Electronic atomization device
By designing a modular electronic atomization device, including a liquid tank, atomization module, electrical module and activation module, the problems of complex liquid injection and assembly steps, liquid leakage and operation difficulties in the prior art are solved. It achieves the effect of simplifying assembly, reducing leakage risk and improving throughput rate.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202323668971.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-12-29
AI Technical Summary
When existing electronic atomization devices are used on the production line, the liquid injection and assembly steps are complex, which can easily lead to liquid leakage and product contamination. The product size is small and the assembly space is limited, resulting in difficult operation and low throughput.
An electronic atomization device including a housing, a liquid tank, an atomization module, an electrical module and an activation module are designed. The liquid cabin is connected to the shell, and the internal partitions are provided to divide its inner cavity into a liquid cavity and an assembly cavity. The atomization module moves upward along the longitudinal channel to enter the liquid cavity. The electrical module is fixed in the assembly cavity and the activation module passes through The spring and the sport bracket enable automatic activation and locking of the atomization module.
Through modular design, the assembly steps are simplified, the number of parts and operation difficulty is reduced, the risk of liquid leakage and product contamination are reduced, and the product pass rate and stability are improved.
Smart Images

Figure CN222425368U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electronic atomization, and in particular to an electronic atomization device. Background Art
[0002] At present, the steps of liquid injection and assembly of electronic atomization devices on the production line are relatively complicated, which can easily cause liquid leakage and contaminate products and production lines. Moreover, since the product itself is relatively small in size and the assembly space is small, it is easy to make jigs and manual operations more difficult, and the product has a low pass rate from the first process to the last process. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an electronic atomization device to solve the above technical problems.
[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides an electronic atomization device, comprising:
[0005] a housing having an opening;
[0006] A liquid tank, fixedly connected to the shell opening and provided with a suction nozzle, and provided with a partition inside; the partition divides the inner cavity of the liquid tank into a liquid cavity and an assembly cavity, and the liquid tank has a longitudinal channel connected with the suction nozzle;
[0007] an atomizing module capable of moving upward along the longitudinal passage and penetrating into the liquid cavity;
[0008] An electrical module, fixedly connected to the assembly cavity;
[0009] The activation module has an unactivated state and an activated state. In the unactivated state, the position of the atomization module in the longitudinal channel is locked. In the activated state, the atomization module is released to allow the atomization module to be inserted upward into the liquid chamber.
[0010] Optionally, the electrical module includes a microphone bracket module, a circuit board module and a battery module;
[0011] The microphone bracket module is buckled in the assembly cavity and clamped with the side wall of the assembly cavity;
[0012] The circuit board module covers the microphone bracket module and is fixedly connected to the microphone bracket module through electrodes;
[0013] The battery core module is electrically connected to the circuit board module.
[0014] Optionally, the activation module includes:
[0015] A moving bracket is movably installed inside the housing in a vertical direction, and an end of the moving bracket abuts against the atomization module;
[0016] The spring is in a compressed state when not activated, and releases elastic force in an activated state to push the moving bracket to move upward, so that the atomizing assembly is inserted upward into the liquid chamber.
[0017] Optionally, the motion bracket has a locking section that can extend out of the shell along the expansion and contraction direction of the spring, and the locking section is provided with a locking hole; the motion bracket also includes a stopper that can be inserted into the locking hole or removed from the locking hole.
[0018] Optionally, the moving bracket is a split structure, including a moving base and a bracket connected axially, the spring is arranged between the moving base and the bottom of the shell, one end of the bracket abuts against the atomization module, and the other end abuts against the moving base.
[0019] Optionally, the moving bracket is provided with a trigger portion extending toward the suction nozzle, and the circuit board module is provided with an activation switch corresponding to the trigger portion, and when in an activated state, the trigger portion abuts against the activation switch.
[0020] Optionally, the battery cell module and the moving bracket are staggered, and the longitudinal channel sequentially connects the moving bracket, the atomization module and the suction nozzle.
[0021] Optionally, the separator is provided with a heating element pin, the circuit board module is provided with an electrode, the microphone bracket module is provided with an electrode hole corresponding to the electrode, and the electrode passes through the electrode hole and is electrically connected to the heating element pin.
[0022] Optionally, the microphone bracket module is provided with a sleeve extending in the axial direction of the atomizer module, the circuit board module is provided with a clearance hole for passing the sleeve, the moving bracket is provided with a piston head, the inner wall of the sleeve and the piston head are sealed by a sealing ring, and the piston head moves inside the sleeve within the travel range of the unactivated state and the activated state;
[0023] The suction nozzle is provided with an inner liner tube extending downward to the inside of the liquid cavity, and the upper end of the atomization module is provided with a sliding head. The inner wall of the inner liner tube and the sliding head are sealed with a sealing ring, and the sliding head can move up and down in the axial direction in a sealed state.
[0024] Optionally, the separator includes steel sheet silicone, which includes silicone and at least one layer of steel sheet located inside the silicone; the separator is provided with an injection hole and an injection plug sealing the injection hole, and in an inactive state, the liquid inlet of the atomization module is located in the longitudinal channel and is sealed by the inner wall of the longitudinal channel.
[0025] The electronic atomization device provided by the utility model is mainly composed of a liquid tank, an atomization module, an electrical module and an activation module. The liquid tank and each module are modular modules, which can be assembled in a modular manner, and can realize liquid injection modularization, welding modularization, electrical modularization, whole machine and liquid tank assembly modularization, etc. It has the advantages of a small number of parts, simple steps, and convenient assembly. It can significantly reduce the difficulty coefficient of employee operation and solve the problems of easy leakage and low pass rate during product assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an electronic atomization device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;
[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom of the liquid tank;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the liquid tank, microphone bracket module, and circuit board module;
[0029] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell module being electrically connected to a circuit board module by welding;
[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the motion bracket, the microphone bracket module and the circuit board module;
[0031] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure when the motion base of the motion bracket is in a locked state;
[0032] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the shell and the liquid tank are riveted;
[0033] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the moving bracket is locked by the stopper.
[0034] In the figure:
[0035] 10. Shell; 20. Liquid compartment; 21. Suction nozzle; 211. Liner tube; 22. Separator; 221. Longitudinal channel; 23. Liquid injection hole; 24. Liquid injection plug; 25. Liquid cavity; 26. Assembly cavity; 27. Liquid-proof silicone; 28. Heating element pin; 30. Atomization module; 31. Liquid inlet; 32. Sliding head; 40. Microphone bracket module; 41. Electrode hole; 42. Sleeve; 43. Stop board; 50. circuit board module; 51. electrode; 52. clearance hole; 53. activation switch; 60. battery module; 70. activation module; 71. motion bracket; 711. motion base; 712. bracket; 713. claw; 714. piston head; 715. trigger part; 72. spring; 73. stopper; 731. hole; 732. protrusion; 80. air inlet channel; 81. absorbent cotton. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be detachably connected or non-detachably connected; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The term "integrated molding" means that in the process of forming one of the multiple components, the component is connected to other components, and there is no need to connect the two components together by reprocessing (such as bonding, welding, snap connection, screw connection). The terms "first", "second" and the like are used only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as implying or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. The terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" and the like are all for the current technological level, rather than being absolutely strict definitions in a mathematical sense. A small amount of deviation is allowed, and approximately parallel, approximately perpendicular, etc. are all possible. For example, A and B are parallel, which means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0° and 10°. For example, A and B are perpendicular, which means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80° and 100°. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as "upper", "inner", "outer", "side", etc., are only referenced to the directions of the drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.
[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an electronic atomization device provided by an embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bottom of the liquid tank; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the liquid tank, microphone bracket module, and circuit board module; Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a battery cell module being electrically connected to a circuit board module by welding.
[0038] In a specific embodiment, the electronic atomization device provided by the utility model is mainly assembled in a modular form by a shell 10, a liquid tank 20, an atomization module 30, a microphone bracket module 40, a circuit board module 50 (i.e., a PCBA module), a battery cell module 60 and an activation module 70.
[0039] The liquid tank 20 is located at the upper part of the shell 10, and the lower part of the liquid tank 20 is embedded in the opening of the shell 10. The two are connected by riveting and are flat in shape as a whole. A suction nozzle 21 is provided on the top of the liquid tank 20 and a partition 22 is provided inside. The partition 22 can be a material that can be used for support and fixation, such as a combination of silicone or plastic and hardware, etc.
[0040] The separator 22 in this embodiment is steel sheet silicone, that is, silicone with steel sheets embedded inside. By embedding at least one layer of steel sheets inside the silicone, fixed support can be achieved while sealing oil. The two components that originally needed to achieve oil sealing and fixed support are integrated into one component, saving assembly costs and facilitating assembly.
[0041] The partition 22 is provided with an injection hole 23 and an injection plug 24 for sealing the injection hole. The cross-section of the injection hole 23 is circular or oblong, and a plurality of threaded structures are provided on the inner wall to form a large runway-shaped injection hole. Sufficient gaps can be left during injection. During injection, the air inside the liquid tank 20 can be discharged from the gaps in time, thereby achieving pressure relief while injecting liquid, and reducing the difficulty of injection. The partition 22 can also be other materials that can be used for support and fixation, such as simple silicone or steel components with sealing rings around them. After the injection is completed and the injection plug 24 is installed, the modularization of the liquid tank 20 can be realized.
[0042] The partition 22 divides the inner cavity of the liquid tank 20 into a liquid cavity 25 and an assembly cavity 26. The upper portion of the partition 22 is the liquid cavity 25, and the lower portion of the partition 22 is the assembly cavity 26 (Note: Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The product is shown in an inverted position, and the upside down and upside down positions are described in Figure 1 As a reference), the depth of the liquid cavity 25 is greater than the depth of the assembly cavity 26. The assembly cavity 26 can be conveniently matched with the microphone bracket module 40, and further matched with the circuit board module 50 and the battery module 60 for assembly, thereby improving the overall installation efficiency of the electronic atomization device.
[0043] refer to Figure 2 It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present invention, the assembly cavity 26 is designed to form a connection relationship with the shell 10 and provide a storage space for some components. Therefore, the assembly cavity 26 does not have to be a closed cavity. In some embodiments, the open end of the assembly cavity 26 can be covered or partially covered by an appearance part.
[0044] The nozzle 21 is located at the top of the liquid compartment 20, the partition 22 is provided with a longitudinal channel 221 corresponding to the nozzle 21, the atomization module 30 and the activation module 70 are axially corresponding to the nozzle 21 and the longitudinal channel 221, the battery module 60 and the moving bracket 71 are staggered, and the moving bracket 71 is provided with an air inlet channel 80 connected to the nozzle 21, and a liquid absorbing cotton 81 is arranged inside the air inlet channel 80. Such a layout makes the internal structure of the entire electronic atomization device more reasonable and compact.
[0045] The upper end of the atomizing module 30 penetrates the liquid cavity 25 from the longitudinal channel 221 and is connected to the suction nozzle 21, and can move upward along the longitudinal channel 221, and the lower end thereof is located inside the assembly cavity 26 of the liquid compartment 20. The lower surface of the partition 22 is provided with a liquid-proof silicone rubber 27 and a heating element pin 28 located between the liquid-proof silicone rubber 27 in the area between the atomizing module 30 and the liquid injection hole 23. The liquid-proof silicone rubber 27 can play a role in sealing and isolating the atomized liquid, thereby preventing the atomized liquid from leaking from the area and affecting the electrical connection effect.
[0046] The microphone bracket module 40 is connected to the assembly cavity 26 of the liquid tank 20, the circuit board module 50 is connected to the microphone bracket module 40, and the battery module 60 is laser welded to the pad of the circuit board module 50 through the pole ear. Specifically, the microphone bracket module 40 covers the assembly cavity 26, and the side wall of the assembly cavity 26 is provided with a card hole. The two sides of the microphone bracket module 40 are provided with a card hook, and the card hook is connected with the card hole of the assembly cavity 26. The circuit board module 50 covers the microphone bracket module 40 and is riveted with the microphone bracket module 40. In this way, the microphone bracket module 40, the circuit board module 50 and the battery module 60 can be more flexibly compatible and assembled together in a modular way, which simplifies the assembly steps of the electronic atomization device.
[0047] Two electrodes 51 are provided in the middle of the circuit board module 50, and the microphone bracket module 40 is provided with two electrode holes 41 corresponding to the electrodes 51. The electrodes 51 pass through the electrode holes 41 and contact the heating element pins 28 on the separator 22 in the liquid-proof silicone 27 to be energized. In this way, the electrodes 51 can realize the conductive connection and riveting functions at the same time, without adding riveting parts for connection, simplifying the structure, saving the number of parts, and facilitating assembly.
[0048] The activation module 70 has a moving bracket 71 and a spring 72. In the unactivated state, the moving bracket 71 pre-compresses the spring 72 and is locked with the housing 10. At this time, the liquid inlet 31 of the atomization module 30 does not enter the liquid cavity 25, but is located in the longitudinal channel 221 and is in sealing contact with the inner wall of the longitudinal channel 221, so the atomized liquid will not enter the atomization module 30. In the activated state, the moving bracket 71 is unlocked from the housing 10, and the spring 72 supports the moving bracket 71 and the atomization module 30 to move upward, so that the liquid inlet 31 of the atomization module 30 enters the liquid cavity 25, so that the atomized liquid enters the atomization module 30 from the liquid inlet 31 for atomization. This liquid core separation structure solves the risk of the atomization module 30 being immersed in the atomized liquid for a long time and producing a poor taste.
[0049] In order to achieve axial sealing, the suction nozzle 21 is provided with an inner liner tube 211 extending downward into the liquid chamber 25. A sliding head 32 is provided at the upper end of the atomization module 30. The inner wall of the inner liner tube 211 and the sliding head 32 are sealed by a sealing ring. The sliding head 32 can move up and down in the axial direction in a sealed state, thereby sealing and isolating the inner liner tube 211 and preventing the atomized liquid from leaking from the liquid chamber 25.
[0050] The microphone bracket module 40 is provided with a sleeve 42 corresponding to the atomizer module 30 and extending downward, and the circuit board module 50 is provided with a clearance hole 52 for passing the sleeve 42. On the one hand, this sleeve 42 can accommodate the lower end of the atomizer module 30. On the other hand, the upper end of the moving bracket 71 slides up and down with the inner wall of the sleeve 42 and is provided with a sealing ring, which plays a role of sealing and isolation to prevent the atomized liquid from leaking from the bottom of the moving bracket 71.
[0051] Please continue to refer to Figures 5 to 8 , Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the motion bracket 71 matching with the microphone bracket module 40 and the circuit board module 50; Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of the moving base 711 of the moving bracket 71 when it is in a locked state; Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of the riveted connection between the shell 10 and the liquid tank 20; Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the movable bracket 71 being locked by the stopper 73.
[0052] As shown in the figure, the moving bracket 71 can be an integrated structure or a split structure. If the moving bracket 71 is a split structure, it can be divided into two parts: a moving base 711 and a bracket 712. The spring 72 is arranged between the moving base 711 and the bottom of the shell 10. One end of the bracket 712 abuts against the atomization module 30, and the other end abuts against the moving base 711.
[0053] In a possible implementation, the moving base 711 is a hollow structure, and two claws 713 extending downward in the axial direction are provided on the inner top thereof, the spring 72 is sleeved on the claws 713, and is located between the inner top of the moving base 711 and the bottom of the housing 10, the upper end of the bracket 712 abuts against the lower end of the atomization module 30, and the lower end of the bracket 712 abuts against the upper end of the moving base 711, so as to transmit the elastic force of the spring 72 to the atomization module 30, push the atomization module 30 to move upward, make the liquid inlet of the atomization module 30 enter the liquid cavity, and fix the atomization module 30 in the liquid cabin 20. In this way, the atomized liquid can smoothly enter the atomization module 30 from the liquid inlet from the liquid cabin 20, and can work normally.
[0054] The main part of the bracket 712 is cross-shaped in cross section, and a piston head 714 is provided at its upper end. The piston head 714 slides up and down with the sleeve 42 extending downward from the microphone bracket module 40. A circumferential sealing ring is provided on the piston head 714, and the inner wall of the sleeve 42 and the piston head 714 are sealed by the sealing ring. The piston head 714 can move up and down in the axial direction at the same time in a sealed state, and a baffle 43 is provided on one side of the sleeve 42 to isolate the sleeve 42 and the battery cell module 60 from each other.
[0055] A trigger portion 715 extending toward the nozzle is provided on one side of the bracket 712, and an activation switch 53 corresponding to the trigger portion 715 is provided on the circuit board module 50. When the product is in an inactive state, the trigger portion 715 is a certain distance away from the activation switch 53, and the distance should be less than the distance that the bracket 712 moves upward after activation, so that when the product is in an activated state, after the bracket 712 moves upward, the activation switch 53 can be triggered by the trigger portion 715, thereby conducting the circuit and enabling the product to work normally.
[0056] In a possible implementation, a through hole corresponding to the claw 713 is provided at the bottom of the housing 10 , a releasable stopper 73 is provided outside the through hole, and the stopper 73 is provided with a locking hole 731 for locking the claw 713 .
[0057] The stopper 73 is a plastic sheet in a rectangular shape, and is provided with two holes 731 corresponding to the claws 713. The claws 713 can be locked through the holes 731 to keep the spring 72 in a pre-compressed state, and can be removed to release the locking of the claws 713 and release the spring 72. The spring 72 drives the atomization module 30 to move upward through the bracket 712. The outer end of the stopper 73 is provided with a protrusion 732 that exceeds the edge of the housing 10, so that the user can push the stopper 73 away when activating the atomization device. This automatic activation method is simple to operate, highly practical, and convenient for users to use.
[0058] Of course, in another possible implementation, the activation module can also be provided on the movable bracket 71 with a locking section that can extend out of the shell 10 along the extension and contraction direction of the spring 72, and the locking section is provided with a locking hole. When the stopper 73 is inserted into the locking hole, the movable bracket 71 is locked, and when the stopper 73 is moved away from the locking hole, the movable bracket 71 is released and can move upward.
[0059] The above embodiments are only preferred solutions of the present invention and are not limited thereto. On this basis, targeted adjustments can be made according to actual needs to obtain different implementation methods. For example, the air intake passage 80 can be a longitudinal integrated structure or a segmented structure, etc. Since there are many possible implementation methods, they will not be described one by one here.
[0060] The electronic atomization device is divided into multiple modules and assembled in a modular form, which can significantly improve product quality and make the product flexible in compatibility. It has the characteristics of a small number of parts, simple steps, and easy assembly. It can effectively reduce the difficulty coefficient of operation for assemblers, and can achieve liquid core separation and automatic activation, so that the product has better stability and good taste.
[0061] The electronic atomization device provided by the utility model is introduced in detail above. This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principle and implementation method of the utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the core idea of the utility model. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principle of the utility model, the utility model can also be improved and modified, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the utility model.
Claims
1. An electronic atomization device, characterized in that: include: a housing having an opening; A liquid tank, fixedly connected to the shell opening and provided with a suction nozzle and a partition member inside; The partition divides the inner cavity of the liquid tank into a liquid cavity and an assembly cavity, and the liquid tank has a longitudinal passage communicating with the suction nozzle; an atomizing module capable of moving upward along the longitudinal passage and penetrating into the liquid cavity; An electrical module, fixedly connected to the assembly cavity; The activation module has an unactivated state and an activated state. In the unactivated state, the position of the atomization module in the longitudinal channel is locked. In the activated state, the atomization module is released to allow the atomization module to be inserted upward into the liquid chamber.
2. The electronic atomization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical module includes a microphone bracket module, a circuit board module and a battery module; The microphone bracket module is buckled in the assembly cavity and clamped with the side wall of the assembly cavity; The circuit board module covers the microphone bracket module and is fixedly connected to the microphone bracket module through electrodes; The battery core module is electrically connected to the circuit board module.
3. The electronic atomization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The activation module comprises: A moving bracket is movably installed inside the housing in a vertical direction, and an end of the moving bracket abuts against the atomization module; The spring is in a compressed state when not activated, and releases elastic force in an activated state to push the moving bracket to move upward, so that the atomizing assembly is inserted upward into the liquid chamber.
4. The electronic atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The motion bracket has a locking section that can extend out of the housing along the expansion and contraction direction of the spring, and the locking section is provided with a locking hole; the motion bracket also includes a stopper that can be inserted into the locking hole or removed from the locking hole.
5. The electronic atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The moving bracket is a split structure, including a moving base and a bracket connected axially, the spring is arranged between the moving base and the bottom of the shell, one end of the bracket abuts against the atomization module, and the other end abuts against the moving base.
6. The electronic atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The motion bracket is provided with a trigger portion extending toward the suction nozzle, and the circuit board module is provided with an activation switch corresponding to the trigger portion. When in an activated state, the trigger portion abuts against the activation switch.
7. The electronic atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The battery module and the moving bracket are staggered, and the longitudinal channel sequentially connects the moving bracket, the atomization module and the suction nozzle.
8. The electronic atomization device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The separator is provided with a heating element pin, the circuit board module is provided with an electrode, the microphone bracket module is provided with an electrode hole corresponding to the electrode, and the electrode passes through the electrode hole and is electrically connected to the heating element pin.
9. The electronic atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The microphone bracket module is provided with a sleeve extending in the axial direction of the atomizer module, the circuit board module is provided with a clearance hole for passing through the sleeve, the moving bracket is provided with a piston head, the inner wall of the sleeve and the piston head are sealed by a sealing ring, and the piston head moves inside the sleeve within the travel range of the unactivated state and the activated state; The suction nozzle is provided with an inner liner tube extending downward to the inside of the liquid cavity, and the upper end of the atomization module is provided with a sliding head. The inner wall of the inner liner tube and the sliding head are sealed with a sealing ring, and the sliding head can move up and down in the axial direction in a sealed state.
10. The electronic atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The separator includes steel sheet silicone, which includes silicone and at least one layer of steel sheet located inside the silicone; the separator is provided with an injection hole and an injection plug sealing the injection hole, and in an inactive state, the liquid inlet of the atomization module is located in the longitudinal channel and is sealed by the inner wall of the longitudinal channel.