in Fig. 14. Each oval or elliptical cross-section has a short axis 101 and a long axis 103 of the ellipse, as illustrated in Fig. 17.

As shown in Figure 17, a main extension plane of the atomizing core 132, in particular a main extension plane of the body 132a and/or a main extension plane of the susceptor layer 132b, is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction 100 as well as the long axis 103.. One or both of the atomizing surface 132a1 and the liquid absorption surface 132a2 of the body 132a are preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction 100 and the long axis 103.

As can be seen in Figs. 14 and 15, for example, the cross-sections of the proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ are larger than the cross-sections of the distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’. The atomizer 10’ may have a general shape of a mushroom, wherein the proximal part 140 generally corresponds to the cap portion of the mushroom and the distal part 150 generally corresponds to the stem portion of the mushroom.

The diameter of the atomizer 10’ may decrease in a smooth manner, or in a gradual manner, or in a step-like manner against the longitudinal direction 100 where the proximal part 140 meets the distal part 150. In the illustrated embodiment, a step portion 145 is provided along the longitudinal direction 100 between the distal part 150 and the proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ . At the step portion 145, a diameter of the atomizer 10’ increases from the distal part 150 to the proximal part 140 in a stepwise manner. Since the distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’ houses the atomizing core 132, a reduced diameter of the distal part 150 may allow for a smaller distance between the atomizing core 132, in particular the susceptor layer 132b, and the induction coil 201, when the atomizer 10’ is coupled to the power supply assembly 20’ , thereby potentially increasing heating efficiency.

The ratio of the greatest lateral extension of the proximal part 140 along the long axis 103 and the greatest lateral extension of the distal part 150 of the atomizer 10’ may be at least 1.4, or at least 1.6, or at least 1.8, or at least 2, or at least 2.2, or at least 2.4, or at least 2.6, or at least 3, or at least 4.

As best visible in Figs. 15 and 19, a lower end surface 147 of the proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ that faces generally against the longitudinal direction 100, or towards the distal part 150, may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100. The lower end surface 147 may form the step portion 145 or be part of the step portion 145. As shown in Figure 18, a downstream end surface of the bracket 131 facing along the longitudinal direction 100 may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100, in particular in the same manner as the lower end surface 147 of the proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ . The power supply assembly 20’ may comprise an upper end surface 149 facing generally in the longitudinal direction 100. The upper end surface 149 may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100. The upper end surface 149 may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100 in a complementary manner as the lower end surface 147 of the atomizer 10’ . An angle between the lower end surface 147 of the atomizer 10’ and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100 may be the same as an angle between the upper end surface 149 of the power supply assembly 20’ and the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100. When the atomizer 10’ is combined with the power supply assembly 20’ , the lower end surface 147 of the atomizer 10’ and the upper end surface 149 of the power supply assembly 20’ may face each other. When the atomizer 10’ is combined or engaged with the power supply assembly 20’, the lower end surface 147 of the atomizer 10’ and the upper end surface 149 of the power supply assembly 20’ may interact to ensure a correct relative rotational angle between the atomizer 10’ and the power supply assembly 20’ with respect to rotation about an axis extending along the longitudinal direction 100.

The atomizer 10’ may include an indicator ring 180. The indicator ring 180 may be provided at the proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’ . The indicator ring 180 may fully extend around a center axis of the atomizer 10’ parallel to the longitudinal direction 100. The indicator ring 180 may be parallel to the lower end surface 147 of the proximal part 140 of the atomizer 10’. The indicator ring 180 may form part of an outer surface of the atomizer 10’ . The indicator ring 180 may have a different color than a remainder of an outer surface of the atomizer 10’ , in particular a different color than the upper housing 11. The indicator ring 180 may be configured to indicate a characteristic of the atomizer 10’ , such as a flavor or type of the liquid in the liquid storage cavity A. A color of the indicator ring 180 may be indicative of a characteristic of the atomizer 10’ , such as a flavor or type of the liquid in the liquid storage cavity A.

As shown in Fig. 18, the bracket 1312 has a circumferential groove 1320 at the upstream end of the bracket 1312 as a seat for the distal sealing element 14. The distal sealing element 14 has an annular shape and is in contact with the bracket 131 and the base 15, in particular an inner wall surface of the base 15, to prevent or reduce leakage of liquid substrate.

Figs. 20 to 22 show a bracket 131’ and a distal sealing element 14’ according to an alternative embodiment. The bracket 131’ and the distal sealing element 14’ according to the alternative embodiment may be used instead of the bracket 131 and the distal sealing element 14 in the atomizer 10’ , for example. The general design and function of the bracket 131’ and the distal sealing element 14’ correspond to the general design and function of the bracket 131 and the distal sealing element 14. Aspects of the bracket 131’ and the distal sealing element 14’ that are the same as in bracket 131 and distal sealing element 14 will not be described in detail.

Similar to bracket 131, bracket 131’ has a bracket air inlet 1312 at an upstream end of the bracket 131 and a bracket air outlet 1313 at a downstream end of the bracket 131, the bracket air inlet 1312 and the bracket air outlet 1323 being connected by the airflow channel. Instead of circumferential groove 1320, bracket 131’ has a plane circumferential surface 1315 as seat for the distal sealing element 14’ . The plane circumferential surface 1315 may facilitate manufacturing or assembling the atomizer 10’ , in particular manufacturing or assembling the atomizer 10’ in an automated way. The distal sealing element 14’ has an annular shape and is circumferentially in contact with the plane circumferential surface 1315 of the bracket 131’ and the base 15, in particular an inner wall surface of the base 15, to prevent or reduce leakage of liquid substrate.

As shown in Fig. 21, the distal sealing element 14’ has at least one circumferential sealing lip portion 1320 extending radially outwards and engaging the inner surface of the base 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing lip portion 1320 comprises two sealing lip portions 1320 spaced along the longitudinal direction 100. The at least one sealing lip portion 1320 is asymmetrical with respect to any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100. The at least one sealing lip portion 1320 is shaped to have a lower resistance against being bent along the longitudinal direction 100 than against being bent against the longitudinal direction 100. The at least one sealing lip portion 1320 is shaped to elastically press against the inner surface of the base 15 to provide sealing between the bracket 131 and the base 15.

The distal sealing element 14’ has a plane inner circumferential surface 1325 being in contact with the plane circumferential surface 1315 of the bracket 131’ . A flange 1327 extends radially inwardly from the plane inner circumferential surface 1325. The flange 1327 engages and at least partially covers an end surface 1329 of the bracket 131’ facing against the longitudinal direction 100.

Fig. 22 shows a sectional view of the bracket 131’ with the sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100 and a viewing direction form the bracket air outlet 1313 to the bracket air inlet 1312. The bracket air inlet 1312 has an opening 1330 through which air passes to enter the airflow channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 1330 has a circular cross-section, but other shapes are possible, such as an oval cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section, or an irregular cross-section, for example. A diameter of the opening 1330 may be lower than 5 millimeter, or lower than 2 millimeter, or lower than 1 millimeter. A diameter of the opening1330 may be between 0.3 millimeter and 1 millimeter, or between 0.5 millimeter and 1 millimeter, for example. An opening cross-section of the opening may be smaller than 1 square millimeter, or smaller than 0.5 square millimeter, for example. An opening cross-section of the opening may be between 0.2 square millimeter and 1 square millimeter, or between 0.2 square millimeter and 0.5 square millimeter, for example. A small opening 1330 may reduce leakage of liquid substrate, for example during transport and storage, while allowing sufficient air passage during user experience.

It should be noted that the description and drawings provided in this application present preferred examples, but the present application may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the examples described in this Specification. These examples are not an additional restriction on the content of the present application. The purpose of providing these examples is to facilitate a more comprehensive and thorough understanding of the disclosure of the present application. Additionally, the combination of the aforementioned technical features to form various examples not explicitly listed above is considered within the scope of the present application; furthermore, for those skilled in the art, improvements or variations may be made based on the above description, and all such improvements and variations should fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims of the present application.

Claims

An atomizing assembly, comprising:

a bracket having an airflow channel and a receiving cavity inside;

a body disposed within the receiving cavity, wherein the body has an atomizing surface and a liquid absorption surface opposite the atomizing surface, with the atomizing surface having a planar surface and facing the airflow channel;

a susceptor layer configured to generate heat upon penetration by a varying magnetic field, wherein the susceptor layer is provided on the atomizing surface of the body and covers only a portion of the atomizing surface.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the susceptor layer extends from a first end to a second end opposite the first end, wherein a width dimension of both ends of the susceptor layer is greater than a width dimension of a middle portion of the susceptor layer.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 2, wherein the width dimension of the middle portion of the susceptor layer is between one-third and two-thirds of the width dimension of one end of the susceptor layer.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 2, wherein sides of the susceptor layer are substantially arcuate along an extension direction from the first end to the second end.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the susceptor layer has a continuous surface that extends flat on the atomizing surface, with the continuous surface being an uninterrupted or non-porous complete surface.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein a periphery of the susceptor layer has one or a plurality of outwardly extending projections.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein there is a gap between the susceptor layer and the periphery of the atomizing surface.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the susceptor layer is formed on the atomizing surface by at least one of printing, vapor deposition, or etching.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the susceptor layer is bonded to the atomizing surface.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the susceptor layer has the form of a mesh.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the susceptor layer has one or more through-holes.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the body is configured to draw liquid at the liquid absorption surface and to deliver the drawn liquid to the susceptor layer.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the body is a porous body.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the body comprises through-holes running through the liquid absorption surface to the atomizing surface.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the body is a plate-like structure and is mounted along a longitudinal direction of the bracket.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the bracket is a tubular structure, with an inner hollow portion of the tubular structure forming the airflow channel and the receiving cavity; a side wall of the bracket has an opening, and the liquid absorption surface of the body is disposed facing the opening.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 16, further comprising a retaining element disposed at the opening, with the retaining element abutting against a portion of the liquid absorption surface of the body.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising a heat-insulating element.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 18, wherein the heat-insulating element is disposed within the receiving cavity, with at least a portion of the heat-insulating element disposed between the body and an inner surface of the bracket to space apart the body and the bracket.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein at least a portion of the heat-insulating element is disposed between the susceptor layer and the bracket.
The atomizing assembly according to Claim 19, wherein the heat-insulating element is configured to retain or support one or both of the body and the susceptor layer within the receiving cavity.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of Claims 18 to 21, wherein the heat-insulating element is made of a flexible material and is configured to provide a seal between the bracket and the body.
The atomizing assembly according to any one of Claims 18 to 22, wherein the heat-insulating element comprises cotton or ceramic.
An atomizing device, comprising:

a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid substrate, and

the atomizing assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims,

wherein the liquid absorption surface of the body is in fluid communication with or connected to the liquid storage cavity.
The atomizing device according to Claim 24, wherein the atomizing device comprises at least two liquid supply channels connecting the liquid storage cavity and the liquid absorption surface.
The atomizing device according to claim 25, wherein each liquid supply channel is connected to the liquid storage cavity via a separate opening of the liquid storage cavity.
The atomizing device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the atomizing device comprises a proximal part and a distal part, wherein the proximal part comprises a suction nozzle end and the distal part comprises an air inlet end, wherein the proximal part is downstream of the distal part with respect to a longitudinal direction.
The atomizing device according to claim 27, wherein a main extension plane of the susceptor layer is parallel to the longitudinal direction and to a lateral direction along which the proximal part of the atomizing device has its largest extension.
The atomizing device according to claim 27 or 28, wherein a step portion is provided between the distal part and the proximal part of the atomizing device, wherein a diameter of the atomizing device increases from the distal part to the proximal part at the step portion by a factor between 2 and 5, or by a factor between 2 and 4, or by a factor between 3 and 4, when measuring the diameter along a lateral direction in which the diameter of the proximal part is largest.
An atomization system, comprising:

the atomizing device according to any one of claims 24 to 29; and

a power supply assembly,

wherein the power supply assembly comprises a receiving cavity configured to at least partially receive the atomizing device;

wherein the power supply assembly comprises an inductor coil surrounding the receiving cavity, wherein the inductor coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field to heat the susceptor layer; and

wherein the susceptor layer is centered along a longitudinal direction relative to the induction coil, when the atomizing device is coupled to the power supply assembly.