Electronic atomization device
By setting a liquid-absorbing cotton module in the nozzle shell of the electronic atomization device, the problem of condensation liquid not being able to be discharged in time is solved, and a better suction taste and comfort are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422540271.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-18
AI Technical Summary
During the puffing process of the existing electronic atomization device, the condensed liquid generated in the air flow channel cannot be discharged in time, which affects the user's puffing taste.
A liquid-absorbing cotton module with a second air flow channel is added to the nozzle shell, so that the air flow outlet is connected to the first air flow channel of the shell assembly. The condensed liquid is absorbed in time by the liquid-absorbing cotton module to improve the suction taste.
It effectively improves the suction taste of the electronic atomizer device, ensures the timely discharge of condensate, and provides a softer and more comfortable suction experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN223415685U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of atomization, in particular to an electronic atomization device. BACKGROUND
[0002] The electronic atomization device mainly stores liquid through a liquid storage cavity, and in the use process, the atomization assembly converts the stored liquid into aerosol, and then the aerosol is sprayed outwards through an airflow channel and a mouthpiece for the user to suck. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT
[0003] The electronic atomization device provided by the embodiments of the present application aims to improve the technical problem that the existing electronic atomization device does not have a liquid suction structure at the airflow channel and the mouthpiece, which easily causes the condensate generated in the airflow channel of the electronic atomization device to not be discharged out of the airflow channel in time during the suction process, thereby seriously affecting the suction taste of the user.
[0004] To this end, the electronic atomization device provided by the embodiments of the present application comprises:
[0005] A shell assembly built-in with a liquid storage cavity and a first airflow channel;
[0006] A mouthpiece assembly comprising a mouthpiece shell with an airflow outlet and a liquid suction cotton module with a second airflow channel, the mouthpiece shell being protruded at one end of the shell assembly, and the liquid suction cotton module being built-in in the mouthpiece shell, the airflow outlet being communicated with the first airflow channel through the second airflow channel;
[0007] An atomization assembly arranged at one end of the first airflow channel away from the second airflow channel and in liquid communication with the liquid storage cavity, so as to heat and atomize the liquid in the liquid storage cavity to form aerosol.
[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the liquid suction cotton module is provided in a multi-layer structure.
[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the liquid suction cotton module comprises a plurality of sub-liquid suction cotton layers, the plurality of sub-liquid suction cotton layers being arranged in a stacked manner along the extension direction of the first airflow channel, and the size of the plurality of sub-liquid suction cotton layers being arranged in a gradually decreasing manner along the direction away from the first airflow channel.
[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, a through hole for airflow is arranged through the middle part of each sub-absorbing liquid cotton layer along the thickness direction thereof, and when a plurality of the sub-absorbing liquid cotton layers are arranged in a stack along the extension direction of the first airflow channel, the plurality of the through holes for airflow form the second airflow channel.
[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the shell assembly comprises an inner shell having the first airflow channel, a base, and an outer shell having a mounting cavity, the inner shell is arranged in the mounting cavity, and the base is arranged at the end of the first end of the inner shell to form the liquid storage cavity inside the inner shell.
[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the second end of the inner shell is outwardly convexly provided with an annular protrusion to form a containing groove around the annular protrusion, and the groove bottom of the containing groove is provided with an outlet of the first airflow channel;
[0013] The surface of the outer shell is provided with a mounting port corresponding to the containing groove, the nozzle shell is mounted in the mounting port, and the liquid absorbing cotton module is arranged in the mounting space formed by the inner part of the nozzle shell and the containing groove.
[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, at least one liquid outlet is arranged on the side wall of the end of the first airflow channel away from the second airflow channel, each liquid outlet is in communication with the liquid storage cavity, and the atomization assembly is arranged to shield all the liquid outlets, so that the atomization assembly is in liquid communication with the liquid storage cavity.
[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the atomization assembly comprises liquid guiding cotton and a heating body, the liquid guiding cotton is arranged to shield all the liquid outlets, and the heating body is arranged on the liquid guiding cotton.
[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, an electrode assembly and a power supply assembly are further included, the heating body is electrically connected to the power supply assembly through the electrode assembly.
[0017] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, a sealing plug is further included, the sealing plug is arranged at the airflow outlet to seal the airflow outlet.
[0018] The technical solution of the present application provides an electronic atomization device, which adds a liquid-absorbing cotton module with a second air flow channel in the nozzle shell, so that the air flow outlet of the nozzle shell is connected to the first air flow channel of the shell component through the second air flow channel, and then after the atomization component heats the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and atomizes it to form an aerosol, the aerosol can be ejected outward through the first air flow channel, the second air flow channel and the air flow outlet in sequence for the user to inhale and use. At the same time, the cooling liquid formed by the cooling of the aerosol will also flow through the second air flow channel in the liquid-absorbing cotton module. In this way, when the user inhales the electronic atomization device, the cooling liquid formed in the air flow channel can be promptly absorbed by the liquid-absorbing cotton module, thereby effectively improving the suction taste of the electronic atomization device. It can be seen that the present technical solution can effectively improve the existing electronic atomization device, which has no liquid absorption structure at its air flow channel and nozzle, which easily leads to the technical problem that the condensed liquid generated in the air flow channel of the electronic atomization device during the suction process cannot be discharged out of the air flow channel in time, thereby seriously affecting the user's suction taste. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic atomization device provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electronic atomization device shown;
[0022] Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the electronic atomization device provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0023] Description of Figure Numbers:
[0024] 1. Electronic atomization device; 100. Shell assembly; 110. Inner shell; 111. First air flow channel; 112. Liquid storage cotton; 120. Base; 130. Outer shell; 131. Mounting cavity; 200. Nozzle assembly; 210. Nozzle shell; 211. Air flow outlet; 220. Liquid absorbent cotton module; 221. Sub-liquid absorbent cotton layer; 222. Second air flow channel; 300. Atomization assembly; 400. Electrode assembly; 500. Power supply assembly; 600. Sealing plug.
[0025] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0027] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.
[0028] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in this field. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.
[0029] In one embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic atomization device 1, which may specifically include a shell assembly 100, a nozzle assembly 200 and an atomization assembly 300, wherein the shell assembly 100 is provided with a liquid storage chamber (not shown in the figure) and a first air flow channel 111. The nozzle assembly 200 may specifically include a nozzle shell 210 having an air flow outlet 211 and a liquid absorbent cotton module 220 having a second air flow channel 222. The nozzle shell 210 is protruding from one end of the shell assembly 100, and the liquid absorbent cotton module 220 is built into the nozzle shell 210, and the air flow outlet 211 is connected to the first air flow channel 111 through the second air flow channel 222. The atomization assembly 300 is arranged at one end of the first air flow channel 111 away from the second air flow channel 222, and is connected to the liquid of the liquid storage chamber to heat the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and atomize it to form an aerosol.
[0030] It can be understood that the electronic atomization device 1 of the embodiment of the present application can be specifically used to store liquid through the liquid storage chamber, and during use, the stored specific liquid (specifically, it can be an atomized liquid such as smoke oil) is converted into an aerosol through the atomization component 300, and then sprayed outward through the air flow channel and the suction nozzle for the user to inhale. The above-mentioned absorbent cotton module 220 is generally made of organic cotton or polyester fiber, so as to timely absorb the coolant formed in the air flow channel and near the suction nozzle by utilizing the good liquid absorption capacity of the organic cotton or polyester fiber itself. The above-mentioned air flow outlet 211 is generally arranged in a funnel-shaped structure, that is, the air flow outlet 211 can specifically include an arc-shaped groove body portion and an air pipe portion, the arc-shaped groove body portion is recessed in the end face of the suction nozzle housing 210 away from the housing assembly 100, and one end of the air pipe portion is connected to the groove bottom of the arc-shaped groove body portion and is connected to form the air flow outlet 211. At this time, the other end of the air pipe portion can be connected to the first air flow channel 111 through the second air flow channel 222. In this way, the above-mentioned structural arrangement can effectively optimize the flow pattern of the aerosol near the airflow outlet 211, providing the user with a softer and more comfortable inhalation experience. The aforementioned placement of the atomizer assembly 300 at the end of the first airflow channel 111 away from the second airflow channel 222 specifically refers to the placement of the atomizer assembly 300 at the end of the first airflow channel 111 where the inlet is located, so that the aerosol formed after the atomizer assembly 300 heats and atomizes the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can flow completely through the entire first airflow channel 111 and enter the second airflow channel 222. In addition, the above-mentioned liquid connection between the atomizer assembly 300 and the liquid storage chamber specifically refers to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage chamber being arranged corresponding to the atomizer assembly 300, so that the liquid in the liquid storage chamber can flow into the atomizer assembly 300, so that the atomizer assembly 300 remains in a moist or semi-moist state. In this way, since the atomizer assembly 300 always remains in liquid connection with the liquid storage chamber, there will be no delay in the liquid outflow of part of the product when the product is first used, resulting in dry burning and other phenomena that affect the atomization effect of the atomizer assembly 300.
[0031] In this way, the electronic atomization device 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, through the above-mentioned structural setting, adds a liquid-absorbing cotton module 220 with a second air flow channel 222 in the nozzle shell 210, and at the same time, the air flow outlet 211 of the nozzle shell 210 is connected to the first air flow channel 111 of the shell assembly 100 through the second air flow channel 222. Then, after the atomization assembly 300 heats the liquid in the liquid storage chamber and atomizes it to form an aerosol, the aerosol can be sprayed outward through the first air flow channel 111, the second air flow channel 222 and the air flow outlet 211 in sequence for the user to inhale. At the same time, the cooling liquid formed by the cooling of the aerosol will also flow through the second air flow channel 222 in the liquid-absorbing cotton module 220. In this way, when the user inhales the electronic atomization device 1, the cooling liquid formed in the air flow channel can be promptly absorbed by the liquid-absorbing cotton module 220, thereby effectively improving the suction taste of the electronic atomization device 1.
[0032] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent cotton module 220 can be specifically arranged as a multi-layer structure. In order to adapt to the special-shaped structure of the nozzle shell 210, the absorbent cotton module 220 needs to be processed into a complex special-shaped structure. The absorbent cotton module 220 in this example only needs to combine different shape structures by splicing different structural layers, so that it can fit the nozzle shell 210 with different special-shaped structures, so as to make full use of the internal space of the nozzle shell 210 as much as possible, thereby increasing the liquid absorption contact area of the absorbent cotton module 220 and effectively reducing the processing difficulty of the absorbent cotton module 220. Furthermore, the absorbent cotton module 220 includes a plurality of sub-absorbent cotton layers 221, and the plurality of sub-absorbent cotton layers 221 are stacked along the extension direction of the first air flow channel 111, and the sizes of the plurality of sub-absorbent cotton layers 221 are gradually reduced in the direction away from the first air flow channel 111. In this way, through the above-mentioned structural setting, the liquid-absorbing cotton module 220 can be better fitted with the shape and structure setting of the nozzle shell 210, so as to make full use of the internal space of the nozzle shell 210 as much as possible, thereby increasing the liquid-absorbing contact area of the liquid-absorbing cotton module 220 and effectively reducing the processing difficulty of the liquid-absorbing cotton module 220. Furthermore, the middle part of each sub-liquid-absorbing cotton layer 221 is provided with an air flow hole along its thickness direction. When multiple sub-liquid-absorbing cotton layers 221 are stacked along the extension direction of the first air flow channel 111, multiple air flow holes form the second air flow channel 222. In this way, through the above-mentioned structural setting, when the user inhales the electronic atomization device 1, the coolant formed in the air flow channel (including the first air flow channel 111 and the second air flow channel 222) will flow through the air flow holes of each sub-liquid-absorbing cotton layer 221 in sequence, so that each sub-liquid-absorbing cotton layer 221 can absorb the coolant formed in the air flow channel in time, thereby effectively improving the suction taste of the electronic atomization device 1.
[0033] It is understood that the cross-section of the sub-absorbent cotton layer 221 in this example along a predetermined direction can be rectangular, circular, or other shapes that match the inner contour of the nozzle housing 210. The predetermined direction can be perpendicular to the thickness direction of the corresponding sub-absorbent cotton layer 221. The multiple sub-absorbent cotton layers 221 in this example can be initially fixed together by adhesive to form a corresponding absorbent cotton module 220, or they can be directly stacked together and then fixed in position within the nozzle housing 210 by a stopper in conjunction with the housing assembly 100. The shape of the airflow hole in this example can be rectangular, circular, or other shapes.
[0034] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing assembly 100 includes an inner housing 110 having a first airflow channel 111, a base 120, and an outer housing 130 having a mounting cavity 131. The inner housing 110 is mounted in the mounting cavity 131, and the base 120 is mounted at the end of the first end of the inner housing 110 to form a liquid storage cavity within the inner housing 110. Thus, through the above-described structural arrangement, the inner housing 110 having the liquid storage cavity and the first airflow channel 111 can be positioned within the sealed protection of the mounting cavity 131 of the outer housing 130.
[0035] It will be understood that the first end of the inner shell 110 in this example specifically refers to the end of the inner shell 110 away from the outlet of the first airflow channel 111. The liquid storage cavity in this example can directly store liquid, or it can be filled with corresponding liquid storage cotton 112 to indirectly store liquid through the liquid storage cotton 112. Compared with the previous liquid storage method, the indirect liquid storage method through the liquid storage cotton 112 can have the following advantages: 1. The liquid storage cotton 112 can more effectively absorb and retain liquid, reducing liquid leakage and waste. 2. The liquid storage cotton 112 can provide a more uniform liquid supply, ensuring that the atomizer assembly 300 receives a stable liquid supply during use, improving the atomization effect. 3. Because the liquid storage cotton 112 can maintain the concentration and temperature of the liquid, it can provide a more consistent flavor experience and reduce taste fluctuations caused by insufficient liquid. 4. The presence of the liquid storage cotton 112 can prevent the atomizer assembly 300 from drying out because it can buffer changes in the liquid and ensure that the atomizer assembly 300 continuously receives sufficient liquid.
[0036] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the second end of the inner shell 110 is provided with an annular protrusion protruding outward, so as to form a receiving groove body surrounded by the annular protrusion, and the bottom of the receiving groove body is provided with an outlet of the first air flow channel 111. The surface of the outer shell 130 is provided with a mounting port, which is provided corresponding to the receiving groove body. The nozzle shell 210 is installed in the mounting port, and the liquid absorbent cotton module 220 is placed in the mounting space formed by the interior of the nozzle shell 210 and the receiving groove body. In this way, through the above-mentioned structural setting, the liquid absorbent cotton module 220 can be more firmly installed in the interior of the nozzle shell 210, and the second air flow channel 222 of the liquid absorbent cotton module 220 can be better transitionally connected between the air flow outlet 211 of the nozzle shell 210 and the first air flow channel 111 of the inner shell 110.
[0037] It is understood that the second end of the inner shell 110 in this example specifically refers to the end of the inner shell 110 having the outlet of the first airflow channel 111. The outer contour dimensions of the accommodating tank in this example can be adapted to the installation opening or slightly larger. Furthermore, annular protrusions are provided inwardly and outwardly around the circumference of the installation opening to better connect with the accommodating tank to form the aforementioned installation space and to better install the nozzle housing 210.
[0038] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first air flow channel 111 is provided with at least one liquid outlet on the peripheral side wall away from one end of the second air flow channel 222, and each liquid outlet is connected to the liquid storage chamber, and the atomizer assembly 300 blocks all liquid outlet settings so that the atomizer assembly 300 is in liquid communication with the liquid storage chamber. In this way, by the above-mentioned structural arrangement, it is possible to ensure that the atomizer assembly 300 is better connected to the liquid storage chamber while, by blocking all liquid outlet settings by the atomizer assembly 300, simply hindering the liquid in the liquid storage chamber from flowing outward, so as to ensure that the liquid in the liquid storage chamber does not flow into the first air flow channel 111 without obstruction. Further, the first air flow channel 111 is provided with two liquid outlets on the peripheral side wall away from one end of the second air flow channel 222, and the two liquid outlets are arranged radially opposite to each other along the first air flow channel 111. In this way, by the above-mentioned structural arrangement, it is possible to ensure that the liquid in the liquid storage chamber is more evenly penetrated into the entire atomizer assembly 300 to enhance the atomization effect of the atomizer assembly 300. Furthermore, the atomizing assembly 300 includes liquid-conducting cotton and a heating element. The liquid-conducting cotton covers all liquid outlets, and the heating element is installed on the liquid-conducting cotton. In this way, through the above-mentioned structural setting, the heating element can heat the liquid-conducting cotton to convert the liquid in the liquid-conducting cotton into aerosol and spray it out for the user to inhale.
[0039] It is understood that the number of liquid outlets in this example can be increased or decreased as needed, including but not limited to the two mentioned above. The shape of the liquid outlet in this example can be rectangular, circular, or other shapes. The heating element in this example can be a heating sheet or a heating wire.
[0040] In some examples, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electronic atomization device 1 further includes an electrode assembly 400 and a power supply assembly 500, and the heating element is electrically connected to the power supply assembly 500 via the electrode assembly 400. Thus, through the above-mentioned structural arrangement, when the power supply assembly 500 is in operation, it can supply power to the heating element through the electrode assembly 400, so that the heating element, under the power supply of the power supply assembly 500, heats the liquid-conducting cotton, thereby converting the liquid in the liquid-conducting cotton into an aerosol and spraying it out for the user to inhale.
[0041] It can be understood that the electrode assembly 400 in this example may specifically include at least two copper pillars, which may be specifically installed in the base 120, and one end of the two copper pillars is electrically connected to the heating element, and the other end is electrically connected to the power supply assembly 500. The power supply assembly 500 in this example may specifically include a control motherboard, a battery, a control switch, and a charging interface, wherein the power supply assembly 500 is installed as a whole in the installation cavity 131 of the outer shell 130, wherein the battery may be specifically arranged horizontally side by side with the inner shell 110 to effectively save the longitudinal length of the installation cavity 131, and the control switch and the charging interface are exposed on the surface of the outer shell 130 to facilitate corresponding control operations and charging operations.
[0042] In some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electronic atomization device 1 further includes a sealing plug 600, which is provided to seal the airflow outlet 211. Thus, through the above-mentioned structural arrangement, the sealing plug 600 can tightly seal the airflow outlet 211 to ensure the sealing performance at the airflow outlet 211, thereby preventing leakage at this location during product transportation.
[0043] It can be understood that the sealing plug 600 in this example can be specifically set in a T-shaped structure to better fit the funnel-shaped airflow outlet 211, to further ensure the sealing performance at the airflow outlet 211, and to further avoid liquid leakage here during product transportation.
[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present application description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present application, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.
Claims
1. An electronic atomization device, characterized in that: include: A housing assembly having a liquid storage cavity and a first air flow channel built therein; The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle housing having an airflow outlet and a liquid absorbent cotton module having a second airflow channel, wherein the nozzle housing is protruding from one end of the housing assembly, and the liquid absorbent cotton module is built into the nozzle housing, and the airflow outlet is connected to the first airflow channel through the second airflow channel; The atomizing assembly is arranged at one end of the first air flow channel away from the second air flow channel and is in liquid communication with the liquid storage chamber to heat and atomize the liquid in the liquid storage chamber to form an aerosol.
2. The electronic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid-absorbing cotton module is arranged in a multi-layer structure.
3. The electronic atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The liquid-absorbent cotton module includes a plurality of sub-liquid-absorbent cotton layers, which are stacked along the extension direction of the first air flow channel, and the sizes of the sub-liquid-absorbent cotton layers are gradually reduced in the direction away from the first air flow channel.
4. The electronic atomization device according to claim 3, wherein: An air flow hole is provided in the middle of each liquid-absorbent sub-cotton layer along its thickness direction. When multiple liquid-absorbent sub-cotton layers are stacked along the extension direction of the first air flow channel, multiple air flow holes constitute the second air flow channel.
5. The electronic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein: The shell assembly includes an inner shell having the first air flow channel, a base, and an outer shell having a mounting cavity, the inner shell is installed in the mounting cavity, and the base is installed at the end of the first end of the inner shell to form the liquid storage cavity inside the inner shell.
6. The electronic atomization device according to claim 5, characterized in that The second end of the inner shell is provided with an annular protrusion protruding outward, so that a receiving groove is formed by the annular protrusion, and the bottom of the receiving groove is provided with an outlet of the first air flow channel; A mounting opening is provided on the surface of the shell, and the mounting opening is arranged corresponding to the accommodating tank body. The nozzle shell is installed in the mounting opening, and the absorbent cotton module is placed in the installation space formed by the interior of the nozzle shell and the accommodating tank body.
7. The electronic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one liquid outlet is provided on the peripheral side wall of one end of the first air flow channel away from the second air flow channel, and each of the liquid outlets is connected to the liquid storage chamber. The atomization component blocks all the liquid outlets so that the atomization component is in liquid communication with the liquid storage chamber.
8. The electronic atomization device according to claim 7, wherein: The atomizing assembly includes liquid-conducting cotton and a heating element. The liquid-conducting cotton covers all the liquid outlets, and the heating element is installed on the liquid-conducting cotton.
9. The electronic atomization device according to claim 8, wherein: It also includes an electrode assembly and a power supply assembly, and the heating element is electrically connected to the power supply assembly through the electrode assembly.
10. The electronic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a sealing rubber plug, which is arranged at the air flow outlet and is used to seal the air flow outlet.