CN220109091U

CN220109091U - Aerosol generating device and atomizer

Info

Publication number: CN220109091U
Application number: CN202320744047.3U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田凯明; 徐中立; 李永海
Original assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-29
Filing date: 2023-03-29
Publication date: 2023-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-29

Abstract

The application provides an aerosol generating device and an atomizer; wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix; a first heating element for heating the liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol; a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article; a second heating element for heating the aerosol-generating article to generate a second aerosol; an air flow channel between the first heating element and the heating chamber; in use, a first aerosol is delivered to the aerosol-generating article via the airflow channel and is output entrained with one or more components of a second aerosol; the length of the air flow channel is less than 25mm. The aerosol-generating device above wherein the first aerosol is delivered to the aerosol-generating article through an airflow channel having a length of less than 25mm, and then one or more components of the second aerosol are entrained and output; it is advantageous to prevent the first aerosol from condensing into an aerosol-condensate before it enters the aerosol-generating article.

Description

Aerosol generating device and atomizer

Technical Field

The embodiment of the application relates to the technical field of aerosol generation, in particular to an aerosol generation device and an atomizer.

Background

Smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to replace these tobacco-burning products by making products that release the compounds without burning.

An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating rather than burning a material. For example, the material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. As another example, there is a so-called electronic atomizing device. These devices typically contain a liquid that is heated to vaporize it, producing an inhalable aerosol. Or known electronic atomizing devices, capable of generating aerosols by simultaneously heating the vaporized liquid and the tobacco or other non-tobacco products, respectively; and the aerosols generated respectively are mixed to form a mixed aerosol and then delivered to a user.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present utility model provides an aerosol-generating device comprising:

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a first heating element for heating the liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

A second heating element for heating an aerosol-generating article received within the heating chamber to generate a second aerosol;

an air flow channel between the first heating element and the heating chamber; the aerosol-generating device is arranged to deliver the first aerosol to an aerosol-generating article via the airflow channel and to entrain one or more components of the second aerosol for output; the length of the air flow channel is less than 25mm.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a proximal end and a distal end facing away from each other in the longitudinal direction;

the heating cavity and the liquid storage cavity are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device; and the heating chamber is closer to the proximal end than the liquid storage chamber.

In some implementations, the reservoir includes a first side proximate the proximal end and a second side distal from the first side;

the first heating element is located between and closer to the first side and the second side of the reservoir.

In some implementations, the first heating element is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device;

and/or the second heating element is arranged extending in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a tubular element extending within the reservoir in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device and at least partially defining the reservoir;

the first heating element is located within the tubular element.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a liquid guiding element for transferring liquid matrix from the liquid storage chamber to the first heating element.

In some implementations, the liquid-guiding element includes:

a first portion located outside the reservoir and arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device;

a second portion extending from the first portion into the reservoir;

the first heating element is coupled to the first portion.

In some implementations, the second portion is arranged to extend from the first portion away from the heating cavity and/or the second heating element.

In some implementations, the first heating element is arranged as a helical coil around the first portion.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a porous body between the heating chamber and the distal end and arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber to receive a liquid matrix; the porous body having an atomizing face facing the heating chamber; the first heating element is coupled to the atomizing face.

In some implementations, the atomizing face is arranged to extend flat;

the first heating element is a planar heating element coupled to the atomizing face.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a first opening arranged at the proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol-generating article can be received in or removed from the heating chamber.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a circuit board configured to provide power to the first heating element in a first power output mode and to provide power to the second heating element in a second power output mode.

In some implementations, further comprising:

an airflow sensor for sensing airflow through the aerosol-generating device when a user puffs;

the circuit board controls to supply power to the first heating element in a first power output mode based on a sensing result of the airflow sensor.

In some implementations, further comprising:

an input element for user operation to form an input signal;

the circuit board controls the supply of power to the second heating element in a second power output mode based on the input signal of the input element.

In some implementations, further comprising:

A battery cell arranged to extend between a proximal end and a distal end in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device for providing power;

a main circuit board, the second heating element being electrically connected to the main circuit board; in use, power is output to the second heating element through the main circuit board.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a secondary circuit board, the first heating element being electrically connected to the secondary circuit board; in use, power is output to the first heating element through the secondary circuit board.

In some implementations, the primary circuit board is arranged perpendicular to the secondary circuit board.

In some implementations, the main circuit board is arranged extending in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device and is located between the heating cavity and the electrical core in a width direction of the aerosol-generating device;

and/or the secondary circuit board is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device, and the secondary circuit board is located between the primary circuit board and the distal end.

In some implementations, further comprising:

an airflow sensor arranged on the secondary circuit board for sensing an airflow through the aerosol-generating device upon inhalation;

The sub-circuit board controls power supply to the first heating element based on a sensing result of the air flow sensor.

In some implementations, the main circuit board is a rigid PCB board;

and/or the secondary circuit board is a flexible FPC board.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a nebulizer, the reservoir and the first heating element being disposed within the nebulizer;

a second opening at the distal end; the atomizer is receivable in or removable from the aerosol-generating device through the second opening.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a door movably coupled to the aerosol-generating device; the door is arranged to be movable relative to the aerosol-generating device to selectively open or close the second opening.

In some implementations, the door is configured at least in part to support the nebulizer at the distal end when the door closes the second opening.

In some implementations, the door cover further has disposed thereon:

an airflow sensor for sensing airflow through the aerosol-generating device upon inhalation.

In some implementations, the atomizer has a recessed structure disposed thereon;

The airflow sensor is at least partially received within the recessed feature when the door cover closes the second opening.

In some implementations, the door cover has disposed thereon:

a secondary circuit board for providing power to the first heating element;

the atomizer comprises:

a first electrical contact at least partially exposed to an outer surface of the atomizer;

when the door cover closes the second opening, the first electrical contact establishes a conductive connection against the secondary circuit board, thereby enabling the secondary circuit board to provide power to the first heating element; when the door cover opens the second opening, the first electrical contact is separated from the secondary circuit board, thereby releasing the conductive connection with the secondary circuit board.

In some implementations, further comprising:

the main circuit board is electrically connected with the electric core;

a second electrical contact electrically connected to the main circuit board and at least partially exposed to the second opening;

when the door cover closes the second opening, the second electrical contact is abutted against the secondary circuit board so that the secondary circuit board and the electric core are in conductive connection, and therefore the secondary circuit board can output power of the electric core to the first heating element; when the door cover opens the second opening, the second electrical contact is separated from the secondary circuit board, so that the conductive connection between the secondary circuit board and the battery core is released.

In some implementations, the door has a spindle attached to the aerosol-generating device;

the movement includes rotation about the axis of rotation.

In some implementations, further comprising:

a support element disposed on a side of the heating chamber facing the distal end; the support element extends at least partially into the heating chamber for forming a stop against the support element when the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber.

In some implementations, the atomizer forms a stop against the support element when the atomizer is received within the aerosol-generating device through the second opening.

In some implementations, the atomizer further has disposed thereon:

an air outlet for outputting a first aerosol to the heating chamber;

a flange surrounding or defining the air outlet;

at least a portion of the flange extends into the support element when the atomizer is received within the aerosol-generating device through the second opening.

In some implementations, the support element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the airflow channel.

Yet another embodiment of the present application also proposes an aerosol-generating device comprising:

A liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

a first opening through which, in use, an aerosol-generating article can be received within or removed from the heating chamber; and

the aerosol-generating device is arranged to pass the first aerosol through the aerosol-generating article and entrain one or more components of the second aerosol for output; the distance between the first heating element and the heating chamber in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device is less than 25mm.

a proximal end and a distal end opposite in longitudinal direction;

an atomizer for atomizing a liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

The aerosol-generating device is arranged, in use, to pass the first aerosol through the aerosol-generating article and entrain one or more components of the second aerosol for output;

a second opening at the distal end; the atomizer is receivable in or removable from the aerosol-generating device through the second opening;

a door movably coupled to the aerosol-generating device; the door is arranged to be movable relative to the aerosol-generating device to selectively open or close the second opening;

an airflow sensor is arranged on the door cover for sensing an airflow through the aerosol-generating device when a user inhales.

a proximal end and a distal end opposite in longitudinal direction;

an atomizer for atomizing a liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol;

the battery cell is used for providing power;

an atomizer for atomizing a liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol; the atomizer includes a first electrical contact at least partially exposed to an outer surface of the atomizer;

a second opening through which the nebulizer can be received within or removed from the aerosol-generating device;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

a door movably connected to the aerosol-generating device; the door is arranged to be movable relative to the aerosol-generating device to selectively open or close the second opening;

a circuit board disposed on the door cover; when the door cover closes the second opening, the first electrical contact is in conductive connection against the circuit board, so that the circuit board can provide power for the atomizer; when the door cover opens the second opening, the first electrical contact is separated from the circuit board, thereby releasing the conductive connection with the circuit board.

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

the main circuit board is electrically connected with the second heating element and is used for outputting power to the second heating element;

and a secondary circuit board selectively electrically connected with the first heating element for outputting power to the first heating element.

Yet another embodiment of the present application is directed to an atomizer, comprising:

a first end and a second end opposite in the longitudinal direction;

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a heating element located in the tubular element for heating the liquid matrix from the reservoir to generate an aerosol;

an air outlet located at the first end for outputting aerosol;

the liquid storage cavity comprises a first side close to the first end and a second side away from the first side; the heating element is located between and closer to the first side and the second side of the reservoir.

a first end and a second end opposite in the longitudinal direction;

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

an air outlet located at the first end for outputting aerosol;

the distance between the heating element and the air outlet is less than 15mm.

The aerosol-generating device above wherein the first aerosol is delivered to the aerosol-generating article through an airflow channel having a length of less than 25mm, and then one or more components of the second aerosol are entrained and output; it is advantageous to prevent the first aerosol from condensing into an aerosol-condensate before it enters the aerosol-generating article.

Drawings

One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which the figures of the drawings are not to be taken in a limiting sense, unless otherwise indicated.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural view of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 1 from a further perspective;

fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 1 from one perspective;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the distal door of FIG. 1 in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the distal door of FIG. 3 in an open position;

fig. 6 is a schematic view of the aerosol-generating article and atomizer of fig. 4 in a removed state;

fig. 7 is a schematic view of the aerosol-generating article and atomizer of fig. 5 in a removed state;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the atomizer of FIG. 6 from a further perspective;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the atomizer of FIG. 8 from a further perspective;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the atomizer of FIG. 8 from one perspective;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the atomizer of FIG. 8 from yet another perspective;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the atomizer of FIG. 8 from one perspective;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the door of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the structure of a further embodiment of a nebulizer at one view angle;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the atomizer of FIG. 14 from yet another perspective;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the atomizer of FIG. 14 from one perspective;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the atomizer of FIG. 14 from yet another perspective;

fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the nebulizer of fig. 14 from one perspective.

Detailed Description

In order that the application may be readily understood, a more particular description thereof will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.

One embodiment of the present application proposes a method for generating an aerosol for an aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may comprise two or more parts that are separate or replaceable from each other, which when combined form a complete combined use state of the aerosol-generating device and are operable by a respective user to generate an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may be selectively used in conjunction with at least two types of consumer products of different types to form an aerosol. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device can be configured to cooperate with either of the first type of consumer product or the second type of consumer product selectively to produce an aerosol.

And in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device is configured to receive both of the first type of consumer product or the second type of consumer product simultaneously and heat them simultaneously to generate an aerosol.

And in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller capable of controlling the initiation of heating of the first type of consumer product in accordance with the first power output mode and the initiation of heating of the or the second type of consumer product in accordance with the second power output mode.

In some embodiments, the first type of consumer product may comprise a liquid matrix which, in use, vaporises at least one component to produce an aerosol when heated. In some embodiments, the liquid matrix may include glycerin, propylene glycol, or the like, which can be heated to vaporize to generate an aerosol.

And in some embodiments, the second type of consumer product may comprise a solid aerosol-generating article that is formed into an aerosol for inhalation by heating the solid aerosol-generating article, volatilizing or releasing at least one component of the solid aerosol-generating article.

In some embodiments, the solid aerosol-generating article preferably employs a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from a matrix upon heating; or may be a non-tobacco material capable of being heated and thereafter adapted for electrical heating for smoking. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol-generating article preferably employs a solid substrate, which may comprise one or more of a powder, granules, shredded strips, ribbons or flakes of one or more of vanilla leaves, dried flowers, volatilizable flavored herbal crops, tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, expanded tobacco; alternatively, the solid substrate may contain additional volatile flavour compounds, either tobacco or non-tobacco, to be released when the substrate is heated. And in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be configured to be a shape resembling a cigarette, or resembling the shape of a capsule, etc.

Further figures 1 to 3 show schematic views of an aerosol-generating device of a particular embodiment comprising several components arranged within an outer body or housing (which may be referred to as a housing). The overall design of the outer body or housing may vary, and the pattern or configuration of the outer body, which may define the overall size and shape of the aerosol-generating device, may vary. Generally, the elongate body may be formed from a single unitary housing, or the elongate housing may be formed from two or more separable bodies.

For example, the aerosol-generating device may have a control body at one end that is provided with a housing containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a secondary battery such as a rechargeable battery and/or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronics for controlling the operation of the article).

Further figures 1 to 5 show schematic views of an aerosol-generating device of an embodiment in which the aerosol-generating device comprises:

a housing 10 substantially defining an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device, having longitudinally opposed proximal and distal ends 110, 120; in use, the proximal end 110 is an end that facilitates the handling of the aerosol-generating article 1000 and heating and drawing; distal end 120 is the end remote from the user.

In some examples, the housing 10 may be formed of a metal or alloy such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal-plated plastics (metal-plating over plastic), ceramics, and the like.

Further according to fig. 1, the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device defines a first opening 111 at the proximal end 110 through which first opening 111 a user can removably receive the aerosol-generating article 1000 within the aerosol-generating device. For example, when inhalation is required, a user receives the aerosol-generating article 1000 through the first opening 111 into the aerosol-generating device and operates the aerosol-generating device to heat the aerosol-generating article 1000 to generate an aerosol for inhalation; when the suction is completed, the user removes the aerosol-generating article 1000 from the aerosol-generating device from the first opening 111. In particular, the operation of receiving or removing the aerosol-generating article 1000 from the first opening 111 in the aerosol-generating device is performed in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device, for example as indicated by arrow R2 in fig. 6.

As further shown in fig. 1-5, the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device is provided with a movable shielding element 112 at the proximal end 110; the shielding member 112 is movable in the width direction with respect to the housing 10 to open or close the first opening 111.

As shown in fig. 1 to 5, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

an input element 113 for user operation to form an input signal for user operation; the aerosol-generating device then controls the heating of the aerosol-generating article 1000 in response to a user input signal. In some embodiments, the input element 113 is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical button, a membrane button, a mechanical switch, a rotary encoder, a dial, a knob, a capacitive touch button, a resistive touch button, a joystick, a slider, a trigger button, a touch screen, and a magnetic switch.

And further according to fig. 1 to 5, the aerosol-generating device comprises:

a rechargeable battery cell 130 for supplying power; and in one embodiment, the dc supply voltage provided by the battery cell 130 is in the range of about 2.5V to about 9.0V, and the amperage of the dc current that the battery cell 130 can provide is in the range of about 2.5A to about 20A.

And as shown in fig. 1-5, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a charging interface 121 located at or exposed to the distal end 120; so that in use the battery cell 130 can be charged through the charging interface 121.

And further referring to fig. 3-5, further included within the aerosol-generating device is:

a nebulizer 50, wherein the nebulizer 50 stores a liquid matrix and is capable of heating the stored liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol;

A heater 30 for heating the aerosol-generating article 1000 to produce a second aerosol;

and in the suction, the aerosol-generating device is configured to pass the generated first aerosol through the aerosol-generating article 1000 and entrain one or more components of the second aerosol for mixing and output to the user.

And further referring to fig. 3-7, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a heating chamber 310 for receiving and receiving the aerosol-generating article 1000;

a heating element 30 for heating the aerosol-generating article 1000 received within the heating chamber 310.

And in the embodiment of fig. 3-7, the heating element 30 is arranged to be tubular in shape surrounding or defining a heating cavity 310; when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received within the heating chamber 310, the heating element 30 heats from the periphery of the aerosol-generating article 1000. And in this embodiment, the heating element 30 is a resistive heating element; for example, the heating element 30 may comprise a tubular heating mesh, or comprise a tubular electrically insulating substrate, and a resistive heating track, resistive heating coating, etc. sprayed or deposited on the electrically insulating substrate. Or in other alternative embodiments, the heating element 30 is an inductive heating element that is penetrated by a varying magnetic field to generate heat; or in other variations, the heating element 30 is an infrared heating element.

Or in yet other variations, the heating element 30 is configured as a pin or tab or the like extending in the axial direction of the heating cavity 310; when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received within the heating chamber 310, the heating element 30 can be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 1000 for heating.

And, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

an insulating element 32 at least partially surrounds or encloses the heating cavity 310 and/or the heating element 30 for providing insulation outside the heating cavity 310 and/or the heating element 30. In some particular embodiments, the insulating element 32 may comprise a vacuum tube disposed around the heating cavity 310 and/or the heating element 30, or an insulating material such as aerogel or the like wrapped around the heating cavity 310 and/or the heating element 30.

And, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a first support element 31 positioned between the heating element 30 and the proximal end 110; the first support element 31 is configured to surround and engage an end of the heating element 30 that faces the proximal end 110, thereby at least partially providing support to the heating element 30. In some specific embodiments, the first support element 31 comprises a PEEK ring or the like.

A second support element 40, such as a PEEK ring or the like; the second support element 40 is disposed at an end of the heating element 30 toward the distal end 120, thereby at least partially providing support to the heating element 30. And, after assembly, the second support element 40 extends at least partially into the heating element 30, thereby defining a step 41 formed in the heating cavity 310 for forming a stop against the step 41 when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the heating cavity 310.

And, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a receiving chamber 150 substantially longitudinally aligned with the heating chamber 310; a receiving chamber 150 for receiving the atomizer 50.

And, the second support member 40 is located between the heating chamber 310 and the receiving chamber 150; and, the second support member 40 serves to separate the heating chamber 310 and the receiving chamber 150. And, the central bore of the second support element 40 provides a passageway for the heating chamber 310 and the receiving chamber 150 to be in air flow communication.

And, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

the receiving cavity 150 defines a second opening 122 at the distal end 120 through which, in use, the atomizer 50 can be received within the receiving cavity 150 or removed from within the receiving cavity 150, as indicated by arrow R3 in fig. 6, through the second opening 122 of the distal end 120. And when the atomizer 50 is received in the receiving cavity 150, the atomizer 50 forms a stop against the second support element 40.

And, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a door 20 disposed at the distal end 120; and, the door 20 is arranged to be rotatably coupled to the housing 10 so as to be able to selectively open or close the second opening 122 by rotation with respect to the housing 10. And, when the atomizer 50 is received in the receiving chamber 150, the atomizer 50 is pressed or abutted against the atomizer 50 by the door 20, so that the atomizer 50 is stably held in the receiving chamber 150. And in fig. 4, the door 20 is connected to the housing 10 by a rotary shaft or the like, and in use the door 20 is rotatable relative to the housing 10 about the thickness direction of the housing 10, as indicated by arrow R1.

And as shown in fig. 8 to 12, the atomizer 50 of the embodiment includes:

a main housing 51 defining an outer surface of the atomizer 50; the main housing 51 has a first end 510 and a second end 520 facing away from each other in the longitudinal direction; and, the first end 510 of the main housing 51 is closed and the second end 520 is open;

an end cap 52 coupled to the second end 520 of the main housing 51 and closing or covering the second end 520 of the main housing 51.

And as shown in fig. 8 to 12, the atomizer 50 includes:

an inner case 53 located within the main case 51 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 50; the inner case 53 is fixedly coupled to the inner surface of the main case 51 substantially by riveting or the like;

a tubular member 57 extending within the inner housing 53 in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 50; in practice, a liquid reservoir 531 is formed between the tubular member 57 and the inner housing 53 within the main housing 51 for storing a liquid matrix;

a flexible first sealing element 54, for example made of flexible silicone; the first sealing element 54 is located between the tubular element 57 and the first end 510 of the main housing 51 for retaining the tubular element 57 and providing a seal between the tubular element 57 and the first end 510 of the main housing 51;

a flexible second sealing element 58, for example made of flexible silicone; a second sealing element 58 is located between the tubular element 57 and the end cap 20 for holding or supporting the tubular element 57 and providing a seal between the main housing 51 and the end cap 20.

And further according to fig. 8-12, the first end 510 of the main housing 51 is provided with a filling port 514, the filling port 514 being provided with a removable sealing plug 513; when the sealing plug 513 is removed, a liquid filling device such as a syringe or the like can fill the liquid chamber 531 with the liquid matrix through the liquid filling port 514; accordingly, a connecting channel 541 is disposed on the first sealing member 54 opposite the fill port 514 to provide a channel path for the fill port 514 to communicate with the reservoir cavity 531 in use.

To facilitate assembly and seal formation with the tubular member 57, the flexible first sealing member 54 is provided with a first flange 542, and insertion of the tubular member 57 through the first flange 542 provides for positioning of the assembly during assembly. And, a second flange 583 is provided on the flexible second sealing element 58 to provide positioning of the assembly by insertion of the second flange 583 into the tubular element 57 during assembly.

And further according to fig. 8-12, the atomizer 50 further includes:

the atomization assembly is used for sucking the liquid matrix and heating and atomizing the liquid matrix to generate first aerosol; in this embodiment, the atomizing assembly includes a liquid directing element 55, and a heating element 56 coupled to the liquid directing element 55. And in fig. 8 to 12, the liquid guiding member 55 includes:

A first portion 551, arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 50, and located within the tubular element 57;

a second portion 552 extending from the first portion 551 through the perforations 571 of the tubular member 57 into the liquid storage cavity 531 for drawing liquid matrix from the liquid storage cavity 531; the second portion 552 extends away from the first end 510 in a longitudinal direction of the atomizer 50 substantially within the liquid reservoir 531.

And a heating element 56 is coupled to the first portion 551 for heating at least a portion of the liquid matrix within the hydrothermal element 55 to generate a first aerosol. And in some embodiments, the first portion 551 has a length of about 4 to 8 mm; and, the second portion 552 has a length of about 12-20 mm.

In some alternative embodiments, the liquid guide member 55 may comprise capillary fibers such as cotton fibers, nonwoven fibers, sponges, etc., or porous bodies such as porous ceramics, porous glass, etc., and is further capable of wicking the liquid matrix within the liquid reservoir 531. And in some alternative embodiments, the heating element 56 is a resistive heating coil that surrounds or is bonded to the first portion 551.

And in embodiments, the first portion 551 and/or the heating element 56 are substantially within the tubular element 57.

Or in still other variations, the atomizing assembly includes:

a rigid porous body, such as a porous ceramic body, in fluid communication with the reservoir 531, or capable of drawing up the liquid matrix by extending at least partially into the reservoir 531; the porous body includes a flat extending atomizing face toward the first end 510; the heating element 56 comprises a resistive heating track formed or bonded to the atomizing surface by printing or deposition or spraying, etc.; the resistive heating trace may be a patterned trace or a meander extending trace. And in this embodiment the heating element 56 is a planar heating element coupled to the atomizing face.

And further referring to fig. 8-12, the atomizer 50 further includes:

electrical contacts 521, for example, elastic conductive pins; the electrical contacts 521 are bonded to the end cap 52 by riveting or the like and are at least partially exposed or protrude from the end cap 52. And, both ends of the heating element 56 are connected to the electrical contacts 521 by means of soldering wires 561 or the like to form an electrically conductive connection; so that in use, an electrical current is directed through the electrical contacts 521 over the heating element 56.

And correspondingly, the second sealing element 58 is provided with contact holes 581 corresponding to the electrical contacts 521; after assembly, the electrical contacts 521 extend at least partially into the contact holes 581; and, the leads 561 at both ends of the heating element 56 are connected to the electrical contacts 521 by soldering or abutting or the like in the contact holes 581 to form electrical conduction.

And in the airflow path design of the atomizer 50, an air inlet 522 is arranged on the end cap 52 for external air to enter the atomizer 50 during suction; an intake passage 582 is disposed in the second seal member 58 opposite the intake port 522. The first end 510 of the main housing 51 is provided with an air outlet 5111. During suction, air enters the tubular element 57 via the air inlet 522 and the air inlet channel 582 and carries the first aerosol in the tubular element 57 out of the air outlet 5111 of the main housing 51 after passing through the intermediate aperture 543 of the first sealing element 54, as indicated by arrow R4 in fig. 12; further in practice, the first aerosol is output to the air outlet 5111 by collectively defining a channel path from the air inlet 522 to the air outlet 5111 via the heating element 56.

And the first end 510 of the main housing 51 is further provided with a ledge 511 surrounding or defining the air outlet 5111; in assembly, the flange 511 is inserted into the second support element 40 such that the atomizer 50 is in air flow communication with the heating chamber 310 through the second support element 40. Then in suction, as indicated by arrow R4 in fig. 5, air passes through the atomizer 50 and carries the first aerosol within the atomizer 50, passes through the second support element 40 and into the aerosol-generating article 1000 to mix with one or more components entrained in the second aerosol, and is output to the user. In practice, the complete airflow path through the aerosol-generating device in the suction is defined jointly by the channel path within the atomizer 50, the through-path through the heating chamber 310.

And a sealing ring 512, such as an O-ring, surrounding the flange 511 is also arranged on the flange 511 for providing a seal between the flange 511 and the second support element 40 to prevent air or liquid leakage from forming therebetween.

And in some embodiments, the heating element 56 is as small a distance as possible from the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating chamber 310 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device to prevent the first aerosol from condensing into aerosol-condensate before not entering the aerosol-generating article 1000. Alternatively, the path length of the airflow path between the heating element 56 and the aerosol-generating article 1000 is as small as possible to prevent the first aerosol from condensing into aerosol-condensate before it does not enter the aerosol-generating article 1000. For example, as shown in fig. 3, an airflow channel in airflow communication is defined between the heating element 56 and the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating chamber 310, the length d11 of the airflow channel d11 being less than 25mm; such that the first aerosol generated by heating by the heating element 56 in the suction is condensed before being transferred into the aerosol-generating article 1000. In some embodiments, the airflow path distance between the heating element 56 and the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating chamber 310 is less than 25mm in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device. For example, in one particular embodiment, the heating element 56 is 17.55mm from the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating element 30.

In some embodiments, the airflow channel defined between the heating element 56 and the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating chamber 310 is defined collectively by a plurality of components, such as in fig. 3 the airflow channel is defined around the first sealing element 54 of the atomizer 100, the flange 511 of the main housing 51, and the second support element 40. And the heating element 56 is closer to the first end 510 and further from the second end 520 of the main housing 51. And, in some specific embodiments, the heating element 56 is less than 15mm from the air outlet 5111 of the atomizer 50.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the air flow channel defined between the heating element 56 and the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating chamber 310 may be straight extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device; or in still other variations, the airflow channel defined between the heating element 56 and the aerosol-generating article 1000 and/or the heating chamber 310 may be tortuous or curved.

Referring further to fig. 5 to 7, 13, the aerosol-generating device comprises:

a main circuit board 140, the main circuit board 140 being, for example, a hard PCB board or the like; the main circuit board 140 is disposed longitudinally within the housing 10; in an embodiment, the main circuit board 140 has an MCU controller disposed thereon; and the heating element 30 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 140 by a wire bond or the like, in turn in an implementation, the MCU controller on the main circuit board 140 controls the power supplied to the heating element 30 to heat the aerosol-generating article 1000 to generate the second aerosol based on the input signal of the input element 113.

Referring further to fig. 5 to 7, 13, the aerosol-generating device further comprises:

a sub-circuit board 150 such as a flexible FPC board or a rigid PCB board; is provided on the door cover 20; in one aspect, the secondary circuit board 150 is configured to form an electrically conductive connection with the electrical contacts 521 of the atomizer 50 when the second opening 122 of the door 20 is closed, thereby powering the heating element 56 to heat the liquid substrate to generate the first aerosol.

Specifically, the main circuit board 140 has disposed thereon electrical contacts 141, such as elastic conductive pins; the electrical contact 141 is at least partially exposed from the second opening 122; correspondingly, the secondary circuit board 150 is provided with a first electrical contact 151; when the door 20 closes the second opening 122, the electrical contact 141 makes contact with the first electrical contact 151 to form an electrically conductive connection, thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection between the primary circuit board 140 and the secondary circuit board 150.

And, a second electrical contact 152 is disposed on the secondary circuit board 150; when the door 20 closes the second opening 122, the second electrical contact 152 makes contact with the electrical contact 521 of the atomizer 50 to form an electrically conductive connection for powering the atomizer 50.

An air flow sensor 153 such as a microphone, MEMS sensor, etc.; the air flow sensor 153 is disposed on the door cover 20 and is coupled to the sub-circuit board 150 by soldering or the like; when the door 20 closes the second opening 122, the airflow sensor 153 is in communication with the airflow path of the atomizer 50 for sensing the airflow through the atomizer 50 when the user inhales, thereby determining the user's inhalation. In turn, the primary circuit board 140 and/or the MCU controller controls the secondary circuit board 150 to supply power to the atomizer 50 to generate the first aerosol, through the sensing result of the airflow sensor 153.

And in particular, the end cap 52 of the atomizer 50 has a recessed feature 524 disposed thereon; when the door 20 closes the second opening 122, the airflow sensor 153 at least partially protrudes or is received into the recessed feature 524; and, a sensing channel is also disposed on the atomizer 50 to provide a channel for the airflow sensor to communicate with the airflow through the atomizer 50 during suction; in the embodiment of fig. 8-12, the sensing channel includes a sensing aperture 525 disposed on the end cap 52 and a relief aperture 585 disposed on the second sealing element 58. The sensing bore 525 communicates with the hollow within the tubular member 57 through a relief bore 585 for the airflow sensor 153 to sense the suction airflow within the tubular member 57.

Referring further to fig. 5 to 7 and 13, to facilitate the installation and fixing of the airflow sensor 153 and the sub-circuit board 150, the door cover 20 includes:

a base 21, on which a rotation shaft 211 for rotational connection with the housing 10 is arranged for rotational connection with the housing 10;

a cover plate 22 detachably coupled to the base 21; and the cover 22 and the base 21 together define an assembly space within the door 20.

After assembly, the sub-circuit board 150 is securely mounted between the cover plate 22 and the base 21. And a first escape hole 221 is disposed on the cover plate 22, opposite to the first electrical contact 151, so as to expose the first electrical contact 151. When the second opening 122 is closed by the door cover 20, the electrical contact 141 can pass through the first avoidance hole 221 and then abut against the first electrical contact 151 to form conduction.

And a second escape hole 223 is arranged on the cover plate 22, opposite to the second electrical contact 152, so as to expose the second electrical contact 152. When the door 20 closes the second opening 122, the electrical contact 521 can pass through the second avoidance hole 223 and then abut against the second electrical contact 152 to form a conduction.

And, a window 224 is provided on the cover plate 22. After assembly, the airflow sensor 153 is allowed to protrude and be exposed outside the window 224.

And, the door cover 20 further includes:

a sensor protection cover 23 coupled to the cover plate 22 for covering the airflow sensor 153. A slit or notch 231 is disposed on the sensor protection cover 23 to avoid completely covering the airflow sensor 153 from sensing the airflow of the atomizer 50. For ease of assembly, the sensor protection cover 23 is further provided with a through hole 232, and the cover plate 22 is provided with a boss 222; in assembly, the sensor protector 23 is stably mounted on the cover plate 22 by aligning the boss 222 with the through hole 232.

And the end cap 52 of the atomizer 50 is further provided with:

the positioning recess 523, when the second opening 122 of the door 20 is closed, the protrusion 222 can protrude into the positioning recess 523.

In some embodiments, the MCU controller on the main circuit board 140 is used to selectively heat the aerosol-generating article 1000 or to heat the liquid substrate according to the user's operation.

In some specific embodiments, the MCU controller initiates the supply of power to the heating element 30 to heat the aerosol-generating article 1000 in response to a user input signal at the input element 113. And in particular, various details concerning the pattern and content of heating the aerosol-generating article 1000 according to a predetermined time heating profile are provided, for example, by the applicant in chinese patent application CN112335940a, et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some specific embodiments, the MCU controller controls the power supplied to the heating element 56 for heating at a constant power output in response to the user's pumping action sensed by the airflow sensor 153. In particular, details concerning the constant power supply mode and content of heating atomization are provided, for example, by the applicant in chinese patent application CN115067564a, et al, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Or in yet other implementations, the power output may also be provided in a constant temperature mode.

And in some embodiments, the MCU controller control of the power to the heating element 30 and the heating element 56 may be performed independently at the same time or the power to the heating element 30 and the heating element 56 may be independent of each other.

And when the liquid matrix within the atomizer 100 is depleted, the MCU controller prevents power from being supplied to the heating element 56 and/or heating element 30 of the atomizer 50.

And in some embodiments, the amount of liquid matrix stored in the reservoir 531 of the atomizer 50 prior to first use is sufficient to satisfy the amount of liquid matrix that the atomizing assembly is required to consume when the user is using the at least one aerosol-generating article 1000 with the atomizer 50. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of liquid matrix stored in the liquid reservoir 531 of the atomizer 50 is substantially equal to the amount of liquid matrix that the atomizing assembly needs to consume when a user completes 10 aerosol-generating articles 1000. That is, the amount of liquid matrix stored in the liquid reservoir 531 can be sufficient for a user to aspirate 10 aerosol-generating articles 1000; or more, e.g. 15, may be present.

Fig. 14 to 18 show schematic views of a nebulizer 50a of yet another embodiment in which the nebulizer 50a comprises:

a main housing 51a including a first end 510a and a second end 520a opposite in the longitudinal direction;

an end cap 52a coupled to the second end 520a of the main housing 510a and closing the second end 520a;

a tubular element 57a extending in the longitudinal direction within the main housing 51 a; and defines a liquid reservoir 531a between the tubular element 57a and the main housing 51a for storing the liquid matrix;

an atomizing assembly comprising a liquid guiding element 55a and a heating element 56a coupled to the liquid guiding element 55 a; the liquid guiding element 55a comprises a first portion 551a and a second portion 552a; the heating element 56a is coupled to the first portion 551 a. And, the ends of the heating element 56a are connected to electrical contacts 521a on the end cap 52a by soldered conductive leads, and serve to conduct, in use, electrical current through the electrical contacts 521a on the heating element 56 a.

And in this embodiment, the atomizer 50a further includes:

a flexible clamping member 53a; the holding member 53a has an exposed portion 531a extending from inside the main casing 51a to outside the first end 510a of the main casing 51a, and an air outlet of the atomizer 50a is defined by the exposed portion 531a;

The tubular element 57a of the atomizer 50a is provided with a clamping groove 571a facing the first end 510 a; clamping groove 532a is also disposed on clamping element 53 a; after assembly, the first portion 551a of the liquid transfer member 55a is held in the holding grooves 532a and 571a, and the first portion 551a is held by the holding member 53a and the tubular member 57a from both sides, respectively. And second portion 552a of liquid directing element 55a is positioned within liquid reservoir cavity 531a when assembled.

And in this embodiment, the atomizer 50a further includes:

a flexible sealing element 58a is positioned between the end cap 52a and the tubular element 57a for supporting the tubular element 57a. And a relief notch 581a is disposed in the sealing member 58a to relieve the second portion 552a of the fluid transfer member 55 a. And, an air inlet passageway 582a is also disposed on the sealing member 58a opposite the air inlet 522a on the end cap 52a to provide a path for air to enter the tubular member 57a. A flange 583a surrounding the intake passage 582a is disposed on the sealing element 58a for insertion into the tubular element 57a to provide support.

And in this embodiment, the end cap 52a also has a projection arrangement 526a disposed thereon; in one aspect, when the second opening 122 of the door 20 is closed and against the end cap 52a, the raised structures 526a maintain the spacing or clearance of the door 20 from the surface of the end cap 52a, preventing the door 20 from conforming to the surface of the end cap 52a and thus blocking the air inlet 522a. In another aspect, the raised structures 526a may be porous, for example, the raised structures 526a may be made of porous fibers or porous ceramics disposed on the end cap 52a, and may also be capable of absorbing aerosol condensate that seeps out of the air inlet 522a.

It should be noted that the description of the application and the accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of the application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the description, and further, that modifications or variations can be made by a person skilled in the art from the above description, and all such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the reservoir comprises a first side proximate the proximal end and a second side facing away from the first side;

4. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first heating element is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device;

5. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

the first heating element is located within the tubular element.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the liquid-guiding element comprises:

a second portion extending from the first portion into the reservoir;

the first heating element is coupled to the first portion.

8. Aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the second portion is arranged to extend from the first portion away from the heating chamber and/or the second heating element.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the first heating element is arranged as a helical coil around the first portion.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the atomizing face is arranged to extend flat;

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

13. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

14. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, further comprising:

An input element for user operation to form an input signal;

16. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

17. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, further comprising:

18. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 17, wherein the primary circuit board is arranged perpendicular to the secondary circuit board.

19. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 17, wherein the main circuit board is arranged extending in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device and is located between the heating chamber and the electrical core in a width direction of the aerosol-generating device;

20. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 17, further comprising:

21. The aerosol-generating device of claim 17, wherein the main circuit board is a rigid PCB board;

and/or the secondary circuit board is a flexible FPC board.

22. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

23. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 22, further comprising:

24. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the door is configured at least in part to support the nebulizer at the distal end when the door closes the second opening.

25. The aerosol-generating device of claim 23, wherein the door cover further comprises disposed thereon:

26. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 25, wherein the atomizer has a recessed structure disposed thereon;

27. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the door cover has disposed thereon:

a secondary circuit board for providing power to the first heating element;

the atomizer comprises:

28. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 27, further comprising:

the main circuit board is electrically connected with the electric core;

29. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the door has a spindle attached to the aerosol-generating device;

the movement includes rotation about the axis of rotation.

30. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 22, further comprising:

31. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 30, wherein the atomizer forms a stop against the support element when the atomizer is received within the aerosol-generating device through the second opening.

32. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 30, wherein the atomizer is further arranged with:

an air outlet for outputting a first aerosol to the heating chamber;

a flange surrounding or defining the air outlet;

33. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 30, wherein the support element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the airflow channel.

34. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

35. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a proximal end and a distal end opposite in longitudinal direction;

an atomizer for atomizing a liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol;

A heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

36. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a proximal end and a distal end opposite in longitudinal direction;

an atomizer for atomizing a liquid matrix to generate a first aerosol;

the battery cell is used for providing power;

37. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

38. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

39. An atomizer, comprising:

a first end and a second end opposite in the longitudinal direction;

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

a tubular element extending in a longitudinal direction within the reservoir and at least partially defining the reservoir;

a heating element within the tubular element for heating a liquid matrix from the reservoir to generate an aerosol;

an air outlet located at the first end for outputting aerosol;

40. An atomizer, comprising:

a first end and a second end opposite in the longitudinal direction;

a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid matrix;

an air outlet located at the first end for outputting aerosol;

the distance between the heating element and the air outlet is less than 15mm.