Electronic atomization device and control method

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an electronic atomization device and a control method. The electronic atomization device comprises: a liquid storage cavity, which is configured to store a liquid matrix; a first conductive tubular element at least partially extending in the liquid storage cavity; an atomization assembly, which is configured to receive the liquid matrix from the liquid storage cavity and atomize the liquid matrix to generate an aerosol; a second conductive tubular element at least partially arranged around the first tubular element in the liquid storage cavity, the second tubular element and the first tubular element being spaced apart from each other to form a capacitor therebetween; and a circuit, which is configured to determine the amount of the liquid matrix in the liquid storage cavity by measuring the electrical quantity of the capacitor. In the electronic atomization device, the capacitor at least having one electrode constituted by the first tubular element for accommodating the atomization assembly is configured in the electronic atomization device, and the amount of the liquid matrix in the liquid storage cavity is determined by measuring the electrical quantity of the capacitor.

Description

Electronic atomization device and control method

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410720959.6, filed on June 4, 2024, and entitled “Electronic atomization device and control method”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic atomization, and in particular to an electronic atomization device and a control method. BACKGROUND

[0004] Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these burning tobacco products by creating products that release compounds without burning.

[0005] Examples of such products are heat-not-burn devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. For example, the material can be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine. As another example, the prior art exists of aerosol provision devices, such as so-called electronic atomization devices, which typically comprise a reservoir for storing a liquid that is heated to cause it to vaporize, thereby generating an inhalable aerosol; the liquid can comprise nicotine and / or a flavorant and / or an aerosol generating substance (e.g. glycerol). Known electronic atomization devices, by arranging two opposing electrodes within the reservoir, are used to compose a capacitor to determine the remaining amount of liquid.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] One embodiment of the present application provides an electronic atomization device comprising:

[0008] a reservoir for storing a liquid substrate;

[0009] a first electrically conductive tubular element extending at least partially within the reservoir;

[0010] an atomization assembly for receiving the liquid substrate originating from the reservoir and for atomizing the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

[0011] a second electrically conductive tubular element arranged at least partially within the reservoir around the first tubular element; the second tubular element is arranged spaced apart from the first tubular element to form a capacitor between the second tubular element and the first tubular element;

[0012] circuitry configured to determine an amount of liquid medium in the reservoir based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrical quantity comprises a capacitance value of the capacitor.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first tubular element and / or the second tubular element comprises or is made of a metal or an alloy.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first tubular element and the second tubular element are arranged coaxially.

[0016] In some embodiments, a distance between the first tubular element and the second tubular element is between 1 mm and 6 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0018] a proximal end and a distal end opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction; the reservoir comprising a first side proximal to the proximal end and a second side proximal to the distal end;

[0019] the first tubular element and the second tubular element are arranged proximal to or at the second side of the reservoir.

[0020] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0021] a liquid retaining element at least partially between the first tubular element and the second tubular element for absorbing and retaining at least part of the liquid medium of the reservoir.

[0022] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0023] a housing;

[0024] the second tubular element is arranged to be coupled to or retained by the housing.

[0025] In some embodiments, a length of the first tubular element and / or the second tubular element is greater than 6 mm.

[0026] In some embodiments, the reservoir comprises a first space and a second space, the second space being defined between the first tubular element and the second tubular element, the liquid retaining element filling at least part of the second space.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second space is adjacent to the atomization assembly, and the liquid retaining element does not extend into the first space.

[0028] In some embodiments, the atomization assembly comprises a heating element, the heating element belonging to at least part of the first tubular element.

[0029] In some embodiments, the circuit is further configured to determine the amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber by comparing the electrical quantity of the capacitor to a preset threshold.

[0030] In some embodiments, the circuit is further configured to determine a deficiency or depletion of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber according to the electrical quantity of the capacitor being below a minimum threshold, and to prevent power from being provided to the atomization assembly according to the deficiency or depletion of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber.

[0031] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0032] a tilt sensor for sensing an orientation of the liquid storage chamber to determine a tilt angle of the electronic atomization device and / or the liquid storage chamber;

[0033] the circuit is configured to detect the electrical quantity of the capacitor to determine the amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber when the tilt angle of the electronic atomization device and / or the liquid storage chamber is less than a predetermined angle.

[0034] In some embodiments, the tilt sensor comprises a gyroscope or a gravity acceleration sensor.

[0035] Yet another embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic atomization device, comprising:

[0036] a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid substrate;

[0037] an atomization assembly for receiving the liquid substrate from the liquid storage chamber and atomizing the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

[0038] a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element arranged in parallel or coaxially, the second electrically conductive element being arranged spaced apart from the first electrically conductive element to form a capacitor between the second electrically conductive element and the first electrically conductive element;

[0039] the liquid storage chamber comprises a first space and a second space, the second space being defined between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element and adjacent to the atomization assembly;

[0040] a liquid retaining element filling at least a portion of the second space and not extending into the first space;

[0041] a circuit configured to determine the amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber based on detecting the electrical quantity of the capacitor.

[0042] Yet another embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic atomization device, comprising:

[0043] a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid substrate;

[0044] a tubular element;

[0045] a heating element located within the tubular element and configured as a cylinder extending along a longitudinal direction of the tubular element for heating a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

[0046] a liquid guiding element located between the tubular element and the heating element for holding a portion of the liquid substrate and conducting the liquid substrate to the heating element;

[0047] the tubular element is a conductor to form a capacitor between the tubular element and the heating element;

[0048] a circuit configured to determine an amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid guiding element based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor.

[0049] Yet another embodiment of the present application also proposes a control method of an electronic atomization device, the electronic atomization device comprising:

[0050] a liquid storage cavity for storing a liquid substrate;

[0051] a first tubular element of electric conduction extending at least partially within the liquid storage cavity;

[0052] an atomization assembly arranged within the first tubular element and configured to receive the liquid substrate of the liquid storage cavity and atomize the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol;

[0053] a second tubular element of electric conduction arranged at least partially within the liquid storage cavity and surrounding the first tubular element; the second tubular element is arranged spaced apart from the first tubular element to form a capacitor between the second tubular element and the first tubular element;

[0054] the control method comprises:

[0055] determining an amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor;

[0056] controlling to provide power to the atomization assembly according to the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity.

[0057] For example, in some embodiments, the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity is determined by comparing the electrical quantity of the capacitor with a preset threshold.

[0058] In some embodiments, the insufficiency or depletion of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity is determined according to the electrical quantity of the capacitor being lower than a minimum threshold, and the provision of power to the atomization assembly is prevented according to the insufficiency or depletion of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity.

[0059] The electronic atomization device above, by constructing a capacitor in the electronic atomization device, at least with the first tubular element containing the atomization assembly as one of the electrodes, and by detecting the electrical quantity of the capacitor to determine the amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that form a part of this disclosure and which are shown by way of illustration in the figures. Like references indicate similar elements in the drawings and words of reference set out in the claims are directed to the parts by the same reference numerals in the drawings. The drawings are not to scale and are not intended for use in construction of the embodiments.

[0061] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic atomization device according to an embodiment;

[0062] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomizer according to an embodiment;

[0063] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit according to an embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an atomizer according to another embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to another embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a heating element according to another embodiment;

[0067] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of controlling the output power by detecting the electrical quantity of the capacitor according to an embodiment;

[0068] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an atomizer according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present application, the present application will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0070] One embodiment of the present application proposes an electronic atomization device, which can be seen from FIG. 1, comprising an atomizer 100 storing a liquid substrate and atomizing the liquid substrate to generate aerosol, and a power supply mechanism 200 supplying power to the atomizer 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the atomizer 100 and the power supply mechanism 200 of the electronic atomization device are detachable relative to each other; the electronic atomization device having such a detachable atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 relative to each other forms, for example, a so-called "replaceable cartridge" electronic atomization device. Or in some other variant embodiments, the atomizer 100 and the power supply mechanism 200 of the electronic atomization device are fastened, wrapped and fixed by the housing components of the electronic atomization device, so that the atomizer 100 and the power supply mechanism 200 cannot be detached relative to each other from the inside of the housing components. The electronic atomization device having such an atomizer 100 and power supply mechanism 200 relative to each other cannot be detached forms, for example, a so-called "integrated or disposable" electronic atomization device.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply mechanism 200 comprises a receiving cavity 270 arranged at one end in 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 in the power supply mechanism 200.

[0072] The power supply mechanism 200 is provided with a sealing member 260, and at least a portion of the internal space of the power supply mechanism 200 is separated by the sealing member 260 to form the above-mentioned receiving cavity 270. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sealing member 260 is configured to extend in the cross-sectional direction of the power supply mechanism 200, and is preferably made of a flexible material, thereby preventing the liquid substrate flowing from the atomizer 100 to the components such as the circuit board 220, the airflow sensor 250, etc. in the interior of the power supply mechanism 200.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power supply mechanism 200 further comprises an electrical core 210 for supplying power at the other end in the length direction away from the receiving cavity 270; and a circuit board 220 arranged between the electrical core 210 and the receiving cavity 270, the circuit board 220 being provided with or integrated with a circuit 2201, so that the circuit board 220 is operable to guide current between the electrical core 210 and the electrical contact 230.

[0074] In use, the power supply mechanism 200 comprises an airflow sensor 250 for sensing the suction airflow generated when the atomizer 100 is puffed, and the circuit board 220 controls the electrical core 210 to output current to the atomizer 100 according to the detection signal of the airflow sensor 250.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power 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.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an atomizer according to an embodiment, in which the atomizer 100 comprises:

[0077] The housing 10 defines the external surface of the atomizer 100 and is made of a rigid material such as ceramic, polymer plastic, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 is substantially cylindrical. The housing 10 has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite in the longitudinal direction. According to the usual use, the proximal end 110 is configured as the end for the user to inhale the aerosol, and a gas outlet 113 for the user to inhale is provided at the proximal end 110. The distal end 120 is configured to be combined with the power mechanism 200, and the distal end 120 of the housing 10 is open. The open structure is used to install the necessary functional components inside the housing 10.

[0078] According to FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 10 is provided with a liquid storage cavity 112 for storing the liquid substrate, and an atomization assembly 34 for drawing the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity 112 and heating the atomized liquid substrate. The housing 10 is provided with an aerosol output tube 111 extending in the longitudinal direction. The space between the outer surface of the aerosol output tube 111 and the inner surface of the housing 10 forms part of the liquid storage cavity 112. The aerosol output tube 111 is located at one end of the proximal end 110 and is in communication with the gas outlet 113, so as to transmit the generated aerosol to the gas outlet 113 for inhalation. According to FIG. 2, the aerosol output tube 111 and the housing 10 are integrally molded with a moldable material, so that the liquid storage cavity 112 formed after preparation is closed on the side facing the proximal end 110 and open on the side facing the distal end 120.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 2, the atomizer 100 further comprises:

[0080] The first tubular element 14 extends in the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100. The first tubular element 14 is at least partially arranged to extend within the liquid storage cavity 112. In FIG. 2, the first tubular element 14 is at least partially located between the aerosol output tube 111 and the distal end 120. In the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100, the first tubular element 14 is coaxially arranged with the aerosol output tube 111, and the first tubular element 14 is in airflow connection with the aerosol output tube 111.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the first tubular element 14 is a separate component, preferably made of a relatively thin rigid material; the first tubular element 14 is a conductor, for example the first tubular element 14 is made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, etc. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the upper end of the first tubular element 14 is connected with the aerosol output tube 111 after assembly. Specifically, a flexible sealing element 15 is arranged between the first tubular element 14 and the aerosol output tube 111, thereby providing a seal therebetween. In some embodiments, the flexible sealing element 15 is made of flexible silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. Alternatively, in yet other variant embodiments, the rigid first tubular element 14 is at least partially surrounded and bonded to the aerosol output tube 111 by swaging or the like, and a seal is formed between them by swaging or interference fit, etc.; and there is no flexible sealing element between the rigid first tubular element 14 and the aerosol output tube 111.

[0082] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, a liquid storage cavity 112 for storing the liquid substrate is defined between the outer surface of the aerosol output tube 111, the outer surface of the first tubular element 14 and the inner surface of the housing 10 after assembly.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, an atomization assembly 34 is assembled within the tubular element 14, the atomization assembly 34 being configured to receive the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity 112 and to atomize the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol. According to Fig. 2, a plurality of perforations 141 are arranged on the wall of the first tubular element 14; in some embodiments, the plurality of perforations 141 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the tubular element 14; thereby in use, the atomization assembly 34 is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity 112 through the perforations 141 to receive the liquid substrate.

[0084] According to Fig. 2, the atomization assembly 34 is received and assembled within the first tubular element 14; the atomization assembly 34 comprises a liquid guide element 30 and a heating element 40 coupled to the liquid guide element 30. The liquid guide element 30 is configured to draw or receive the liquid substrate from the liquid storage cavity 112. The heating element 40 is configured to heat at least part of the liquid substrate within the liquid guide element 30 to generate an aerosol.

[0085] In some embodiments, the liquid guide element 30 is flexible; for example, the liquid guide element 30 is made of flexible fibers such as cotton fibers, non-woven fabric, sponge, etc.; the liquid guide element 30 is configured to be annular along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10; the liquid guide element 30 is coaxial with the first tubular element 14 and located within the first tubular element 14.

[0086] In some embodiments, the liquid guiding element 30 is flexible, for example made of flexible fibers such as cotton fibers, non-woven fabric, or sponge, etc. The liquid guiding element 30 is configured to be a tube or a cylinder arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10; the liquid guiding element 30 is coaxial with the first tubular element 14 and located within the first tubular element 14. Specifically, for example, the liquid guiding element 30 is a cylinder wound from a sheet-like precursor including multiple layers of flexible fibers.

[0087] Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the liquid guiding element 30 is rigid; for example, the liquid guiding element 30 can include a rigid porous body element, or the like, such as a porous ceramic or a porous glass, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, the outer side surface of the liquid guiding element 30 along the radial direction is blocked or communicated with the perforations 141, and in turn the outer side surface of the liquid guiding element 30 is configured to be a liquid receiving surface to receive and absorb the liquid matrix of the liquid storage cavity 112 through the perforations 141, as shown by the arrow R1 in FIG. 2. The inner side surface of the liquid guiding element 30 along the radial direction is configured to be an atomization surface which is combined / adhered / abutted with the heating element 40; and in turn the liquid matrix is transferred to the atomization surface and atomized to generate aerosol and released by the heating element 40.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the heating element 40 is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 / liquid guiding element 30; the heating element 40 is arranged coaxially with the liquid guiding element 30. In some embodiments, the heating element 40 is a resistance heating net, a resistance heating coil, or the like. In this embodiment, the heating element 40 is a heating element formed by winding a sheet-like or net-like substrate.

[0090] In yet other embodiments, the heating element 40 can be combined on the liquid guiding element 30 by printing, deposition, sintering, or physical assembly, etc. In some other embodiments, the liquid guiding element 30 can have a plane or a curved surface for supporting the heating element 40, and the heating element 40 is formed on the plane or the curved surface of the liquid guiding element 30 by means of mounting, printing, deposition, etc. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the heating element 40 is a conductive track formed on the surface of the liquid guiding element 30. In yet other embodiments, the conductive track of the heating element 40 can be in the form of a printed circuit formed by printing. In yet other embodiments, the heating element 40 is a patterned conductive track. In yet other embodiments, the heating element 40 is planar. In yet other embodiments, the heating element 40 is a conductive track extending in a meandering, serpentine, reciprocating, or zigzag manner.

[0091] According to what is shown in FIG. 2, the atomizer 100 further includes:

[0092] An end cap 20 is coupled to the distal end 120 of the housing 10. The end cap 20 at least partially encloses the distal end 120 of the housing 10. The end cap 20 at least partially extends into the housing 10 from the distal end 120 and supports or holds the first tubular element 14. The end cap 20 also has an air inlet 22 disposed thereon for providing external air into the atomiser 100 during a puff.

[0093] The atomiser 100 also comprises, as shown in Figure 2:

[0094] An air flow path for providing a flow path of air from the air inlet 22, through the atomisation assembly 34, to the air outlet 113 during a puff, to output aerosol to the air outlet 113. In embodiments, the complete air flow path is defined collectively by a plurality of components. In particular, as shown by arrow R2 in Figure 2, the complete air flow path during a puff comprises air entering the air inlet 22, passing through the end cap 20 to the atomisation assembly 34 / heating element 40, and carrying aerosol generated by the heating element 40 from the aerosol output tube 111 to be drawn by a user at the air outlet 113.

[0095] The atomiser 100 also comprises, as shown in Figure 2:

[0096] A second tubular element 16, which is electrically conductive, is arranged at least partially around the first tubular element 14; and the second tubular element 16 and the first tubular element 14 are spaced apart. The first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are arranged so as to form a capacitor 46 therebetween; of course, the liquid substrate located between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 forms the dielectric of the capacitor 46. The dielectric properties can vary with the level, density, etc. of the liquid substrate located between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16; of course, according to physical principles, the capacitance value of the capacitor 46 formed when the space between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 is filled with liquid substrate is relatively greater, at least significantly greater than the capacitance value when the liquid substrate between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 is depleted.

[0097] In some embodiments, the capacitance value of the capacitor 46 is dependent on the parallel facing area of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16, the spacing between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16, and the amount of liquid substrate as the dielectric between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16, as can be seen from the formula for the capacitance value of the capacitor 46. Then, for a given atomiser 100 product after manufacture, the parallel facing area of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16, and the spacing between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are given, and the capacitance value of the capacitor 46 formed by them varies only in relation to the amount of liquid substrate as the dielectric, so the amount of liquid substrate can be determined by detecting the capacitance value of the capacitor 46 defined by them.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are respectively used as two electrodes of the capacitor 46; the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are configured as ring electrodes or electrode coatings. For example, in some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and / or the second tubular element 16 comprise a tubular electrically insulating substrate, and an electrically conductive electrode coating bonded to the surface of the electrically insulating substrate by spraying or deposition, etc.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are both rigid. In turn, in embodiments, the rigidity enables them to maintain their shape and spacing from each other.

[0100] In some embodiments, the spacing distance between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 can be between about 1 mm and about 6 mm; or between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 3 mm and about 5 mm.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are coaxially arranged. Alternatively, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are parallel or substantially parallel.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 can comprise any suitable material; for example, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 comprise any suitable electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the suitable electrically conductive material includes a metal, an alloy, or an electrically conductive ceramic, etc. In typical embodiments, the electrically conductive material refers to a material having a resistivity of less than about 1 x 10 -5 Ωm, typically between about 1 x 10 -5 Ωm and 1 x 10 -9 Ωm at 20 °C. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive material of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 includes at least one of copper, gold and silver, platinum, or stainless steel, etc.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are substantially bare to the liquid storage cavity 112. Alternatively, the liquid storage cavity 112 is at least partially formed or defined between them, and further, a protective layer can be formed on the bare surface of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 by deposition, spraying, printing, etc. The protective layer is advantageous for preventing the liquid matrix from forming corrosion on them or heavy metal pollution of the liquid matrix due to ion exchange.

[0104] In some embodiments, the reservoir 112 has a first side proximate to the proximal end 110, and a second side distal to the first side; or, the second side is proximate to the distal end 120. The first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 are at least partially located in the reservoir 112, and are arranged closer to the second side.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second tubular element 16 is bonded or fastened to the inner surface of the housing 10; for example, the second tubular element 16 is a coating or a thin layer bonded to the inner surface of the housing 10 by deposition, printing, attaching, inlaying, etc. Alternatively, the second tubular element 16 is arranged around a portion of the reservoir 112. In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 has perforations 141. The second tubular element 16 is dense and has no holes.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 have substantially the same length. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the length of the first tubular element 14 is greater than the length of the second tubular element 16. In some embodiments, the length of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 is greater than 6 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the first tubular element 14 surrounded or enclosed by the second tubular element 16 is greater than 5 mm.

[0107] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the circuit 2201 on the circuit board 220 in an embodiment, in which the circuit 2201 on the circuit board 220 includes:

[0108] a capacitance detection chip (capacitance detection ic) 222 having a first connection end 2221 and a second connection end 2222; the first connection end 2221 and the second connection end 2222 are electrically connected to the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16, respectively, so that the capacitance detection chip 222 can detect the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, of the capacitor 46 composed of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16. The capacitance detection chip 222 is, for example, a BS814A-1 chip, an ELK32400 chip, etc.

[0109] Alternatively, in yet some varied embodiments, the circuit 2201 on the circuit board 220 is arranged to determine the amount of the liquid matrix between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 by detecting the electrical quantity, such as the voltage value, the resistance value, etc., of the capacitor 46 composed of the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16.

[0110] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2, the number of electrical contacts 21 of the atomizer 100 can include at least 4 or more; or, the electrical contacts 21 of the atomizer 100 can include at least two first electrical contacts and two second electrical contacts. In use, the two ends of the heating element 40 are connected to the two first electrical contacts through the soldering of the conductive pins 41 and 42, respectively, so as to direct the electric current through the first electrical contacts to the heating element 40. Also, the first tubular element 14 is connected to one of the two second electrical contacts through the soldering of the conductive pin 61, and the second tubular element 16 is connected to the other of the two second electrical contacts through the soldering of the conductive pin 62. Correspondingly, the power supply mechanism 200 is provided with four electrical contacts 230 corresponding to the four electrical contacts 21, respectively. Two of the electrical contacts 230 are used to provide conduction with the first electrical contacts, so as to enable the circuit board 220 to control the output of power to the heating element 40; and the other two of the electrical contacts 230 are used to provide conduction with the second electrical contacts, so as to enable the capacitance detection chip 222 to detect the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, of the capacitor 46 formed by the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the circuit 2201 of the circuit board 220 further includes:

[0112] a switch tube Q1, which is used to direct the electric current between the heating element 40 and the voltage output end, such as the positive electrode, of the power supply 210, i.e., to supply power to the heating element 40;

[0113] an MCU controller 221, which controls the power supplied to the heating element 40 by controlling the conduction or disconnection of the switch tube Q1.

[0114] In some embodiments, the MCU controller 221 is further configured to receive the result of the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, sensed by the capacitance detection chip 222, and to determine the amount of liquid matrix in the liquid storage cavity 112 according to the comparison between the sensed electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, and a preset threshold value.

[0115] In a more preferred embodiment, the MCU controller 221 is further configured to determine the deficiency or depletion of the liquid matrix in the liquid storage cavity 112 according to whether the sensed electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, is lower than a minimum threshold value; and to prevent the conduction of the switch tube Q1 or to prevent the supply of power to the heating element 40 when it is determined that the liquid matrix in the liquid storage cavity 112 is depleted or deficient.

[0116] For example, FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a method for controlling the output of power to the heating element 40 by detecting the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, of the capacitor 46 in an embodiment; in some embodiments, the method for controlling the output of power to the heating element 40 by detecting the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, of the capacitor 46 by the circuit 2201 can include:

[0117] S10, detecting an electrical quantity, such as a capacitance value, of the capacitor 46 formed by the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 to determine the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity 112;

[0118] S20, controlling the power provided to the heating element 40 according to the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity 112. For example, when the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity 112 is greater than a predetermined amount, the power output by the battery 210 is allowed to be provided to the heating element 40, and when the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity 112 is lower than a minimum threshold, the power output by the battery 210 is prevented from being provided to the heating element 40.

[0119] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the atomizer 100 further comprises:

[0120] A liquid retaining element 50 is fitted or retained between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 for adsorbing and retaining the liquid substrate of the liquid storage cavity 112. The liquid retaining element 50 is proximate to or located at the second side of the liquid storage cavity 112.

[0121] In some embodiments, the liquid retaining element 50 is made of a flexible or rigid porous body material or a fibrous material for adsorbing and retaining part of the liquid substrate stored in the liquid storage cavity 112; the liquid retaining element 50 is substantially annular in shape.

[0122] In use, when the atomizer 100 / electronic atomization device is held by a user at an angle, a tilt is formed in the liquid storage cavity 112, which can cause the liquid level between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16 to tilt, thereby causing the amount of the liquid substrate determined by sensing the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, to deviate from the true value. Then the liquid retaining element 50 adsorbs and retains the liquid substrate, thereby eliminating the deviation caused by the user holding the atomizer 100 / electronic atomization device at an angle.

[0123] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the liquid storage cavity 112 can include a first space 1121 and a second space 1122 along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100; the second space 1122 is defined between the first tubular element 14 and the second tubular element 16; the liquid retaining element 50 is substantially located in the second space 1122 and fills at least a portion of the second space 1122. In the embodiment, the first space 1121 along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100 is substantially arranged away from the atomization assembly 34; the second space 1122 is adjacent to or surrounds or is close to the atomization assembly 34, and the liquid retaining element 50 does not extend into the first space 1121. In the embodiment, the liquid retaining element 50 is filled or arranged in the second space 1122 to avoid that the liquid is mainly concentrated in the first space 1121 in the tilted or inverted state, so that the liquid substrate can be adsorbed and retained by the liquid retaining element 50 near the atomization assembly 34 (especially in the case of low liquid volume) in the tilted or inverted state, so that the detection in the tilted or inverted state can also truly reflect the actual liquid volume.

[0124] Or in yet another embodiment, the atomizer 100 further comprises:

[0125] A tilt sensor, such as a gyroscope, or a gravity acceleration sensor, etc., for sensing the tilt angle of the atomizer 100 / electronic atomization device. The MCU controller 221 is configured to receive the result of the sensed electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, of the capacitance detection chip 222 to determine the amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage cavity 112 only when the tilt sensor senses that the tilt angle of the atomizer 100 / electronic atomization device is less than a predetermined angle. Or, when the tilt sensor senses that the tilt angle of the atomizer 100 / electronic atomization device is greater than the predetermined angle, at this time the sampling of the amount of liquid substrate determined by sensing the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, deviates from the true value, then the MCU controller 221 does not receive the sensing result of the capacitance detection chip 222.

[0126] Or FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the atomizer 100a, in which the atomizer 100a comprises:

[0127] A housing 10 having a proximal end 110a and a distal end 120a opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction; the proximal end 110a is arranged with an air outlet 113a;

[0128] An aerosol output tube 111a and a tubular element 14a arranged along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100a, a sealing element 15a is provided between the aerosol output tube 111a and the tubular element 14a to provide a seal; the aerosol output tube 111a is arranged to extend from the air outlet 113a towards the distal end 120a; the tubular element 14a is at least partially located between the aerosol output tube 111a and the distal end 120a;

[0129] a liquid storage chamber 112a for storing a liquid substrate; the liquid storage chamber 112a is at least partially defined by the housing 10a and the aerosol outlet tube 111a and the tubular element 14a;

[0130] an atomizer assembly 34a located at the tubular element 14a, including a wick element 30a and a heating element 40a; the wick element 30a is arranged to extend along a longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100a, an outer surface of the wick element 30a is in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber 112a through perforations 141a on the tubular element 14a, thereby to draw the liquid substrate; the heating element 40a is coupled to an inner surface of the wick element 30a; the heating element 40a is arranged to extend along a longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100a in a cylindrical shape;

[0131] an end cap 20a at least partially extending into the housing 10a from the distal end 120a, at least partially closing the distal end 120a of the housing 10a, and supporting the tubular element 14a; the end cap 20a is further provided with an air inlet 22a for air to enter the atomizer 100a.

[0132] In this embodiment, the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a are both conductors; in some embodiments, the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a are coaxially arranged. Also, the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a are spaced apart. In this embodiment, a capacitor 46a is formed between the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a, the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a are used as two electrodes of the capacitor 46a, and the wick element 30a and the drawn liquid substrate form a dielectric of the capacitor 46a. The dielectric property can vary with the amount of the liquid substrate drawn by the wick element 30a. In some embodiments, the capacitance of the capacitor 46a depends on the amount of the liquid substrate drawn by the wick element 30a according to the formula for calculating the capacitance of the capacitor 46a. Therefore, the amount of the liquid substrate in the wick element 30a can be determined according to the capacitance of the capacitor 46a; more preferably, the depletion or deficiency of the liquid substrate in the wick element 30a can also be determined according to the capacitance of the capacitor 46a.

[0133] In some embodiments, the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a are used as two electrodes of the capacitor 46a; the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a are configured to be tubular shapes made of conductive materials. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a include a tubular electrically insulating substrate, and a coating of conductive material coupled to a surface of the electrically insulating substrate by spraying or deposition.

[0134] According to the diagram 4, in some embodiments, the heating element 40a is arranged to be a cylindrical shape wound by a sheet; the heating element 40a is closed in the circumferential direction and has a side opening; the heating element 40a has a first conductive pin 41a and a second conductive pin 42a located on both sides of the side opening. The heating element 40a is arranged to be a mesh extending between the first conductive pin 41a and the second conductive pin 42a.

[0135] Or the diagram 5 shows a schematic diagram of the heating element 40b of another embodiment, in which the heating element 40b is arranged to be a longitudinally extending tubular shape; the heating element 40b is closed in the circumferential direction. The heating element 40b has a first electrical connection part 410b near the first end, a second electrical connection part 420b near the second end, and a heating part 430b extending between the first electrical connection part 410b and the second electrical connection part 420b. The first conductive pin 41a is welded or connected on the first electrical connection part 410b, and the second conductive pin 42a is welded or connected on the second electrical connection part 420b, thereby for guiding the electric current on the heating part 430b to heat the heating part 430b by resistance Joule heat. In this embodiment, the heating part 430b is arranged with a plurality of mesh holes 431b penetrating the heating element 40b in the radial direction, thereby making the heating part 430b substantially mesh-shaped. The plurality of mesh holes 431b arranged in an array can reduce the mass of the heating element 40b, and is beneficial to improve the temperature rise efficiency of the heating part 430b during induction heating. The first electrical connection part 410b and the second electrical connection part 420b are dense without mesh holes 431b. In some embodiments, the mesh holes 431b are usually in the shape of a tiny circle or a regular polygon; or in other embodiments, the mesh holes 431b can also be in the shape of a rectangle, a polygon, or an irregular shape such as an elongated slit.

[0136] In this embodiment, it is beneficial to make the heating element 40b have a larger area, thereby improving the capacitance of the capacitor 46a of the component.

[0137] Correspondingly, in this embodiment, when the atomizer 100a is combined in the power supply mechanism 200, the first connection end 2221 and the second connection end 2222 of the capacitance detection chip 222 in the circuit 2201 are electrically connected to the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a respectively, thereby enabling the capacitance detection chip 222 to detect the capacitance value of the capacitor 46a composed of the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a.

[0138] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the atomizer 100a can include three electrical contacts 21a. Among them, the tubular element 14a is connected to one electrical contact 21a through the soldering of the conductive pin 61a, and the first conductive pin 41a / 41b and the second conductive pin 42a / 42b at both ends of the heating element 40a / 40b are respectively connected to the other two electrical contacts 21a. Correspondingly, the electrical contacts 230 on the power supply mechanism 200 are also three. When the atomizer 100a is received in the power supply mechanism 200, the electrical contacts 21a and the electrical contacts 230a are in contact and conduction, so as to on the one hand make the first conductive pin 41a / 41b at both ends of the heating element 40a / 40b connected to the positive electrode of the battery 210 through the switch tube Q1 and the second conductive pin 42a / 42b connected to the negative electrode of the battery 210 for guiding the current on the heating element 40a / 40b, and on the other hand make the first connection end 2221 and the second connection end 2222 of the capacitance detection chip 222 connected to the tubular element 14a and the second conductive pin 42a / 42b of the heating element 40a / 40b respectively, so as to detect the capacitance value of the capacitor 46a composed of the tubular element 14a and the heating element 40a.

[0139] In this embodiment, the MCU controller 221 is configured to receive the result of the capacitance value sensed by the capacitance detection chip 222, and determine the amount of liquid matrix in the liquid guide element 30a according to the sensed capacitance value; and when it is determined that the liquid matrix in the liquid guide element 30a is depleted or insufficient, prevent the switch tube Q1 from being turned on or prevent power from being provided to the heating element 40a / 40b.

[0140] Or FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an atomizer 100c, in which the atomizer 100c includes:

[0141] The shell 10c has a proximal end 110c and a distal end 120c opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100c; the distal end 120c is combined with an end cover 20c, so as to be closed by the end cover 20c; and the proximal end 110c is arranged with an air outlet 113c;

[0142] The liquid storage cavity 112c includes a first space 1121c and a second space 1122c arranged along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100c; the first space 1121c is mainly defined between the aerosol output pipe 111c and the shell 10c;

[0143] The first tubular element 14c extends along the longitudinal direction of the atomiser 100c, or the first tubular element 14c is substantially located in the second space 1122c of the liquid storage chamber 112c; the first tubular element 14c is at least partially arranged to extend within the liquid storage chamber 112c; the first tubular element 14c is at least partially located between the aerosol outlet tube 111c and the distal end 120c; and the first tubular element 14c is in airflow connection with the aerosol outlet tube 111c; a flexible sealing element 15c is arranged between the first tubular element 14c and the aerosol outlet tube 111c to provide a seal therebetween; and a plurality of perforations 141c are arranged on the wall of the first tubular element 14c.

[0144] The atomising assembly 34c is housed and assembled within the first tubular element 14c; the atomising assembly 34c comprises the liquid guide element 30c and the heating element 40c coupled to the liquid guide element 30c.

[0145] According to Figure 8, the atomiser 100c further comprises:

[0146] The first electrically conductive element 81c and the second electrically conductive element 82c are parallel or substantially parallel; the first electrically conductive element 81c and the second electrically conductive element 82c are coaxial or substantially coaxial; the first electrically conductive element 81c and the second electrically conductive element 82c are arranged spaced apart to form the capacitor 8c therebetween; in this embodiment, the first electrically conductive element 81c and the second electrically conductive element 82c are located in the second space 1122c of the liquid storage chamber 112c; or, the second space 1122c of the liquid storage chamber 112c is at least partially formed or defined between the first electrically conductive element 81c and the second electrically conductive element 82c, and the second space 1122c of the liquid storage chamber 112c is adjacent to the atomising assembly 34c.

[0147] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the first electrically conductive element 81c can be permeable or penetrable by the liquid substrate, so that in use the liquid substrate in the first space 1121c can pass through the first electrically conductive element 81c to be absorbed and held by the liquid holding element 50c in the second space 1122c, as indicated by the arrow R1 in Figure 8. For example, the first electrically conductive element 81c can be provided with holes, hollows or notches or gaps on the edge, or the first electrically conductive element 81c is a non-complete annular or closed annular, so that the first electrically conductive element 81c is permeable to the liquid substrate.

[0148] According to Figure 8, the atomiser 100c further comprises: a liquid holding element 50c assembled or held between the first electrically conductive element 81c and the second electrically conductive element 82c for adsorbing and holding the liquid substrate in the second space 1122c of the liquid storage chamber 112c.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c are arranged to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100c; the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c are arranged to be parallel to each other. And, the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c are arranged to be in a sheet-like or planar shape. Or, in yet some alternative embodiments, the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c are arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the atomizer 100c; or, the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c are arranged coaxially. In use, a parallel-plate capacitor 8c is formed by the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c.

[0150] Or, in yet some alternative embodiments, the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c are sheet-like or plate-like and arranged to be parallel to each other and spaced apart; the liquid retaining element 50c and the atomization assembly 34c are both clamped or retained between the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 8, the number of the electrical contacts 21c of the atomizer 100c can include at least 4 or more; or, the electrical contacts 21c of the atomizer 100c include at least two first electrical contacts and two second electrical contacts. In use, the two ends of the heating element 40c are connected to the two first electrical contacts respectively by soldering the conductive pins 41c and 42c to the first electrical contacts, so as to direct the electric current through the heating element 40c via the first electrical contacts. And, the first conductive element 81c is connected to one of the two second electrical contacts by soldering the conductive pin 61c, etc., and the second conductive element 82c is connected to the other of the two second electrical contacts by soldering the conductive pin 62c, etc.

[0152] In use, the amount of the liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber 112c is determined by sensing the electrical quantity, such as the capacitance value, between the first conductive element 81c and the second conductive element 82c. And, the liquid substrate is adsorbed and retained by the liquid retaining element 50c, so as to eliminate the deviation caused by the user tilting the atomizer 100c / electronic atomization device.

[0153] It should be noted that the specification and drawings of the present application give the preferred embodiments of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification, and further, those skilled in the art can make improvements or changes according to the above description, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the appended claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic atomizing device, characterized by, Comprising: a reservoir for storing a liquid substrate; a first electrically conductive tubular element extending at least partially within the reservoir; an atomization assembly for receiving and atomizing the liquid substrate from the reservoir to generate an aerosol; a second electrically conductive tubular element arranged at least partially within the reservoir around the first tubular element; the second tubular element is arranged spaced apart from the first tubular element to form a capacitor between the second tubular element and the first tubular element; a circuit configured to determine an amount of the liquid substrate within the reservoir based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor.

2. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1, wherein, The electrical quantity comprises a capacitance value of the capacitor.

3. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first tubular element and / or the second tubular element comprises or is made of a metal or an alloy.

4. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first tubular element and the second tubular element are coaxially arranged.

5. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first tubular element and the second tubular element are arranged spaced apart by a distance of 1mm to 6mm.

6. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first tubular element and / or the second tubular element has a length of more than 6mm.

7. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Further comprising: a proximal end and a distal end opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction; the reservoir comprises a first side proximate to the proximal end and a second side proximate to the distal end; the first tubular element and the second tubular element are arranged proximate to or at the second side of the reservoir.

8. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Further comprising: a liquid retaining element between the first tubular element and the second tubular element for absorbing and retaining a portion of the liquid substrate of the reservoir.

9. The electronic atomizing device of claim 8, wherein, The reservoir comprises a first space and a second space, the second space is defined between the first tubular element and the second tubular element, the liquid retaining element fills at least a portion of the second space.

10. The electronic atomizing device of claim 9, wherein, The second space is adjacent to the atomization assembly and the liquid retaining element does not extend into the first space.

11. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Further comprising: a housing; the second tubular element is arranged to be combined with or retained by the housing.

12. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The circuit is further configured to determine the amount of the liquid substrate within the reservoir by comparing the electrical quantity of the capacitor with a preset threshold value.

13. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The circuit is further configured to determine a deficiency or depletion of the liquid substrate within the reservoir according to the electrical quantity of the capacitor being below a minimum threshold value, and to prevent power supply to the atomization assembly according to the deficiency or depletion of the liquid substrate within the reservoir.

14. The electronic atomizing device of claim 1, wherein, The atomization assembly comprises a heating element, the heating element belongs to at least a portion of the first tubular element.

15. An electronic atomizing device, characterized by, Comprising: a reservoir for storing a liquid substrate; an atomization assembly for receiving and atomizing the liquid substrate from the reservoir to generate an aerosol; a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element arranged in parallel or coaxially, the second electrically conductive element is arranged spaced apart from the first electrically conductive element to form a capacitor between the second electrically conductive element and the first electrically conductive element; the reservoir comprises a first space and a second space, the second space is defined between the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element and is adjacent to the atomization assembly; a liquid retaining element fills at least a portion of the second space and does not extend into the first space; circuitry configured to determine an amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor.

16. An electronic atomizing device, characterized by, comprising: a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid substrate; a tubular element; a heating element located within the tubular element and configured as a cylinder extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular element for heating the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol; a liquid conducting element located between the tubular element and the heating element for holding a portion of the liquid substrate and conducting the liquid substrate to the heating element; the tubular element is a conductor to form a capacitor between the tubular element and the heating element; circuitry configured to determine an amount of liquid substrate in the liquid conducting element based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor.

17. A control method of an electronic atomization device, the electronic atomization device comprising: a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid substrate; a first electrically conductive tubular element extending at least partially within the liquid storage chamber; an atomization assembly arranged within the first tubular element and configured to receive the liquid substrate from the liquid storage chamber and atomize the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol; a second electrically conductive tubular element arranged at least partially within the liquid storage chamber and surrounding the first tubular element; the second tubular element is arranged spaced apart from the first tubular element to form a capacitor between the second tubular element and the first tubular element; the control method comprising: determining an amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber based on detecting an electrical quantity of the capacitor; controlling a power provided to the atomization assembly based on the amount of liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber.

Images