EP4646951A1

EP4646951A1 - Atomizer, electronic atomization apparatus, and atomization assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4646951A1
Application number: EP24766271.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pengxin DAI; Zhongli XU; Yonghai LI
Original assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-03
Filing date: 2024-02-26
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: CN118575988A; WO2024183549A1

Abstract

An atomizer (100), an electronic atomization apparatus, and an atomization assembly. The atomizer (100) comprises: a liquid storage cavity (12); liquid guiding elements (31, 32), comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, and the first surface being used for sucking a liquid matrix from the liquid storage cavity (12); and a heating element (40), comprising a substantially planar extended heating portion (43). The heating portion (43) is used for heating at least part of the liquid matrix in the liquid guide elements (31, 32) to generate an aerosol. The heating portion (43) is located between the first surface and the second surface. Moreover, the heating portion (43) comprises a first side close to the first surface and a second side facing away from the first side. The liquid guiding elements (31, 32) are configured to surround or cover the second side of the heating portion (43) and at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion (43). The atomizer (100) arranges the heating element (40) in the liquid guiding elements (31, 32), and causes the liquid guiding elements (31, 32) to provide the liquid matrix to the second side of the heating portion (43), and to release the generated aerosol from the first side of the heating portion.

Description

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310238801.0, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 3, 2023 and entitled "ATOMIZER, ELECTRONIC ATOMIZATION APPARATUS, AND ATOMIZATION ASSEMBLY", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of this application relate to the field of electronic atomization technologies, and in particular, to an atomizer, an electronic atomization apparatus, and an atomization assembly.

BACKGROUND

During use of smoking products (such as cigarettes and cigars), tobacco is burnt to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to replace these tobacco-burning products by products that release compounds without burning.
An example of such products is a heating apparatus that releases compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For example, the materials may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products. The non-tobacco products may or may not include nicotine. In another example, there are aerosol-providing products, such as so-called electronic atomization apparatuses. These apparatuses usually include a liquid substrate, and the liquid substrate is heated to vaporize and generate an inhalable aerosol. The liquid substrate may include nicotine and/or fragrance and/or aerosol-generating substances (for example, glycerol). A known electronic atomization apparatus includes a capillary fiber element configured to absorb and store a liquid substrate, and a planar heating element bound to a flat surface of the capillary fiber element. The planar heating element is configured to heat the liquid substrate.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of this application provides an atomizer, including:

a liquid storage cavity, configured to store a liquid substrate;
a liquid guide element, including a first surface and a second surface that face away from each other, where the first surface is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity to absorb the liquid substrate; and
a heating element, including a substantially planar-extending heating portion, where the heating portion is configured to heat at least a part of the liquid substrate held in the liquid guide element to generate an aerosol; and
the heating portion is located between the first surface and the second surface; the heating portion includes a first side close to the first surface, and a second side facing away from the first side; and the liquid guide element is constructed to surround or cover the second side of the heating portion, and at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion.

In some embodiments, the heating portion is arranged to be substantially parallel to the first surface and/or the second surface.
In some embodiments, the liquid guide element and/or the heating element is arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the atomizer.
In some embodiments, the heating element includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion that are arranged at an interval in a length direction; and
the heating portion is located between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and the heating element directs a current on the heating portion by using the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion during use.
In some embodiments, the heating portion includes a conductive track extending between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.
In some embodiments, the conductive track includes at least two track units that are periodically or repeatedly arranged.
In some embodiments, the heating portion includes:
a tooth, formed by the conductive track extending outward in a width direction of the heating element.
In some embodiments, the liquid guide element supports the tooth, to at least partially hold the heating portion.
In some embodiments, the liquid guide element includes a first end and a second end that face away from each other in the length direction;

the first electrode portion includes a first electrical connection portion extending to an outside of the liquid guide element toward the first end; and/or
the second electrode portion includes a second electrical connection portion extending to an outside of the liquid guide element toward the second end.

In some embodiments, at least a part of the first electrode portion is covered in the liquid guide element; and a first perforation is provided on the first electrode portion, to provide a channel for the liquid substrate to flow from the first surface to the second surface of the liquid guide element; and/or
at least a part of the second electrode portion is covered in the liquid guide element; and a second perforation is provided on the second electrode portion, to provide a channel for the liquid substrate to flow from the first surface to the second surface of the liquid guide element.
In some embodiments, an opening is provided on the first surface; and the opening is arranged opposite to the heating portion, to at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion through the opening.
In some embodiments, the atomizer includes:

a proximal end and a distal end that face away from each other in the longitudinal direction; and
an inhalation port, located at the proximal end, where
a projection of the heating portion in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer lies at least partially within the inhalation port; or at least a part of the heating portion is visible through the inhalation port.

In some embodiments, the atomizer includes:

a proximal end and a distal end that face away from each other in the longitudinal direction;
an inhalation port, located at the proximal end; and
an aerosol output tube, extending from the inhalation port toward the distal end, and configured to output the aerosol to the inhalation port, where
the heating element is arranged with the first side of the heating portion facing the aerosol output tube.

In some embodiments, the heating element and/or the liquid guide element is arranged to at least partially block airflow, causing the airflow to bypass the liquid guide element from the second surface to the first surface.
In some embodiments, the liquid guide element is flexible.
In some embodiments, the liquid guide element includes:

a first liquid guide element, defining the first surface; and
a second liquid guide element, defining the second surface; and
the heating element is sandwiched between the first liquid guide element and the second liquid guide element.

In some implementations, the atomizer further includes:
a holder, where the liquid guide element and the heating element are accommodated or held in the holder.
In some implementations, the atomizer further includes:
a planar-extending support element abutting against the second surface of the liquid guide element.
Another embodiment of this application further provides an atomizer, having a proximal end and a distal end that face away from each other; and the atomizer including:

a liquid storage cavity, configured to store a liquid substrate;
a liquid guide element, in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity to absorb the liquid substrate, where the liquid guide element includes a first surface facing the proximal end, and a second surface facing away from the first surface; and
a heating element, including a substantially planar-extending heating portion, where the heating portion is configured to heat at least a part of the liquid substrate held in the liquid guide element to generate an aerosol; and the heating portion is located between the first surface and the second surface, and at least a part of a first side of the heating portion is exposed on the first surface.

Another embodiment of this application further provides an atomizer, including:

a liquid storage cavity, configured to store a liquid substrate;
a heating element having a first side and a second side that face away from each other, where the heating element includes a planar-extending heating portion located between the first side and the second side;
a first liquid guide element, connected to the first side of the heating element and defining an opening to at least partially avoid or expose the heating portion, where the first liquid guide element is arranged to receive the liquid substrate of the liquid storage cavity; and
a second liquid guide element, connected to the second side of the heating element and covering the heating portion, where the second liquid guide element is arranged to receive the liquid substrate from the first liquid guide element; and
the heating portion is sandwiched between the first liquid guide element and the second liquid guide element, and is configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, causing the aerosol to be released from the opening of the first liquid guide element.

Another embodiment of this application further provides an electronic atomization apparatus, including the atomizer, and a power supply mechanism for supplying power to the atomizer.
Another embodiment of this application further provides an atomization assembly for an atomizer, including:

a liquid guide element penetrable by a fluid, including a first surface and a second surface that face away from each other; and
a heating element, including a substantially planar-extending heating portion, where the heating portion is located between the first surface and the second surface; the heating portion includes a first side close to the first surface, and a second side facing away from the first side; and the liquid guide element is constructed to surround or cover the second side of the heating portion, and at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion.

According to the foregoing atomizer, the heating element is arranged in the liquid guide element, and the liquid guide element provides the liquid substrate for the second side of the heating portion and releases the generated aerosol from the first side of the heating portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are exemplarily described with reference to the corresponding figures in the accompanying drawings, and these exemplary descriptions do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements in the accompanying drawings that have same reference numerals are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise particularly stated, the figures in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic atomization apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of an atomizer in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view of the atomizer in FIG. 2 from a perspective;
FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the atomizer in FIG. 2 from another perspective;
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the atomizer in FIG. 2 from a perspective;
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the atomizer in FIG. 2 from another perspective;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a holder and an atomization assembly in FIG. 3 after assembly;
FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an atomization assembly in FIG. 3 from a perspective;
FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the atomization assembly in FIG. 8 from a perspective;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an atomization assembly, a sealing element, and an end cap in FIG. 3 after assembly;
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the atomization assembly, the sealing element, and the end cap in FIG. 10 before assembly;
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an atomization assembly before assembly according to another embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an atomization assembly before assembly according to another embodiment; and
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an atomization assembly before assembly according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For ease of understanding this application, this application is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementations.
An embodiment of this application provides an electronic atomization apparatus, configured to atomize a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol. In an optional embodiment, the liquid substrate preferably includes a tobacco-containing material, and the tobacco-containing material includes volatile tobacco-flavor compounds released from the liquid substrate when being heated. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The liquid substrate may include water, ethanol or another solvent, a plant extract, a nicotine solution, and a natural or artificial flavoring agent. Preferably, the liquid substrate further includes an aerosol-forming agent. An instance of a suitable aerosol-forming agent is glycerol and/or propylene glycol.
This application provides an electronic atomization apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1, including: an atomizer 100 configured to store a liquid substrate and atomize the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol; and a power supply mechanism 200 configured to supply power to the atomizer 100.
In an optional embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply mechanism 200 includes: a receiving cavity 270 arranged at an end in a longitudinal direction and configured to receive and accommodate at least a part of the atomizer 100; and an electrical contact 230 at least partially exposed on a surface of the receiving cavity 270 and configured to supply power to the atomizer 100 when at least a part of the atomizer 100 is received and accommodated in the power supply mechanism 200.
According to the implementation shown in FIG. 1, an electrical contact 21 is arranged on an end portion of the atomizer 100 opposite to the power supply mechanism 200 in the longitudinal direction, so that when at least a part of the atomizer 100 is received in the receiving cavity 270, the electrical contact 21 comes into contact with and abuts against the electrical contact 230 to conduct electricity.
A sealing piece 260 is arranged in the power supply mechanism 200, and at least a part of an internal space of the power supply mechanism 200 is separated by the sealing piece 260 to form the receiving cavity 270. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sealing piece 260 is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the power supply mechanism 200; and the sealing piece 260 is flexible, to prevent the liquid substrate leaking from the atomizer 100 to the receiving cavity 270 from flowing to electronic components such as a circuit 220 and a sensor 250 inside the power supply mechanism 200.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power supply mechanism 200 further includes a battery cell 210 arranged at the other end facing away from the receiving cavity 270 in the longitudinal direction and configured to supply power; and the circuit 220 arranged between the battery cell 210 and an accommodating cavity, where the circuit 220 operably directs a current between the battery cell 210 and the electrical contact 230.
During use, the power supply mechanism 200 includes the sensor 250, configured to sense inhalation airflow generated by the atomizer 100 during inhalation, so that the circuit 220 controls the battery cell 210 to output the current to the atomizer 100 according to a detection signal of the sensor 250.
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a charging interface 240 is arranged at the other end of the power supply mechanism 200 facing away from the receiving cavity 270, and is configured to supply power to the battery cell 210.
FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 show a structure of a specific example of the atomizer 100 in FIG. 1. The atomizer 100 includes:
a main housing 10, which may be defined by one or more components, and is a substantially flat hollow cylinder, an interior of which is configured to store necessary functional components for atomizing the liquid substrate. The main housing 10 has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite to each other in a length direction. According to a requirement of common use, the proximal end 110 is configured as an end for a user to inhale the aerosol, and an inhalation port 130 for the user to inhale is arranged at the proximal end 110. The distal end 120 is used as an end connected to the power supply mechanism 200, and the distal end 120 of the main housing 10 is open, on which a detachable end cap 20 is mounted. An open structure is used for mounting functional components into the main housing 10. In addition, after assembly, the main housing 10 and the end cap 20 jointly define a housing or an external surface of the atomizer 100.
In a specific embodiment shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, the electrical contact 21 penetrates into an interior of the atomizer 100 from a surface of the end cap 20, so that at least a part of the electrical contact 21 is exposed outside the atomizer 100, to conduct electricity through contact with the electrical contact 230. In addition, an air inlet 22 is further provided on the end cap 20, to supply external air into the atomizer 100 during inhalation. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, after assembly, a surface of the electrical contact 21 is flush with the surface of the end cap 20.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the main housing 10 is internally arranged with a liquid storage cavity 12 for storing the liquid substrate, and an atomization assembly 30 for absorbing the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity 12, and heating and atomizing the liquid substrate. In a schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5, an aerosol output tube 11 is arranged in the main housing 10 in the longitudinal direction, and the liquid storage cavity 12 for storing the liquid substrate is formed in a space between the aerosol output tube 11 and the main housing 10. A first end of the aerosol output tube 11 opposite to the proximal end 110 is in communication with the inhalation port 130, to transmit the generated aerosol to the inhalation port 130 for inhalation. Specifically, the aerosol output tube 11 and the main housing 10 are formed by integrally molding a moldable material, such as an organic polymer; and the first end of the aerosol output tube 11 facing the proximal end 110 is bound to the main housing 10.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the liquid storage cavity 12 is open on a side facing the distal end 120; and after assembly, the atomizer 100 is constructed to allow the liquid substrate to exit only from the side of the liquid storage cavity 12 that faces the distal end 120. Specifically, the atomizer 100 further includes:

a holder 60, at least partially configured to accommodate and hold the atomization assembly 30; and
a flexible sealing element 70, at least partially surrounding or enclosing the holder 60, where the holder 60 provides support in the sealing element 70. In addition, after assembly, the sealing element 70 is at least partially located between the holder 60 and the main housing 10, thereby providing sealing between the holder and the main housing.

After assembly, a liquid guide channel 61 is arranged on the holder 60; the sealing element 70 is provided with an avoidance hole 71 opposite to the liquid guide channel 61; and further, after assembly, the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity 12 is transferred, through the avoidance hole 71 and the liquid guide channel 61, to the atomization assembly 30 in the holder 60 to be absorbed and atomized, as shown by an arrow R1 in FIG. 5.
According to the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, an insertion hole 72 is arranged on the holder 60, so that the aerosol output tube 11 is inserted into the insertion hole at a second end toward the distal end 120. The sealing element 70 has an avoidance hole 62 arranged opposite to the insertion hole 72; and after assembly, at least a part of the sealing element 70 is further located between the aerosol output tube 11 and the insertion hole 72 of the holder 60, to provide sealing.
In addition, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, the atomization assembly 30 is arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100. The atomization assembly 30 is configured to absorb and store the liquid substrate transferred by the liquid guide channel 61, and heat and atomize the liquid substrate to generate the aerosol. In addition, in this embodiment, the atomization assembly 30 includes:
a heating element 40, configured to heat the liquid substrate to form the aerosol. Moreover, in this embodiment, the heating element 40 is a planar heating element. Moreover, the heating element 40 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100. Moreover, the heating element 40 is a resistance heating element; or in some other variant embodiments, the heating element 40 may be an induction heating element or an infrared heating element.
Referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, the heating element 40 includes:

a first electrode portion 41 and a second electrode portion 42 that are arranged at an interval in the length direction, where the first electrode portion 41 is close to and defines a first end of the heating element 40 in the length direction, and the second electrode portion 42 is close to and defines a second end of the heating element 40 in the length direction; and
a heating portion 43, extending between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42.

During use, an electrical connection area of the heating element 40 is defined by the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42; and a heating area of the heating element 40 is defined by the heating portion 43.
The heating portion 43 includes:
a conductive track 431 circuitously or windingly extending between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42, where the conductive track 431 may include at least two track units that are periodically or repeatedly arranged. For example, the conductive track 431 may include several U-shaped track units. Alternatively, in some other variant embodiments, the conductive track 431 may have different shapes, for example, a waveform shape, a spiral shape, or a mesh shape.
The heating portion 43 further includes:
a tooth 432 extending outward from the conductive track 431 in a width direction of the heating element 40. The tooth 432 plays a multifaceted role. In one aspect, the tooth 432 can conduct and receive heat from the conductive track 431, so that the tooth 432 can increase a temperature field range and temperature field uniformity of the heating portion 43. In another aspect, after assembly, a liquid guide element of the atomization assembly 30 can at least partially support or heat the portion 43 by clamping or holding the tooth 432, so as to avoid being bound to the conductive track 431 to hold the heating portion 43. In addition, in this embodiment, the tooth 432 is elongated. Alternatively, in some other variant embodiments, the tooth 432 is of various shapes, such as a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon.
The first electrode portion 41 includes: a first base 412, and a first electrical connection portion 411 extending from the first base 412 to the first end.
The heating portion 43 is bound to the first base 412, to form an electrical connection; and after assembly, the first electrical connection portion 411 abuts against the electrical contact 21, is soldered to the electrical contact 21, or the like, to conduct electricity.
Similarly, the second portion 41 includes: a second base 422, and a second electrical connection portion 421 extending from the second base 422 to the first end.
The heating portion 43 is bound to the second base 422, to form an electrical connection; and after assembly, the second electrical connection portion 421 abuts against the electrical contact 21, is soldered to the electrical contact 21, or the like, to conduct electricity. After assembly, the first electrical connection portion 411 of the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 421 of the second electrode portion 42 separately conduct electricity to the electrical contact 21, so as to direct a current on the heating element 40. In addition, during use, the current flows through the heating portion 43 along the circuitous or winding conductive track 431, so that resistance Joule heat is generated, and heat is generated; and the current substantially does not flow through the tooth 432.
In some specific embodiments, the heating element 40 is obtained through a sheet of a resistive metal prepared by cutting, etching, or the like. For example, the heating element 40 is made of a resistive metal, for example, an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy or a nickel-chromium alloy.
In some specific embodiments, the heating element 40 has a thickness ranging from about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. For example, the heating element 40 has a length ranging from about 6 mm to 15 mm, and a width ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm. Moreover, the first electrode portion 41 and/or the second electrode portion 42 has a length ranging from about 1 mm to 4 mm; and the heating portion 43 has a length ranging from about 2 mm to 5 mm. In addition, the first electrical connection portion 411 of the first electrode portion 41 has a length ranging from 1 mm to 2 mm; and the second electrical connection portion 421 of the second electrode portion 42 has a length ranging from 1 mm to 2 mm.
Refer to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9. The atomization assembly 30 further includes:
a first liquid guide element 31 and a second liquid guide element 32 that are arranged facing away from each other, where the heating element 40 includes a first side facing the proximal end 110, and a second side facing away from the first side; the first liquid guide element 31 is located on the first side of the heating element 40; and the second liquid guide element 32 is located on the second side of the heating element 40. In addition, the first liquid guide element 31 is bound to a surface of the first side of the heating element 40; and the second liquid guide element 32 is bound to a surface of the second side of the heating element 40.
The first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32 separately sandwich the heating element 40 from two sides. In an embodiment, the first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32 are substantially in a shape of a sheet; a width of the first liquid guide element 31 and a width of the second liquid guide element 32 are the same as the width of the heating element 40; and the width of the first liquid guide element 31 and the width of the second liquid guide element 32 are slightly less than the length of the heating element 40. In addition, the first electrical connection portion 411 of the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrical connection portion 421 of the second electrode portion 42 extend out or are exposed outside the first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32, which is advantageous for forming an electrically conductive contact with the electrical contact 21.
In some specific embodiments, a thickness of the first liquid guide element 31 and a thickness of the second liquid guide element 32 are between 1 mm and 5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first liquid guide element 31 and the thickness of the second liquid guide element 32 are substantially the same; or in some other variant embodiments, the thickness of the first liquid guide element 31 is less than the thickness of the second liquid guide element 32. For example, the thickness of the first liquid guide element 31 is 1 mm, and the thickness of the second liquid guide element 32 is 2 mm.
In some embodiments, the first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32 are flexible. For example, the first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32 include a flexible and porous capillary fiber element such as a cloth fiber, a non-woven fiber, or a sponge. Alternatively, in some other variant embodiments, the first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32 are rigid porous bodies, for example, a porous ceramic body, porous glass, or a foamed metal.
Refer to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9. A first perforation 413 is provided on the first base 412 of the first electrode portion 41; and a second perforation 423 is provided on the second base 422 of the second electrode portion 42. The first perforation 413 and the second perforation 423 are approximately rectangular. After assembly, an upper surface of the first liquid guide element 31 that faces the proximal end 110 and/or the liquid storage cavity 12 is used as a liquid absorbing surface. The upper surface is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity 12 through the liquid guide channel 61, to absorb the liquid substrate transmitted by the liquid guide channel 61. Because the heating element 40 has a small thickness, after assembly, when pressed from two sides, the first liquid guide element 31 can come into contact with or abut against the second liquid guide element 32 through the first perforation 413 and the second perforation 423 to form conduction. Further, the second liquid guide element 32 can receive or absorb the liquid substrate from the first liquid guide element 31. A lower surface of the second liquid guide element 32 that faces away from the first liquid guide element 31 is not used as an atomization surface.
The first liquid guide element 31 is provided with an opening 314 opposite to the conductive track 431 of the heating portion 43; and the conductive track 431 of the heating portion 43 of the heating element 40 is exposed through the opening 314. The first liquid guide element 31 covers the surface of the first side of the heating element 40 and exposes the conductive track 431; and the second liquid guide element 32 covers the surface of the second side of the heating element 40. During use, the conductive track 431 of the heating element 40 comes into contact with or abuts against the second liquid guide element 32, to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, and release the aerosol from the opening 314 of the first liquid guide element 31.
After assembly, the first liquid guide element 31 and the second liquid guide element 32 fix the heating portion 43 by sandwiching the tooth 432 of the heating portion 43. Moreover, in the atomization assembly 30 in this embodiment, the first liquid guide element 31, the heating element 40, and the second liquid guide element 32 may be separated.
Alternatively, in some other variant embodiments, the atomization assembly 30 may include:

the substantially planar-extending heating element 40; and
the liquid guide element, surrounding a part of the heating element 40, and exposing the conductive track 431 on the first side of the heating element 40. For example, in this embodiment, the liquid guide element may be a porous body formed by molding a moldable material around the part of the heating element 40, which can be formed, for example, through a so-called metal insert injection molding process. The liquid guide element that is formed by molding around the heating element 40 is bound to the heating element 40, and is substantially inseparable from the heating element 40. In addition, the first electrical connection portion 411 and the second electrical connection portion 421 of the heating element 40 extend out or are exposed outside the liquid guide element.

Refer to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7. The holder 60 is open on the side facing the distal end 120. During assembly, the atomization assembly 30 can be assembled in the holder 60 from an opening of the holder 60. A blocking wall 64 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is disposed in the holder 60, for the atomization assembly 30 to be assembled in the holder 60 and abut against the blocking wall. The blocking wall 64 is annular, so that after assembly, the blocking wall 64 surrounds and avoids the conductive track 431 of the heating element 40 and/or the opening 314 of the first liquid guide element 31. In this way, the aerosol can enter the aerosol output tube 11 after being smoothly released.
In this embodiment, the conductive track 431 of the heating element 40 and/or the opening 314 of the first liquid guide element 31 is in communication with the aerosol output tube 11.
Refer to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6. The atomizer 100 further includes:
a support element 50, located in the holder 60, where the support element 50 is constructed to be a sheet or a plate arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the holder 60. The support element 50 is in the holder 60 and supports the atomization assembly 30 from a second side of the atomization assembly 30, so that after assembly, the atomization assembly 30 is clamped between the blocking wall 64 and the support element 50 from a first side and the second side respectively.
As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a support wall 23 is arranged on the end cap 20, to support and hold the support element 50, so that the support element 50 is fastened in the holder 60.
As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the support element 50 includes:
a main body 51, constructed to be a sheet or a plate arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holder 60; and a clamp arm 52 extending from the main body 51. The main body 51 and the clamp arm 52 support and clamp the atomization assembly 30. The clamp arm 52 extends perpendicular to the main body 51, and after assembly, the clamp arm 52 abuts against the first electrical connection portion 411 and the second electrical connection portion 421.
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, windows 63 are further arranged on two sides of the holder 60 in a thickness direction. During inhalation, an airflow path is shown by an arrow R2 in FIG. 6. External air enters the holder 60 from the air inlet, bypasses the atomization assembly 30 and/or the support element 50 from the window 63 to the first side of the atomization assembly 30, and carries the aerosol to output the aerosol from the aerosol output tube 11 to the inhalation port 130.
FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view of an atomization assembly 30a before assembly according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the atomization assembly 30a includes:

the substantially planar-extending heating element 40; and
the liquid guide element, substantially in a sheet shape and including a first liquid guide portion 31a and a second liquid guide portion 32a, where the liquid guide element is flexible and foldable. For example, in FIG. 12, the first liquid guide portion 31a and the second liquid guide portion 32a may be folded in half around a folding line m. In addition, the first liquid guide portion 31a has an opening 314a, to expose the conductive track 431 of the heating element 40.

In an assembly process of the atomization assembly 30a of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the process includes:

S1: Attach the heating element 40 to the second liquid guide portion 32a of the liquid guide element, as shown by an arrow R3.
S2: Fold the first liquid guide portion 31a in half around the folding line m, as shown by an arrow R4. The heating element 40 is sandwiched by the first liquid guide portion 31a and the second liquid guide portion 32a; and the opening 314a of the first liquid guide portion 31a is aligned with the conductive track 431 on the first side of the heating element 40, to expose the conductive track 431. In this case, in a longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100, the conductive track 431 is visible through the inhalation port 130. Alternatively, at least a part of a projection of the conductive track 431 in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100 falls within the inhalation port 130. Alternatively, in some other variant embodiments, in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100, the aerosol output tube 11 and/or the inhalation port 130 is staggered relative to the conductive track 431.

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of an atomization assembly 30c before assembly according to another embodiment. The atomization assembly 30c of this embodiment includes:

the substantially planar-extending heating element 40;
a first liquid guide element 31c that is substantially sheet-shaped and has an opening 314c, where the first liquid guide element 31c is bound to the first side of the heating element 40; and
a second liquid guide element 32c that is substantially sheet-shaped and has a recess 324c, where the second liquid guide element 32c is bound to the second side of the heating element 40.

In the atomization assembly 30c of this embodiment, the opening 314c and the recess 324c are both opposite to the conductive track 431 of the heating element 40. The opening 314c is configured to expose the conductive track 431 and release the aerosol. A depth of the recess 324c approximately ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In this case, after assembly, a capillary gap is formed between the conductive track 431 and the second liquid guide element 32c through the recess 324c, so that the liquid substrate can be absorbed in the capillary gap to be provided for the conductive track 431 for heating and atomization, and the conductive track 431 and the second liquid guide element 32c are not in contact. This is advantageous for preventing a large amount of heat of the conductive track 431 from being transmitted to the second liquid guide element 32c.
FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded view of an atomization assembly 30d before assembly according to another embodiment. The atomization assembly 30d of this embodiment includes:

the substantially planar-extending heating element 40;
a first liquid guide element 31d that is substantially sheet-shaped and has a first opening 314d, where the first liquid guide element 31d is bound to the first side of the heating element 40;
a second liquid guide element 32d that is substantially sheet-shaped and has a second opening 324d, where the second liquid guide element 32d is bound to the second side of the heating element 40; and
a third liquid guide element 33d that is substantially sheet-shaped, bound to the second liquid guide element 32d.

After assembly, the first opening 314d is configured to expose the conductive track 431 and release the aerosol. The second opening 324d enables a capillary gap to be defined between the conductive track 431 and the third liquid guide element 33d, to adsorb the liquid substrate and make the conductive track 431 and the third liquid guide element 33d not in contact.
Alternatively, in more variant embodiments, the atomization assembly 30d may further include more layers of liquid guide elements located on the first side and/or the second side of the heating element 40.
It is to be noted that, the specification of this application and the accompanying drawings thereof illustrate preferred embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art may make improvements or modifications according to the foregoing descriptions, and all of the improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the attached claims of this application.

Claims

An atomizer, comprising:
a liquid storage cavity, configured to store a liquid substrate;

a liquid guide element, comprising a first surface and a second surface that face away from each other, wherein the first surface is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity to absorb the liquid substrate; and

a heating element, comprising a substantially planar-extending heating portion, wherein the heating portion is configured to heat at least part of the liquid substrate held in the liquid guide element to generate an aerosol,

wherein the heating portion is located between the first surface and the second surface;
the heating portion comprises a first side close to the first surface and a second side facing away from the first side; and the liquid guide element is configured to surround or cover the second side of the heating portion, and at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion.
The atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the heating portion is arranged to be substantially parallel to the first surface and/or the second surface.
The atomizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid guide element and/or the heating element is arranged substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the atomizer.
The atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion that are arranged at an interval in a length direction; and
the heating portion is located between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and the heating element directs a current on the heating portion via the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion during use.
The atomizer according to claim 4, wherein the heating portion comprises a conductive track extending between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.
The atomizer according to claim 5, wherein the conductive track comprises at least two track units that are periodically or repeatedly arranged.
The atomizer according to claim 5, wherein the heating portion comprises:
a tooth, formed by the conductive track extending outward in a width direction of the heating element.
The atomizer according to claim 7, wherein the liquid guide element supports the tooth so as to at least partially hold the heating portion.
The atomizer according to claim 4, wherein the liquid guide element comprises a first end and a second end that face away from each other in the length direction; and
the first electrode portion comprises a first electrical connection portion extending to an outside of the liquid guide element toward the first end, and/or

the second electrode portion comprises a second electrical connection portion extending to an outside of the liquid guide element toward the second end.
The atomizer according to claim 4, wherein:
at least a part of the first electrode portion is covered in the liquid guide element; and a first perforation is provided in the first electrode portion, to provide a channel for the liquid substrate to flow from the first surface to the second surface of the liquid guide element; and/or

at least a part of the second electrode portion is covered in the liquid guide element; and a second perforation is provided in the second electrode portion, to provide a channel for the liquid substrate to flow from the first surface to the second surface of the liquid guide element.
The atomizer according to claim 1, wherein an opening is provided on the first surface; and the opening is arranged opposite the heating portion, to at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion through the opening.
The atomizer according to claim 1, comprising:
a proximal end and a distal end that face away from each other in a longitudinal direction; and

an inhalation port, located at the proximal end,

wherein a projection of the heating portion in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer lies at least partially within the inhalation port; or at least a part of the heating portion is visible through the inhalation port.
The atomizer according to claim 1, comprising:
a proximal end and a distal end that face away from each other in a longitudinal direction;

an inhalation port, located at the proximal end; and

an aerosol output tube, extending from the inhalation port toward the distal end and configured to output the aerosol to the inhalation port,

wherein the heating element is arranged with the first side of the heating portion facing the aerosol output tube.
The atomizer according to claim 13, wherein the heating element and/or the liquid guide element is arranged to at least partially block airflow, causing the airflow to bypass the liquid guide element from the second surface to the first surface.
The atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid guide element is flexible.
The atomizer according to claim 15, wherein the liquid guide element comprises:
a first liquid guide element, defining the first surface; and

a second liquid guide element, defining the second surface,

wherein the heating element is sandwiched between the first liquid guide element and the second liquid guide element.
The atomizer according to claim 1, further comprising:
a holder, wherein the liquid guide element and the heating element are accommodated or held in the holder.
The atomizer according to claim 17, further comprising:
a planar-extending support element abutting against the second surface of the liquid guide element.
An atomizer, having a proximal end and a distal end that face away from each other, and comprising:
a liquid storage cavity, configured to store a liquid substrate;

a liquid guide element, in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity to absorb the liquid substrate, wherein the liquid guide element comprises a first surface facing the proximal end and a second surface facing away from the first surface; and

a heating element, comprising a substantially planar-extending heating portion, wherein the heating portion is configured to heat at least part of the liquid substrate held in the liquid guide element to generate an aerosol; and the heating portion is located between the first surface and the second surface, and at least a part of a first side of the heating portion is exposed at the first surface.
An atomizer, comprising:
a liquid storage cavity, configured to store a liquid substrate;

a heating element having a first side and a second side that face away from each other, wherein the heating element comprises a planar-extending heating portion located between the first side and the second side;

a first liquid guide element, connected to the first side of the heating element and defining an opening to at least partially avoid or expose the heating portion, wherein the first liquid guide element is configured to receive the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity; and

a second liquid guide element, connected to the second side of the heating element and covering the heating portion, wherein the second liquid guide element is configured to receive the liquid substrate from the first liquid guide element,

wherein the heating portion is sandwiched between the first liquid guide element and the second liquid guide element, and is configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, such that the aerosol is released from the opening of the first liquid guide element.
An electronic atomization apparatus, comprising the atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and a power supply mechanism that supplies power to the atomizer.
An atomization assembly for an atomizer, comprising:
a liquid guide element penetrable by a fluid, comprising a first surface and a second surface that face away from each other; and

a heating element, comprising a substantially planar-extending heating portion, wherein the heating portion is located between the first surface and the second surface; the heating portion comprises a first side close to the first surface, and a second side facing away from the first side; and the liquid guide element is constructed to surround or cover the second side of the heating portion, and at least partially expose the first side of the heating portion.