EP4789565A1

EP4789565A1 - Electronic atomization device

Info

Publication number: EP4789565A1
Application number: EP24884511.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Liangjie SU; Fuwen LIN; Zhongli XU; Yonghai LI
Original assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-01
Filing date: 2024-10-22
Publication date: 2026-08-12
Also published as: WO2025092507A1; CN119924596A; KR20260105897A

Abstract

This application provides an electronic atomization device (100), including: a liquid storage chamber (112) and a heating element (40); a first air inlet (21), an air outlet (113), and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet (21) and the air outlet (113); a partition member (16), configured to partition the airflow channel into a first part located on a first side of the partition member (16) and a second part located on a second side of the partition member (15); a second air inlet (161), in gas communication with the first part and the second part; and an airflow sensor (15), configured to sense airflow flowing through the airflow channel, where the airflow sensor (15) includes a first sensing surface (151) and a second sensing surface (152) that are respectively disposed in the first part and the second part and opposite to each other, and the first sensing surface (151) is in airflow communication with the second sensing surface (152) through the second air inlet (161). In the foregoing electronic atomization device, when a user puffs while the first air inlet (21) is closed, a pressure sensed by the first sensing surface (151) of the airflow sensor (15) is substantially the same as a pressure sensed by the second sensing surface (152) of the airflow sensor (15), and this is advantageous for preventing false triggering.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311451055.X, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on November 1, 2023 and entitled "ELECTRONIC ATOMIZATION DEVICE", 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 electronic atomization device.

BACKGROUND

Tobacco is burned during use of tobacco products (such as cigarettes and cigars), to generate tobacco smoke. People attempt to replace these tobacco-burning products by manufacturing products that release compounds without burning.
Examples of such products are heating devices, which release the compounds by heating rather than burning a material. For example, the material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products. These non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine. As an example, there are electronic atomization devices. These electronic devices usually contain liquid. The liquid is heated to be vaporized, so that an inhalable aerosol is generated. An air inlet and an airflow sensor are arranged at a distal end of a conventional electronic atomization device. The airflow sensor has a first side and a second side that are in airflow isolation from each other. The first side communicates with an airflow channel passing through the electronic atomization device to sense a pressure in the airflow channel during puffing. The second side communicates with external atmosphere to sense a pressure of the external atmosphere, and determines puffing of a user when a difference between the pressure sensed on the first side and the external atmosphere pressure sensed on the second side is greater than a preset threshold. In such electronic atomization devices, when it is not expected to output an aerosol, the air inlet is usually closed to prevent air from entering and being outputted. When the user, particularly a minor, performs the puffing while the air inlet is closed, although no airflow flowing through the electronic atomization device is formed and no aerosol is outputted, the first side of the airflow sensor can still be triggered by a pressure difference that exceeds the threshold and that is formed with the second side after a pressure drop in the airflow channel is caused by a puffing action. This causes a safety hazard.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of this application provides an electronic atomization device, including:

a liquid storage chamber, configured to store a liquid substrate;
a heating element, configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;
a first air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet and the air outlet, where the airflow channel is arranged to define an airflow path from the first air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet;
a partition member, configured to partition the airflow channel into a first part located on a first side of the partition member and a second part located on a second side of the partition member;
a second air inlet, in gas communication with the first part and the second part; and
an airflow sensor, configured to sense airflow that flows through the airflow channel, where the airflow sensor includes a first sensing surface and a second sensing surface that are respectively disposed in the first part and the second part and opposite to each other, and the first sensing surface is in airflow communication with the second sensing surface through the second air inlet.

In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the first air inlet is greater than a minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet. More preferably, the cross-sectional area of the first air inlet is greater than 1.5 times the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet.
In some embodiments, the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet ranges from 0.8 mm² to 2.3 mm². Preferably, a quantity of second air inlets is more than one.
In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of at least a part of the second air inlet decreases along an airflow direction.
In some embodiments, the second air inlet is configured in a manner in which a pressure drop caused during use can drive the sensor to start. Preferably, the second air inlet is configured so that a pressure difference ranging from 100 Pa to 600 Pa is formed during the use.
In some embodiments, the device further includes:
a movable sealing element, arranged to move between a closed position and an open position, to selectively close the first air inlet at the closed position and open the first air inlet at the open position.
In some embodiments, an axis of the airflow sensor is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and/or,

the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface are arranged opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and/or
the airflow sensor is arranged offset from a longitudinal central axis of the electronic atomization device.

In some embodiments, the device further includes:

a proximal end and a distal end that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction, where the air outlet is arranged at the proximal end and the first air inlet is arranged at the distal end; and
a distance between the airflow sensor and the proximal end is less than a distance between the airflow sensor and the distal end.

In some embodiments, the heating element is arranged between the air outlet and the partition member.
In some embodiments, the device further includes:

a battery cell, configured to provide power, where the battery cell is arranged at an interval from the liquid storage chamber along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and
the airflow sensor is located between the battery cell and the liquid storage chamber or located between the first air inlet and the battery cell.

In some embodiments, the device further includes:

a holder, configured to accommodate or hold the heating element, where
the airflow sensor and the partition member are accommodated or held in the holder and arranged facing away from the liquid storage chamber.

In some embodiments, the second air inlet is a through hole on the partition member; and/or at least a part of an inner surface of the second air inlet is defined by the partition member.
In some embodiments, the partition member wraps a part of a surface of the airflow sensor, and avoids or exposes at least a part of the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface.
Another embodiment of this application further provides an electronic atomization device, including:

a liquid storage chamber, configured to store a liquid substrate;
a heating element, configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;
a first air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet and the air outlet, where the airflow channel is arranged to define an airflow path from the first air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet;
an airflow sensor, including a first sensing surface and a second sensing surface that are opposite to each other, and configured to sense a difference between a pressure sensed by the first sensing surface and a pressure sensed by the second sensing surface; and
a partition member, configured to wrap a part of the airflow sensor, and expose or avoid the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface, where the airflow channel includes at least one second air inlet passing through the partition member; and
the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface of the airflow sensor are in airflow communication with each other through the at least one second air inlet.

Another embodiment of this application further provides an electronic atomization device, including:

a liquid storage chamber, configured to store a liquid substrate;
a heating element, configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;
a battery cell, configured to supply power to the heating element;
an air inlet and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet and an air outlet, where the airflow channel is arranged to define an airflow path from the first air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet; and
an airflow sensor, configured to sense a change in airflow that flows through the electronic atomization device, where the airflow sensor is arranged between the heating element and the battery cell along a longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; the airflow sensor includes a first sensing surface and a second sensing surface that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and the first sensing surface is in airflow communication with the air outlet, and the second sensing surface is in airflow communication with the first air inlet.

In the foregoing electronic atomization device, the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface of the airflow sensor respectively communicate with a first port and a second port of the second air inlet of the partition member. When a user puffs while the air inlet is closed, a pressure sensed by the first sensing surface is substantially the same as a pressure sensed by the second sensing surface, and this is advantageous for preventing false triggering.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by using figures in the accompanying drawings corresponding to the one or more embodiments. The exemplary descriptions do not constitute a limitation to the embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, elements with same reference numerals are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise specified, the figures in the accompanying drawings do not constitute a proportion limitation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an electronic atomization device from a perspective according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of an operating mechanism and an end cap in FIG. 1 before assembly;
FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of the operating mechanism and the end cap in FIG. 2 before assembly from another perspective;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electronic atomization device in FIG. 1 from a perspective;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a sealing element of the operating mechanism in FIG. 4 being moved to a closed position;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram after a part of components of the electronic atomization device in FIG. 4 are assembled to a holder from a perspective;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an airflow sensor and a partition member in FIG. 6 after assembly from a perspective;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an airflow sensor and a partition member in FIG. 6 after assembly from another perspective; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an airflow sensor and a partition member in FIG. 6 after assembly from another perspective.

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.
This application provides an electronic atomization device, configured to atomize a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams of an electronic atomization device 100 according to an embodiment. The electronic atomization device 100 includes several components disposed in an external body or casing. An overall design of the outer body or the casing may vary, and a format or configuration of the outer body that can define an overall size and shape of the electronic atomization device 100 may vary. Generally, the elongated body may be formed by a single integral housing or may be formed by two or more separable bodies.
For example, the electronic atomization device 100 may have a control body at one end. The control body has a housing including one or more reusable components (for example, a storage battery such as a rechargeable battery and/or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronic components for controlling an operation of the product), and has the external body or casing for drawing at the other end.
In some embodiments, the external body or casing of the electronic atomization device 100 substantially defines an external surface of the electronic atomization device 100. In a specific embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2, the electronic atomization device 100 includes:
a casing 10. The casing 10 may include the one or more reusable components, and has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 that are opposite to each other along a longitudinal direction. The proximal end 110 is an end close to a user for puffing during use, and the distal end 120 is an end away from the user.
In some examples, all or only a part of the casing 10 may be formed by a metal or an alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum, or other suitable materials including various plastics (such as polycarbonate), metal-plating over plastic (metal-plating over plastic), ceramic, and the like.
In some embodiments, the casing 10 is formed jointly by a plurality of components. In some embodiments, the casing 10 is open at the distal end 120. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the casing 10 includes:
a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 is close to or defines the proximal end 110, and the second housing 12 is close to or defines the distal end 120.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the electronic atomization device 100 further includes:
a battery cell 70, configured to supply power and arranged in the second housing 12.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the electronic atomization device 100 further includes:
an end cap 20, coupled to and closing the distal end 120 of the casing 10/the second housing 12. The end cap 20 is removable and detachable from the distal end 120 of the casing 10/the second housing 12. After the end cap 20 is removed or detached from the distal end 120 of the casing 10/second housing 12, the distal end 120 of the casing 10 is opened, so that the battery cell 70 can be taken out or replaced from the distal end 120 of the casing 10/second housing 12. Specifically, after the end cap 20 is removed, the distal end 120 of the casing 10 is opened, so that the battery cell 70 can be taken out or removed from the distal end 120 of the casing 10 by slight shaking or gentle swinging.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, after assembly, the end cap 20 at least partially extends into the casing 10/the second housing 12 from the distal end 120. In addition, a first air inlet 21 is arranged on the end cap 20, so that external air enters the electronic atomization device 100.
To form a detachable connection between the end cap 20 and the distal end 120 of the casing 10, with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the electronic atomization device 100 further includes:
a connection element 19, located in the casing 10 and arranged at the distal end 120. The connection element 19 is integrally and fixedly connected to the second housing 12 of the casing 10 by using a tight fit method such as riveting or interference fit. The end cap 20 is detachably connected to the connection element 19 during use, so that a detachable connection with the casing 10 is established. In the embodiments, the connection element 19 includes a polymer plastic or a rigid alloy such as the stainless steel. For example, in some embodiments, a first connection structure such as a clamping projection is arranged on the connection element 19, and a second connection structure such as a clamping groove is provided on the end cap 20. Further, a detachable connection is established between the end cap 20 and the connection element 19 through cooperation of the first connection structure such as the clamping projection and the second connection structure such as the clamping groove during use.
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the electronic atomization device 100 further includes:
an operating mechanism 30, where the operating mechanism 30 is at least partially accommodated and mounted in the end cap 20, so that the operating mechanism 30 can further be operated by the user to selectively open and close the first air inlet 21 on the end cap 20.
As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the operating mechanism 30 includes:
an operating element 31, a sealing element 32, a connection element 34, and an elastic element 33.
After assembly, the operating element 31 is mainly mounted and accommodated in the end cap 20, and the operating element 31 is at least partially exposed outside the end cap 20, so that the user is allowed to perform an operation such as a pressing operation and a rotating operation.
The sealing element 32 can be moved under driving of the operating element 31 to selectively close or open the first air inlet 21.
The connection element 34 connects the operating element 31 to the sealing element 32, so that the user can operate the operating element 31 to drive the sealing element 32 to move.
The elastic element 33 is arranged between the end cap 20 and the operating element 31.
In the embodiments, the user operates the operating element 31, to drive the sealing element 32 to move. For example, movement may include movement along a longitudinal direction of the end cap 20 and/or the casing 10, and/or rotation around a central axis of the end cap 20 and/or the casing 10.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the connection element 34 usually uses a countersunk head screw, and penetrates through the sealing element 32 and is threadedly connected to the operating element 31.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, a relief notch 321 is arranged on the sealing element 32. In addition, the sealing element 32 can be rotated by the operating element 31 around the central axis of the end cap 20 and/or the casing 10, so that the relief notch 321 is aligned or misaligned with the first air inlet 21 on the end cap 20, to selectively open or close the first air inlet 21. In addition, in some embodiments, the sealing element 32 includes a flexible material such as silica gel or thermoplastic elastomer. Specifically, for example, the sealing element 32 shown in FIG. 4 is at an open position, and the relief notch 321 is aligned with the first air inlet 21 of the end cap 20, to open the first air inlet 21 to allow external air to enter the electronic atomization device 100. In addition, the sealing element 32 is driven to rotate around a central axis of the sealing element 32 by the user performing a rotation operation on the operating element 31, as shown by an arrow P11 in FIG. 5. When the sealing element 32 is rotated to a closed position, the relief notch 321 is misaligned with the first air inlet 21 of the end cap 20, so that the first air inlet 21 is blocked or obstructed by the sealing element 32, to close the first air inlet 21.
In some embodiments, a first locking structure such as the clamping projection is arranged on the sealing element 32. Correspondingly, a second locking structure such as a groove may be provided on the end cap 20. When the sealing element 32 is at the open position/the closed position opening the first air inlet 21, the first locking structure is coupled to the second locking structure to form a connection to cause a locked state, so that the sealing element 32 is stably maintained at the open position and/or the closed position, to prevent rotation of the sealing element 32 between the open position and the closed position. In addition, in the embodiments, the sealing element 32 can be operated by the user pressing the operating element 31, to move the sealing element 32 along the longitudinal direction, so that the locked state caused by a connection between the first locking structure and the second locking structure is released at the open position and/or the closed position, to allow the rotation of the sealing element 32 between the open position and the closed position.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a plurality of first position limiting projections 23 extending along the longitudinal direction are arranged on an inner surface of the end cap 20. A second position limiting projection 311 is arranged on an outer surface of the operating element 31. When the user drives, by using a finger, the operating element 31 to rotate from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, position limiting is formed through abutment between the second limiting projection 311 and the first position limiting projections 23, to limit a rotation angle of the operating element 31 during the rotation operation.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the elastic element 33 is configured to provide an elastic force to bias the sealing element 32 away from the proximal end 110, so that the sealing element 32 is driven to be biased toward the locked state or maintained in the locked state at the open position and/or the closed position. In specific embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the elastic element 33 includes a linear spring. In addition, during assembly, the elastic element 33 is elastically abutted between the end cap 20 and the operating element 31.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the electronic atomization device 100 further includes:

an air outlet 113, configured to allow the user to perform the puffing, where the air outlet 113 is located at the proximal end 110 of the casing 10 and defined or formed by the first housing 11;
a liquid storage chamber 112, configured to store the liquid substrate; and an atomization assembly, configured to absorb the liquid substrate from the liquid storage chamber 112, and heat and atomize the liquid substrate. For ease of vaporization and output, the liquid storage chamber 112 and the atomization assembly are both disposed close to the proximal end 110. The electronic atomization device 100 further includes an aerosol output tube 111 arranged along the longitudinal direction. The aerosol output tube 111 at least partially extends in the liquid storage chamber 112, and the liquid storage chamber 112 is formed by a space between the aerosol output tube 111 and an inner surface of the casing 10/the first housing 111. An end opposite to the proximal end 110 of the aerosol output tube 111 communicates with the air outlet 113, to output the aerosol generated through atomization by the atomization assembly to the air outlet 113 for puffing.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the aerosol output tube 111 and the casing 10/the first housing 111 are integrally molded by using a moldable material, so that the liquid storage chamber 112 formed after preparation is closed on a side of the proximal end 110 and open on a side facing the distal end 120.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the casing 10/the first housing 111 is further provided with a first liquid guiding element 51. The first liquid guiding element 51 is a layer of sheet-shaped or block-shaped fiber arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the casing 10/the first housing 111. In some embodiments, the first liquid guiding element 51 includes a flexible capillary fiber material such as a natural cotton fiber or a non-woven fabric fiber. Specifically, the first liquid guiding element 51 includes sheet-shaped liquid guiding cotton. Alternatively, in some further varied embodiments, the first liquid guiding element 51 includes artificial cotton, filamentous polyurethane rigid artificial cotton or artificial foam, or the like. For example, the first liquid guiding element 51 uses a 138# rigid synthetic organic polymer fiber and has a density of 0.1 mg/mm³ to 0.9 mg/mm³. An overall weight of the first liquid guiding element 51 is approximately 0.04 g to 0.06 g when not being immersed in liquid. The first liquid guiding element 51 includes an oriented fiber aligned along a length direction, a width direction, or a radial direction. Though arrangement of the oriented fiber along the length direction or the width direction of the first liquid guiding element 51, the first liquid guiding element 51 presents strong bending resistance, to present a rigid characteristic. Specifically, for example, the first liquid guiding element 51 is oriented polyester fiber rigid artificial cotton, filamentous polyurethane rigid artificial cotton or artificial foam, or the like.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the first liquid guiding element 51 is accommodated and held in a holder 60. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the first liquid guiding element 51 is in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber 112 via an upper surface of the first liquid guiding element 51 adjacent to the liquid storage chamber 112, to absorb the liquid substrate. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the first liquid guiding element 51 is constructed in an annular shape.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, a tubular element 14 is further provided in the casing 10/the first housing 11. The tubular element 14 is an independent component, and is preferably made of a thin rigid material. As a suitable example, the tubular element 14 uses a ceramic tube, a stainless-steel tube, or the like. The tubular element 14 penetrates through the first liquid guiding element 51 along an axial direction and is connected to the aerosol output tube 111 through an interference fit, a tight fit, or an interference engagement, so that sealing is formed between the tubular element 14 and the aerosol output tube 111 while the connection is fixed. After assembly, the first liquid guiding element 51 is arranged around the tubular element 14.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the atomization assembly is accommodated and assembled in the tubular element 14. The tubular element 14 is provided with several perforations 141 arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction. The atomization assembly is in fluid communication with the first liquid guiding element 51 through the perforations 141 to receive the liquid substrate. With reference to the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the atomization assembly includes a second liquid guiding element 52. In some embodiments, the second liquid guiding element 52 is flexible, for example, is made of a flexible fiber such as a cotton fiber, a non-woven fabric fiber, or a sponge. Alternatively, in some further embodiments, the second liquid guiding element 52 is rigid. For example, the second liquid guiding element 52 is made of a rigid porous material such as porous ceramic or porous glass. In the embodiments, the second liquid guiding element 52 is constructed as a tube or cylinder arranged along the longitudinal direction of the casing 10/the first housing 11. The second liquid guiding element 52 is coaxial with the tubular element 14 and located in the tubular element 14. Alternatively, in some further varied embodiments, the second liquid guiding element 52 may further include a rigid porous body element such as porous ceramic or porous glass. In the embodiments, an outer surface of the second liquid guiding element 52 along a radial direction covers the perforations 141 of the tubular element 14, so that the outer surface of the second liquid guiding element 52 is configured as a liquid absorption surface, to receive and absorb the liquid substrate passing through the first liquid guiding element 51 via the perforations 141. As shown by arrows R1 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber 112 is absorbed via the upper surface of the first liquid guiding element 51, then flows to the perforations 141 of the tubular element 14 via a lower surface of the first liquid guiding element 51, and finally passes through the perforations 141 of the tubular element 14 to be absorbed by the second liquid guiding element 52. An inner surface of the second liquid guiding element 52 along the radial direction is configured as an atomization surface. The atomization surface is combined with/adhered to/abutted against the heating element 40, so that after being delivered to the atomization surface, the liquid substrate is heated by the heating element 40 to be atomized into the aerosol and released.
With reference to the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the heating element 40 is arranged to extend along a longitudinal direction of the second liquid guiding element 52, and the heating element 40 is arranged coaxially with the second liquid guiding element 52. In some optional embodiments, the heating element 40 is a resistive heating mesh, a resistive heating coil, or the like. In the embodiments, the heating element 40 is a heating element formed by winding a sheet-shaped or mesh-shaped substrate. The wound heating element 40 is in a non-closed tubular shape along a circumferential direction, but is in a tubular shape having a side opening extending in a longitudinal direction. Conductive pins are soldered or arranged at two ends of the heating element 40, to guide a current on the heating element 40.
In some further varied implementations, the heating element 40 may be combined with the second liquid guiding element 52 through printing, depositing, sintering, physical assembly, or the like. In some other varied implementations, the second liquid guiding element 52 may have a flat surface or a curved surface for supporting the heating element 40. The heating element 40 is formed on the flat surface or the curved surface of the second liquid guiding element 52 by means of mounting, printing, deposition, or the like. Alternatively, in some further varied implementations, the heating element 40 is a conductive trace formed on a surface of the second liquid guiding element 52. In some further varied implementations, the conductive trace of the heating element 40 may be in a form of a printed circuit formed by printing. In some further varied embodiments, the heating element 40 is a patterned conductive trace. In some further implementations, the heating element 40 is planar. In some further varied embodiments, the heating element 40 is a conductive trace extending in a meandering, serpentine, reciprocating, or bent manner.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the holder 60 further provides support and fixing for the first liquid guiding element 51 and the tubular element 14. The holder 60 is generally in a cylindrical shape. The holder 60 is rigid. For example, the holder 60 includes a rigid polymer plastic.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, in the casing 10, the following are further provided:
a holding element 18, located in the second housing 12 and positioned between the battery cell 70 and the holder 60 along the longitudinal direction. The holding element 18 is configured to support and hold an elastic electrical contact 17. In addition, the holding element 18 is configured to at least partially surround and hold the battery cell 70. With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the holding element 18 is approximately in an annular shape arranged along the longitudinal direction of the second housing 12. In some embodiments, the holding element 18 is rigid. For example, the holding element 18 includes an organic polymer plastic.
After assembly, the holding element 18 at least partially extends into the holder 60, and supports the airflow sensor 15 and/or the partition member 16 mounted in the holder 60.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the electronic atomization device 100 further includes:
an elastic conductive element 17, mounted and held on the holding element 18. In some embodiments, the elastic conductive element 17 and the holding element 18 are integrally formed by metal insert molding, in-mold molding, or the like, so that the elastic conductive element 17 and the holding element 18 are fixedly combined. Alternatively, in some further embodiments, the elastic conductive element 17 and the holding element 18 are fixedly combined by using a mechanical connection. For example, the holding element 18 is provided with a fixing structure such as a clamping opening or a groove for clamping or fixing the conductive element 17, and the conductive element 17 is fixedly held on the holding element 18. In some embodiments, the elastic conductive element 17 includes a metal or an alloy with low resistivity. For example, the conductive element 17 includes gold, silver, copper, or alloys thereof.
In some embodiments, the elastic conductive element 17 is formed by bending a sheet-shaped or conductor precursor. In some embodiments, the elastic conductive element 17 is in a meandering and bent shape. In some embodiments, the elastic conductive element 17 is formed by meandering and bending a copper sheet. In some embodiments, the meandering and bent conductive element 17 is approximately in an S-shaped shape. Alternatively, in some further embodiments, the meandering and bent conductive element 17 is approximately in a U-shaped shape, or the like. In some embodiments, at least one recess formed through bending is defined in the elastic conductive element 17. The holding element 18 is at least embedded into or snapped into one of the recesses.
After assembly, the battery cell 70 elastically abuts against the conductive element 17, so that electrical conduction is formed. In addition, the airflow sensor 15 is soldered or electrically connected to the conductive element 17 to form the electrical conduction. Further, after assembly, the conductive element 17 is configured to at least partially guide the current between the battery cell 70 and the airflow sensor 15/heating element 40.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the airflow sensor 15 is, for example, a microphone sensor or a MEMS sensor. The airflow sensor 15 is substantially in a columnar shape, and an axis of the airflow sensor 15 is substantially arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device 100.
With reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the holder 60 is generally arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device 100. The holder 60 has a first end facing or close to the liquid storage chamber 112, and a second end facing away from the first end. The holder 60 is substantially in the cylindrical shape and extends from the first end to the second end. The holder 60 is rigid. For example, the holder 60 includes the rigid polymer plastic. As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the holder 60 includes a first support part 610, a second support part 620, and a third support part 630 that are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction. The third support part 630 is mechanically or fixedly connected to the holding element 18.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, after assembly, the first support part 610 surrounds the first liquid guiding element 51. The first support part 610 is interference-fitted with the casing 10/the first housing 11 at a position close to the liquid storage chamber 112. A sealing ring such as an O-shaped ring surrounding the first support part 610 is arranged outside the first support part 610, to provide sealing between the first support part 610 and the casing 10/the first housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the third support part 630 establishes the mechanical connection and the interference fit with the casing 10/the first housing 11. The sealing ring such as the O-shaped ring is arranged outside the third support part 630, to provide the sealing between the third support part 630 and the casing 10/the first housing 11. In addition, the holding element 18 at least partially extends into the third support part 630, and establishes the mechanical connection with the third support part 630.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, a plurality of flanges 621 surrounding the second support part 620 along a circumferential direction are further arranged outside the second support part 620 of the holder 60, and the grooves are defined between adjacent flanges 621. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the flanges 621 are arranged between the sealing ring outside the first support part 610 and the sealing ring outside the third support part 630 along a longitudinal direction of the holder 60.
According to the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the first accommodation chamber 611 includes a first segment 6111 and a second segment 6112 that are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction. The first segment 6111 is close to the first end of the holder 60, and an inner surface of the first segment 6111 is inclined in a conical or flared shape. The second segment 6112 is in the columnar shape with a substantially constant diameter. In this embodiment, the first liquid guiding element 51 is accommodated and held in the second segment 6112 of the first accommodation chamber 611. In addition, the first liquid guiding element 51 avoids the conical first segment 6111, and the liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber 112 is guided by the conical first segment 6111 to the upper surface of the first liquid guiding element 51 for absorption. In this embodiment, after assembly, the first liquid guiding element 51 and the first end of the holder 60 are not flush. For example, a distance between the first liquid guiding element 51 and the first end as shown in FIG. 6 is approximately 5 mm to 10 mm.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, a second accommodation chamber 627 is defined in the second support part 620, to at least partially mount and accommodate the tubular element 14 and the atomization assembly. Specifically, after assembly, the tubular element 14 is inserted into the second accommodation chamber 627 of the holder 60 after at least partially passing through the first accommodation chamber 611. In addition, the sealing is formed between the tubular element 14 and the holder 60 through the interference fit. In addition, no flexible sealing element is provided between the tubular element 14 and the holder 60. The first end of the holder 60 is open, or has a first opening. The first liquid guiding element 51 is received in the first accommodation chamber 611 from the first end through the first opening, and/or the tubular element 14 and/or the atomization assembly pass/passes through the first accommodation chamber 611 from the first end through the first opening to be received in the second accommodation chamber 627.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, in the third support part 630 of the holder 60, the following is further arranged:
a third accommodation chamber 631, configured to accommodate or mount the airflow sensor 15 and the partition member 16. The airflow sensor 15 is accommodated and mounted in the third accommodation chamber 631 of the holder 60, and is arranged facing away from the liquid storage chamber 112. In the embodiments of FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the airflow sensor 15 is in a sheet shape, a disk shape, or the columnar shape. The axis of the airflow sensor 15 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holder 60. The partition member 16 is flexible. For example, the partition member 16 includes the silica gel or the thermoplastic elastomer, and wraps the airflow sensor 15. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, at least one second air inlet 161 penetrating through the partition member 16 along the longitudinal direction is arranged on the partition member 16, to allow air to pass through the partition member 16. In the embodiments of FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the airflow sensor 15 is arranged deviating from a longitudinal central axis of the electronic atomization device 100. For example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the airflow sensor 15 is arranged close to a left side.
As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, an airflow channel is arranged in the electronic atomization device 100 to define an airflow path from the first air inlet 21 to the air outlet 113 via the atomization assembly, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet 113 for puffing by the user. The airflow channel in the electronic atomization device 100 is jointly defined by a plurality of components, for example, as shown by arrows R2 in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6.
As shown in FIG. 6, the following are provided on the holder 60:

a first channel part 623, extending from the third accommodation chamber 631 to an outer surface of the second support part 620 of the holder 60, and defining a communication port 624 on the outer surface of the second support part 620; and
a second channel part 625, extending from the outer surface of the second support part 620 into the second accommodation chamber 627. Therefore, the airflow path passing through the holder 60 during the puffing is as shown by the arrows R2 in FIG. 6: the air enters the outer surface of the second support part 620 from the third accommodation chamber 631 via the first channel part 623, flows around the holder 60 in a groove on the outer surface of the second support part 620 to the second channel part 625, and then enters the second accommodation chamber 627 via the second channel part 625 to carry the aerosol generated by the atomization assembly for output.

For a complete airflow flow path of the electronic atomization device 100 during the puffing, refer to the arrows R2 shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6. When the sealing element 32 of the operating mechanism 30 is moved to the open position, external air entering from the first air inlet 21 sequentially passes through a gap between the battery cell 70 and the casing 10, and the holding element 18 to enter the third accommodation chamber 631 of the holder 60, then passes through the second air inlet 161 of the partition member 16 to flow into the first channel part 623, and then flows to the second channel part 625 via a groove on a surface of the holder 60. Finally, the air enters the tubular element 14 from the second channel part 625, and carries the aerosol generated by the atomization assembly to be delivered from the aerosol output tube 111 to the air outlet 113.
In FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, the second air inlet 161 is a through hole penetrating through the partition member 16. Alternatively, in some further varied embodiments, the second air inlet 161 is a groove located on an outer surface of the partition member 16. The second air inlet 161 is jointly defined by the groove on the surface of the partition member 16 and the holder 60 after the partition member 16 is assembled in the holder 60.
As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, the partition member 16 is substantially constructed in the columnar shape, and the partition member 16 is substantially adapted to a cross-section of the third accommodation chamber 631 of the holder 60. In addition, after assembly, the partition member 16 has a distance d1 from a top wall of the third accommodation chamber 631 in the longitudinal direction of the holder 60, and the distance d1 is approximately 3 mm to 5 mm. The partition member 16 has a distance d2 from the second end of the holder 60, and the distance d2 is approximately 4 mm to 8 mm. As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, the second air inlet 161 of the partition member 16 has a first port 1611 and a second port 1612 that are opposite to each other. The first port 1611 is an air outlet port, and the first port 1611 is close to and communicates with the air outlet 113. The second port 1612 is an air inlet port, and the second port 1612 is close to and communicates with the first air inlet 21.
To enable the airflow sensor 15 to accurately sense airflow passing through the electronic atomization device 100 during the puffing of the user, the airflow sensor 15 includes a first sensing surface 151 and a second sensing surface 152 that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device 100. The partition member 16 wraps the airflow sensor 15 in the circumferential direction, and exposes the first sensing surface 151 and the second sensing surface 152. In the embodiments, the first sensing surface 151 and the second sensing surface 152 are isolated from each other. The first sensing surface 151 is in airflow communication with the first port 1611 of the second air inlet 161 through a space defined by the distance d1. The second sensing surface 152 is in airflow communication with the second port 1612 of the second air inlet 161 through a space defined by the distance d2.
The first sensing surface 151 and the second sensing surface 152 of the airflow sensor 15 are in communication with each other through the second air inlet 161. When used for the puffing, a pressure drop sensed by the first sensing surface 151 is greater than a pressure drop sensed by the second sensing surface 152. When a difference between the pressure drops at the first sensing surface 151 and the second sensing surface 152 caused by puffing the airflow is greater than a preset threshold, the airflow sensor 15 determines a puffing action of the user and outputs a trigger signal. The electronic atomization device 100 controls, based on the trigger signal from the airflow sensor 15, the battery cell 70 to supply the power to the heating element 40 to atomize the liquid and generate the aerosol. In addition, when the user performs the puffing while the first air inlet 21 is blocked or closed by the sealing element 32 of the operating mechanism 30, no airflow passing through the electronic atomization device 100 is formed. When draw resistance is high, the pressure drops sensed by the first sensing surface 151 and the second sensing surface 152 of the airflow sensor 15 are substantially simultaneous and equivalent. In this case, the airflow sensor 15 cannot be triggered.
As shown in FIG. 5, the airflow sensor 15 is arranged away from the distal end 120. Specifically, the first sensing surface 151 faces the proximal end 110 and is spaced apart from the proximal end 110 by a first distance d11. The second sensing surface 152 faces the distal end 120 and is spaced apart from the distal end 120 by a second distance d12. The second distance d12 is greater than the first distance d11. Correspondingly, the airflow sensor 15 is relatively closer to the proximal end 110.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, a cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161 varies. In FIG. 7, at least a part of the second air inlet 161 is tapered, and a cross-sectional area of the at least a part of the second air inlet 161 decreases in a direction toward the first port 1611. Turbulence is formed when the air flows through the second air inlet 161 during drawing, which is beneficial to promoting a pressure difference between two sides of the first sensing surface 151 and the second sensing surface 152. Alternatively, in some further varied embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161 may be constant.
In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a quantity of second air inlet ports 161 is two. Alternatively, in some further varied embodiments, the quantity of second air inlets 161 may be only one or more.

In some further embodiments, a minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161 determines the draw resistance and the pressure drop formed during the puffing, to be specific, a cross-sectional area at a minimum aperture 1613 of the second air inlet 161 in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the minimum aperture 1613 of the second air inlet 161 ranges from 0.8 mm² to 2.3 mm². In some more preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the minimum aperture 1613 of the second air inlet 161 ranges from 1.0 mm² to 2.26 mm². The table below shows the results of the cross-sectional area at the minimum aperture 1613 of the second air inlet 161, the draw resistance during the puffing, and the pressure difference between the two sides of the airflow sensor 15 in a plurality of embodiments, which is beneficial to triggering the airflow sensor 15 when maintaining suitable draw resistance.

	Minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161	Pressure difference (Pa) between the two sides sensed by the airflow sensor 15	Draw resistance (Pa)	Puff flow rate
Embodiment 1	1.0048 (mm²)	352.6	>370.29	17.5 mL/s
Embodiment 2	1.2717 (mm²)	216.57	>230.45
Embodiment 3	1.57 (mm²)	142.47	>150
Embodiment 4	1.8997 (mm²)	97.416	>103.38
Embodiment 5	2.2608 (mm²)	69.406	>74.401

In some embodiments, the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161 is configured in a manner in which the pressure drop flowing through the second air inlet 161 during use can drive the airflow sensor 15 to start. Preferably, the second air inlet 161 is arranged to or disposed to generate a pressure difference ranging from 100 Pa to 600 Pa during use.
In some embodiments, an area of the first air inlet 21 is greater than 1.5 times the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161. In some preferred embodiments, the area of the first air inlet 21 is greater than 2.5 times the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161. Alternatively, the area of the first air inlet 21 is greater than 3.5 times the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet 161. In some preferred embodiments, the area of the first air inlet 21 is approximately 4 mm² to 10 mm².
As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9, a complete airflow channel passing through the electronic atomization device 100 includes:

a first part located between the first air inlet 21 and the second port 1612 of the second air inlet 161, where the first part is mainly defined by a gap between the battery cell 70 and the second housing 12; and
a second part located between the first port 1611 of the second air inlet 161 and the air outlet 113, where the second part is jointly defined by the holder 60 and the aerosol output tube 111, where in the embodiments, an average cross-sectional area of the second part is less than an average cross-sectional area of the first part.

In some embodiments, a length of the second air inlet 161 is approximately 5 mm to 12 mm. In other words, the partition member 16 has a thickness of approximately 5 mm to 12 mm.
It should be noted that the specification and the accompanying drawings of this application provide preferred embodiments of this application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art may make improvements or variations based on the foregoing descriptions, and all such improvements and variations shall fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

An electronic atomization device, comprising:
a liquid storage chamber, configured to store a liquid substrate;

a heating element, configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

a first air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel is arranged to define an airflow path from the first air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet;

a partition member, configured to partition the airflow channel into a first part located on a first side of the partition member and a second part located on a second side of the partition member;

a second air inlet, in gas communication with the first part and the second part; and

an airflow sensor, configured to sense airflow that flows through the airflow channel, wherein the airflow sensor comprises a first sensing surface and a second sensing surface that are respectively disposed in the first part and the second part and opposite to each other, and the first sensing surface is in airflow communication with the second sensing surface through the second air inlet.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the first air inlet is greater than a minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of the second air inlet ranges from 0.8 mm² to 2.3 mm².
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cross-sectional area of at least a part of the second air inlet decreases along an airflow direction.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air inlet is configured in a manner in which a pressure drop caused during use can drive the sensor to start.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
a movable sealing element, arranged to move between a closed position and an open position, to selectively close the first air inlet at the closed position and open the first air inlet at the open position.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an axis of the airflow sensor is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and/or
the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface are arranged opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and/or

the airflow sensor is arranged offset from a longitudinal central axis of the electronic atomization device.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
a proximal end and a distal end that are opposite to each other along a longitudinal direction, wherein the air outlet is arranged at the proximal end and the first air inlet is arranged at the distal end; and

a distance between the airflow sensor and the proximal end is less than a distance between the airflow sensor and the distal end.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 8, wherein the heating element is arranged between the air outlet and the partition member.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
a battery cell, configured to provide power, wherein the battery cell is arranged at an interval from the liquid storage chamber along a longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and

the airflow sensor is located between the battery cell and the liquid storage chamber or located between the first air inlet and the battery cell.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
a holder, configured to accommodate or hold the heating element, wherein

the airflow sensor and the partition member are accommodated or held in the holder and arranged facing away from the liquid storage chamber.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air inlet is a through hole on the partition member; and/or at least a part of an inner surface of the second air inlet is defined by the partition member.
The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition member wraps a part of a surface of the airflow sensor, and avoids or exposes at least a part of the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface.
An electronic atomization device, comprising:
a liquid storage chamber, configured to store a liquid substrate;

a heating element, configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

a first air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet and the air outlet, wherein the airflow channel is arranged to define an airflow path from the first air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet;

an airflow sensor, comprising a first sensing surface and a second sensing surface that are opposite to each other, and sensing a difference between a pressure sensed by the first sensing surface and a pressure sensed by the second sensing surface; and

a partition member, configured to wrap a part of the airflow sensor, and expose or avoid the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface, wherein the airflow channel comprises at least one second air inlet passing through the partition member; and

the first sensing surface and the second sensing surface of the airflow sensor are in airflow communication with each other through the at least one second air inlet.
An electronic atomization device, comprising:
a liquid storage chamber, configured to store a liquid substrate;

a heating element, configured to heat the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

a battery cell, configured to supply power to the heating element;

a first air inlet and an airflow channel located between the first air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the airflow channel is arranged to define an airflow path from the first air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element, to deliver the aerosol to the air outlet; and

an airflow sensor, configured to sense a change in airflow that flows through the electronic atomization device, wherein the airflow sensor is disposed between the heating element and the battery cell along a longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; the airflow sensor comprises a first sensing surface and a second sensing surface that are opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the electronic atomization device; and the first sensing surface is in airflow communication with the air outlet, and the second sensing surface is in airflow communication with the first air inlet.