Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The application discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating element for heating an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; a power supply assembly for providing electric energy to the heating element; a first shell forming a first chamber for accommodating the heating element and the aerosol generating article; a second shell forming a second chamber for accommodating the power supply assembly, the first chamber and the second chamber being sealed from each other, the second shell being provided with a first air hole, the first air hole being covered with a water-proof air-permeable film, the water-proof air-permeable film being configured to allow gas to pass through but not liquid. The application achieves balance between the internal air pressure of the aerosol generating device and the external atmospheric pressure, and avoids the problem that water from the outside enters the aerosol generating device and causes damage to the power supply assembly, thereby ensuring the stability of the power supply assembly and prolonging the service life of the power supply assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerosol generation apparatus technology, and particularly to an aerosol generation apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Existing aerosol generation devices typically have an airflow communication structure between the chamber containing the heating element and the chamber containing the power supply component. However, with prolonged use or operation under varying temperature and humidity conditions, the heating element generates a large amount of gaseous condensate when heating the aerosol product. This condensate easily accumulates in the chamber containing the heating element and flows through the airflow communication structure to the chamber containing the power supply component. Since the chamber containing the power supply component also houses the control circuit board and other delicate electronic components, the intrusion of condensate can easily cause short circuits, corrosion, or poor contact in these components, leading to device malfunction or even safety hazards.

[0003] It is evident that the existing aerosol generating devices have deficiencies in sealing and protection, which can easily lead to contamination and damage to the power supply components, seriously affecting the service life and safety of the aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes an aerosol generating device to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention disclose an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0006] Heating element, used to heat aerosol-generating products to produce aerosols;

[0007] Power supply components are used to provide electrical energy to the heating elements;

[0008] The first housing forms a first chamber for accommodating the heating element and the aerosol-generated product;

[0009] The second housing forms a second chamber for housing the power supply assembly. The first chamber and the second chamber are sealed and isolated from each other. The second housing has a first vent hole covered with a water-proof and breathable membrane, which is constructed to allow gas to pass through but not liquid.

[0010] According to this technical solution, by sealing and isolating the first chamber and the second chamber from each other, the condensate generated by the heating element in the first chamber is prevented from entering the second chamber and causing damage to the power supply component. At the same time, a first vent is opened on the second housing and covered with a water-proof and breathable membrane. This balances the air pressure in the second chamber with the external atmospheric pressure and prevents external water from entering the second chamber and causing damage to the power supply component, thereby ensuring the stability of the power supply component and extending its lifespan.

[0011] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a protective cover is also included, which covers the water-proof and breathable membrane, and gas can pass through the protective cover and the water-proof and breathable membrane to achieve communication between the outside and the second chamber.

[0012] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a groove is provided on the second housing, the protective cover is embedded in the groove opening, and the first vent hole is located at the bottom of the groove.

[0013] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover is provided with a plurality of second vent holes, which are connected to the first vent holes.

[0014] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, there is a gap between the outer periphery of the protective cover and the inner periphery of the groove, and an air-guiding groove is provided on the side of the protective cover facing the water-proof and breathable membrane, and the gap and the first vent hole are respectively connected to the air-guiding groove.

[0015] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a raised portion corresponding to the air guide groove is formed on the side of the air guide groove facing the water-proof and breathable membrane, the raised portion is bonded and fixed to the water-proof and breathable membrane, and the water-proof and breathable membrane is bonded and fixed to the bottom of the groove.

[0016] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the air guide groove extends in a cross shape, and the end of the air guide groove extends to the edge of the protective cover and communicates with the gap airflow.

[0017] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0018] A partition is located between the first housing and the second housing, thereby forming the first chamber and the second chamber respectively. The partition is sealed to the inner walls of the first housing and the second housing.

[0019] Heating element bracket, fixed to the partition, is used to install the heating element.

[0020] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the second chamber further contains a control element, which is electrically connected to the heating element and the power supply assembly, respectively.

[0021] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a push-button switch is also provided on the second housing. The push-button switch is electrically connected to the control element and is used to control the heating element to heat the aerosol generating product to generate aerosol. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A side sectional view of the sealing cap according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A side sectional view of the sealing cap according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sealing cap in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] First housing 1; First chamber 101; Second housing 2; Second chamber 201; First vent 21; Groove 22; Partition 3; Aerosol generating product 4; Heating element 5; Heating element bracket 51; Power supply assembly 6; Control element 7; Protective cover 8; Second vent 81; Air guide groove 82; Raised portion 83; Waterproof and breathable membrane 9; Push button switch 10; Gap 11. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present invention is presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of the invention are limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the invention in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of the present invention. To provide a deep understanding of the invention, many specific details will be included in the following description. The invention may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of the invention, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0029] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0030] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this embodiment, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] The term "aerosol-generating article" includes materials that provide volatile components when heated, and may include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. "Aerosol-generating article" may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0033] The term "aerosol generating device" includes electronic devices capable of heating aerosol-generating articles to temperatures that produce aerosols, typically including heated tobacco products, electronic atomizers, and various portable atomizing devices. These devices generally include a receiving cavity for the article, a heating element for heating the article, and a power supply assembly for power generation. They are configured to release volatile components from the article through heat conduction, convection, or radiation, forming an inhalable aerosol, without igniting the article.

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Firstly, reference Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0036] Heating element 5 is used to heat the aerosol generating product 4 to generate aerosol;

[0037] Power supply assembly 6 is used to provide electrical energy to heating element 5;

[0038] The first housing 1 forms a first chamber 101 for accommodating the heating element 5 and the aerosol-generating article 4;

[0039] The second housing 2 forms a second chamber 201 for accommodating the power supply assembly 6. The first chamber 101 and the second chamber 201 are sealed and isolated from each other. The second housing 2 is provided with a first vent 21, and the first vent 21 is covered with a water-proof and breathable membrane 9. The water-proof and breathable membrane 9 is constructed to allow gas to pass through but not liquid.

[0040] In existing aerosol generating devices, there are often vents between the chamber containing the heating element and the chamber containing the power supply component. However, over time, condensate generated by the heating element can enter the chamber containing the power supply component 6 through these vents, causing contamination and damage to the power supply component 6. Therefore, this invention seals the first chamber 101 containing the heating element 5 and the second chamber 201 containing the power supply component 6, ensuring that the two chambers are not connected. If the second chamber 201 containing the power supply component 6 is completely sealed and has no gas communication with the outside, the gas pressure in the second chamber will be unbalanced with the external gas pressure, making the power supply component 6 susceptible to damage. For example, when the aerosol generating device is operating in a high-temperature environment or when the power supply component is discharging at a high current, the gas in the second chamber 201 expands due to heat, causing a sharp increase in internal pressure. This excessive internal pressure not only exerts outward bulging stress on the second housing 2, but also, because the second chamber 201 is completely sealed and cannot release pressure, the internal pressure will continue to accumulate and become much higher than the external atmospheric pressure. This excessive internal pressure will exert a continuous outward bulging stress on the second housing 2, causing it to deform. Furthermore, the excessive pressure difference will also cause mechanical damage to the electronic components within the second chamber 201. When the aerosol generating device stops heating and the temperature drops, or when the user uses it in a low-temperature environment or at high altitude, the gas originally heated in the second chamber 201 gradually cools and contracts. Combined with the influence of the low external air pressure environment, the air pressure inside the second chamber 201 will be significantly lower than the external atmospheric pressure, creating a negative pressure state. Because the second chamber 201 is completely sealed, outside air cannot be replenished in time to balance the pressure difference. This negative pressure will cause the second housing 2 to collapse and deform under the external atmospheric pressure. If the seal between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 201 ages, condensate from the first chamber 101 will seep into the second chamber 201, causing damage to the power supply component 6.

[0041] Therefore, the present invention provides a first vent 21 on the second housing 2, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 At point A in the middle, a waterproof and breathable membrane 9 is covered on the first vent 21 to prevent external liquid from entering the second chamber 201 and causing damage to the power supply assembly 6.

[0042] By sealing and isolating the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 201 with each other, the condensate generated in the first chamber 101 due to the heating element 5 is prevented from entering the second chamber 201 and causing damage to the power supply assembly 6. At the same time, a first vent 21 is opened on the second housing 2 and covered with a water-proof and breathable membrane 9. This balances the air pressure in the second chamber 201 with the external atmospheric pressure and prevents external water from entering the second chamber 201 and causing damage to the power supply assembly 6. This ensures the stability of the power supply assembly 6 and extends its lifespan.

[0043] Specifically, the second housing 2, except for the location of the first vent 21, is isolated from the outside atmosphere. The first vent 21 is covered with a water-proof and breathable membrane 9. The water-proof and breathable membrane 9 is constructed to allow gas to pass through but not liquid, so that the second chamber 201 can communicate with the outside air, but external liquids, such as water, will not enter the second chamber 201, thus avoiding contamination and damage to the power supply components. At the same time, liquids in the second chamber 201, such as liquids that are accidentally leaked from the battery, will not flow out and cause environmental pollution.

[0044] Water-resistant and breathable membrane 9 is a polymer film material that has the dual function of blocking liquid water and allowing gas to pass through. The mainstream products use materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which has a three-dimensional microporous structure. The diameter of its micropores is much larger than that of air and water vapor molecules, but much smaller than that of liquid water droplets, thus achieving air permeability and water impermeability.

[0045] Due to the special properties of the material of the waterproof and breathable membrane 9, it is easily damaged by sharp objects. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the aerosol generating device of this embodiment further includes a protective cover 8, which covers the waterproof and breathable membrane 9 to protect it.

[0046] The protective cover 8 covers the waterproof and breathable membrane 9, allowing gas to pass through the protective cover 8 and the waterproof and breathable membrane 9 to achieve communication between the outside world and the second chamber.

[0047] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The second housing 2 has a groove 22, which in this embodiment is recessed into the second chamber 201 relative to the second housing 2. A first vent 21 is located at the bottom of the groove 22, meaning the first vent 21 passes through the bottom of the groove 22, thus connecting the groove 22 to the second chamber 201. A water-proof and breathable membrane 9 directly covers the bottom of the groove 22, thereby covering the first vent 21. A protective cover 8 is embedded in the groove of the groove 22 to cover the water-proof and breathable membrane 9. In this embodiment, the protective cover 8 has a second vent 81, which communicates with the first vent 21. Further, there can be multiple second vents 21.

[0048] External gas can pass through the second vent 81, the water-proof and breathable membrane 9, and the first vent 21 to achieve communication between the outside world and the second chamber 201.

[0049] In another embodiment of the above-described implementation, the present invention designs a protective cover 8 capable of fully covering the waterproof and breathable membrane 9. For example, the coverage area of ​​the protective cover 8 is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the waterproof and breathable membrane 9. (See reference...) Figure 3 There is a gap 11 between the outer periphery of the protective cover 8 and the inner periphery of the groove 22 to allow gas to flow.

[0050] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 A venting groove 82 is formed on the side of the protective cover 8 facing the water-proof and breathable membrane 9. The gap and the first vent 21 are respectively connected to the venting groove 82. A raised portion 83 corresponding to the venting groove 82 is formed on the side of the venting groove 82 facing the water-proof and breathable membrane 9. The raised portion 83 is bonded and fixed to the water-proof and breathable membrane 9, and the water-proof and breathable membrane 9 is bonded and fixed to the bottom of the groove 22. Further, the venting groove 82 extends in a cross shape, and the end of the venting groove 82 extends to the edge of the protective cover 8 and communicates with the airflow in the gap.

[0051] Specifically, there is a gap between the outer periphery of the protective cover 8 and the inner periphery of the groove 22. By providing an air-guiding groove 82 on the side of the protective cover 8 facing the water-proof and breathable membrane 9, the gap and the first vent 21 are respectively connected to the air-guiding groove 82. The end of the air-guiding groove 82 extends to the edge of the protective cover 8 and communicates with the airflow in the gap. While realizing the communication between the external gas and the gas inside the second chamber, it further protects the water-proof and breathable membrane from being easily damaged by sharp external objects.

[0052] External gas passes through the gap, is guided by the air guide groove 82, and passes through the water-proof and breathable membrane 9 to reach the first vent 21, and then enters the second chamber. Correspondingly, if the air pressure in the second chamber is high, the gas inside the second chamber will flow out from the gap in the reverse process described above, realizing bidirectional communication between the external gas and the gas inside the second chamber, and preventing external liquids from entering the second chamber 201, thus avoiding contamination and damage to the power supply components.

[0053] To achieve strict physical isolation between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 201, the above embodiment further includes:

[0054] The partition 3 is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, thereby forming the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 201 respectively. The partition 3 is sealed to the inner wall of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0055] Heating element bracket 51 is fixed to partition 3 and is used to install heating element 5.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the second chamber 201 also houses a control element 7, which is electrically connected to the heating element 5 and the power supply assembly 6 respectively.

[0057] To enable users to manually start, stop, and switch modes of the aerosol generating device, in the above embodiment, a push-button switch 10 is also provided on the second housing. The push-button switch 10 is electrically connected to the control element 7 and is used to control the heating element 5 to heat the aerosol generating product 4 to generate aerosol.

[0058] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the invention to these descriptions. Various changes in form and detail can be made by those skilled in the art, including several simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Heating element, used to heat aerosol-generating products to produce aerosols; A power supply assembly for providing electrical energy to the heating element; A first housing forms a first chamber for accommodating the heating element and the aerosol-generated article; The second housing forms a second chamber for accommodating the power supply assembly. The first chamber and the second chamber are sealed and isolated from each other. The second housing has a first vent hole covered with a water-proof and breathable membrane, which is configured to allow gas to pass through but not liquid.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective cover that covers the waterproof and breathable membrane, allowing gas to pass through the protective cover and the waterproof and breathable membrane to communicate with the outside world and the second chamber.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second housing has a groove, the protective cover is embedded in the groove, and the first vent is located at the bottom of the groove.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protective cover has multiple second vent holes, which are connected to the first vent holes.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, There is a gap between the outer periphery of the protective cover and the inner periphery of the groove. An air-guiding groove is provided on the side of the protective cover facing the water-proof and breathable membrane. The gap and the first vent hole are respectively connected to the air-guiding groove.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air-guiding groove has a raised portion corresponding to the air-guiding groove on the side facing the water-proof and breathable membrane. The raised portion is bonded and fixed to the water-proof and breathable membrane, and the water-proof and breathable membrane is bonded and fixed to the bottom of the groove.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air guide groove extends in a cross shape, and the end of the air guide groove extends to the edge of the protective cover and communicates with the airflow in the gap.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A partition is located between the first housing and the second housing, thereby forming the first chamber and the second chamber respectively. The partition is sealed to the inner walls of the first housing and the second housing. A heating element bracket, fixed to the partition, is used to mount the heating element.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second chamber also houses a control element, which is electrically connected to the heating element and the power supply assembly, respectively.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second housing is also provided with a push-button switch, which is electrically connected to the control element and is used to control the heating element to heat the aerosol generating product to generate aerosol.

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