Electronic atomization device

Abstract

The application provides an electronic atomization device and a porous element; the electronic atomization device comprises: a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid substrate; the porous element is arranged to receive the liquid substrate of the liquid storage cavity; a heating element is at least partially formed on or combined with the porous element and is used for heating at least part of the liquid substrate in the porous element to generate an aerosol; the porous element has a cross-linked liquid guide channel, and the liquid guide channel is basically spirally extended around the axial direction of the porous element. The electronic atomization device has the cross-linked liquid guide channel spirally extended around the axis in the porous element, which is beneficial to increasing the ability of the porous element to absorb and hold the liquid substrate and preventing the local liquid supply shortage caused by the aerosol pushing the liquid substrate in the reverse direction during the atomization process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic atomization technology, and in particular to an electronic atomization device and a porous element. Background Technology

[0002] Tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Efforts are being made to replace these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0003] Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For example, the material could be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. As another example, there are aerosol-providing articles, such as so-called electronic atomizing devices. These devices typically contain a liquid that is heated to vaporize, thereby producing an inhalable aerosol; the liquid may contain nicotine and / or flavorings and / or aerosol-generating substances (e.g., glycerin). Known electronic atomizing devices draw in a liquid matrix through a columnar porous ceramic, and a heating element attached to the porous ceramic heats and atomizes the liquid matrix to generate an aerosol; wherein the disordered micropores within the porous ceramic are formed by sintering pore-forming agent particles added to the ceramic green body. Utility Model Content

[0004] One embodiment of this application provides an electronic atomizing device, comprising: A liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid matrix; A porous element is arranged to receive the liquid matrix of the reservoir. A heating element, at least partially formed or incorporated into the porous element, is used to heat at least a portion of the liquid matrix within the porous element to generate an aerosol. The porous element has cross-linked network-like liquid guiding channels, which are basically spirally extended around the axial direction of the porous element.

[0005] In some embodiments, the liquid channel extends substantially axially through the porous element.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid channel includes: Several first channels extend along the axial direction of the porous body element; A plurality of second channels are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the porous element; the second channels are basically planar spirals perpendicular to the axial direction of the porous element; the plurality of second channels intersect with the plurality of first channels, thereby making the liquid guiding channels form a cross-linked network.

[0007] In some embodiments, the porous body element includes a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other in the axial direction; The first channel extends from the first side to the second side.

[0008] In some embodiments, the porous element also has a plurality of disordered micropores.

[0009] In some embodiments, the porous element further defines pores that extend axially through the porous element, the pores at least partially surrounding or defining the airflow channel for outputting the aerosol.

[0010] In some embodiments, the porous body element includes a first portion and a second portion arranged radially from the outside to the inside; The apparent density of the first portion is greater than that of the second portion, thereby defining the strength enhancement region of the porous element outside the second portion by the first portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the dimension of the porous element along the axial direction is smaller than the diameter of the porous element.

[0012] Another embodiment of this application also proposes a porous element for an electronic atomizing device, the porous element having a cross-linked network of liquid guiding channels, the liquid guiding channels being substantially spirally extended in the axial direction of the porous element.

[0013] Another embodiment of this application provides a porous element for an electronic atomizing device, wherein the porous element is arranged with: Several first channels extend along the axial direction of the porous body element; A plurality of second channels are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the porous element; the second channels are basically planar spirals perpendicular to the axial direction of the porous element; the plurality of second channels intersect with the plurality of first channels, thereby making the liquid guiding channels form a cross-linked network.

[0014] Another embodiment of this application also proposes an electronic atomizing device, comprising: A liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid matrix; A porous element is arranged to receive the liquid matrix of the reservoir. A heating element, at least partially formed or incorporated into the porous element, is used to heat at least a portion of the liquid matrix within the porous element to generate an aerosol. The porous element has a plurality of liquid guiding channels arranged therein, the plurality of liquid guiding channels being arranged at intervals along the radial direction of the porous element; and the liquid guiding channels are arranged in a cross-linked network around the axial direction of the porous element.

[0015] The above electronic atomization devices have cross-linked network-like liquid guiding channels that extend spirally around the axis within the porous element. This is beneficial for increasing the ability of the porous element to adsorb and retain the liquid matrix and for preventing localized insufficient liquid supply caused by the aerosol pushing the liquid matrix backward during atomization. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic atomizing device provided in one embodiment; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exemplary structural diagram of a mid-range atomizer; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of the atomizing component from one perspective; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a porous element from one perspective; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of forming a green substrate by coating a ceramic slurry onto a cross-linked network precursor during the fabrication of a porous element according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of spirally winding a green substrate to form a green embryo during the fabrication of a porous element according to one embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the atomizing component from one perspective of yet another embodiment; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fabrication process of a columnar or annular porous element according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] One embodiment of this application provides an electronic atomizing device, which can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 As shown, it includes an atomizer 100 that stores a liquid matrix and atomizes it to generate an aerosol, and a power supply mechanism 200 that supplies power to the atomizer 100. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 of the electronic atomizing device are separable or detachable relative to each other; an electronic atomizing device having such a separable or detachable atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 is, for example, a so-called "refillable" electronic atomizing device. Alternatively, in some further variations, the atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 of the electronic atomizing device are securely enclosed and fixed by the housing components of the electronic atomizing device, thereby preventing the atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 from being detachable relative to each other; an electronic atomizing device having such a non-detachable atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 relative to each other is, for example, a so-called "integrated or disposable" electronic atomizing device.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, for example Figure 1 As shown, the power supply mechanism 200 includes a receiving cavity 270 disposed at one end along the length direction for receiving and accommodating at least a portion of the atomizer 100, and an electrical contact 230 at least partially exposed on the surface of the receiving cavity 270 for supplying power to the atomizer 100 when at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is received and accommodated within the power supply mechanism 200.

[0021] according to Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, an electrical contact 21 is provided at one end of the atomizer 100 along the length direction, so that when at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is received in the receiving cavity 270, the electrical contact 21 forms an electrical conductivity by contacting and abutting against the electrical contact 230.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a sealing member 260 is provided inside the power supply mechanism 200, and the sealing member 260 divides at least a portion of the internal space of the power supply mechanism 200 to form the receiving cavity 270. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the seal 260 is configured to extend along the cross-sectional direction of the power supply mechanism 200, and is preferably made of a flexible material, thereby preventing the liquid matrix that seeps from the atomizer 100 into the receiving cavity 270 from flowing into components such as the controller 220 and sensor 250 inside the power supply mechanism 200.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the power supply mechanism 200 further includes a battery cell 210 for power supply located at the other end of the receiving cavity 270 along the length direction; and a controller 220 disposed between the battery cell 210 and the receiving cavity 270, the controller 220 being operable to guide current between the battery cell 210 and the electrical contact 230.

[0024] In use, the power supply mechanism 200 includes a sensor 250 for sensing the suction airflow generated when the atomizer 100 is inhaled, and then the controller 220 controls the battery cell 210 to output current to the atomizer 100 according to the detection signal of the sensor 250.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the power supply mechanism 200 is provided with a charging interface 240 at the other end away from the receiving cavity 270 for charging the battery cell 210.

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the atomizer 100 includes: The housing 10 defines at least a portion of the outer surface of the atomizer 100. According to Figure 2 As shown, the outer casing 10 is generally longitudinally elongated cylindrical in shape, with a hollow interior for accommodating essential functional components for storing and atomizing the liquid matrix; the outer casing 10 has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 that are opposite to each other along its length. The proximal end 110 is configured as the end where the user inhales the aerosol, and has an outlet 111 for the user to inhale; while the distal end 120 is configured as the end that is connected to the power supply mechanism 200.

[0027] See Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 has a liquid storage chamber 12 for storing a liquid matrix, and an atomizing assembly for drawing the liquid matrix from the liquid storage chamber 12 and heating and atomizing the liquid matrix. Among these, in... Figure 2 In the schematic diagram shown, the outer shell 10 is provided with an aerosol transmission tube 11 arranged along the axial direction. The space between the aerosol transmission tube 11 and the inner wall of the outer shell 10 forms a liquid storage chamber 12 for storing liquid matrix. The aerosol transmission tube 11 extends to or terminates at the air outlet 111, thereby transmitting the generated aerosol to the air outlet 111 for inhalation.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the aerosol delivery tube 11 and the housing 10 are integrally molded from a moldable material, thereby defining a liquid reservoir 12 between the aerosol delivery tube 11 and the housing 10, and the liquid reservoir 12 has an opening that opens toward the distal end 120.

[0029] See Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the atomizer 100 further includes an atomizing component for drawing and atomizing the liquid matrix from the liquid reservoir 12 to generate an aerosol; specifically, the atomizing component includes: The rigid porous element 30 is generally configured to be plate-shaped, sheet-shaped, or block-shaped; and the porous element 30 has a first side 310 and a second side 320 facing away from each other; the first side 310 is arranged toward the liquid storage cavity 12 and is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity 12. Heating element 40, attached to the surface of the second side 320 of porous element 30, is used to heat at least a portion of the liquid matrix transferred by porous element 30 to generate an aerosol.

[0030] See Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the atomizer 100 further includes: The rigid support 20 is made of, for example, organic polymer plastic or ceramic; the support 20 is used to house and support the atomizing assembly, especially to house the porous element 30; The sealing element 50 is made of a flexible material, such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer; the sealing element 50 is at least partially located within the support 20 and partially surrounds or encloses the porous element 30; the sealing element 50 is used to provide a seal between the support 20 and the porous element 30.

[0031] See Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the porous element 30 is configured to extend longitudinally perpendicular to the atomizer 100; the first side 310 and the second side 320 of the porous element 30 are arranged opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100. The first side 310 of the porous element 30 is arranged towards the liquid reservoir 12 and is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 12, for example in... Figure 2 The first side 310, indicated by the middle arrow R1, is in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber 12 through the liquid channel 13 defined within the support 20 to receive the liquid matrix; the surface of the second side 320 of the porous element 30 is configured as an atomizing surface, and the heating element 40 is attached to the atomizing surface / the surface of the second side 320 of the porous element 30.

[0032] according to Figure 2 As shown, an atomizing chamber 340 is defined between the second side 320 of the porous element 30 and the distal end 120 of the housing 10. This atomizing chamber 340 is located on the side of the porous element 30 opposite to the liquid reservoir 12. The atomizing chamber 340 provides space for releasing aerosol from the atomizing surface of the porous element 30. At least a portion of the heating element 40 is exposed in the atomizing chamber 340. During suction, external air enters the atomizing chamber 340 through the air inlet 22 of the distal end 120, carrying the aerosol within the atomizing chamber 340 to the aerosol delivery tube 11, and is then drawn in by the user at the air outlet 111. Figure 2 As indicated by the middle arrow R2.

[0033] Alternatively, in some variations, the atomizer 100 includes a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; for example, the transverse direction can be either the width direction or the thickness direction of the atomizer 100. Alternatively, for a cylindrical or similar polygonal atomizer 100, the transverse direction can be radial. In an embodiment, the porous element 30 is configured to extend longitudinally along the atomizer 100; the first side 310 and the second side 320 of the porous element 30 are arranged opposite to each other along the transverse direction of the atomizer 100. Thus, the surfaces of the first side 310 and / or the second side 320 of the porous element 30 both extend longitudinally along the atomizer 100; for example, a so-called "side-atomizing" atomizing assembly.

[0034] exist Figures 2 to 3 In this embodiment, the porous element 30 is cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, or other shapes with side notches. The porous element 30 may include at least one of glass, ceramic, carbon, metal, and high-temperature resistant polymer plastics. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the first side 310 and / or the second side 320 of the porous element 30 are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the porous element 30. Furthermore, the heating element 40 formed on the surface of the second side 320 of the porous element 30 is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the porous element 30.

[0035] exist Figures 2 to 3 In this embodiment, the thickness of the columnar porous element 30 is less than its diameter. Furthermore, the porous element 30 may be sheet-like or plate-like; and the surface of the first side 310 and / or the surface / atomizing surface of the second side 320 are flat, extended planes. Alternatively, in some other variations, the porous element 30 is a curved, arcuate sheet; and the surface of the first side 310 and / or the surface / atomizing surface of the second side 320 are curved surfaces.

[0036] exist Figures 2 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the porous element 30 may have a diameter of approximately 4 to 10 mm. Furthermore, the porous element 30 may have a thickness of approximately 1 to 3 mm.

[0037] In this embodiment, the central axis of the porous element 30 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100.

[0038] exist Figures 2 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 40 is a sheet-like heating element that is cut or etched from a sheet substrate and then mounted onto the second side 320. In some embodiments, the heating element 40 is formed on the second side 320 of the porous element 30 by printing, deposition, spraying, or other methods, thereby achieving a tight bond with the porous element 30. Alternatively, in other variations, the heating element 40 includes a thin layer or conductive trace formed on the second side 320 by printing, deposition, or other methods. Specifically, the heating element 40 includes printed, meandering, or meandering conductive traces.

[0039] In some embodiments, the heating element 40 may be patterned. In some embodiments, the heating element 40 may be configured as one or a combination of several of the following shapes: I-shaped, rectangular, S-shaped, single Ω-shaped, double Ω-shaped, circular, grid-shaped, dumbbell-shaped, wave-shaped, and zigzag-shaped.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heating element 40 is fluid-permeable; as used herein, "fluid-permeable" means that aerosols in the gas phase can easily pass through the heating element 40. For example in Figure 3 As shown, the heating element 40 formed or incorporated on the surface / atomizing surface of the second side 320 of the porous element 30 can be in the form of a mesh shape with pores, thereby forming a fluid-permeable structure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the heating element 40 may be porous rather than dense, thereby allowing fluid permeability. In some embodiments, the porous heating element 40 may have a porosity of 10–50%. For example, in some embodiments, the heating portion 43 of the heating element 40 is a mesh shape with openings, thereby allowing fluid permeability. In other embodiments, the heating portion 43 of the heating element 40 is arranged in a tortuous manner, and the heating portion 43 has several notches or slits, thereby allowing fluid permeability.

[0042] according to Figures 2 to 3 As shown, the heating element 40 includes: A first electrode portion 41 and a second electrode portion 42 are arranged at intervals along the length direction, and a heating portion 43 extends between the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42. The heating portion 43 is used to heat the liquid matrix to generate an aerosol; the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42 are used to guide current on the heating portion 43. After assembly, an electrical contact 21 extends from the distal end 120 into the atomizer 100 and abuts against the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42 to supply power to the heating element 40.

[0043] exist Figures 2 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode portion 41 and the second electrode portion 42 define the electrical connection region of the heating element 40. Additionally, the heating portion 43 defines the resistance heating region of the heating element 40.

[0044] In some embodiments, electrodes are further arranged on the first electrode portion 41 and / or the second electrode portion 42. For example, the first electrode is arranged by welding, mounting, or sintering after applying silver paste to the first electrode portion 41, and the second electrode is arranged by welding, mounting, or sintering after applying silver paste to the second electrode portion 42. The material of the electrodes may include metals or alloys with low resistivity such as gold, silver, and copper.

[0045] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first electrode portion 41 and / or the second electrode portion 42 are connected to the circuit / power supply mechanism 200 by welding conductive leads or the like, so as to enable the controller 220 / power supply mechanism 200 to provide power to the heating element 40.

[0046] according to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the porous element 30 contains: Liquid channel 330 is used to transfer liquid matrix.

[0047] In this embodiment, the liquid guiding channel 330 is essentially a cross-linked mesh. The liquid guiding channel 330 is parallel to the axial direction of the porous element 30. In this embodiment, the mesh-like liquid guiding channel 330 extends spirally around the axial direction of the porous element 30.

[0048] In some embodiments, for example Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the porous element 30 is prepared by sintering a green body 300a made of ceramic or glass material; and the cross-linked network liquid guiding channel 330 can be formed by the cross-linked network precursor 330a in the green body 300a being thermally decomposed or volatilized during the sintering process, thereby creating a liquid guiding channel 330 in the space occupied by the cross-linked network precursor 330a.

[0049] In some embodiments, the crosslinked network precursor 330a is prepared from a burnable organic fiber material; in some embodiments, the crosslinked network precursor 330a may be prepared from polyester, acrylic, nylon, cotton fiber, polypropylene, aramid or polyimide fiber (PI fiber), etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the material of the green body 30a further contains a pore-forming agent such as polymethyl methacrylate, methylcellulose, starch, pine powder, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, ammonium carbonate, ammonium chloride, carbon powder, organic resin microspheres, carbon powder, or wood chips. In embodiments, the pore-forming agent is in powder or granular form; during sintering, the pore-forming agent is decomposed or volatilized, thereby forming disordered micropores 34 in the porous element 30 within the space occupied by the pore-forming agent.

[0051] In some embodiments, the green body 30a may be prepared from a ceramic slurry or a glass slurry with added pore-forming agent.

[0052] In some embodiments, the ceramic slurry or glass slurry may include: ceramic raw materials or glass raw materials, and resin.

[0053] In some embodiments, the ceramic or glass raw materials may include one or more of the following: silica, diatomaceous earth, alumina, zirconium oxide, manganese dioxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, silica, phosphorus pentoxide, calcium oxide, yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide, cerium oxide-stabilized zirconium oxide, cordierite, mullite, and silicon carbide. In some embodiments, the ceramic or glass raw materials are added in powder form; in more preferred embodiments, the average particle size (D50) of the ceramic or glass raw material powder may be in the range of 0.1 μm to 30 µm; more preferably in the range of 1 to 10 µm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the resin may be selected from one or more of epoxy resin, cyanate ester resin, UV resin, and polyurethane resin.

[0055] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fabrication process of the porous element 30 may include: S10, mixing ceramic or glass raw materials, resin, and pore-forming agent to prepare a ceramic or glass slurry containing pore-forming agent.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments, ceramic or glass slurries may further include dispersants to improve the flowability and stability of the slurry. Dispersants typically used in the preparation of ceramic or glass slurries may include inorganic dispersants such as sodium phosphate and sodium silicate, organic small-molecule dispersants such as sodium citrate, and polymeric dispersants such as sodium polyacrylate.

[0057] In some optional embodiments, the ceramic slurry or glass slurry may comprise 40%–65% ceramic or glass raw materials, <20% pore-forming agent, <1% dispersant, and the remainder being resin. In one specific embodiment, the ceramic slurry may comprise: 35 wt% diatomaceous earth ceramic raw material, 20 wt% glass powder raw material, 35 wt% epoxy resin, and 10 wt% PMMA microspheres as pore-forming agent.

[0058] In one specific embodiment, the particle size D50 of the diatomaceous earth ceramic raw material powder is 10µm; in another specific embodiment, the particle size D50 of the glass powder is 5µm; and the particle size D50 of the pore-forming agent PMMA microspheres is 30µm.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments, the ceramic or glass slurry preparation may be carried out in a three-roll mill or a mechanical mixer. After preparation, the ceramic or glass slurry may be placed in a vacuum defoamer to remove air bubbles mixed in with the slurry.

[0060] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fabrication process of the porous element 30 also includes: S20, obtain Figure 5 The cross-linked network precursor 330a is shown; and the cross-linked network precursor 330a is coated with ceramic slurry or glass slurry by coating, impregnation or embedding processes or methods to form a green substrate 30a.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, the crosslinked network precursor 330a is woven from a burnable organic fiber material, such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, cotton fiber, polypropylene, aramid, or polyimide fiber; the crosslinked network precursor 330a may include a first braided filament 331a extending in a first direction and a second braided filament 332a extending in a second direction. In some embodiments, the first braided filament 331a and the second braided filament 332a are substantially perpendicular to each other, or the first braided filament 331a and the second braided filament 332a are substantially orthogonal; or the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular. Alternatively, in some further variations, the included angle between the first braided filament 331a and the second braided filament 332a is less than 90°.

[0062] In some preferred embodiments, the mesh size or mesh number of the woven crosslinked network precursor 330a is 100 to 400 mesh. In one specific embodiment, the woven crosslinked network precursor 330a is woven from polyester fibers, and the mesh size or mesh number of the crosslinked network precursor 330a is 200 mesh.

[0063] In some embodiments, the thickness of the green substrate 30a may be approximately between 60 μm and 200 μm.

[0064] In some embodiments, the volume ratio of the pore-forming agent in the green substrate 30a to the volume ratio of the cross-linked network precursor 330a is 0.5 to 1.5:1; more preferably, the volume ratio of the pore-forming agent in the green substrate 30a to the volume ratio of the cross-linked network precursor 330a is 1:1.

[0065] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first braided filament 331a and / or the second braided filament 332a is larger than the average particle size of the pore-forming agent. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first braided filament 331a and / or the second braided filament 332a is approximately between 20 μm and 70 μm.

[0066] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the fabrication process of the porous element 30 also includes: S30, Figure 5 The green embryo substrate 30a is spirally wound to form a columnar green embryo 300a of a predetermined diameter or size.

[0067] After winding, the cross-linked network precursor 330a extends helically and continuously within the green fabric 300a. After winding, the first braiding filament 331a of the cross-linked network precursor 330a may extend along the axial direction of the green fabric 300a; specifically, the first braiding filament 331a may penetrate the green fabric 300a along its axial direction. After winding, the second braiding filament 332a of the cross-linked network precursor 330a is planar helical; and a plurality of second braiding filaments 332a are arranged sequentially along the axial direction within the green fabric 300a.

[0068] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the spirally wound green embryo 300a is cylindrical; or in some other embodiments, the spirally wound green embryo 300a is elliptical, square, polygonal, or the like.

[0069] In this embodiment, the fabrication process of the porous element 30 further includes: S40, for Figure 5 The coiled green preform 30a shown is pre-cured by heating or UV irradiation, and then sintered to obtain the porous element 30.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments, when the resin in the ceramic or glass slurry is a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or cyanate ester resin, pre-curing can be performed by heating. When the resin in the ceramic or glass slurry is a photosensitive resin such as a UV (ultraviolet) resin, curing can be performed by UV lamp irradiation.

[0071] In the embodiments, during the pre-curing process, the green preform 30a can also be vacuumed by using a vacuum bag. This can help to remove as much air mixed in during the lamination process as possible and prevent small molecule gases generated by resin decomposition during the pre-curing process, thereby further reducing or eliminating the risk of defects in the subsequent sintering process.

[0072] In some preferred embodiments, step S40 can be performed by sintering at the sintering temperature of ceramics or glass. The sintering process can be carried out in a vacuum furnace. During sintering, the resin, cross-linked network precursor 330a, and pore-forming agent in the green body 30a are thermally decomposed or volatilized, thereby forming liquid-conducting channels 330 and micropores 34. In some preferred embodiments, the sintering temperature is 1000℃~1200℃. In some preferred embodiments, the sintering time is 1.5h~2.5h.

[0073] In some further preferred embodiments, the fabrication process of the porous element 30 also includes: S50, Post-sintering treatment: The porous element 30 formed after sintering is cleaned, polished and cut to make it clean and smooth, and to form a final product cut to the required specific size.

[0074] In one embodiment, the porous element 30 is constructed such that the surfaces of the first side 310, the second side 320, and the peripheral surface of the porous element 30 are substantially rough; and the liquid guiding channel 330 within the porous element 30 has a clearly visible port on the surface of the first side 310 and / or the surface of the second side 320. Furthermore, the porous element 30, the surface of the first side 310, and the surface of the second side 320 also have micropores 34 formed by a pore-forming agent.

[0075] In some embodiments, the porous element 30 may have a diameter of about 4 to 10 mm; and the porous element 30 may have a thickness or axial dimension of about 1 to 3 mm.

[0076] In the embodiment, the porous element 30 has a liquid channel 330 formed by the thermal decomposition or volatilization of a spirally wound cross-linked network precursor 330a during sintering, and micropores 34 formed by the thermal decomposition or volatilization of a pore-forming agent during sintering.

[0077] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, no pore-forming agent may be added to the ceramic slurry or glass slurry and / or green body 30a during the preparation of the porous element 30. In this case, the prepared porous element 30 may only have cross-linked network liquid channels 330, without containing disordered micropores 34 defined by the pore-forming agent.

[0078] In an embodiment, the liquid guiding channel 330 is arranged in a predetermined direction within the porous element 30; for example, the liquid guiding channel 330 may include a plurality of first channels extending axially along the porous element 30, and a plurality of second channels extending helically around the axial substantially plane of the porous element 30. In an embodiment, the plurality of first channels may be defined by first braided filaments 331a, and the plurality of second channels may be defined by a plurality of second braided filaments 332a.

[0079] In some embodiments, a plurality of second channels are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the porous element 30. Each second channel intersects sequentially with all of the plurality of first channels, thereby making the liquid guiding channel 330 a spirally extending cross-linked network. In an embodiment, the first channel of the liquid guiding channel 330 extends from a first side 310 to a second side 320 of the porous element 30.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first channel and the second channel are substantially perpendicular.

[0081] In some embodiments, the diameters of the first channel and the second channel are substantially equal. The cross-sections of the first channel and the second channel are substantially the same, such that the liquid flow capacity of the first channel and the second channel is substantially the same.

[0082] In some embodiments, the diameters of the plurality of first channels and / or the plurality of second channels are substantially constant. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the diameters of the plurality of first channels may vary, for example, the diameters of the plurality of first channels may increase or decrease from the outside to the inside along the radial direction of the porous element 30.

[0083] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first channel and the diameter of the second channel are approximately between 20 μm and 70 μm. In some optional embodiments, including one embodiment of this application, the diameter of the first channel and / or the diameter of the second channel are 20 μm, 30 μm, 40 μm, 50 μm, 60 μm, or 70 μm.

[0084] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent second channels is equal along the axial direction of the porous element 30, resulting in a uniform distribution of the plurality of second channels. In some embodiments, the center-to-center distance between adjacent second channels is 60–200 μm. In a more preferred embodiment, the center-to-center distance between adjacent second channels is 60–120 μm. In some optional embodiments, the center-to-center distance between adjacent second channels is 60 μm, 80 μm, 90 μm, 98 μm, 100 μm, 105 μm, 108 μm, 110 μm, or 120 μm.

[0085] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent second channels varies along the axial direction of the porous element 30. For example, in some variations, the spacing between adjacent second channels may gradually increase or decrease along the axial direction of the porous element 30.

[0086] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent first channels is substantially constant along the circumferential direction of the porous element 30. For example, in some embodiments, the center-to-center distance between adjacent first channels is 40–120 μm along the circumferential direction of the porous element 30. In a more preferred embodiment, the center-to-center distance between adjacent first channels is 60–100 μm along the circumferential direction of the porous element 30.

[0087] In this embodiment, the micropores 34 are arranged randomly in the porous element 30. The micropores 34 can further increase the porosity of the porous element 30, increase the ability of the porous element 30 to adsorb and retain liquid matrix, thereby alleviating the problem of insufficient local liquid supply when there is a lack of liquid matrix in the local liquid guiding channel 330 of the porous element 30.

[0088] In some embodiments, the micropores 34 are connected to at least one first channel and / or a second channel, which increases the resistance to the gas pushing against the liquid matrix, thereby reducing backflow, while the porous element 30 has a larger liquid storage space. In other embodiments, the micropores 34 are not connected to the first channel and / or the second channel, but the micropores 34 can be connected to the surface of the second side 320 and the surface of the first side 310 of the porous element 30.

[0089] In some embodiments, the porosity of the porous element 30 is 50% to 75%. Alternatively, the volume of all liquid channels 330 and micropores 34 within the porous element 30 accounts for 50% to 75% of the total volume of the porous element 30. In some embodiments, the volume of all liquid channels 330 within the porous element 30 accounts for 20% to 40% of the total volume of the porous element 30. In some embodiments, the volume of all micropores 34 accounts for 10% to 55% of the total volume of the porous element 30.

[0090] In some embodiments, the volume ratio of the micropore 34 to the liquid channel 330 is 0.5 to 1.5:1. In some embodiments, the volume ratio of the micropore 34 to the liquid channel 330 is 1:1.

[0091] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first channel and / or the second channel is greater than the average pore size of the micropore 34, such that the liquid conduction capacity of the first channel and / or the second channel is greater than the liquid conduction capacity of the micropore 34.

[0092] In some embodiments, the average pore size of the micropore 34 is between 0 and 30 μm. In some embodiments, the average pore size of the micropore 34 is 5 μm, 8 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 18 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 28 μm or 30 μm.

[0093] or Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic of an atomizing assembly according to yet another embodiment, in which the porous element 30b includes: A first side 310b and a second side 320b are opposite to each other. At least a portion of the surface of the first side 310b may be configured as a liquid-absorbing surface, thereby communicating with the liquid storage chamber 12 to receive the liquid matrix; at least a portion of the surface of the second side 320b may be configured as an atomizing surface, and a heating element 40b may be arranged on the second side 320b to atomize the liquid matrix to generate an aerosol.

[0094] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the porous element 30b further includes: The liquid guiding channel 330b is configured as a cross-linked network and is arranged spirally within the porous element 30b; the liquid guiding channel 330b may include a plurality of axially extending first channels and a plurality of spirally extending second channels; the first channels may extend from the first side 310b to the second side 320b; the second channels intersect with the first channels; A pore 36b extends axially through the porous element 30b.

[0095] In this embodiment, the diameter of the pore 36b is significantly larger than the diameter of the first channel of the liquid guiding channel 330b. The diameter of the pore 36b can be approximately 1 to 3 mm.

[0096] In use, the pore 36b may at least partially surround or define the airflow channel passing through the porous element 30b. In use, the aerosol generated by heating by the heating element 40b on the second side 320b is output to the first side 310b via the pore 36b.

[0097] In some embodiments, a porous element 30b having pores 36b can be obtained by punching holes in a cylindrical porous element 30.

[0098] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the porous element 30b having pores 36b can be formed by sintering the green substrate 30a after winding it into a ring in step S30 of the above preparation process.

[0099] In one embodiment, the pores 36b are arranged along the central axis of the porous element 30b. Alternatively, in some other variations, the pores 36b are arranged off-center from the central axis of the porous element 30b.

[0100] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 40b is essentially a non-closed ring; for example, in Figure 7 As shown, the heating element 40b is a non-closed ring with a notch. The heating element 40b is arranged around the perforation 36b. In an embodiment, the heating element 40b may have a first electrode portion 41b located on one side of the notch, a second electrode portion 42b located on the other side, and a heating portion 43b extending between the first electrode portion 41b and the second electrode portion 42b.

[0101] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the heating portion 43b is substantially elongated in shape; and the heating portion 43b is curved in arc shape. Furthermore, the first electrode portion 41b and / or the second electrode portion 42b have a wider trajectory than the heating portion 43b.

[0102] or Figure 8A schematic diagram of the fabrication of columnar or annular porous elements is shown in yet another embodiment; in Figure 8 In the embodiments shown, the fabrication process of the columnar or annular porous element may include: S10c, through processes or methods such as coating, impregnation or embedding, cross-linked network precursor 330c is coated with ceramic slurry or glass slurry to form green substrate 30c; S20c, multilayer embryo substrates 30c are stacked to form a sheet-like or block-like embryo precursor of a predetermined thickness; S30c, the sheet-like or block-shaped embryo precursor is wound into a ring-shaped or columnar embryo 300c, for example. Figure 8 By winding the sheet-like or block-like embryo precursor around a rod-shaped jig at 400°, a ring-shaped embryo at 300° can be obtained. S40c, the wound green preform 300c is pre-cured by heating or UV irradiation, and then sintered to obtain a porous element.

[0103] In the embodiment, by Figure 8 The porous element prepared by the process shown may have the following characteristics: Several liquid guiding channels are arranged radially from the inside out; several liquid guiding channels are arranged at intervals in the radial direction.

[0104] In this embodiment, each liquid channel is a cross-linked network. In this embodiment, each liquid channel is annular rather than spiral around the central axis of the porous element.

[0105] In an embodiment, each liquid guiding channel may include a plurality of first channels extending axially and a plurality of second channels extending circumferentially. The plurality of first channels may be arranged at intervals circumferentially, and the plurality of second channels may be spaced apart axially; the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels intersect to form a cross-linked network of liquid guiding channels.

[0106] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent liquid channels is substantially constant along the radial direction of the porous element; or in other variations, the distance between adjacent liquid channels varies along the radial direction of the porous element. For example, in yet other embodiments, the porous element may include a first portion and a second portion arranged radially from the outside in; the distance between adjacent liquid channels in the first portion may be greater than the distance between adjacent liquid channels in the second portion. This is advantageous because the first portion enhances the strength of the porous element from the outside.

[0107] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the number of liquid channels per unit size in the first portion is less than the number of liquid channels per unit size in the second portion along the radial direction of the porous element; thus, it is advantageous for the first portion to enhance the strength of the porous element from the outside.

[0108] In some embodiments, the thickness of the green substrate 30c forming the first portion of the porous element is greater than the thickness of the green substrate 30c forming the second portion of the porous element. For example, in Figure 8 As shown, when multiple green substrates 30c are stacked to form a sheet-like or block-shaped green precursor of a predetermined thickness, the multiple green substrates 30c may include first and second green substrates of different thicknesses, with the thickness of the first green substrate being greater than that of the second green substrate. During winding, the first green substrate surrounds the second green substrate on the outside, thereby sintering multiple first green substrates to form a first portion of a porous element and multiple second green substrates to form a second portion of a porous element.

[0109] Alternatively, in some further variations, the porous element 30 / 30b may also be provided with: Several blind holes are arranged extending radially. These blind holes can be formed by laser drilling or mechanical drilling along the radial direction from the outer surface of the porous element 30 / 30b. The blind holes can further increase the porosity of the porous element 30 and enhance its ability to adsorb and retain liquid matrix.

[0110] In some embodiments, a plurality of blind holes are connected to a cross-linked network of liquid channels.

[0111] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the porous element 30 / 30b may have additional liquid-absorbing surfaces and / or atomizing surfaces. In some further variations, the outer surface of the porous element 30 / 30b may be configured as a liquid-absorbing surface to receive or draw liquid matrix from the reservoir 12; and the inner surface of the annular porous element 30 / 30b may be configured as an atomizing surface to accommodate or incorporate a heating element for atomizing the liquid matrix.

[0112] Alternatively, in some further variations, the porous element 30 / 30b may include a first portion and a second portion arranged radially from the outside in; wherein the second portion is located within the first portion, or the first portion surrounds the second portion. Alternatively, the first portion is located outside the second portion; the first portion defines the outer surface of the porous element 30 / 30b. The first portion may define the outer surface of the porous element 30 / 30b. The first portion is more dense than the second portion.

[0113] In some embodiments, the apparent density of the second part is less than the apparent density of the first part. Generally, for the porous element 30 / 30b described above, "material density (i.e., mass per unit volume)" is a property of the material itself and is essentially constant, which is insufficient to characterize the porosity of the porous element 30 / 30b. Therefore, "apparent density (i.e., the ratio of the mass of the described object to its apparent volume)" can more accurately characterize the internal porosity.

[0114] In some embodiments, the ratio of the apparent density of the second portion to the apparent density of the first portion is between 0.4 and 0.9:1. In a more preferred embodiment, the ratio is between 0.5 and 0.8:1. In embodiments, it is advantageous to make the outermost first portion relatively more dense, thereby enhancing the strength of the porous element 30 / 30b from the outside. In use, at least a portion of the surface of the second portion can define the atomization region of the liquid matrix; and the first portion defines the strength-enhancing region of the porous element 30 / 30b. The heating portion 43 / 43b of the heating element 40 / 40b is coupled to at least a portion of the surface of the second portion; and the heating portion 43 / 43b can bypass the first portion.

[0115] For example, in some embodiments, the pore-forming agent content in the ceramic slurry forming the first part during preparation can be less than the pore-forming agent content in the ceramic slurry forming the second part, so that the number or volume ratio of micropores 34 in the first part of the porous element 30 / 30b is less than the number or volume ratio of micropores 34 in the second part, thereby making the first part relatively denser to improve strength.

[0116] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic atomizing device, characterized in that, include: A liquid storage chamber is used to store a liquid matrix; A porous element is arranged to receive the liquid matrix of the reservoir. A heating element, at least partially formed or incorporated into the porous element, is used to heat at least a portion of the liquid matrix within the porous element to generate an aerosol. The porous element has cross-linked network-like liquid guiding channels, which are basically spirally extended around the axial direction of the porous element.

2. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid guiding channel extends substantially axially through the porous element.

3. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid guiding channel includes: Several first channels extend along the axial direction of the porous body element; A plurality of second channels are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the porous element; the second channels are basically planar spirals perpendicular to the axial direction of the porous element; the plurality of second channels intersect with the plurality of first channels, thereby making the liquid guiding channels form a cross-linked network.

4. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The porous element includes a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other along the axial direction. The first channel extends from the first side to the second side.

5. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous element also contains several disordered micropores.

6. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous element also defines pores that extend axially through the porous element, and the pores at least partially surround or define the airflow channel for outputting aerosol.

7. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The porous body element includes a first part and a second part arranged radially from the outside to the inside; The apparent density of the first portion is greater than that of the second portion, thereby defining the strength enhancement region of the porous element outside the second portion by the first portion.

8. The electronic atomizing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The axial dimension of the porous element is smaller than the diameter of the porous element.

Images