EP4173504A1

EP4173504A1 - Vaporization device

Info

Publication number: EP4173504A1
Application number: EP21828400.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Xingming TAO; Yao FU; Faguang DING; Zugang YANG
Original assignee: Shenzhen Relx Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Relx Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-24
Filing date: 2021-04-13
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Also published as: CN111642810A; WO2021258817A1; EP4173504A4

Abstract

A vaporization assembly is provided. The provided vaporization assembly includes a base and a first elastic piece arranged on the base. The first elastic piece includes a first section and a second section that form a first included angle.

Description

Field of the Invention

This application generally relates to an electronic device, and specifically, to a vaporization device for providing an inhalable aerosol.

Description of the Related Art

With the increasingly strict regulations and restrictions on tobacco products in various regions and governments around the world, people's demands for tobacco substitutes also continuously increase. An electronic cigarette device may be a tobacco substitute, which uses an electronic aerosol generation device or an electronic vaporization device to vaporize a vaporizable material (for example, e-liquid) to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, thereby achieving a sensory experience of simulated smoking. With respect to traditional tobacco products, the electronic cigarette device as the substitute can effectively reduce harmful substances generated by combustion, thereby reducing harmful side effects of smoking. However, the existing electronic vaporization device has a serious e-liquid leakage problem.
Therefore, a vaporization device which can resolve the above problem is provided in the present disclosure.

Summary of the Invention

A vaporization assembly is provided. The provided vaporization assembly includes a base and a first elastic piece arranged on the base. The first elastic piece includes a first section and a second section that form a first included angle.
A vaporization device is provided. The provided vaporization device includes a housing, an aerosol generation assembly, and a base. The base includes a first elastic piece, the first elastic piece including a first section and a second section, and the first section and the second section forming a first included angle.

Brief description of the drawings

The aspects of this application will become more comprehensible from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, various features may not be drawn to scale, and the sizes of the various features may be increased or reduced arbitrarily for the purpose of clear description.

FIG. 1A is an exemplary view of a front surface of a vaporization device according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 1B is an exemplary schematic combination diagram of a vaporization device according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are exploded views of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D are three-dimensional views of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D are three-dimensional views of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are exploded views of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a bottom surface of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 6E is a schematic diagram of a top surface of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 7A is an exploded cross-sectional view of some components of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 8 is a schematic assembly diagram of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 9A is a schematic assembly diagram of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of an upper cover and a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are schematic diagrams of relative positions of a metal structure and an aerosol generation assembly according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a front surface of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 12C is a three-dimensional top view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 12D is a three-dimensional bottom view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are three-dimensional views of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 14A is a schematic assembly diagram of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 14B is an assembly cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.

The drawings and detailed descriptions use the same reference numerals to indicate the same or similar components. The features of this application will be more apparent from the detailed descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description

The following disclosed content provides many different embodiments or examples of different features used to implement the provided subject matters. Particular examples of components and deployments are described below. Certainly, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limitative. In this application, in the following descriptions, a reference formed by the first feature above or on the second feature may include an embodiment formed by direct contact between the first feature and the second feature, and may further include an embodiment in which an additional feature may be formed between the first feature and the second feature to enable the first feature and the second feature to be not in direct contact. In addition, in this application, reference numerals and/or letters may be repeated in examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not indicate a relationship between the described various embodiments and/or configurations.
The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. However, it should be understood that, this application provides many applicable concepts that can be implemented in various particular cases. The described particular embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this application. As used herein, the term "aerosol for inhalation by a user" may include, but is not limited to, aerosols, suspended liquids, low temperature vapors, and volatile gases.
For an existing electronic cigarette product, a pressure balance of a liquid storage chamber is not considered. In the existing electronic cigarette product, the liquid storage chamber is generally designed to be completely sealed to prevent a gasifiable solution from overflow. During transport, pressure in a liquid storage chamber of a manufactured electronic cigarette product may be increased due to a temperature change or a pressure change. The increase of the pressure in the liquid storage chamber causes a great amount of e-liquid to flow toward an aerosol generation assembly, and may cause an e-liquid leakage problem to the electronic cigarette product. In addition, with continuous use of the electronic cigarette product by a user, the gasifiable solution in the liquid storage chamber is continuously consumed and decreased, such that the pressure in the liquid storage chamber is decreased to form negative pressure. The negative pressure causes the gasifiable solution in the liquid storage chamber to be difficult to uniformly flow to the aerosol generation assembly, such that the aerosol generation assembly does not uniformly absorb the gasifiable solution. In this case, when the temperature increases, there is a high probability for the aerosol generation assembly to burn out and generate a burnt smell, causing a poor user experience.
FIG. 1A is an exemplary view of a front surface of a vaporization device according to some embodiments of this application.
A vaporization device 100 may include a cartridge 100A and a body 100B. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A and the body 100B may be designed as a unity. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A and the body 100B may be designed as two separate components. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A may be designed to be removably combined with the body 100B. In some embodiments, when the cartridge 100A is combined with the body 100B, the cartridge 100A is partly accommodated in the body 100B. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A may be referred to as a liquid storage assembly, and the body 100B may be referred to as a main body or a battery assembly.
The top of the cartridge 100A is provided with an opening 1h1. The opening 1h1 may be used as an aerosol outlet. The user may inhale, through the opening 1h1, aerosol generated by the vaporization device 100. The body 100B and the cartridge 100A may be coupled to each other through a conductive contact (not shown). When the user performs inhalation on the opening 1h1, the body 100B may supply power to the cartridge 100A, such that an aerosol generation assembly of the cartridge 100A heats a vaporizable material stored in the cartridge 100A and generates aerosol.
FIG. 1B is an exemplary schematic combination diagram of a vaporization device according to some embodiments of this application.
The body 100B has a body housing 22. The body housing 22 is provided with an opening 22h. The opening 22h may accommodate a part of the cartridge 100A. The opening 22h may cover a part of the cartridge 100A. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A may be designed to be removably combined with the body 100B. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A may not have directivity. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100A may be removably combined with the body 100B in either of two different directions. The surface of the body 100B has light transmitting elements 221. A plurality of light transmitting elements 221 may surround and form a particular shape or pattern, for example, a circle. The light transmitting elements 221 may be through holes.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are exploded views of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
The cartridge 100A may include a mouthpiece cap 1b and a cartridge housing 1. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece cap 1b and the cartridge housing 1 may be two separate components. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece cap 1b and the cartridge housing 1 may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece cap 1b and the cartridge housing 1 may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece cap 1b and the cartridge housing 1 may be made of the same material.
The cartridge 100A further includes an upper cover 2, an aerosol generation assembly 3, a lower cover 4, an adsorbing component 5a, and an adsorbing component 5b. In the present disclosure, the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 may be jointly referred to as a base. When assembled together, the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 may be referred to as a base of the cartridge 100A. The upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 may be considered as a vaporization assembly.
The top of the mouthpiece cap 1b is provided with an opening 1h1. The opening 1h1 may be used as an aerosol outlet. The user may inhale, through the opening 1h1, aerosol generated by the vaporization device 100. The opening 1h1 is in communication with a tube 1t extending into the cartridge housing 1. The tube 1t may transfer aerosol generated by the aerosol generation assembly 3 to the opening 1h1 for inhaling by the user.
The cartridge housing 1 is provided with an opening 1h2 and an opening 1h3 near the bottom. The opening 1h2 and the opening 1h3 may respectively correspond to a buckle structure 4b1 and a buckle structure 4b2 on the lower cover 4. The cartridge housing 1 may be mechanically coupled to the lower cover 4 through the opening 1h2, the opening 1h3, the buckle structure 4b1, and the buckle structure 4b2.
The bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3 may include a heating element 31. By supplying power to the heating element 31, the heating element 31 may increase a temperature of the aerosol generation assembly 3, vaporize e-liquid absorbed by the aerosol generation assembly 3, and generate aerosol. The aerosol generation assembly 3 may include a groove 3c, the vaporizable material may be in direct contact with the aerosol generation assembly 3 through an inner wall of the groove 3c. The vaporizable material may be a liquid. The vaporizable material may be a solution. In subsequent paragraphs of this application, the vaporizable material may also be referred to as e-liquid. The e-liquid is edible.
In some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be an infrared assembly that can heat e-liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be an ultrasonic assembly that can heat e-liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be an infrared assembly that can heat solid-state tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be an ultrasonic assembly that can heat solid-state tobacco.
The lower cover 4 may include a columnar structure 4p1 and a columnar structure 4p2. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the columnar structure 4p1 and the columnar structure 4p2 may extend into the upper cover 2.
The adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b may be respectively arranged in the opening 4h1 and the opening 4h2 on the bottom of the lower cover 4. In some embodiments, the adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b may have electrical conductivity. The body 100B may transfer power to the aerosol generation assembly 3 in the cartridge 100A through the adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b. In some embodiments, the adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b may have magnetic properties. The adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b may be arranged in a metal contact or conductive contact in the body 100B in an adsorbing manner. When the cartridge 100A and the body 100B are combined with each other, the adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b may enable the cartridge 100A to be not easy to loosen from the body 100B.
FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
The upper cover 2 may include a top sealing structure 2t, a body 2m, and a bottom sealing structure 2b. In some embodiments, the top sealing structure 2t and the body 2m may have different hardness. In some embodiments, the bottom sealing structure 2b and the body 2m may have different hardness. In some embodiments, the top sealing structure 2t and the body 2m may include different materials. In some embodiments, the bottom sealing structure 2b and the body 2m may include different materials. In some embodiments, the hardness of the top sealing structure 2t may be less than that of the body 2m. In some embodiments, the hardness of the bottom sealing structure 2b may be less than that of the body 2m.
The top sealing structure 2t may have elasticity. The top sealing structure 2t may have flexibility. The bottom sealing structure 2b may have elasticity. The bottom sealing structure 2b may have flexibility.
The material of the body 2m may be hard plastics, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), but another suitable material may be selected according to actual conditions, and this application is not limited thereto. The material of the top sealing structure 2t may include silica gel, rubber, or siloxane, but another suitable material may be selected according to actual situations, and this application is not limited thereto. The material of the bottom sealing structure 2b may include silica gel, rubber, or siloxane, but another suitable material may be selected according to actual conditions, and this application is not limited thereto. After the upper cover 2 and the cartridge housing 1 are assembled, the top sealing structure 2t and the bottom sealing structure 2b may provide an effect of sealing liquid or gas.
The top sealing structure 2t, the body 2m, and the bottom sealing structure 2b may be formed in an integral injection molding manner. The upper cover 2 may be formed in an integral injection molding manner.
The bonding force between the top sealing structure 2t or the bottom sealing structure 2b and the body 2m is in a range of 0.1N/cm² to 20N/cm². In some embodiments, without damaging the structural integrity of the top sealing structure 2t or the body 2m, the user cannot separate the top sealing structure 2t from the body 2m. In some embodiments, without damaging the structural integrity of the bottom sealing structure 2b or the body 2m, the user cannot separate the bottom sealing structure 2b from the body 2m.
Because the top sealing structure 2t or the bottom sealing structure 2b and the body 2m may be formed in an integral injection molding manner, there is no assembly deviation problem or part tolerance problem, thereby reducing the leakage of e-liquid or condensed liquid. Because the upper cover 2 may be formed in an integral injection molding manner, there is no assembly deviation problem or part tolerance problem for the upper cover 2, thereby reducing the leakage the risk of e-liquid or condensed liquid.
Because a single component may be formed between the top sealing structure 2t or the bottom sealing structure 2b and the body 2m in an integral injection molding manner, a quantity of components of the cartridge 100A may be reduced, thereby lowering difficulty of production of the cartridge 100A. The upper cover 2 is a single component, such that the quantity of the components of the cartridge 100A may be reduced and production/assembly efficiency of the cartridge 100A may be improved.
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
The top sealing structure 2t includes a valve structure 2v1 and a valve structure 2v2. Detailed constructions and functions of the valve structure 2v1 and the valve structure 2v2 are described in subsequent paragraphs of this application. The valve structure 2v1 and the valve structure 2v2 may also be referred to as switches in this application. The valve structure 2v1 and the valve structure 2v2 may also be referred to as switch structures in this application.
The top sealing structure 2t includes an outward extension structure 2t1 arranged on the top of a tubular structure 2m1 of the body 2m, a flange 2t2 arranged inside the tubular structure 2m1 of the body 2m, a flange 2t3 arranged in the periphery of the top of the body 2m, and an aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 arranged between the valve structure 2v1 and the valve structure 2v2.
After the upper cover 2 and the cartridge 100A are assembled, the outward extension structure 2t1 may be located on an outer surface of the upper cover 2, and abuts against the area between the tube 1t in the cartridge 100A and the tubular structure 2m1 of the upper cover 2, to provide a sealing effect between the tube 1t and the tubular structure 2m1. After the upper cover 2 and the cartridge 100A are assembled, a part of the tube 1t (that is, a part 1t2) may extend into the tubular structure 2m1. In this case, the flange 2t2 may provide a sealing effect between the tube 1t and the tubular structure 2m1.
After the upper cover 2 and the cartridge 100A are assembled, the flange 2t3 may abut against an inner wall of the cartridge housing 1, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the cartridge housing 1. After the upper cover 2 and the aerosol generation assembly 3 are assembled, the aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 may abut against the area around the top of the aerosol generation assembly 3, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the aerosol generation assembly 3.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the bottom sealing structure 2b includes a flange 2b1 and an outward extension structure 2b2.
After the upper cover 2 and the cartridge 100A are assembled, the flange 2b1 may abut against the inner wall of the cartridge housing 1, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the cartridge housing 1.
After the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 are assembled, the outward extension structure 2b2 may abut against the area between the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4, to further provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4.
FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D are three-dimensional views of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 3C is a three-dimensional view showing the bottom of the upper cover 2. As shown in FIG. 3C, the valve structure 2v1 may surround an opening 2h1. The valve structure 2v2 may surround an opening 2h2. The upper cover 2 includes a liquid channel 2q1 and a liquid channel 2q2 that run through the body 2m. E-liquid stored in the cartridge 100A may flow to the aerosol generation assembly 3 through the liquid channel 2q1 and the liquid channel 2q2. The aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 surrounds the peripheries of the liquid channel 2q1 and the liquid channel 2q2. The aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 can prevent the e-liquid stored in the cartridge 100A from flowing outside the aerosol generation assembly 3.
FIG. 3D is a three-dimensional view showing the top of the upper cover 2. As shown in FIG. 3D, the valve structure 2v1 includes a notch 2r1, a notch 2r2, and an elastic structure 2p1. The valve structure 2v2 includes a notch 2r3, a notch 2r4, and an elastic structure 2p2. The notch 2r1 and the notch 2r2 can enable the elastic structure 2p1 to be easy to bend. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p1 may bend toward an inner side of the opening 2h1. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p1 may bend toward an outer side of the opening 2h1. The elastic structure 2p1 may close the opening 2h1 by contacting a part of the lower cover 4. The elastic structure 2p1 may close the opening 2h1 by contacting the columnar structure 4p1 or the columnar structure 4p2 of the lower cover 4.
The elastic structure 2p1 can enable the valve structure 2v1 to function as a one-way air valve, which will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p1 may have a sheet-like shape. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p1 may have a lingulate shape.
The notch 2r3 and the notch 2r4 can enable the elastic structure 2p2 to be easy to bend. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p2 may bend toward an inner side of the opening 2h2. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p2 may bend toward an outer side of the opening 2h2. The elastic structure 2p2 can enable the valve structure 2v2 to function as a one-way air valve, which will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p2 may have a sheet-like shape. In some embodiments, the elastic structure 2p2 may have a lingulate shape.
FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 4A shows an upper cover 2'. The upper cover 2' may include a top sealing structure 2t', a body 2m', and a bottom sealing structure 2b. Compared with the upper cover 2 shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, the upper cover 2' may include a similar structure and a similar material. However, the top sealing structure 2t' and the top sealing structure 2t may have a difference in their structures, and the body 2m' and the body 2m may have a difference in their structures.
The upper cover 2' and the upper cover 2 may be compatible components for each other. In the cartridge 100A, the upper cover 2' or the upper cover 2 may be selected to be combined with other components without affecting the functional integrity of the cartridge 100A.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the upper cover 2' may have a valve structure 2v1' only on one side thereof, and have a cavity 2c1 on the other side thereof. The valve structure 2v1' and the valve structure 2v1 or the valve structure 2v2 shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D may have the same structural features.
Compared with the upper cover 2 shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, the body 2m' of the upper cover 2' may further include a sliding groove 2u1 and a sliding groove 2u2. The sliding groove 2u1 and the sliding groove 2u2 may extend from the bottom of the body 2m' to a cavity 2c2 configured to accommodate the aerosol generation assembly 3. Although not shown in FIG. 4B, the body 2m' may further include a sliding groove 2u3 and a sliding groove 2u4 that are respectively provided on opposite sides of the sliding groove 2u1 and the sliding groove 2u2.
Side walls of the sliding groove 2u1 have different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the side wall of the sliding groove 2u1 gradually becomes thicker from the bottom of the body 2m' to the cavity 2c2. As shown in FIG. 4B, the side wall of the sliding groove 2u1 has a thickness 2w1 near the cavity 2c2, and has a thickness 2w2 near the bottom of the body 2m'. The thickness 2w1 is greater than the thickness 2w2. Similarly, side walls of the sliding groove 2u2, the sliding groove 2u3, and the sliding groove 2u4 gradually become thicker from the bottom of the body 2m' to the cavity 2c2.
When the cartridge 100A is assembled, the aerosol generation assembly 3 may accurately enter predetermined positions of the upper cover 2' along the sliding groove 2u1, the sliding groove 2u2, the sliding groove 2u3, and the sliding groove 2u4 without further manually adjusting a position of the aerosol generation assembly 3 by using fingers or a tool. Therefore, simplicity and convenience in assembling the cartridge 100A are improved.
FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D are three-dimensional views of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 4C is a three-dimensional view showing the bottom of the upper cover 2'. FIG. 4D is a three-dimensional view showing the top of the upper cover 2'. As shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D, the valve structure 2v1' may surround an opening 2h1'. The sliding groove 2u1, the sliding groove 2u2, the sliding groove 2u3, and the sliding groove 2u4 may surround the cavity 2c2. The cavity 2c2 may be configured to accommodate the aerosol generation assembly 3.
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the top sealing structure 2t. Although the top sealing structure 2t is shown separately in FIG. 5A, the top sealing structure 2t and the body 2m may be considered as a single component. The top sealing structure 2t may be a part of the upper cover 2.
The top sealing structure 2t includes the valve structure 2v1 and the valve structure 2v2 that are bilaterally symmetrical. The valve structure 2v1 includes the notch 2r2 and the elastic structure 2p1 adjacent to the notch 2r2. The valve structure 2v2 includes the notch 2r4 and the elastic structure 2p2 adjacent to the notch 2r4. The aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 extends toward a direction opposite the valve structure 2v1 and the valve structure 2v2.
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the top sealing structure 2t'. Although the top sealing structure 2t' is shown separately in FIG. 5B, the top sealing structure 2t' and the body 2m' may be considered as a single component. The top sealing structure 2t' may be a part of the upper cover 2'. The top sealing structure 2t' includes the valve structure 2v1' only on one side thereof. The valve structure 2v1' is arranged asymmetrically in the top sealing structure 2t'.
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are exploded views of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show the lower cover 4 and metal structures 6a and 6b arranged in the lower cover 4. The metal structures 6a and 6b and the lower cover 4 may be formed in an integral injection molding manner. The user cannot separate the metal structure 6a or metal structure 6b from the lower cover 4 without damaging the structural integrity of the lower cover 4.
The lower cover 4 includes a columnar structure 4p1. One side of the columnar structure 4p1 includes a thin protrusion 4d1 and a buckle protrusion 4d2. The other side of the columnar structure 4p1 includes a thin protrusion 4d3 and a buckle protrusion 4d4. The thin protrusion 4d1, the thin protrusion 4d3, the buckle protrusion 4d2, and the buckle protrusion 4d4 provide particular functions during assembly of the cartridge 100A, which is described in detail in subsequent paragraphs.
The lower cover 4 further includes a columnar structure 4p2 and an air inlet 4f provided between the columnar structure 4p1 and the columnar structure 4p2. When the user inhales toward the opening 1h1, fresh air outside the cartridge 100A may enter the cartridge 100A through the air inlet 4f, and then aerosol generated by the aerosol generation assembly 3 is carried to the opening 1h1 along the tube 1t.
The metal structure 6a includes an elastic piece structure 61 and a contact structure 62. The metal structure 6b includes an elastic piece structure 63 and a contact structure 64. The contact structure 62 includes a protruding structure 62t, and the contact structure 64 includes a protruding structure 64t. The protruding structure 62t and the protruding structure 64t respectively protrude toward the opening 4h1 and the opening 4h2.
The elastic piece structure 61 and the elastic piece structure 63 may be in contact with the heating element 31 at the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3. The contact structure 62 and the contact structure 64 may be in direct contact with the adsorbing component 5a or 5b arranged in the opening 4h1 or the opening 4h2. The body 100B may supply power to the metal structure 6a or the metal structure 6b through the adsorbing component 5a or 5b. The protruding structure 62t can avoid poor contact between the metal structure 6a and the adsorbing component 5a that causes a broken circuit. The protruding structure 64t can avoid poor contact between the metal structure 6b and the adsorbing component 5b that causes a broken circuit.
Although not shown in the figure, the elastic piece structure 61 may include a plurality of layers of structures. In some embodiments, the elastic piece structure 61 may include a central layer, a first cladding layer, and a second cladding layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the central layer may be in a range of 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the central layer is approximately 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the material of the central layer may include a copper-phosphorus alloy, a copper tin alloy, phosphor bronze, or stainless steel. The first cladding layer is arranged on a surface of the central layer and in direct contact with the central layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first cladding layer may be in a range of 60 µm to 100 µm. In some embodiments, the first cladding layer may include nickel. The first cladding layer may provide a preferable attaching force for the second cladding layer, and may increase electrical conductivity of the elastic piece structure 61.
The second cladding layer is arranged on a surface of the first cladding layer and in direct contact with the first cladding layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second cladding layer may be in a range of 3 µm to 5 µm. In some embodiments, the second cladding layer may include gold. The second cladding layer may increase electrical conductivity of the elastic piece structure 61.
FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a bottom surface of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
As shown in FIG. 6C, the lower cover 4 includes the opening 4h1, the opening 4h2, and the air inlet 4f provided between the opening 4h1 and the opening 4h2. An inner side surface of the opening 4h1 may include a plurality of protruding structures 4e. An inner side surface of the opening 4h2 may include a plurality of protruding structures 4e. The protruding structures 4e can make the adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b fixed in the opening 4h1 and the opening 4h2, and not be loosened due to continuous use by the user.
The air inlet 4f includes a first through hole 401 located near the center and a plurality of second through holes 402 surrounding a central opening. In some embodiments, there may be 5 second through holes 402. In some embodiments, there may be more than 5 second through holes 402. In some embodiments, there may be less than 5 second through holes 402.
The diameter of the first through hole 401 may be greater than that of the second through hole 402. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first through hole 401 may be in a range of 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first through hole 401 is approximately 0.65 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second through hole 402 may be in a range of 0.40 mm to 0.50 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second through hole 402 is approximately 0.46 mm.
In some embodiments, after the cartridge 100A is assembled, the first through hole 401 of the air inlet 4f may be aligned with a geometrical center of a bottom surface of the aerosol generation assembly 3. According to a software simulation experiment result, a first through hole 401 having a relatively large diameter can enable fresh air to blow the heating element 31 at the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3 more uniformly, thereby improving the aerosol generation efficiency of the aerosol generation assembly 3.
In a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the aerosol generation assembly 3, the first through hole 401 is located below the aerosol generation assembly 3 and approximately corresponds to the central position of the aerosol generation assembly 3, and all the second through holes 402 are located within a projection range of the aerosol generation assembly 3.
FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application.
Referring to FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D, the contact structure 62 completely covers the opening 4h1, and the contact structure 64 completely covers the opening 4h2. The contact structure 62 can prevent the e-liquid or condensed liquid in the cartridge 100A from leaking out of the cartridge 100A from the opening 4h1. The contact structure 64 can prevent the e-liquid or condensed liquid in the cartridge 100A from leaking out of the cartridge 100A from the opening 4h2.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled, a distance between an upper surface 4s of the air inlet 4f and the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be in a range of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper surface 4s of the air inlet 4f and the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be in a range of 2 mm to 3 mm. The software simulation experiment result indicates that the foregoing distance settings can improve the aerosol generation efficiency of the aerosol generation assembly 3. The foregoing distance settings can improve an aerosol generation amount of the aerosol generation assembly 3.
FIG. 6E is a schematic diagram of a top surface of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application. The air inlet 4f is provided between the columnar structure 4p1 and the columnar structure 4p2. The air inlet 4f includes the first through hole 401 and the plurality of second through holes 402 surrounding the first through hole 401. The elastic piece structure 61 and the elastic piece structure 63 are respectively arranged on two sides of the air inlet 4f. The elastic piece structure 61 is arranged between the air inlet 4f and the columnar structure 4p1. The elastic piece structure 63 is arranged between the air inlet 4f and the columnar structure 4p2.
FIG. 7A is an exploded cross-sectional view of some components of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 7A shows 3 components inside the cartridge 100A. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the cartridge housing 1, the upper cover 2, and the lower cover 4.
The cartridge housing 1 includes the tube 1t extending toward the upper cover 2. The tube 1t may include a first portion 111 and a second portion 112. The first portion 111 and the second portion 1t2 may have different outer diameters. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first portion 111 is greater than that of the second portion 1t2. The smaller outer diameter of the second portion 1t2 enables the tube 1t to be inserted into the tubular structure 2m1 of the upper cover 2 more easily.
The inner diameter of the tube 1t may be nonuniform. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the tube 1t may have a section gap 1s between the first portion 1t1 and the second portion 1t2. The section gap 1s may also be referred to as a staircase structure. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first portion 111 has an inner diameter 1w1 adjacent to the second portion 1t2, and the second portion 1t2 has an inner diameter 1w2 adjacent to the first portion 1t1. The inner diameter 1w1 and the inner diameter 1w2 are different. In some embodiments, the inner diameter 1w2 is less than the inner diameter 1w1.
When the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation assembly 3 is transferred toward the opening 1h1 along the tube 1t, the aerosol passes through the section gap 1s. After the aerosol passes through the section gap 1s, because the inner diameter of the tube 1t is amplified (which is amplified from 1w2 into 1w1), a probability that the aerosol is condensed in the inner wall of the tube 1t to generate condensed liquid can be reduced. The section gap 1s can reduce an amount of the condensed liquid generated during use of the cartridge 100A, thereby reducing the probability that the condensed liquid is leaked during use.
In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the tube 1t is relatively small in a portion near the upper cover 2, and the inner diameter of the tube 1t is relatively large in a portion away from the upper cover 2. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the tube 1t is relatively small in a portion near the aerosol generation assembly 3, and the inner diameter of the tube 1t is relatively large in a portion away from the aerosol generation assembly 3.
The inner wall of the cartridge housing 1 further includes a staircase structure 1d. The staircase structure 1d may be formed due to the nonuniform thickness of the cartridge housing 1. The staircase structure 1d may be formed by an inner surface 1ds1 and an inner surface 1ds2 of the cartridge housing 1. The inner surface 1ds1 of the cartridge housing 1 and the inner surface 1ds2 of the cartridge housing 1 are not coplanar. There may be a section gap between the inner surface 1ds1 of the cartridge housing 1 and the inner surface 1ds2 of the cartridge housing 1. During assembly of the cartridge 100A, the staircase structure 1d may provide a resistance between the cartridge housing 1 and the upper cover 2. The top sealing structure 2t of the upper cover 2 abuts against the staircase structure 1d, and then reaches a predetermined position. In this case, a force toward the upper cover 2 is continuously applied to the lower cover 4, which may cause the thin protrusion 4d1 and the thin protrusion 4d3 of the columnar structure 4p1 to be deformed, causing the columnar structure 4p1 to extend into and be fixed inside the upper cover 2. Similarly, the two thin protrusions of the columnar structure 4p2 are also deformed, causing the columnar structure 4p2 to extend into and be fixed inside the upper cover 2.
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 100A.
As shown in FIG. 7B, after the cartridge 100A is assembled, the outward extension structure 2t1 of the top sealing structure 2t may abut against the area between the tube 1t and the tubular structure 2m1, to provide a sealing effect between the tube 1t and the tubular structure 2m1. The outward extension structure 2t1 may be arranged on the upper surface of the tubular structure 2m1. The outward extension structure 2t1 may be arranged between the upper surface of the tubular structure 2m1 and a staircase structure 1d2 (referring to FIG. 7A) of the tube 1t.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled, a part of the tube 1t (that is, a part 112) may extend into the tubular structure 2m1. In this case, the flange 2t2 of the top sealing structure 2t may provide a sealing effect between the tube 1t and the tubular structure 2m1.
A storage compartment 10 is defined among the top sealing structure 2t, the tube 1t, and the inner surface 1 s2 of the cartridge housing 1. The storage compartment 10 may accommodate e-liquid. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the flange 2t3 of the top sealing structure 2t may abut against an inner surface 1s1 of the cartridge housing 1, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the cartridge housing 1. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 of the top sealing structure 2t may abut against the area around the top of the aerosol generation assembly 3, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the aerosol generation assembly 3. The aerosol generation assembly sealing portion 2t4 may surround the groove 3c of the aerosol generation assembly 3.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the flange 2b1 of the bottom sealing structure 2b may abut against the inner surface 1s1 of the cartridge housing 1, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the cartridge housing 1.
After the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 are assembled, the outward extension structure 2b2 of the bottom sealing structure 2b may abut against the area between the upper cover 2 and a surface 4s1 of the lower cover 4, so as to provide a sealing effect between the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled, a distance between the upper surface 4s of the air inlet 4f and the bottom surface 3s of the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be in a range of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper surface 4s of the air inlet 4f and the bottom surface 3s of the aerosol generation assembly 3 may be in a range of 2 mm to 3 mm.
FIG. 8 is a schematic assembly diagram of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 8 shows relative positions of the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 after the cartridge 100A is assembled in the first stage. For the sake of description simplicity, the adsorbing component 5a and the adsorbing component 5b are not shown in FIG. 8. The foregoing components should be included during actual assembly of the cartridge 100A.
As shown in FIG. 8, the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 is first assembled in the first stage, such that the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 are connected to each other as a single component 24. In this case, it is not easy for the single component 24 to be separated into the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 during transport or movement.
The upper cover 2 is provided with a window 201 and a window 202 on two sides. During assembly of the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 in the first stage, a force toward the upper cover 2 is applied to the bottom of the lower cover 4, causing the columnar structure 4p1 to extend into the upper cover 2. The force applied to the lower cover 4 can make the buckle protrusion 4d2 and the buckle protrusion 4d4 of the columnar structure 4p1 respectively reach inside the window 201 and the window 202.
The buckle protrusion 4d2 may include inclined surfaces 421 and 422, to help to enable the columnar structure 4p1 to run through a bottom edge 2e1 and extend into the upper cover 2. The buckle protrusion 4d4 may include inclined surfaces 441 and 442, to help to enable the columnar structure 4p1 to run through a bottom edge 2e2 and extend into the upper cover 2.
After the buckle protrusion 4d2 reaches the window 201, the thin protrusion 4d1 of the columnar structure 4p1 abuts against the bottom edge 2e1 of the upper cover 2, and the buckle protrusion 4d2 of the columnar structure 4p1 abuts against a surface 201s of the window 201. Similarly, after the buckle protrusion 4d4 reaches the window 202, the thin protrusion 4d3 of the columnar structure 4p1 abuts against the bottom edge 2e2 of the upper cover 2, and the buckle protrusion 4d4 of the columnar structure 4p1 abuts against a surface 202s of the window 202. After the first stage of the assembly, the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 are connected to each other as a single component 24, which facilitates the second stage of the assembly after all the components of the cartridge 100A are transported to a destination.
As shown in FIG. 8, after the first stage of the assembly, the columnar structure 4p1 still does not completely extend into the valve structure 2v1, such that a gap that can let fluid pass through is still maintained between the columnar structure 4p1 and the valve structure 2v1.
The thin protrusion 4d1 may have a thickness 4w1. In some embodiments, the thickness 4w1 may be in a range of 0.35 mm to 0.65 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness 4w1 may be in a range of 0.38 mm to 0.41 mm. The thin protrusion 4d3 may have the same thickness as that of the thin protrusion 4d1.
FIG. 9A is a schematic assembly diagram of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the second stage of the assembly of the cartridge 100A.
FIG. 9A shows the lower cover 4, the upper cover 2, and the cartridge housing 1. It should be noted that, for the sake of description simplicity, the aerosol generation assembly 3, the adsorbing component 5a, and the adsorbing component 5b are not shown in FIG. 9A. The foregoing components should be included during actual assembly of the cartridge 100A.
As mentioned in the related paragraphs of FIG. 8 above, the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 is first assembled in the first stage, such that the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 are connected to each other as a single component 24, which facilitates the second stage of the assembly after the single component 24 is transported to the destination.
As shown in FIG. 9A, during the second stage of the assembly, the cartridge housing 1 is filled with 100l e-liquid, and then a part of the single component 24 is pushed into the cartridge housing 1, such than the single component 24 and the cartridge housing 1 are fixed to each other. When the single component 24 and the cartridge housing 1 are not fixed to each other, there is a gap/passage between the valve structure 2v1 of the upper cover 2 and the columnar structure 4p1 of the lower cover 4. During the assembly process of the single component 24 and the cartridge housing 1, the passage between the valve structure 2v1 and the columnar structure 4p1 can make gases in the cartridge housing 1 be discharged along a path 2f1, thereby preventing excessive internal pressure of the cartridge 100A after the assembly. Similarly, the passage between the valve structure 2v2 and the columnar structure 4p2 can make gases in the cartridge housing 1 be discharged along a path 2f2, thereby preventing excessive internal pressure of the cartridge 100A after the assembly. The excessive internal pressure of the cartridge 100A may cause e-liquid leakage, reduce the volume rate of the product, and may alternatively cause a poor user experience.
Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9A, in the second stage of the assembly of the cartridge 100A, the thin protrusion 4d1 and the thin protrusion 4d3 of the columnar structure 4p1 also play important roles. During the second stage of the assembly process, the lower cover 4 may be continuously applied with a force towards the cartridge housing 1 until the top sealing structure 2t of the upper cover 2 abuts against the staircase structure 1d in the cartridge housing 1 (referring to FIG. 7A).
When the lower cover 4 is continuously applied with the force, the thin protrusion 4d1 may transmit the applied force to the upper cover 2 through the bottom edge 2e1 of the upper cover 2 to ensure that the upper cover 2 may reach a predetermined position in the cartridge housing 1. Similarly, during the second stage of the assembly process, the thin protrusion 4d3 may transmit the applied force to the upper cover 2 through the bottom edge 2e2 of the upper cover 2 to ensure that the upper cover 2 may reach the predetermined position in the cartridge housing 1.
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 100A after assembly. It should be noted that, for the sake of description simplicity, the metal structure 6a, the metal structure 6b, the adsorbing component 5a, and the adsorbing component 5b are not shown in FIG. 9B. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the foregoing components should be included.
As shown in FIG. 9B, when the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2 are fixed at predetermined positions in the cartridge housing 1, the valve structure 2v1 and the columnar structure 4p1 are closely attached, and the valve structure 2v2 and the columnar structure 4p2 are closely attached. The valve structure 2v1 surrounds a part of the columnar structure 4p1 and exposes a top surface 4p1s of the columnar structure 4p1. The valve structure 2v2 surrounds a part of the columnar structure 4p2 and exposes a top surface 4p2s of the columnar structure 4p2.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the valve structure 2v1 becomes a one-way ventilation valve. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the valve structure 2v1 can function as both a one-way valve and a ventilation valve.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the pressure in the storage compartment 10 may be slightly greater than the pressure in the vaporization chamber 40, and in this case, the pressure in the storage compartment 10 can make the elastic structure 2p1 attach to the columnar structure 4p1, or make the elastic structure 2p1 move toward the columnar structure 4p1. Similarly, the pressure in the storage compartment 10 can make the elastic structure 2p2 attach to the columnar structure 4p2, or make the elastic structure 2p2 move toward the columnar structure 4p2.
As a one-way valve, the valve structure 2v1 can prevent the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10 from leaking out of the storage compartment 10 from a position between the valve structure 2v1 and the columnar structure 4p1. As a one-way valve, the valve structure 2v2 can prevent the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10 from leaking out of the storage compartment 10 from a position between the valve structure 2v2 and the columnar structure 4p2.
After continuous use of the cartridge 100A by the user, the volume of the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10 is continuously reduced, resulting in a continuous decrease in the pressure in the storage compartment 10. The decrease in the pressure in the storage compartment 10 may cause the e-liquid to not easily flow toward the aerosol generation assembly 3. The decrease in the pressure in the storage compartment 10 may cause the heat-press component 3 to be unable to fully absorb the e-liquid, resulting in a burnt or bitter taste during the heating process.
When a pressure difference between the pressure in the storage compartment 10 and the pressure in the vaporization chamber 40 reaches a threshold, air in the vaporization chamber 40 may push the elastic structure 2p1 of the valve structure 2v1 through a path 4f1 and enter the storage compartment 10 to balance the pressure of the storage compartment 10 and the vaporization chamber 40. When the pressure difference between the pressure in the storage compartment 10 and the pressure in the vaporization chamber 40 reaches the threshold, the air in the vaporization chamber 40 may push the elastic structure 2p1, to make the elastic structure 2p1 move away from the columnar structure 4p1. The air in the vaporization chamber 40 may deform the elastic structure 2p1 to avoid contact with the columnar structure 4p1.
Similarly, when the pressure difference between the pressure in the storage compartment 10 and the pressure in the vaporization chamber 40 reaches the threshold, the air in the vaporization chamber 40 may push the elastic structure 2p2 of the valve structure 2v2 through a path 4f2 and enter the storage compartment 10, to balance the pressure of the storage compartment 10 and the vaporization chamber 40. The air in the vaporization chamber 40 may push the elastic structure 2p2 to make the elastic structure 2p2 move away from the columnar structure 4p2. The air in the vaporization chamber 40 may deform the elastic structure 2p2 to avoid contact with the columnar structure 4p2.
As a ventilation valve, the valve structure 2v1 may reduce the probability of dry burning when the cartridge 100A is heated, and is beneficial for the user to fully use the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10. As a ventilation valve, the valve structure 2v2 may reduce the probability of dry burning when the cartridge 100A is heated, and is beneficial for the user to fully use the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10.
FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 100A including an upper cover 2' after assembly. It should be noted that, for the sake of description simplicity, the metal structure 6a, the metal structure 6b, the adsorbing component 5a, and the adsorbing component 5b are not shown in FIG. 9C. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the foregoing components should be included.
When the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2' are fixed at predetermined positions in the cartridge housing 1, the valve structure 2v1' and the columnar structure 4p2 are closely attached. After the cartridge 100A is assembled, the valve structure 2v1' becomes a one-way ventilation valve. After continuous use of the cartridge 100A by the user, the volume of the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10 is continuously reduced, resulting in a continuous decrease in the pressure in the storage compartment 10. When the pressure difference between the pressure in the storage compartment 10 and the pressure in the vaporization chamber 40 reaches the threshold, the air in the vaporization chamber 40 may push an elastic structure 2p1' of the valve structure 2v1' through a path 4f1' and enter the storage compartment 10, to balance the pressure of the storage compartment 10 and the vaporization chamber 40. As a ventilation valve, the valve structure 2v1' may reduce the probability of dry burning when the cartridge 100A is heated, and is beneficial for the user to fully use the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10. As a one-way valve, the valve structure 2v1' can prevent the e-liquid in the storage compartment 10 from leaking out of the storage compartment 10 from a position between the valve structure 2v1' and the columnar structure 4p2.
As shown in FIG. 9C, the upper cover 2' includes the valve structure 2v1' only on one side thereof, and includes a cavity 2c on the other side thereof. The cavity 2c may accommodate the columnar structure 4p1 of the lower cover 4. Containing only a single valve structure 2v1' may lower the manufacturing cost of the upper cover 2'. Containing only a single valve structure 2v1' may reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the upper cover 2'. Containing only a single valve structure 2v1' may improve a yield rate of the upper cover 2'.
FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of an upper cover and a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 9D shows relative positions of the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 4 after the cartridge 100A is assembled in the second stage. For the sake of description simplicity, a drawing of the cartridge housing 1 is omitted in FIG. 9D.
When the lower cover 4 reaches a default position in the upper cover 2, the thin protrusion 4d1 and the thin protrusion 4d3 may deform due to extrusion. As shown in FIG. 9D, the thin protrusion 4d1 deforms into a protrusion 4d1' when reaching the default position in the upper cover 2, and abuts against an inner side surface 2s1 of the upper cover 2. The thin protrusion 4d3 deforms into a protrusion 4d3' when reaching the default position in the upper cover 2, and abuts against an inner side surface 2s2 of the upper cover 2.
Extending directions of the inclined surface 421 and the columnar structure 4p1 may include an included angle θ ₄₂₁, and extending directions of the inclined surface 422 and the columnar structure 4p1 may include an included angle θ₄₂₂. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₂₁ may be the same as the included angle θ ₄₂₂. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₂₁ may be different from the included angle θ ₄₂₂. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₂₁ may be in a range of 10° to 25°. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₂₂ may be in a range of 15° to 20°.
Extending directions of the inclined surface 441 and the columnar structure 4p1 may include an included angle θ ₄₄₁, and extending directions of the inclined surface 442 and the columnar structure 4p1 may include an included angle θ ₄₄₂. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₄₁ may be the same as the included angle θ ₄₄₂. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₄₁ may be different from the included angle θ ₄₄₂. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₄₁ may be in a range of 10° to 25°. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₄₄₂ may be in a range of 15° to 20°.
After the cartridge 100A is assembled in the second stage, the columnar structure 4p1 and the valve structure 2v1 are in contact with each other. After the cartridge 100A is assembled in the second stage, the valve structure 2v1 surrounds and contacts the columnar structure 4p1. After the cartridge 100A is assembled in the second stage, the valve structure 2v1 functions as a one-way ventilation.
FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are schematic diagrams of relative positions of a metal structure and an aerosol generation assembly according to some embodiments of this application.
FIG. 10A is a side surface view of the aerosol generation assembly 3 and the metal structure 6a.
The metal structure 6a and the lower cover 4 are formed by integral injection molding (referring to FIG. 6A), and therefore, the metal structure 6a is embedded in the lower cover 4. During the assembly process of the cartridge 100A, the metal structure 6a contacts the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3 as the lower cover 4 is placed in the cartridge housing 1. To describe a relative relationship between the aerosol generation assembly 3 and the metal structure 6a more clearly, the lower cover 4 is omitted in FIG. 10A.
The elastic piece structure 61 of the metal structure 6a may include a plurality of parts. The elastic piece structure 61 may include the plurality of parts that are connected to each other. The elastic piece structure 61 may include a plurality of sections that are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 10A, the elastic piece structure 61 may include a section 61s1, a section 61s2, a section 61s3, and a section 61s4.
The section 61s1 and the section 61s2 are connected to each other. The section 61s2 and the section 61s3 are connected to each other. The section 61s3 and the section 61s4 are connected to each other. A connection between the section 61s3 and the section 61s4 includes a contact 61t1. A connection between the section 61s2 and the section 61s3 includes a contact 61t2. A connection between the section 61s1 and the section 61s2 includes a contact 61t3.
The contact 61t1, the contact 61t2, and the contact 61t3 may also be referred to as a bending section respectively.
In some embodiments, the contact 61t1, the contact 61t2, and the contact 61t3 may have different radii of curvatures. Generally, the larger the radius of curvature, the smaller the curvature, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the contact 61t1 is less than the radius of curvature of the contact 61t2. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the contact 61t2 is less than the radius of curvature of the contact 61t3. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the contact 61t1 may be approximately 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the contact 61t2 may be approximately 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the contact 61t3 may be approximately 2 mm.
The section 61s1, the section 61s2, the section 61s3, and the section 61s4 may respectively have different extending directions. The extending direction of the section 61s1 is different from the extending directions of the section 61s2, the section 61s3, and the section 61s4. The extending direction of the section 61s2 is different from the extending directions of the section 61s3 and the section 61s4. The extending direction of the section 61s3 is different from the extending direction of the section 61s4.
The section 61s1 extends in a y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 10A. An included angle θ ₁ is formed between the section 61s2 and the section 61s1 (that is, the y-axis direction). An included angle θ ₂ is formed between the section 61s3 and the y-axis direction.
In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₁ may be in a range of 60° to 75°. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₁ may be in a range of 65° to 70°. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₂ may be in a range of 10° to 30°. In some embodiments, the included angle θ ₂ may be in a range of 15° to 25°.
During the assembly process of the cartridge 100A, the metal structure 6a moves upward along the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 10A to contact with the aerosol generation assembly 3. After being in contact with the metal structure 6a, the aerosol generation assembly 3 applies a downward force Fy along the y-axis direction to the elastic piece structure 61 from the contact 61t1. The elastic piece structure 61 may deform after being subject to the force Fy. Different sections of the elastic piece structure 61 are displaced along different directions after being subject to the force Fy.
Referring to FIG. 10A, after being subject to the force Fy, the section 61s2 moves rightward along an x-axis direction, and after being subject to the force Fy, the section 61s3 moves leftward along the x-axis direction.
In detail, after the elastic piece structure 61 is subject to the force Fy, the section 61s2 moves downward along the y-axis direction, causing the contact 61t2 to move rightward along the x-axis direction. In addition, the section 61s3 moves downward along the y-axis direction, causing the contact 61t1 to move leftward along the x-axis direction.
In some embodiments, a displacement length of the contact 61t1 caused by the force Fy is approximately the same as a displacement length of the contact 61t2 caused by the force Fy. Therefore, when the elastic piece structure 61 is subject to the force Fy, the leftward displacement of the contact 61t1 may approximately offset the rightward displacement of the contact 61t2.
In some embodiments, when the elastic piece structure 61 is subject to the force Fy, a difference between the displacement length of the contact 61t1 and the displacement length of the contact 61t2 may be in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. In some embodiments, when the elastic piece structure 61 is subject to the force Fy, the difference between the displacement length of the contact 61t1 and the displacement length of the contact 61t2 may be in a range of 0.2 mm to 0.65 mm.
FIG. 10B is a three-dimensional view of the aerosol generation assembly 3 and the metal structure 6a. After the elastic piece structure 61 and the aerosol generation assembly 3 are assembled into the cartridge 100A, the contact 61t1 and a contact point 31p1 of the heating element 31 are in contact with each other.
During the assembly process, the included angle θ ₁ between the section 61s1 and the section 61s2 and the included angle θ ₂ between the section 61s3 and the y-axis direction may ensure that the contact 61t1 falls in a range of the contact point 31p1, thereby avoiding a poor contact between the elastic piece structure 61 and the heating element 31. The poor contact between the elastic piece structure 61 and the heating element 31 may cause the cartridge 100A fail to receive power provided by the body 100B.
In some embodiments, the contact point 31p1 may be arranged at the center of the width of the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3. In some embodiments, after the elastic piece structure 61 and the aerosol generation assembly 3 are assembled into the cartridge 100A, the contact 61t1 may be located at the center of the width of the bottom of the aerosol generation assembly 3.
Similarly, although not drawn in FIG. 10B, the elastic piece structure 63 (referring to 6A) may have the same appearance as the elastic piece structure 61, thereby also ensuring that the elastic piece structure 63 properly contacts a contact point 31p2 during the assembly process.
In some embodiments, the contact point 31p1 may have a length greater than 1.35 mm. In some embodiments, the contact point 31p1 may have a length of approximately 1.17 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the contact point 31p1 may be in a range of 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm. The contact point 31p2 may have the same external dimension as the contact point 31p1.
In some embodiments, the contact 61t1 may have the width of 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, a ratio of the width of the contact point 31p1 to the width of the contact 6111 may be in a range of 1 to 1.5.
As shown in FIG. 10B, the section 61s1 may have a width 61d1. The section 61s2 may have a width 61d2. The section 61s3 may have a width 61d3. The section 61s4 may have a width 61d4. In some embodiments, the plurality of sections of the elastic piece structure 61 may have different widths. In some embodiments, the width 61d1 may be greater than the width 61d2. In some embodiments, the width 61d2 may be greater than the width 61d3. In some embodiments, the width 61d3 may be greater than the width 61d4. In some embodiments, the width of the elastic piece structure 61 may gradually decrease from the section 61s1 to 61s4. In some embodiments, after the elastic piece structure 61 is straightened upward, the elastic piece structure 61 may have a trapezoidal shape.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a front surface of an upper cover according to some embodiments of this application. The upper cover 2" may include a top sealing structure 2t", a body 2m", and a bottom sealing structure 2b. The top sealing structure 2t" may have a material similar to that of the top sealing structure 2t shown in FIG. 3A. The body 2m" may have a material similar to that of the body 2m shown in FIG. 3A. The upper cover 2" and the upper cover 2 or the upper cover 2' may be compatible components for each other. In the cartridge 100A, the upper cover 2", the upper cover 2' or the upper cover 2 may be selected to combine with other components without affecting the functional integrity of the cartridge 100A.
The body 2m" of the upper cover 2' is provided with an opening 2d. The opening 2d may also be referred to as a window 2d. The opening 2d includes edges 2d1, 2d2, 2d3, and 2d4. The edges 2d1, 2d2, 2d3, and 2d4 may also be referred to as side walls 2d1, 2d2, 2d3, and 2d4. The opening 2d may be arranged on a side surface of the body 2m". The opening 2d may be arranged on a side surface of the upper cover 2". The opening 2d may expose a side wall of the aerosol generation assembly 3. The opening 2d may expose most of the side walls of the aerosol generation assembly 3. In the process of using the vaporization device, the aerosol generation assembly 3 may have a higher temperature than the body 2m". The opening 2d may reduce a contact area between the aerosol generation assembly 3 and the body 2m". The opening 2d may reduce a chance of generating a condensed liquid when the aerosol generation assembly 3 is in contact with the body 2m".
The body 2m" includes a protruding portion 2a1 and a protruding portion 2a2. The protruding portion 2a1 and the protruding portion 2a2 may extend downward from the side wall 2d1 of the opening 2d. The protruding portion 2a1 and the protruding portion 2a2 may extend from the side wall 2d1 of the opening 2d toward a center of the opening 2d. The protruding portion 2a1 and the protruding portion 2a2 may extend from the side wall 2d1 of the opening 2d toward the side wall 2d3. The protruding portion 2a1 and the protruding portion 2a2 may be arranged on two sides of an opening 2k. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generation assembly 3 may enter the tube 1t of the cartridge housing 1 through the opening 2k, and then be inhaled by the user.
In the process of using the cartridge 100A, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generation assembly 3 may condense in the body 2m". The condensed aerosol may accumulate in an upper left corner of the opening 2d (that is, between the side wall 2d1 and the side wall 2d2) or an upper right corner (that is, between the side wall 2d1 and the side wall 2d4). When the user performs inhalation, the protruding portion 2a1 and the protruding portion 2a2 may prevent the condensed liquid in the body 2m" from entering the opening 2k. The protruding portion 2a1 and the protruding portion 2a2 may prevent the condensed liquid in the body 2m" from being inhaled into the mouth of the user, resulting in a poor experience of choking. A length of the protruding portion 2a1 and a length of the protruding portion 2a2 may be longer than a longitudinal length of the opening 2k, to better prevent the condensed liquid from entering the opening 2k.
The body 2m" further includes one or more notches 2g arranged on two sides. The condensed liquid generated in the process of using the cartridge 100A may accumulate in the notch 2g. The condensed liquid in the body 2m" may be stored in the notch 2g, thereby reducing the probability of leakage of the condensed liquid to the outside of the cartridge 100A.
The body 2m" includes one or more notches 2j arranged on one side thereof. The notch 2j may reduce the thickness of a right side of the body 2m", and prevent the body 2m" from shrinking/deforming during curing to affect the production rate of the body 2m". The notch 2j may store the condensed liquid in the body 2m". The notch 2j may reduce the probability of the condensed liquid in the body 2m" entering the opening 2k.
FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of a front surface of the top sealing structure 2t". Although the top sealing structure 2t" is shown separately in FIG. 12A, the top sealing structure 2t" and the body 2m " may be considered as a single component. The top sealing structure 2t" may be a part of the upper cover 2". The top sealing structure 2t" includes a valve structure 2v1" only on one side thereof. The valve structure 2v1" is arranged asymmetrically in the top sealing structure 2t".
The valve structure 2v1" may be an elastic structure. The valve structure 2v1" may have elasticity. The valve structure 2v1" may have ductility. The valve structure 2v1" may include a first portion 2n1 and a second portion 2n2. The second portion 2n2 is connected to the top sealing structure 2t". The second portion 2n2 is connected to the body 2m". The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" is not directly connected to the body 2m". The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" is connected to the body 2m" through the second portion 2n2.
In some embodiments, the valve structure 2v1" may be modified, such that the valve structure 2v1" has a third portion and a fourth portion.
The fourth portion of the valve structure 2v1" may be connected to the cartridge housing 1. The third portion of the valve structure 2v1" may be connected to the cartridge housing 1 through the fourth portion of the valve structure 2v1".
The valve structure 2v1" may include skived portions 2L1 and 2L2. The skived portions 2L1 and 2L2 may extend from the first portion 2n1 toward the second portion 2n2. The skived portions 2L1 and 2L2 may have a thinner thickness than the first portion 2n1 (referring to FIG. 12C). The skived portions 2L1 and 2L2 may have a thinner thickness than the second portion 2n2 (referring to FIG. 12C). The skived portions 2L1 and 2L2 may be arranged on an outer surface of the valve structure 2v1". The skived portions 2L1 and 2L2 can enable the valve structure 2v1" to be easy to bend and deform, such the valve structure 2v1" functions as a one-way air valve.
FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application.
The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" may have a nonuniform thickness. The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" may have a thickness nw1 at an end. A place in which the first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" is connected to the second portion 2n2 of the valve structure 2v1" may have a thickness nw2. In some embodiments, the thickness nw1 of the first portion 2n1 may be different from the thickness nw2 of the first portion 2n1. The thickness nw1 of the first portion 2n1 may be greater than the thickness nw2 of the first portion 2n1. The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" has a thicker thickness at an end, such that the valve structure 2v1" has a better sealing effect.
The second portion 2n2 of the valve structure 2v1" may have a thickness nw3. The thickness nw3 of the second portion 2n2 of the valve structure 2v1" may be different from the thickness nw1 of the first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1". The thickness nw3 of the second portion 2n2 of the valve structure 2v1" may be different from the thickness nw2 of the first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1". The thickness nw3 of the second portion 2n2 of the valve structure 2v1" may be greater than the thickness nw1 of the first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1". The thickness nw3 of the second portion 2n2 of the valve structure 2v1" may be greater than the thickness nw2 of the first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1".
FIG. 12C is a three-dimensional top view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 12C is a three-dimensional top view of the top sealing structure 2t". The valve structure 2v1" includes an opening 2vt. The opening 2vt may also be referred to as a hole. The opening 2vt may be considered as a hole of the upper cover 2". The opening 2vt may be considered as a hole of the body 2m".
The opening 2vt may be used for accommodating the columnar structure 4p1 of the lower cover 4. The opening 2vt may be used for accommodating the columnar structure 4p2 of the lower cover 4. The opening 2vt may be used for accommodating a columnar structure 4p1' of a lower cover 4'. The opening 2vt may be used for accommodating a columnar structure 4p2' of a lower cover 4'.
When the lower cover 4 and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, the columnar structure 4p1 or the columnar structure 4p2 of the lower cover 4 may be arranged in the opening 2vt of the upper cover 2". When the lower cover 4' and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, the columnar structure 4p1' of the lower cover 4' or the columnar structure 4p2' of the lower cover 4' may be arranged in the opening 2vt of the upper cover 2".
An outer side of the valve structure 2v1" includes the skived portion 2L1, the skived portion 2L2, a skived portion 2L3, and a skived portion 2L4. In some embodiments, the valve structure 2v1" may include more skived portions. In some embodiments, the valve structure 2v1" may include less skived portions. The skived portions 2L1, 2L2, 2L3, and 2L4 can enable the valve structure 2v1" to be easy to bend and deform, such that the valve structure 2v1" functions as a one-way air valve. As shown in FIG. 12C, the valve structure 2v1" further includes a skived portion 2L5 on an inner side of the opening 2vt. The skived portion 2L5 can enable the valve structure 2v1" to have a better ventilation effect.
FIG. 12D is a three-dimensional bottom view of a top sealing structure according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 12C is a three-dimensional bottom view of the top sealing structure 2t". The skived portion 2L5 on an inner side of the valve structure 2v1" may be seen clearly from FIG. 12D. The skived portion 2L5 can enable the valve structure 2v1" to have a better ventilation effect.
FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are three-dimensional views of a lower cover according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 13A is a three-dimensional view of the lower cover 4'. The lower cover 4' and the lower cover 4 may be compatible components with each other. In the cartridge 100A, the lower cover 4' or the lower cover 4 may be selected to combine with other components without affecting the functional integrity of the cartridge 100A.
The lower cover 4' includes the columnar structure 4p1' and the columnar structure 4p2'. The columnar structure 4p1' includes notches 4t1, 4t2, 4t3, and 4t4. The notch 4t1 and the notch 4t2 may extend toward different directions. The notch 4t1 and the notch 4t2 may communicate with each other. The notch 4t3 and the notch 4t4 may extend toward different directions. The notch 4t3 and the notch 4t4 may communicate with each other. When the lower cover 4' and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may cover the notch 4t1 and the notch 4t3. When the lower cover 4' and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a part of the notch 4t2 and the notch 4t4. The notches 4t1, 4t2, 4t3, and 4t4 can enable the valve structure 2v1" to have a better ventilation effect.
The columnar structure 4p2' includes notches 4t5, 4t6, 4t7, and 4t8. The notch 4t5 and the notch 4t6 may extend toward different directions. The notch 4t5 and the notch 4t6 may communicate with each other. The notch 4t7 and the notch 4t8 may extend toward different directions. The notch 4t7 and the notch 4t8 may communicate with each other. The notches 4t5, 4t6, 4t7, and 4t8 of the columnar structure 4p2' may have a function similar to of the notches 4t1, 4t2, 4t3, and 4t4 of the columnar structure 4p1'.
The columnar structure 4p2' further includes a notch 4u2. When the lower cover 4' and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may cover a part of the notch 4u2. When the lower cover 4' and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a part of the notch 4u2. When the lower cover 4' and the upper cover 2" are assembled together, a part of the notch 4u2 of the columnar structure 4p2' may be located between the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" and the columnar structure 4p2'. The notch 4u2 of the columnar structure 4p2' can enable the valve structure 2v1" to have a better ventilation effect.
FIG. 13B is a three-dimensional view from another angle of the lower cover 4'. As shown in FIG. 13B, the columnar structure 4p1' includes the notches 4t1, 4t2, 4t3, and 4t4, and the columnar structure 4p2' includes the notches 4t5, 4t6, 4t7, and 4t8. The columnar structure 4p1' further includes a notch 4u1. The notch 4u1 of the columnar structure 4p1' may have a function similar to that of the notch 4u2 of the columnar structure 4p2'. The notch 4u1 of the columnar structure 4p1' can enable the valve structure 2v1" to have a better ventilation effect.
FIG. 14A is a schematic assembly diagram of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 14A is a schematic assembly diagram of the upper cover 2" and the lower cover 4'. To make the description of the features clearer, although a drawing of the body 2m" is omitted in FIG. 14A, FIG. 14A is not used for describing that the top sealing structure 2t" and the body 2m" may be separated from each other. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the upper cover 2" and the lower cover 4' are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a part of the notch 4u1. When the upper cover 2" and the lower cover 4' are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a part of the notch 4t4.
FIG. 14B is an assembly cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to some embodiments of this application. FIG. 14B is an assembly cross-sectional view of the upper cover 2" and the lower cover 4'. To make the description of the features clearer, although a drawing of the body 2m" is omitted in FIG. 14B, FIG. 14B is not used for describing that the top sealing structure 2t" and the body 2m" may be separated from each other. As shown in FIG. 14B, when the upper cover 2" and the lower cover 4' are assembled together, the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a part of the notch 4u1.
The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a top portion of the notch 4u1. The first portion 2n1 of the valve structure 2v1" of the upper cover 2" may expose a bottom portion of the notch 4u1.
As used herein, the terms "approximately", "basically", "substantially", "around", and "about" are used to describe and consider small variations. When used in combination with an event or a situation, the terms may refer to an example in which an event or a situation occurs accurately and an example in which the event or situation occurs approximately. As used herein with respect to a given value or range, the term "about" generally means in the range of ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the given value or range. The range may be indicated herein as from one endpoint to another endpoint or between two endpoints. Unless otherwise specified, all ranges disclosed herein include endpoints. The term "substantially coplanar" may refer to two surfaces within a few micrometers (µm) positioned along the same plane, for example, within 10 µm, within 5 µm, within 1 µm, or within 0.5 µm positioned along the same plane. When reference is made to "substantially" the same numerical value or characteristic, the term may refer to a value within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the average of the values.
As used herein, the terms "approximately", "basically", "substantially", and "about" are used to describe and explain small variations. When used in combination with an event or a situation, the terms may refer to an example in which an event or a situation occurs accurately and an example in which the event or situation occurs approximately. For example, when being used in combination with a value, the term may refer to a variation range of less than or equal to ±10% of the value, for example, less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%. For example, if a difference between two values is less than or equal to ±10% of an average value of the value (for example, less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%), it could be considered that the two values are "substantially" or "approximately" the same. For example, being "substantially" parallel may refer to an angular variation range of less than or equal to ±10° with respect to 0°, for example, less than or equal to ±5°, less than or equal to ±4°, less than or equal to ±3°, less than or equal to ±2°, less than or equal to ±1°, less than or equal to ±0.5°, less than or equal to ±0.1°, or less than or equal to ±0.05°. For example, being "substantially" perpendicular may refer to an angular variation range of less than or equal to ±10° with respect to 90°, for example, less than or equal to ±5°, less than or equal to ±4°, less than or equal to ±3°, less than or equal to ±2°, less than or equal to ±1°, less than or equal to ±0.5°, less than or equal to ±0.1°, or less than or equal to ±0.05°.
For example, two surfaces can be deemed to be coplanar or substantially coplanar if a displacement between the two surfaces is no greater than 5 µm, no greater than 2 µm, no greater than 1 µm, or no greater than 0.5 µm. A surface can be deemed to be planar or substantially planar if a displacement between any two points on the surface with respect to a plane is no greater than 5 µm, no greater than 2 µm, no greater than 1 µm, or no greater than 0.5 µm.
As used herein, the terms "conductive", "electrically conductive" and "electrical conductivity" refer to an ability to transport an electric current. Electrically conductive materials typically indicate those materials that exhibit little or no opposition to the flow of an electric current. One measure of electrical conductivity is Siemens per meter (S/m). Typically, an electrically conductive material is a material having an electrical conductivity greater than approximately 10⁴ S/m (such as at least 10⁵ S/m or at least 10⁶ S/m). The electrical conductivity of a material can sometimes vary with temperature. Unless otherwise specified, the electrical conductivity of a material is measured at room temperature.
As used herein, singular terms "a", "an", and "the" may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the description of some embodiments, assemblies provided "on" or "above" another assembly may encompass a case in which a previous assembly is directly on a latter assembly (for example, in physical contact with the latter assembly), and a case in which one or more intermediate assemblies are located between the previous assembly and the latter assembly.
As used herein, for ease of description, space-related terms such as "under", "below", "lower portion", "above", "upper portion", "lower portion", "left side", "right side", and the like may be used herein to describe a relationship between one component or feature and another component or feature as shown in the figures. In addition to orientation shown in the figures, space-related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. An apparatus may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the space-related descriptors used herein may also be used for explanation accordingly. It should be understood that when a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or an intermediate component may exist.
Several embodiments of the present disclosure and features of details are briefly described above. The embodiments described in the present disclosure may be easily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for achieving the same or similar objectives and/or obtaining the same or similar advantages introduced in the embodiments herein. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and various variations, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

A vaporization assembly, comprising:
a base; and

a first elastic piece arranged on the base, the first elastic piece comprising a first section and a second section that form a first included angle.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section respectively generate a first displacement and a second displacement in opposite directions when the first section is subject to a first force in a first direction.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 2, wherein the length of the first displacement is the same as that of the second displacement.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 2, wherein a difference between the first displacement and the second displacement is in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic piece further comprises a third section, and a second included angle is formed between the second section and the third section.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 5, wherein a connection between the second section and the third section has a first radius of curvature, and a connection between the first section and the second section has a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature being different.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first hole in the base; and

a valve structure, configured to open or close the first hole.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 7, wherein the valve structure comprises a first portion not connected to the base and a second portion connected to the base.
The vaporization assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first portion of the valve structure closes the first hole by contacting a first portion of the base.
A vaporization device, comprising:
a housing, an aerosol generation assembly, and a base, wherein

the base comprises a first elastic piece, the first elastic piece comprising a first section and a second section, and the first section and the second section forming a first included angle.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, wherein when the first section is subject to a first force in a first direction, a displacement in a second direction is generated, and wherein when the second section is subject to the first force, a displacement in a third direction is generated, the second direction and the third direction being opposite.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, wherein the first elastic piece further comprises a third section, and the extending direction of the second section is different from the extending direction of the third section.
The vaporization device according to claim 12, wherein a connection between the second section and the third section has a first radius of curvature, and a connection between the first section and the second section has a second radius of curvature, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature being different.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, wherein the width of the first section is greater than the width of the second section.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generation assembly comprises a heating element and a first contact point electrically connected to the heating element, the first elastic piece being in contact with the first contact point.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, further comprising a first contact structure connected to the first elastic piece, wherein the first contact structure completely covers a first opening of the base.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, wherein the base further comprises an air inlet, the air inlet comprising a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes being located within a projection range of the aerosol generation assembly in a first direction.
The vaporization device according to claim 10, wherein the base further comprises a columnar structure, the columnar structure comprising a first inclined surface, the first inclined surface and the first columnar structure forming a second included angle.
The vaporization device according to claim 18, wherein the base further comprises a second opening provided on a side surface of the base.
The vaporization device according to claim 19, wherein the base further comprises a first protruding portion extending out of a first side wall of the second opening.