KR20150009908A - Atomizer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an atomizer capable of recharging liquid source. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the atomizer includes: a liquid container composing a top end, a bottom end, and a side wall, which defines a part or the entire of a liquid storage space on the inside between the top end unit and the bottom end, having a coupling structure, respectively; an upper cap composing a first coupling unit, which defines an air passage for discharging fog inside and is coupled to be detachable for the top end of the liquid container, and a second coupling unit, which is formed inside than the first coupling unit and formed on one end of the air passage; an atomization unit composing a body unit, which is coupled to be detachable for the second coupling unit of the upper cap and defines an atomization room which is linked with the air passage, an evaporation member within the atomization room, and a source supply member which transfers the liquid source to the atomization room from the liquid source of the liquid storage space of the liquid container; an air tube which is disposed within the liquid storage space of the liquid container, and a support member which supports the air tube.

Description

Atomizer {Atomizer}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an atomization apparatus, and more particularly, to an atomization apparatus capable of refilling a liquid source to satisfy a user's taste or obtain a pharmacological effect.

The atomizing device is a device for generating fumes by vaporizing the liquid source by making it the same as a fragrance generator, an insect repellent or an electronic cigarette. Generally, a portable atomizing apparatus that is applied as an electronic cigarette is developed to be easy to carry, and is used as an alternative means of culling that a user sucks fumes generated from the portable atomizing apparatus to satisfy palatability. The portable atomization apparatus comprises a liquid source container for containing a liquid source material and an atomizer for vaporizing the source material supplied from the liquid source container to produce a vapor.

In the conventional portable atomizing apparatus, since the method of supplying the source material by inserting the disposable cartridge into the atomizer is mainly used, it is troublesome to replace the liquid source container with a new one each time the source material is exhausted. In addition, when the liquid source container is integrated with the atomizer, the atomizer must be replaced when the liquid source container is replaced, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of cost. Accordingly, there is a demand for a portable atomizing apparatus which can be reused and reused, and which is independent of the atomizer, so that assembly with the atomizer and easy replacement thereof can be achieved. Further, it is required in a rechargeable liquid source container that the reusability of the liquid source material is easy and the ease of use is improved.

An object of the present invention is to provide an atomization apparatus having a liquid container capable of recharging a source material, which is capable of assembling and replacing a liquid source container and a non-atomizer, as well as facilitating refilling of a liquid source material, And to provide an atomization apparatus that maximizes the charging capacity.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an atomization apparatus capable of recharging a liquid source. An atomization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid container having an upper end having a fastening structure, a lower end, and a sidewall defining a part or all of a liquid storage space inside the upper end and the lower end; A gas passage defined for discharging mist in the first container, a first coupling part detachably coupled to the upper end of the liquid container, and a second coupling part formed inside the first coupling part and formed at one end of the gas passage, An upper cap including two fastening portions; A body portion that is detachably fastened to the second fastening portion of the upper cap and defines a process chamber communicating with the gas flow path, a vaporization member in the process chamber, and a liquid source in the liquid- A radiator including a source supply member for transferring a liquid source; And a gas tube disposed in the liquid storage space of the liquid container and communicating the chamber with the outside air, and a support member supporting the gas tube.

The liquid container and the gas flow path may be electrically separated from each other, and each may be a wiring of a power signal transmitted to the vaporizing member of the non-process chamber. The side wall may include a metal, a combination of a metal and a transparent resin material, a conductive transparent resin material, or a transparent conductive film pattern coated on the transparent resin material.

Wherein the atomizing unit further includes a receiving portion for guiding the gas tube into the interior of the processing chamber, wherein the receiving portion and the body portion are electrically separated, a terminal of the vaporizing member is electrically coupled to the receiving portion, Another terminal can be electrically coupled to the terminal. Wherein said gas tube delivers a power signal to said one terminal of said vaporizing member via said receptacle of said atomizer, said liquid container being electrically connected to said body portion via said top cap And may deliver a second power signal that is different from the first power signal to the other terminal of the vaporization member through the body portion.

A housing accommodating the power control unit or the battery may be fastened to the lower end of the liquid container. The support member may be coupled to a coupling portion provided at the lower end of the liquid container, and a housing accommodating the power control unit or the battery may be fastened through the support member.

Wherein the upper cap further includes an inner extension region between the gas passage and the second fastening portion, and when the body of the atomizer is fastened to the second fastening portion, one end of the body portion is inserted into the inner extension region And an extra supporting space can be secured between the protruding end of the body portion and the inner extension region.

The gas tube may have a variable length. Wherein the gas tube is configured such that when the upper cap is detached from the liquid container, one end of the gas tube projects outside the upper end of the liquid container, and when the upper cap is fastened to the liquid container, The liquid container can be retracted toward the lower end of the liquid container by a predetermined length.

The upper end of the upper cap has a nozzle or mouthpiece shape or is coupled to a nozzle or mouthpiece. The liquid container may also contain a liquid source for electronic cigarettes, an aroma generator, a deodorizer, an aroma therapy device, a sterilizer, a pesticide or a respiratory therapy device.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the atomizer is fastened to the bottom of the upper cap so that the atomizer is removed together with the upper cap by simply disassociating the upper cap from the liquid container, so that when the liquid source is refilled, There is no inconvenience caused by inadvertent charging and cleaning due to this. Further, according to the embodiment in which the liquid container and the gas flow path are used as independent wirings of the power source, there is an advantage that the liquid storage space in the liquid container can be maximized through simplification of the wiring structure.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a rechargeable atomization apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the atomization apparatus of FIG. 1A.
2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating a liquid container according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3A shows a refilling process of the liquid container according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B shows a refilling process of the liquid container according to another example.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments of the present invention are described in order to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified into various other forms, The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be more faithful and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In the following drawings, thickness and size of each layer are exaggerated for convenience and clarity of description, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the drawings. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of any of the listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include singular forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, " comprise "and / or" comprising "when used herein should be interpreted as specifying the presence of stated shapes, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements, and / And does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, elements, and / or groups.

Although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or portions, these members, components, regions, layers and / It is obvious that no. These terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer or section described below may refer to a second member, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a rechargeable atomization apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an exploded cross-sectional view of an atomization apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an atomization apparatus 100 includes a liquid container 100 in which a liquid source is stored. The upper end of the liquid container 100 is provided with an upper cap 200 and a lower end of the liquid container 100 is provided with a housing 300 of a power control unit including a circuit 301 for power control, The housing 400 is coupled. These members can be screwed together or coupled in any other known fastening manner. The housing 300 of the power control unit and the housing 400 of the battery may be integrated with each other and only the battery housing 400 may be coupled to the liquid container 100 by installing a simple power switch on the battery housing 400.

The liquid container 100 of the atomization apparatus 1000 includes a top end portion 100A and a bottom end portion 100B and a side wall defining a part or all of the liquid containing space V in the space between the top end portion 100A and the bottom end portion 100B 100_3). The side wall 100_3 may function as a single wire or ground of a power signal transmitted from the housing 300 of the power control unit or the housing 400 of the battery.

In some embodiments, the side wall 100_3 may be formed of a metal or a composite material in which a transparent resin material capable of at least partly observing the inside is bonded. When all or a part of the side wall 100_3 is made of metal, a conductive path for transferring the power signal can be ensured as a wiring. However, when the entire side wall 100_1 is made of a resin material, (Ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), or a transparent conductive film pattern such as ITO may be coated on the resin material to secure the conductive path.

A gas tube 150_1 is provided in the side wall 100_1 and a support member 150_2 for supporting the gas tube 150_1 and fixing the gas tube 150_1 to the liquid container 100 is provided. The gap between the gas tube 150_1 and the support member 150_2 can be electrically insulated by a suitable electrical insulator 150_3. As a result, the gas tube 150_1 can be electrically separated from the side wall 100_1 of the liquid container 100. [ In another embodiment, the support member 150_2 may be formed of an electrical insulator to electrically separate the gas tube 150_1 and the liquid container 100 from each other.

The gas tube 150_1 can function together with the liquid container 100 as another wiring of the power signal transmitted from the housing 300 of the power control unit or the housing 400 of the battery. For example, when the other end 150_5 of the metallic gas tube 150_1 or the metallic bracket in contact with the metallic tube 150_1 touches the electrode terminal 300_2 connected to the control unit or the power supply unit, the entire gas tube 150_1 functions as a wiring, The power signal can be transmitted to the transmitter 250 as shown in FIG. In some embodiments, a power signal may be applied to one of the gas tube 150_1 functioning as wiring and the side wall 100_1 of the liquid container 100, and the other may be grounded.

In one embodiment, the support member 150_2 may be fastened to the fastening portion 100_2 provided at the lower end of the liquid container 100 as shown in FIG. 1B. Also, according to one embodiment, the fastening of the housing 300 of the power control or the housing 400 of the battery and the liquid container 100 can be accomplished by mediation of the support member 150_2 as shown in Fig. have. In this case, the support member 150_2 and the housing 300 of the power control unit may include corresponding fastening portions 150_4 and 300_1, respectively. For example, the fastening portion 150_4 of the support member 150_2 may be screwed to the fastening portion 300_1 of the power control housing 300. As described above, when the coupling part 150_4 of the support member 150_2 and the coupling part 100_2 of the lower end part 100B of the liquid container 100 are coupled to each other, the support member 150_2 and the gas tube 150_1 are connected to each other, So that it is easily separated from the side wall 100_1 of the liquid container 100 to facilitate the cleaning of the liquid container 100 and the repair of the gas tube 150_1.

In another embodiment, the support member 150_2 may also be coupled in a manner that it is closely inserted into the side wall 100_1 of the liquid container 100. [ For example, the support member 150_2 may be formed of a resin material to prevent leakage of the liquid phase, and the support member 150_2 may be fixed in close contact in the side wall 100_1 of the liquid container 100. [ The gas tube 150_1 may extend from the lower end portion 100B of the liquid container 100 to the upper end portion 100A by the support member 150_2.

As described above, since only one gas tube 150_1 substantially occupies the inner space in the liquid container 100, the volume of the liquid storage space V in the liquid container 100, that is, The capacity can be maximized. Generally, the inner diameter of the gas tube 150_1 for transmitting the mist generated in the atomizer 250 to the gas passage 200_1 of the upper cap 200 when applied as an electronic cigarette is in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm When the gas tube 150_1 is made of metal, sufficient rigidity can be obtained even if its outer diameter is 3 mm or less. In consideration of this, the liquid container 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can utilize substantially the entire volume as a storage space of the liquid source.

The upper end of the liquid container 100 is closed by fastening the upper cap 200 defined in the gas flow path 200_1 for discharging mist to the upper end portion 100A of the liquid container 100. [ The gas flow path 200_1 may be provided in the upper cap 200 using a perforation hole or a tube that penetrates the upper cap 200. [ The top cap 200 may have the shape of a nozzle or a mouthpiece, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

1B, a first coupling part 200_2 is provided on the upper cap 200 for coupling the upper cap 200 and the liquid container 100, and an upper end part 100A of the liquid container 100, And the fastening portions 100_3 can be screwed between these fastening portions 200_2 and 100_3. However, this is illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fastening portion 200_2 may have a hinge structure. In this case, the upper cap 200 may be rotated and closed while being fixed to the upper end portion 100A of the liquid container 100. [ In some embodiments, a sealing member 200_4, such as a silicon ring or a gasket, may be provided in the fastening part 200_2 to maintain the airtightness of the upper cap 200 and the liquid container 100. [

A radiator 250 is coupled to the bottom of the upper cap 200. To engage the atomizer 250, a second fastening part 200_3 may be provided at the bottom of the upper cap 200. [ The second fastening part 200_3 is formed on the inner side of the first fastening part 200_2 so that the atomizer 250 smaller than the upper cap 200 can be fastened to the bottom part of the upper cap 200. [ Since the atomizer 250 is coupled to the upper cap 200, when the upper cap 200 is separated from the liquid container 100, the radiator 250 is fastened to the upper cap 200 As shown in FIG. Then, when the fastening state of the atomizer 250 is released from the upper cap 200, the atomizer 250 is separated from the upper cap 200.

The atomizer 250 includes a body part 250_1 defining a smoothing chamber M, a vaporizing member 250_2 providing energy for vaporization, and a source supply member 250_3 for transferring a liquid source. A thread may be formed at the end of the body part 250_1 to achieve a space between the atomizer 250 and the second coupling part 200_3 of the upper cap 200. [

In some embodiments, the upper cap 200 may be provided with an inner extension region N between the gas flow passage 200_1 and the second fastening portion 200_3. When the body portion 250_1 is fastened to the second fastening portion 200_3, the one end portion 250_4 of the body portion 250_1 protrudes into the inner extension region N, and the one end portion 250_4 protruding from the inner extension region N, An extra carrying space (see T in FIG. 2A) can be secured between the regions N. The supporting space N serves to collect a liquid source or moisture due to condensation generated in the upper cap 20 and to prevent the pharmacological effect and palatability of mist by the condensation, It is possible to prevent the source and moisture from flowing backward.

Fig. 1B illustrates a heat generating coil as a heating member as the vaporizing member 250_2. However, the vaporizing member 250_2 may be replaced with another vaporizing element such as an ultrasonic vibrating member instead of or in combination with the heating coil, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The source supply member 250_3 may be a wick or capillary, such as a fiber bundle. The source supply member 250_3 shown in FIG. 1B is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, one end of the source supply member 250_3 is exposed to the outside of the body portion 250_1 through the body portion 250_1 so as to be in contact with a liquid source contained in the liquid storage space V of the liquid container 100 .

When the one end of the source supply member 250_3 comes into contact with the liquid source, the liquid source is transferred to the interior of the process chamber M through the source supply member 250_3. When power is supplied to the vaporization member 250_2, The vaporized vapor in the vaporizing chamber M becomes full. Thereafter, the mist can be discharged through the gas flow passage 200_1 communicated with the non-process chamber M

When the upper cap 200 and the liquid container 100 are combined, the smoke chamber M is also communicated with the gas tube 150_1. In one embodiment, the gas tube 150_1 may be inserted into and communicate with the atomizer 250. [ For example, the atomizer 250 may further include a receiver 250_5 for guiding the gas tube 150_1 into the interior of the firearm M. In this case, one end of the gas tube 150_1 is guided by the accommodating portion 250_2, inserted into the body portion 250_1, and communicated with the non-chamber M, as indicated by an arrow A.

The accommodating portion 250_5 may be electrically insulated from the body portion 250_1 with the electrically insulating spacer 250_6 interposed therebetween. In this case, one terminal of the vaporizing member 250_2 may receive the first power signal transmitted from the gas tube 150_1 in contact with the receiving portion 250_5. The other terminal of the vaporizing member 250_2 may be in contact with the body part 250_1 and coupled to or grounded to a second power signal different from the first power signal, for example, a power signal having a different polarity.

As described above, when the upper cap 200 and the liquid container 100 are coupled to each other, the gas flow path 200_1 of the upper cap 200, the non-irradiation room M of the atomizer 250, A continuous flow path separated from the liquid storage space M of the liquid container 100 is formed. And the other end 150_5 of the gas tube 150_1 is exposed to the outside air. Accordingly, in the case of the electronic cigarette, when the upper cap 200 is used as a mouthpiece and sucked, the outside air is sucked into the gas tube 150_1 through the other end portion 150_5 of the gas tube 150_1, And can be discharged through the gas flow path 200_1 of the upper cap 200 with the vaporized liquid source filled in the non-vaporizing chamber M through the non-vaporizing chamber M.

2A and 2B are sectional views showing a liquid container 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B show the unlocked state and the locked state of the liquid container 100 and the upper cap 200, respectively. Of the components disclosed in these figures, the description of the components having the same reference numerals as those of the components shown in Figs. 1A and 1B can be referred to without departing from the foregoing disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the gas tube 151_1 of the liquid container 101 may have a variable length. The gas tube 151_1 having a variable length is elastically coupled to the support member 150_2 or the gas tube 151_1 is formed of a plurality of sub tubes capable of overlapping with each other with different diameters, , The variable length can be realized by adjusting the overlap length. Alternatively, the variable length may be realized by inserting the spring member 151_6 into the support member 150_2 and causing the gas tube 151_1 having a certain length to perform the elastic linear movement. Embodiments of the gas tube 151_1 having such a variable length are not limited to this, and other elastic coupling between the gas tube 151_1 and the supporting member 150_2, or elastic deformation of the gas tube 151_2 It may be achieved.

The gas tube 151_1 is connected to the upper end portion 100A of the liquid container 100 and preferably to the upper end portion 100A of the liquid container 100 in a state in which the upper cap 200 and the liquid container 100 are disengaged from each other, (That is, the end portion 151A of the gas tube 151_1 exceeds the level of the dotted line L). The gas tube 151_1 protruding out from the upper end portion 100A facilitates insertion of the gas tube 151_1 into the receiving portion 250_2 when the upper cap 200 and the liquid container 100 are engaged by the user. Further, as will be described later, the protruded gas tube 151_1 facilitates the recharging of the liquid source into the liquid storage space V of the liquid container 100. [

When the upper cap 200 is coupled to the liquid container 100, the protruded gas tube 151_1 can be retracted toward the lower end portion 100B of the liquid container 100 by a predetermined length. The retraction of the gas tube 151_1 is performed such that the stepped portion 150_7 provided on the outer side of the gas tube 151_1 passes through the through hole h of the accommodating portion 250_2 when passing through the accommodating portion 250_2 of the non- And the step portion 150_7 are brought into contact with each other so that the gas tube 151_1 can be pushed toward the lower end portion 100B side of the liquid container 100. [ In this way, the retracted gas tube 151 ensures that only a predetermined length is inserted into the non-chamber M of the atomizer 250.

FIG. 3A shows a recharging process of the liquid container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B shows a recharging process of the liquid container 100 according to another example.

3A, when the upper cap 200 is released from the liquid container 100 for recharging the liquid source, the atomizer (see 250 in FIG. 2A) is separated from the liquid container 100 together with the upper cap 200 . The liquid storage space V of the liquid container 100 is exposed. The liquid source is refilled by filling the liquid source (C) in the exposed liquid storage space (V). In this case, the liquid source C should not be invaded into the gas flow path 150_1. 3A, when the gas tube 150_1 protrudes out of the upper end portion 100A of the liquid container 100, when the user refills the liquid source C, the gas tube 150_1 is inadvertently moved to the liquid source (C) can be prevented from being invaded.

3B, when the gas tube 150_1 does not protrude out of the upper end portion 100A of the liquid container 100, when the liquid source C is refilled, It is possible to flow back into the flow path of the gas tube 150, and attention is required. However, this embodiment is intended to emphasize the performance of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, and it is intended to be included in the embodiment of the present invention.

Although the above-described embodiments relate to electronic cigarettes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in order to achieve a predetermined purpose such as aroma generation, deodorization, perfume therapy, sterilization, insecticide or respiratory therapy, It will be understood that the present invention can also be used as a means. In addition, the atomizing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a portable apparatus, and may be an atomizing apparatus used in a stationary place. In this case, the power supply unit or the control unit for power supply control and power supply is not limited to the configuration for power supply by the battery, but may have a suitable form and circuit that can be connected to the indoor power supply. For example, the atomization apparatus may include a base portion in which a power supply portion and a control portion are disposed, such as a humidifier or an electromagnetism sensor, and the liquid container described above may be coupled to the base portion.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Will be clear to those who have knowledge of.

Claims (12)

A liquid container having upper and lower ends each having a fastening structure, and a side wall defining a part or all of the liquid storage space inside the upper end and the lower end;
A gas passage defined for discharging mist in the first container, a first coupling part detachably coupled to the upper end of the liquid container, and a second coupling part formed inside the first coupling part and formed at one end of the gas passage, An upper cap including two fastening portions;
A body portion that is detachably fastened to the second fastening portion of the upper cap and defines a process chamber communicating with the gas flow path, a vaporization member in the process chamber, and a liquid source in the liquid- A radiator including a source supply member for transferring a liquid source; And
A gas tube disposed in the liquid storage space of the liquid container and communicating the chamber with the outside air; and a support member supporting the gas tube. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the liquid container and the gas passage are electrically separated from each other and are each a wiring of a power signal transmitted to a vaporizing member of the non-chamber.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the side wall comprises a metal, a combination of a metal and a transparent resin material, a conductive transparent resin material, or a transparent conductive film pattern coated on a transparent resin material. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the atomizing unit further includes a receiving portion for guiding the gas tube into the interior of the processing chamber, wherein the receiving portion and the body portion are electrically separated, a terminal of the vaporizing member is electrically coupled to the receiving portion, And the other terminal is electrically coupled to the other terminal. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the gas tube transmits a first power signal delivered from the power source to the one terminal of the vaporizing member through the receiving portion of the atomizer,
Wherein the liquid container is electrically coupled to the body through the top cap and is adapted to deliver a second power signal different from the first power signal to the other terminal of the vaporization member through the body, Device. The method according to claim 1,
And the lower end of the liquid container is fastened to a housing accommodating a power control unit or a battery. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the support member is coupled to a coupling portion provided at the lower end portion of the liquid container, and receives the power control portion or the battery by means of the support member. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the upper cap further comprises an inner extension region between the gas flow path and the second fastening portion,
When the body portion of the atomizer is fastened to the second fastening portion, one end of the body portion protrudes into the inner enlarged region, and an extra carrying space is secured between the projected end portion of the body portion and the inner extended region An atomizing device. The method according to claim 1,
Said gas tube having a variable length. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the gas tube is configured such that when the upper cap is detached from the liquid container, one end of the gas tube projects outside the upper end of the liquid container, and when the upper cap is fastened to the liquid container, And the liquid container is retracted toward the lower end side of the liquid container by a predetermined length. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the upper end of the upper cap has a nozzle or mouthpiece shape or is coupled to a nozzle or mouthpiece. The method according to claim 1,
The liquid container contains an aqueous liquid source for an electronic cigarette, an aroma generator, a deodorizer, an aroma therapy device, a sterilizer, a pesticide or a respiratory therapy device.

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