Atomization device and aerosol generation apparatus

Abstract

An atomization device and an aerosol generation device are disclosed. The aerosol generation device includes a power supply assembly and the atomization device, with the atomization device being electrically connected to the power supply assembly. The atomization device includes a housing, an atomization assembly, an air inlet passageway, a sensing passageway, and a sensing element. The atomization assembly is located inside the housing. The atomization assembly has an atomization chamber formed through it for generating aerosols. The atomization chamber has an air outlet end and an air inlet end in the height direction of the housing, with the air inlet end being lower than the air outlet end. The air inlet passageway communicates with the air inlet end to supply air to the atomization chamber. One end of the sensing passageway communicates with the air inlet end, and the sensing element is provided at the other end of the sensing passageway. In the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the air inlet end. The sensing element is used to drive the atomization assembly to start operating when a change in the airflow at the air inlet end is detected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of e-cigarette technology, and more particularly, to an atomization device and an aerosol generation device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Smoke from cigarette combustion contains harmful substances such as tar, and long-term inhalation of these harmful substances poses a great danger to the human body. To overcome the harmful substances generated by cigarette combustion, low-harm cigarette alternatives such as e-liquid vaporizers and heated tobacco products have emerged.

[0003] Traditional e-cigarettes are generally provided with an air passage for transmitting smoke, and a sensing element is arranged in the air passage. When a user puffs, part of the airflow in the air passage flows through the sensing element, which senses the airflow and causes the atomizing unit to start working to generate smoke.

[0004] However, the sensing elements of traditional e-cigarettes have the problem of insensitive detection.SUMMARY

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an atomization device and an aerosol generation device to address the above problems.

[0006] An atomization device, which comprises: a housing; an atomization assembly, disposed in the housing, wherein the atomization assembly is provided with an atomization chamber for generating aerosol, and the atomization chamber is formed through the atomization assembly, the atomization chamber has an air outlet end and an air inlet end along the height direction of the housing, and the air inlet end is lower than the air outlet end; an air inlet passageway, wherein the air inlet passageway is communicated with the air inlet end for air intake to the atomization chamber; a sensing passageway and a sensing element, wherein one end of the sensing passageway is communicated with the air inlet end, and the sensing element is disposed at the other end of the sensing passageway; in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the air inlet end; and the sensing element is configured to actuate the atomization assembly to operate when detecting a change in airflow at the air inlet end.

[0007] In the above atomization device, when a user puffs, external air can enter the air inlet end of the atomization chamber from the air inlet passageway, and then carry the aerosols generated within the atomization chamber to flow out from the air outlet end for the user to puff. In this process, when the user puffs, the airflow near the air inlet end of the atomization chamber flows, that is, the airflow changes, which means a negative pressure appears at the end of the sensing passageway near the air inlet end. The sensing element at the other end of the sensing passageway can detect this airflow change and control the atomization device to start working. During the use of the atomization device, condensate may be generated in its atomization chamber. It can be understood that when the atomization device is placed vertically along the height direction or is roughly held by the user along the height direction, substances with higher density such as condensate in the atomization chamber are prone to flow to the lower air inlet end under the action of gravity. In another possible use scenario, the user may blow back into the atomization chamber from the air outlet end during puffing, and substances such as condensate in the atomization chamber are also prone to flow to the lower air inlet end. In the present application, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the air inlet end of the atomization chamber, which means that substances such as condensate flowing out of the air inlet end of the atomization chamber cannot directly flow through the sensing passageway and contact the sensing element. In other words, substances such as condensate cannot overcome gravity to pass over the section of the sensing passageway that is higher than the air inlet end of the atomization chamber, so substances such as condensate cannot flow from one end of the sensing passageway to the location of the sensing element at the other end, thereby avoiding contact between the sensing element 500 and substances such as condensate as much as possible. This arrangement, on the one hand, can prevent the sensing element 500 from accidental self-activation, and on the other hand, can prevent the sensing element 500 from being corroded, thereby extending the lifespan of the sensing element 500 and preventing a decrease in its detection sensitivity or failure.

[0008] In one embodiment, in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the end face of the air inlet end, and the end face of the air inlet end is the interface between the atomization chamber and the sensing passageway.

[0009] In one embodiment, the atomization device further comprises a bracket assembly disposed in the housing, wherein the bracket assembly is located between the atomization assembly and the bottom of the housing, the sensing passageway and the air inlet passageway are formed in the bracket assembly, the bracket assembly is also provided with a straight hole, the air inlet passageway is communicated with the atomization chamber through the straight hole, one end of the sensing passageway is communicated with the atomization chamber through the straight hole, and the sensing element is disposed at the other end of the sensing passageway; in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the end face of the air inlet end, and the end face of the air inlet end is the interface between the straight hole and the sensing passageway.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the height direction of the housing, a portion of the sensing passageway is bent into an inverted U-shape ('∩') within the bracket assembly, and the sensing passageway located at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the end face of the air inlet end. This structural arrangement prevents condensate from naturally overcoming gravity to flow over the inverted U-shaped section of the sensing passageway, thus preventing it from reaching the location of the sensing element.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a first cover, the first cover is provided with the straight hole, the bracket is provided with an air inlet hole in the thickness direction, the bracket is provided with a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other along the thickness direction, the first cover is disposed over the first surface and covers the air inlet hole, and the first cover, the first surface and the air inlet hole are enclosed together to form the air inlet passageway.

[0012] In one embodiment, the bracket assembly further comprises a second cover, the bracket is also provided with an air passage hole in the thickness direction, the sensing passageway comprises a first sensing passageway and a second sensing passageway, the first cover covers the air passage hole from the first surface, wherein the first cover, the first surface and the air passage hole are enclosed to form the first sensing passageway, the second cover is disposed over the second surface and covers the air passage hole, the second cover and the second surface are enclosed to form the second sensing passageway, one end of the second sensing passageway is communicated with the first sensing passageway through the air passage hole, and the sensing element is disposed at the other end of the second sensing passageway.

[0013] In one embodiment, a protruding rib protrudes from the first surface of the bracket, surrounding the edge of the air passage hole, in the height direction of the housing, the protruding rib extends into the first sensing passageway to make the first sensing passageway bent into an inverted U-shape, and the sensing passageway located at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the end face of the air inlet end. This structural arrangement prevents condensate from naturally overcoming gravity to flow over the inverted U-shaped section of the first sensing passageway, thus preventing it from reaching the location of the sensing element.

[0014] In one embodiment, an accommodation recess is formed on the second surface of the bracket, the air passage hole is provided in recess wall of the accommodation recess, the second cover is embedded in the accommodation recess and is enclosed with the groove wall of the accommodation recess to form the second sensing passageway, the sensing element is embedded in the second cover, and the sensing element has a first detection surface and a second detection surface, wherein the first detection surface is communicated with the second sensing passageway, and the second detection surface is communicated with the external environment. The first detection surface of the sensing element is communicated with the atomization chamber through the sensing passageway. When a user puffs, a negative pressure appears on the first detection surface of the sensing element, that is, a pressure difference appears between the first detection surface and the second detection surface. The sensing element can control the atomization device to start working after detecting this pressure change.

[0015] In one embodiment, a groove is provided on the side of the second cover facing the air passage hole, one end of the groove is communicated with the air passage hole, the other end of the groove is communicated with the first detection surface of the sensing element, and the groove and the wall of the accommodation recess together enclose to form the second sensing passageway.

[0016] In one embodiment, a sensing hole communicating with the groove is opened through the second cover, and the sensing element is embedded in the sensing hole; in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the second sensing passageway is lower than the first detection surface of the sensing element.

[0017] In one embodiment, in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the air inlet passageway is higher than the interface between the atomization chamber and the air inlet passageway. It can be understood that when the atomization device is placed vertically along the height direction or is roughly held by the user along the height direction, substances with higher density such as condensate (e.g., e-liquid, water droplets) in the atomization chamber are prone to flow downward to the lower air inlet passageway under the action of gravity. In another possible use scenario, a user may blow back into the atomization chamber from the air outlet end during puffing, and substances such as condensate in the atomization chamber are also prone to flow to the lower air inlet passageway. In the present application, at least a portion of the air inlet passageway is higher than the interface between the atomization chamber and the air inlet passageway. This means that after the condensate enters the air inlet passageway from the atomization chamber, the condensate cannot overcome gravity to pass over the elevated section of the air inlet passageway and flow out from the air inlet hole, which can largely prevent the occurrence of e-liquid leakage, condensate leakage, and the like, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the height direction of the housing, a portion of the air inlet passageway is bent into an inverted U-shape within the bracket assembly, and the air inlet passageway located at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the interface between the atomization chamber and the air inlet passageway. This structural arrangement prevents condensate from naturally overcoming gravity to pass over the inverted U-shaped portion of the air inlet passageway, thus preventing it from flowing out from the air inlet hole, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0019] The present application also relates to an aerosol generation device, which comprises a power supply assembly and the atomization device from any of the above embodiments, wherein the atomization device is electrically connected to the power supply assembly. This aerosol generation device can be a split-type electronic cigarette, where the atomization device can refer to a cigarette cartridge, and the power supply device can refer to a cigarette rod with a power supply. For the user, the atomization device and the power supply device can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for replacement of the atomization device. The aerosol generation device can also be considered an integrated electronic cigarette, such as a disposable e-cigarette, where both the atomization assembly and the power supply assembly are built into the same housing.

[0020] The aforementioned aerosol generation device may be provided with the atomization device described in the above embodiments, and therefore, it also comprises at least the following beneficial effects: during the use of the atomization device, external air can enter the air inlet end of the atomization chamber from the air inlet passageway, and then the aerosol generated in the atomization chamber flows out from the air outlet end for the user to puff. When the user puffs, the airflow near the air inlet end of the atomization chamber flows, i.e., the airflow or air pressure changes, meaning a negative pressure appears at the end of the sensing passageway close to the air inlet end. The sensing element at the other end of the sensing passageway can detect this airflow change and control the atomization device to start working. During the use of the atomization device, condensate may be generated in its atomization chamber. It can be understood that when the atomization device is placed vertically along the height direction or is roughly held by the user along the height direction, substances with higher density such as condensate in the atomization chamber are prone to flow downward to the lower air inlet end under the action of gravity. In another possible use scenario, the user may blow back into the atomization chamber from the air outlet end during puffing, and substances such as condensate in the atomization chamber are also prone to flow downward to the lower air inlet end. In the present application, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the air inlet end of the atomization chamber, which means that substances such as condensate flowing out of the air inlet end of the atomization chamber cannot directly flow through the sensing passageway and contact the sensing element. In other words, the condensate and other substances cannot overcome gravity to pass over the section of the sensing passageway that is higher than the air inlet end of the atomization chamber, so substances such as condensate cannot flow from one end of the sensing passageway to the location of the sensing element at the other end, thereby avoiding contact between the sensing element and substances such as condensate as much as possible. This arrangement can, on the one hand, avoid the sensing element being accidentally activated, and on the other hand, avoid the sensing element being corroded, thereby extending the life of the sensing element and preventing its detection sensitivity from decreasing or failing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or conventional technology of the present application, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments or conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional structural view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional structural view of a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic view of a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic view of a second surface of a bracket, a second cover, and a sensing element according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference signs:

[0022] 11. Atomization device; 12. Power supply assembly; 100. Housing; 110. Top cover; 111. Mouthpiece; 120. Main body; 130. Bottom cover; 200. Atomization assembly; 210. Upper sealing cap; 220. Oil storage tube; 230. Oil storage member; 240. Atomization tube; 250. Atomization chamber; 251. Air inlet end; 252. Air outlet end; 260. Heating core; 300. Bracket assembly; 310. First cover; 311. Straight hole; 312. Limiting rib; 320. Second cover; 321. Groove; 322. Sensing hole; 330. Bracket; 331. First surface; 332. Second surface; 3321. Accommodation recess; 333. Air inlet hole; 334. Air passage hole; 3341. Protruding rib; 340. Air inlet passageway; 350. Sensing passageway; 351. First sensing passageway; 352. Second sensing passageway; 500. Sensing element; 510. First detection surface; 520. Second detection surface; a. Interface; H. Height direction.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and easier to understand, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the present application provides an atomization device 11, as shown in Figure 3, which comprises a housing 100, an atomization assembly 200, an air inlet passageway 340, a sensing passageway 350, and a sensing element 500. The atomization assembly 200 is located within the housing 100. The atomization assembly 200 has an atomization chamber 250 formed therethrough for generating aerosols. The atomization chamber 250 has an air outlet end 252 and an air inlet end 251 in the height direction H of the housing 100, and the air inlet end 251 is located below the air outlet end 252. The air inlet passageway 340 communicates with the air inlet end 251 to supply air to the atomization chamber 250. One end of the sensing passageway 350 communicates with the air inlet end 251, and the sensing element 500 is provided at the other end of the sensing passageway 350. In one embodiment, the sensing passageway 350 may be in direct communication with the air inlet end 251. In another embodiment, one end of the sensing passageway 350 may be indirectly connected to the air inlet end 251 through the air inlet passageway 340, which means the sensing passageway 350 shares a part of the air passage with the air inlet passageway 340, but the sensing passageway 350 is not used for air intake and exhaust. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in the height direction H of the housing 100, at least a portion of the sensing passageway 350 is higher than the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250. The sensing element 500 is configured to actuate the atomization assembly 200 to operate when a change in the airflow at the air inlet end 251 is detected. For example, the sensing element 500 can be a microphone or the like.

[0025] In the aforementioned atomization device 11, when a user puffs, as shown in Figure 3, external air can enter the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 from the air inlet passageway 340 and then carry the aerosols generated within the atomization chamber 250 to flow out from the air outlet end 252 for the user to puff. During this process, when the user puffs, the airflow near the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 changes, i.e., the airflow or air pressure changes. That is, negative pressure appears at the end of the sensing passageway 350 close to the air inlet end 251, and the sensing element 500 at the other end of the sensing passageway 350 can detect this airflow change and control the atomization device 11 to start operating. During the use of the atomization device 11, condensate may be generated inside its atomization chamber 250. It is understood that when the atomization device 11 is placed vertically along the height direction H or is held by a user roughly along the height direction H, substances with higher density, such as condensate, in the atomization chamber 250 are prone to flow downward to the air inlet end 251 under the action of gravity. In another possible usage scenario, a user may blow back into the atomization chamber 250 from the air outlet end 252 during the puff process, in which case substances such as condensate in the atomization chamber 250 are also prone to flow downward to the air inlet end 251. However, in the present application, at least a portion of the sensing passageway 350 is higher than the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250, which means that substances such as condensate flowing out from the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 cannot directly flow through the sensing passageway 350 and contact the sensing element 500. In other words, substances such as condensate cannot overcome gravity to pass over the portion of the sensing passageway 350 that is higher than the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250. Thus, substances such as condensate cannot flow from one end of the sensing passageway 350 to the location of the sensing element 500 at the other end, thereby avoiding contact between the sensing element 500 and substances such as condensate as much as possible. This arrangement, on the one hand, can prevent the sensing element 500 from accidental self-activation, and on the other hand, can prevent the sensing element 500 from being corroded, thereby extending the lifespan of the sensing element 500 and preventing a decrease in its detection sensitivity or failure.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in some embodiments, in the height direction H of the housing 100, at least a portion of the sensing passageway 350 is higher than the end face of the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250. The end face of the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 can be regarded as the interface a between the atomization chamber 250 and the sensing passageway 350.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, in some embodiments, the atomization device 11 also comprises a bracket assembly 300 located within the housing 100. As shown in Figure 3, the bracket assembly 300 is located between the atomization assembly 200 and the bottom of the housing 100. The sensing passageway 350 and the air inlet passageway 340 are formed within the bracket assembly 300. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, a straight hole 311 is also opened in the bracket assembly 300. The air inlet passageway 340 communicates with the atomization chamber 250 through the straight hole 311. One end of the sensing passageway 350 communicates with the atomization chamber 250 through the straight hole 311, and the sensing element 500 is provided at the other end of the sensing passageway 350. The interface a between the straight hole 311 and the sensing passageway 350 can be regarded as the interface a between the atomization chamber 250 and the sensing passageway 350, that is, it can be regarded as the end face of the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, in some embodiments, in the height direction H of the housing 100, a portion of the sensing passageway 350 is bent into an inverted U-shape ('∩') within the bracket assembly 300, and the portion of the sensing passageway 350 at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the end face of the air inlet end 251. This structural arrangement means that condensate cannot flow over the inverted U-shaped portion of the sensing passageway 350 under the influence of gravity alone, and thus cannot reach the location of the sensing element 500.

[0028] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the air inlet passageway 340 can refer to an independent structure for conducting gas, such as an independent tubular structure, i.e., the air inlet passageway 340 is not be formed by the housing 100 or the bracket assembly 300. In other embodiments, the air inlet passageway 340 can also be enclosed by at least one of the bracket assembly 300 and the housing 100. Similarly, in some embodiments, the sensing passageway 350 can also refer to an independent structure, such as an independent tubular structure, i.e., the sensing passageway 350 is not formed by the housing 100 or the bracket assembly 300. In other embodiments, the sensing passageway 350 can also be enclosed by at least one of the bracket assembly 300 and the housing 100.

[0029] More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, in some embodiments, the bracket assembly 300 comprises a bracket 330, a first cover 310, and a second cover 320. The first cover 310 and the second cover 320 may be made of materials such as silicone.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, a straight hole 311 is opened on the first cover 310. An air inlet hole 333 is opened in the bracket 330 along the thickness direction. The bracket 330 has a first surface 331 and a second surface 332 disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction. The first cover 310 is disposed over the first surface 331 and covers the air inlet hole 333. The first cover 310, the first surface 331, and the air inlet hole 333 are enclosed together to form the air inlet passageway 340. An air passage hole 334 is also opened in the bracket 330 along the thickness direction. The sensing passageway 350 comprises a first sensing passageway 351 and a second sensing passageway 352. The first cover 310 covers the air passage hole 334 from the first surface 331. The first cover 310, the first surface 331, and the air passage hole 334 are enclosed to form the first sensing passageway 351. The second cover 320 is disposed over the second surface 332 and covers the air passage hole 334. The second cover 320 and the second surface 332 are enclosed to form the second sensing passageway 352. One end of the second sensing passageway 352 communicates with the first sensing passageway 351 through the air passage hole 334, and the sensing element 500 is provided at the other end of the second sensing passageway 352. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments, a protruding rib 3341 protrudes from the first surface 331 of the bracket 330, surrounding the edge of the air passage hole 334. In the height direction H of the housing 100, the protruding rib 3341 extends into the first sensing passageway 351, causing it to bend into an inverted U-shape, with the apex of the inverted U-shaped sensing channel 350 positioned higher than the end face of the air inlet end 251. It is appreciated that at least the top surface of the protruding rib 3341 is higher than the end face of the air inlet end 251. The end face of the air inlet end 251 can be regarded as the interface a between the straight hole 311 and the first sensing passageway 351. This structural arrangement prevents condensate from naturally overcoming gravity to flow over the inverted U-shaped section of the first sensing passageway 351, thus preventing it from reaching the location of the sensing element 500.

[0031] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the second surface 332 of the bracket 330 is provided with an accommodation recess 3321. The air passage hole 334 is opened in recess wall of the accommodation recess 3321. The second cover 320 is embedded in the accommodation recess 3321 and is enclosed with the groove wall of the accommodation recess 3321 to form the second sensing passageway 352. The sensing element 500 is embedded in the second cover 320. The sensing element 500 has a first detection surface 510 and a second detection surface 520. The first detection surface 510 communicates with the second sensing passageway 352, and the second detection surface 520 communicates with the external environment. The first detection surface 510 of the sensing element 500 communicates with the atomization chamber 250 through the sensing passageway 350, so when a user puffs, the first detection surface 510 of the sensing element 500 can quickly detect a change in air pressure.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments, a groove 321 is provided on the side of the second cover 320 that faces the air passage hole 334. One end of the groove 321 communicates with the air passage hole 334. The other end of the groove 321 communicates with the first detection surface 510 of the sensing element 500. The groove 321 and the wall of the accommodation recess 3321 together enclose to form the second sensing passageway 352. Moreover, as shown in Figure 6, in some embodiments, a sensing hole 322 that communicates with the groove 321 is opened through the second cover 320, and the sensing element 500 is embedded in the sensing hole 322. In the height direction H of the housing 100, at least a portion of the second sensing passageway 352 is lower than the first detection surface 510 of the sensing element 500.

[0033] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, in some embodiments, in the height direction H of the housing 100, at least a portion of the air inlet passageway 340 is higher than the interface a between the atomization chamber 250 and the air inlet passageway 340. It is understood that when the atomization device 11 is placed vertically along the height direction H or is held by a user roughly along the height direction H, substances with higher density, such as condensate (e.g., e-liquid, water droplets), in the atomization chamber 250 are prone to flow downward to the air inlet passageway 340 under the action of gravity. In another possible usage scenario, a user may blow back into the atomization chamber 250 from the air outlet end 252 during the puff process, in which case substances such as condensate in the atomization chamber 250 are also prone to flow downward to the air inlet passageway 340. However, in the present application, at least a portion of the air inlet passageway 340 is higher than the interface a between the atomization chamber 250 and the air inlet passageway 340. This means that after condensate enters the air inlet passageway 340 from the atomization chamber 250, it cannot overcome gravity to pass over the elevated section of air inlet passageway 340 and flow out from the air inlet hole 333. This arrangement can, to a great extent, prevent the occurrence of e-liquid leakage, condensate leakage, and the like, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0034] Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 5, in the height direction H of the housing 100, a portion of the air inlet passageway 340 is bent into an inverted U-shape ('∩') within the bracket assembly 300, and the portion of the air inlet passageway 340 around the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the interface a between the atomization chamber 250 and the air inlet passageway 340. This structural arrangement prevents condensate from naturally overcoming gravity to pass over the inverted U-shaped portion of the air inlet passageway 340, thus preventing it from flowing out from the air inlet hole 333, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the atomization assembly 200 comprises an upper sealing cap 210, an oil storage tube 220, an oil storage member 230, an atomization tube 240, and a heating core 260. The atomization tube 240 is hollow inside, forming at least a portion of the atomization chamber 250. The heating core 260 is disposed within the atomization chamber 250. The oil storage member 230 and the oil storage tube 220 are sequentially sleeved around the atomization tube 240 in the radial direction from inside to outside, i.e., the oil storage member 230 is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the atomization tube 240, and the oil storage tube 220 is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the oil storage member 230. An atomization medium can be stored in the oil storage member 230. The oil storage member 230 can supply the atomization medium to the atomization chamber 250 of the atomization tube 240. The heating core 260 within the atomization tube 240 can heat the atomization medium to generate aerosols for the user to puff. As shown in Figure 1, the upper sealing cap 210 is capped on the top of the oil storage tube 220. The bottom of the oil storage tube 220 is sleeved over the outer peripheral surface of the first cover 310, i.e., the side of the first cover 310 facing away from the bracket 330 is embedded in the bottom of the oil storage tube 220. The first cover 310, the oil storage tube 220, and the upper sealing cap 210 are enclosed together to form a cavity for accommodating the oil storage member 230, atomization tube 240, and heating core 260 within. The end of the atomization tube 240 closer to the first cover 310 is embedded in the straight hole 311 of the first cover 310, thus the interconnected straight hole 311 and the inner space of the atomization tube 240 can be regarded as the atomization chamber 250. More specifically, to improve the connection reliability between the atomization tube 240 and the first cover 310, the outer peripheral surface of the first cover 310 can also be provided with a limiting rib 312 as shown in Figure 6. The first cover 310 can be made of an elastic material such as silicone. When the oil storage tube 220 is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the first cover 310, the elastic limiting rib 312 on the outer peripheral surface of the first cover 310 can form an interference fit with the inner side of the oil storage tube 220, thereby improving the connection reliability between the first cover 310 and the oil storage tube 220.

[0036] In addition, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the present application also relates to an aerosol generation device, which comprises a power supply assembly 12 and the atomization device 11 of any of the above embodiments. The atomization device 11 is electrically connected to the power supply assembly 12. This aerosol generation device can be a split-type electronic cigarette, that is, the atomization device 11 can refer to a cigarette cartridge, and the power supply device can refer to a cigarette rod with a power supply. For users, the atomization device 11 and the power supply device can be easily disassembled and assembled, and the atomization device 11 can be replaced.

[0037] The aerosol generation device can also be considered an integrated electronic cigarette, that is, a disposable electronic cigarette, and it can be considered that the atomization assembly 200 and the power supply assembly 12 are both built into the same housing 100. For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, in some embodiments, the housing 100 can be divided into a top cover 110 with a mouthpiece 111, a main body 120, and a bottom cover 130. The top cover 110, the main body 120, and the bottom cover 130 can be coupled together to enclose and form a cavity for accommodating the atomization device 11 and the power supply assembly 12.

[0038] The aforementioned aerosol generation device may be provided with the atomization device 11 of any of the above embodiments, and therefore also comprises at least the following beneficial effects: During the use of the atomization device 11, external air can enter the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 from the air inlet passageway 340, and then carry the aerosols generated within the atomization chamber 250 to flow out from the air outlet end 252 for the user to puff. When the user puffs, the airflow near the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 changes, i.e., the airflow or air pressure changes. That is, negative pressure appears at the end of the sensing passageway 350 close to the air inlet end 251, and the sensing element 500 at the other end of the sensing passageway 350 can detect this airflow change and control the atomization device 11 to start operating. During the use of the atomization device 11, condensate may be generated inside its atomization chamber 250. It is understood that when the atomization device 11 is placed vertically along the height direction H or is held by a user roughly along the height direction H, substances with higher density, such as condensate, in the atomization chamber 250 are prone to flow downward to the air inlet end 251 under the action of gravity. In another possible usage scenario, a user may blow back into the atomization chamber 250 from the air outlet end 252 during the puff process, in which case substances such as condensate in the atomization chamber 250 are also prone to flow downward to the air inlet end 251. However, in the present application, at least a portion of the sensing passageway 350 is higher than the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250. This means that substances such as condensate flowing out from the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250 cannot directly flow through the sensing passageway 350 and contact the sensing element 500. In other words, substances such as condensate cannot overcome gravity to pass over the portion of the sensing passageway 350 that is higher than the air inlet end 251 of the atomization chamber 250. Thus, substances such as condensate cannot flow from one end of the sensing passageway 350 to the location of the sensing element 500 at the other end, thereby avoiding contact between the sensing element 500 and substances such as condensate as much as possible. This arrangement, on the one hand, can prevent the sensing element 500 from accidental self-activation, and on the other hand, can prevent the sensing element 500 from being corroded, thereby extending the lifespan of the sensing element 500 and preventing a decrease in its detection sensitivity or failure.

[0039] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To simplify the description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments have been described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered within the scope of the present specification.

[0040] The embodiments described above only express several implementation modes of the present invention. Although the description is more specific and detailed, it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the patent for invention. It should be pointed out that for a person of ordinary skill in the art, a number of modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the appended claims.

[0041] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "length," "width," "thickness," "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," and the like, as well as the orientation or positional relationships indicated, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the figures. These terms are used only for descriptive convenience and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element being referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, these terms should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0042] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature qualified by "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0043] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, the first feature being "on" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, the first feature being "above," "above," and "on top of" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or it may simply mean that the horizontal height of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below," "below," and "underneath" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or it may simply mean that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0044] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and defined, terms such as "installed," "connected," "fixed," and the like shall be broadly understood. For example, they may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; they may be an internal communication between two elements or an interactive relationship between two elements, unless otherwise expressly defined. For a person of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on," "fixed to," or "arranged on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element present. When an element is considered "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present at the same time. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for the purpose of illustration only and do not indicate the only possible embodiments.

[0046] In the description of this specification, reference to terms such as "an embodiment," "other embodiments," and the like means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. The descriptive references to the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of this application.

Claims

1. An atomization device, <b>characterized in that, it comprises: a housing; an atomization assembly, disposed in the housing, wherein the atomization assembly is provided with an atomization chamber for generating aerosol, and the atomization chamber is formed through the atomization assembly, the atomization chamber has an air outlet end and an air inlet end along the height direction of the housing, and the air inlet end is lower than the air outlet end; an air inlet passageway, wherein the air inlet passageway is communicated with the air inlet end for air intake to the atomization chamber; a sensing passageway and a sensing element, wherein one end of the sensing passageway is communicated with the air inlet end, and the sensing element is disposed at the other end of the sensing passageway; in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the air inlet end; and the sensing element is configured to actuate the atomization assembly to operate when detecting a change in airflow at the air inlet end.

2. The atomization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than end face of the air inlet end, and the end face of the air inlet end is an interface between the atomization chamber and the sensing passageway.

3. The atomization device according to claim 1, <b>characterized in that, the atomization device further comprises a bracket assembly disposed in the housing, wherein the bracket assembly is located between the atomization assembly and the bottom of the housing, the sensing passageway and the air inlet passageway are formed in the bracket assembly, the bracket assembly is also provided with a straight hole, the air inlet passageway is communicated with the atomization chamber through the straight hole, one end of the sensing passageway is communicated with the atomization chamber through the straight hole, and the sensing element is disposed at the other end of the sensing passageway; in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the sensing passageway is higher than the end face of the air inlet end, and the end face of the air inlet end is the interface between the straight hole and the sensing passageway.

4. The atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the height direction of the housing, a portion of the sensing passageway is bent into an inverted U-shape within the bracket assembly, and the sensing passageway located at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the end face of the air inlet end.

5. The atomization device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a first cover, the first cover is provided with the straight hole, the bracket is provided with an air inlet hole in the thickness direction, the bracket is provided with a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other along the thickness direction, the first cover is disposed over the first surface and covers the air inlet hole, and the first cover, the first surface and the air inlet hole are enclosed together to form the air inlet passageway.

6. The atomization device according to claim 5, characterized in that, the bracket assembly further comprises a second cover, the bracket is also provided with an air passage hole in the thickness direction, the sensing passageway comprises a first sensing passageway and a second sensing passageway, the first cover covers the air passage hole from the first surface, wherein the first cover, the first surface and the air passage hole are enclosed to form the first sensing passageway, the second cover is disposed over the second surface and covers the air passage hole, the second cover and the second surface are enclosed to form the second sensing passageway, one end of the second sensing passageway is communicated with the first sensing passageway through the air passage hole, and the sensing element is disposed at the other end of the second sensing passageway.

7. The atomization device according to claim 6, characterized in that, a protruding rib protrudes from the first surface of the bracket, surrounding the edge of the air passage hole, in the height direction of the housing, the protruding rib extends into the first sensing passageway to make the first sensing passageway bent into an inverted U-shape, and the sensing passageway located at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the end face of the air inlet end.

8. The atomization device according to claim 6, characterized in that, an accommodation recess is formed on the second surface of the bracket, the air passage hole is provided in bottom of the accommodation recess, the second cover is embedded in the accommodation recess and is enclosed with the groove wall of the accommodation recess to form the second sensing passageway, the sensing element is embedded in the second cover, and the sensing element has a first detection surface and a second detection surface, wherein the first detection surface is communicated with the second sensing passageway, and the second detection surface is communicated with the external environment.

9. The atomization device according to claim 8, characterized in that, a groove is provided on the side of the second cover facing the air passage hole, one end of the groove is communicated with the air passage hole, the other end of the groove is communicated with the first detection surface of the sensing element, and the groove and the wall of the accommodation recess together enclose to form the second sensing passageway.

10. The atomization device according to claim 9, <b>characterized in that, it further comprises at least one of the following technical features: a sensing hole communicating with the groove is opened through the second cover, and the sensing element is embedded in the sensing hole; in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the second sensing passageway is lower than the first detection surface of the sensing element.

11. The atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the air inlet passageway is higher than the interface between the atomization chamber and the air inlet passageway.

12. The atomization device according to claim 11, characterized in that, in the height direction of the housing, a portion of the air inlet passageway is bent into an inverted U-shape within the bracket assembly, and the air inlet passageway located at the apex of the inverted U-shape is higher than the interface between the atomization chamber and the air inlet passageway.

13. An aerosol generation device, characterized in that, it comprises a power supply assembly and the atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the atomization device is electrically connected with the power supply assembly.

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