EP2946679A1 - Atomizer and electronic cigarette having same - Google Patents

Abstract

An exemplary atomizer (10) includes a liquid supply component (13), an atomizing assembly (16), and a piercing means (15). The liquid supply component (13) is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply component (13) has a sealing means (132) for sealing the tobacco liquid therein. The piercing means (15) is adapted for piercing the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly (16). The atomizing assembly (16) is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes, and particularly to an atomizer and an electronic cigarette using same.
BACKGROUND ART
• Nowadays, electronic cigarettes mainly include disposable electronic cigarettes and refillable electronic cigarette. The disposable electronic cigarettes are not environmental-friendly because they are discarded after used. The refillable electronic cigarettes can be used repeatedly. After tobacco liquid in the refillable electronic cigarettes is used up, the user of the electronic cigarettes can refill the tobacco liquid by themselves. Accordingly, the refillable electronic cigarettes are more environmental-friendly. However, it is inconvenient to refill the tobacco liquid, and the tobacco liquid may pollute clothes of the users during this process.
• What is needed, therefore, is an atomizer and an electronic cigarette using same, which can overcome the above shortcomings.
SUMMARY
• An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply component, an atomizing assembly, and a piercing means. The liquid supply component is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply component has a sealing means for sealing the tobacco liquid therein. The piercing means for piercing the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
• FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizer in a first state according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer ofFIG. 1 in a second state.
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizing device according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizing head assembly of the atomizing device ofFIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the atomizing head assembly ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid supply component of the atomizing device ofFIG. 4.
• FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid supply component ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid supply component according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette according to a third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.
• The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to "an" or "one" embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
• Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now be presented.
• The term "outside" refers to a region that is beyond the outermost confines of a physical object. The term "inside" indicates that at least a portion of a region is partially contained within a boundary formed by the object. The term "substantially" is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term "comprising," when utilized, means "including, but not necessarily limited to"; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group, series and the like.
• Referring toFIG. 1, anatomizer 10 includes amouthpiece 11, an atomizingsleeve 12, aliquid tank 13, a piercing means 15, an atomizingassembly 16, and aconnector 17.
• Themouthpiece 11 and the atomizingsleeve 12 are detachably connected. In the present embodiment, themouthpiece 11 and the atomizingsleeve 12 are engaged by screw threads. Themouthpiece 11 defines anair outlet 112.
• The atomizingsleeve 12 defines aspace 122 for receiving theliquid tank 13. Theliquid tank 13 is configured (i.e., structured and arranged) for storingtobacco liquid 14. Theliquid tank 13 includes abottom wall 132 made of material, which can be pierced easily, for example, aluminum foil.
• Theconnector 17 is fixed at one end of the atomizingsleeve 12 away from the mouthpiece11, and is configured for connecting with an external power supply. The piercing means 15 is arranged between theconnector 17 and theliquid tank 13. The piercing means 15 is fixedly connected with theconnector 17. The piercing means 15 includes a supportingelement 152 and a firstliquid absorbing element 151 extending through the supportingelement 152. The supportingelement 152 is made of hard material, such as, metal. The firstliquid absorbing element 151 may be made of porous material. In the present embodiment, the firstliquid absorbing element 151 is made of glass fiber core. Theconnector 17 is annular, and the supportingelement 152 is fixed on theconnector 17. Theconnector 17 includes asilicone holder 174 inside. Thesilicone holder 174 and the supportingelement 152 cooperatively define an atomizingcavity 172.
• The atomizingassembly 16 is received in the atomizingcavity 172, and includes a secondliquid absorbing element 161 and aheating wire 162 spirally wound around the secondliquid absorbing element 161. The secondliquid absorbing element 161 is made of porous material. In the present embodiment, the secondliquid absorbing element 161 is made of glass fiber core. An end of the firstliquid absorbing element 151 is connected to the secondliquid absorbing element 161. Quite usefully, a length direction of the firstliquid absorbing element 151 is substantially perpendicular to a length direction of the secondliquid absorbing element 161, and the end of the firstliquid absorbing element 151 is connected to a middle portion of the secondliquid absorbing element 161 in the length direction. The firstliquid absorbing element 151 is configured for absorbing tobacco liquid and conveying the tobacco liquid to the secondliquid absorbing element 161 after the piercing means 15 pierces theliquid tank 13. The secondliquid absorbing element 161 absorbs tobacco liquid from the firstliquid absorbing element 151, so that theheating wire 162 heats the tobacco liquid. The tobacco liquid is conveyed to the secondliquid absorbing element 161 by the firstliquid absorbing element 151 from theliquid tank 13 via capillary action. Two opposite ends of theheating wire 162 are connected to the power supply.
• Theliquid tank 13 and an inner wall of theatomizing sleeve 12 cooperatively define anair passage 126. Theair passage 126 communicates with theair outlet 112. The supportingelement 152 defines a throughhole 1522 communicating with theair passage 126. The aerosol can reach theair outlet 112 through theair passage 126.
• Further, atop wall 134 of theliquid tank 13 and an inner wall of the mouthpiece cooperatively define a funnel-shapedspace 124 for collecting air in theair passage 126 to themouthpiece 11.
• In use, themouthpiece 11 is rotated relative to theatomizing sleeve 12, themouthpiece 11 forces theliquid tank 13 to move downwards such that the piercing means 15 pierces through thebottom wall 132 of the liquid tank. Thetobacco liquid 14 in theliquid tank 13 is conveyed to the secondliquid absorbing element 161 via the firstliquid absorbing element 151. After theheating wire 162 is powered on, the tobacco liquid absorbed in the secondliquid absorbing element 161 is heated to form aerosol. After thetobacco liquid 14 in theliquid tank 13 is used up, themouthpiece 11 is crewed off, and then theliquid tank 13 is replaced by a new liquid tank.
• In the present embodiment, the tobacco liquid is conveyed to the secondliquid absorbing element 161 by the firstliquid absorbing element 151 from theliquid tank 13 via capillary action. Therefore, it is prevented that a lot of the tobacco liquid suddenly rushes to theatomizing assembly 16 when thebottom wall 132 is pierced, thus reducing risk of liquid leakage.
• Referring toFIG. 3, anelectronic cigarette 30 includes anatomizer 10 and apower supply 20. Thepower supply 20 is configured for providing theatomizer 10 working power.
• Referring toFIGS. 4-8, anatomizing device 100 is shown. Theatomizing device 100 is configured (i.e., structured and arranged) for heating tobacco liquid to form aerosol. Theatomizing device 100 includes aliquid supply component 110 and anatomizing head assembly 120. The atomizinghead assembly 120 is detachably coupled with theliquid supply component 110. The atomizinghead assembly 120 includes anatomizing sleeve 121, aconnector 122, a piercing means 123, and anatomizing assembly 124. Theconnector 122 is arranged at an end of theatomizing sleeve 121. The piercing means 123 is provided in theatomizing sleeve 121. Theatomizing assembly 124 is arranged between theconnector 122 and the piercing means 123. Theliquid supply component 110 includes aliquid tank 111 and amouthpiece 112. Themouthpiece 112 includes anengaging part 1121 configured for engaging with theatomizing sleeve 121 by interference fit, thus fixedly connecting with theliquid supply component 110 and theatomizing head assembly 120. The piercing means 123 is adapted for piercing theliquid tank 111 so that the tobacco liquid flows to theatomizing assembly 124. Theatomizing assembly 124 is adapted to heat the tobacco liquid. Theconnector 122 is configured for connecting theatomizing device 100 and an external power supply.
• Theliquid tank 111 defines an opening at one end, and asilica gel stopper 113 is provided at the opening. Thesilica gel stopper 113 includes athin film 1131 for sealing the opening. Thethin film 1131 and thesilica gel stopper 113 are integrally formed. The piercing means 123 pierces thethin film 1131, inserts into theliquid tank 111, and then guides the tobacco liquid in theliquid tank 111 to flow to theatomizing assembly 124.
• When thethin film 1131 is pierced, the tobacco liquid in theliquid tank 111 flows along the piercing means 123. After the piercing means 123 is pulled out, an opening in thethin film 1131 formed by the piercing means 123, will shut off automatically due to the resilience of thethin film 1131. In this way, the tobacco liquid in theliquid tank 111 is prevented from leaking when replacing theliquid supply component 110.
• In the present embodiment, theliquid tank 111 and themouthpiece 112 are engaged by interference fit. When replacing theliquid tank 111, themouthpiece 112 is pulled out. In this way, theliquid tank 111 and themouthpiece 112 are pulled out together. Accordingly, it is very convenient to replace theliquid tank 111.
• The piercing means 123 includes amain body 1231 and apricking part 1232. When thepricking part 1232 pierces thethin film 1131 and inserts into theliquid tank 111, themain body 1231 abuts tightly against thesilica gel stopper 113, thus preventing the tobacco liquid from leaking. To prevent thesilica gel stopper 113 from being squeezed to deform by themain body 1231, a supportingring 114 is provided in thesilica gel stopper 113, and the supportingring 114 is engaged with thesilica gel stopper 113 by interference fit.
• An outer diameter of theliquid tank 111 is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of theatomizing sleeve 121. Anannular gap 130 is defined between theliquid tank 111 and theatomizing sleeve 121. Theliquid tank 111 includes a cut-off surface 115 extending along an axial direction on an outer wall. When theliquid tank 111 is coupled with themouthpiece 112, afirst air passage 140 is defined between theliquid tank 111 and themouthpiece 112. The aerosol generated by theatomizing assembly 124 flows along theannular gap 130, thefirst air passage 140 and anair outlet 1122 defined at one end of themouthpiece 112, and then reaches a mouth of a user.
• Theconnector 122 is configured for connecting theatomizing device 100 to an external power supply. In the present embodiment, theconnector 122 includes a connectingsleeve 1221, atubular electrode 1222, and an insulated ring provided between thetubular electrode 1222 and the connectingsleeve 1221. The connectingsleeve 1221 is fixedly connected to theatomizing sleeve 121. Thetubular electrode 1222 is arranged in the connectingsleeve 1221 and inserts into theatomizing assembly 124. Theatomizing assembly 124 includes aheating element 1241. Two opposite ends of theheating element 1241 are respectively connected to the connectingsleeve 1221 and thetubular electrode 1222. The connectingsleeve 1221 and thetubular electrode 1222 are connected to the external power supply.
• Theatomizing assembly 124 includes aholder 1243. Theholder 1243 and the piercing means 123 cooperatively define an atomizing cavity. Theatomizing assembly 124 further includes aliquid conducting element 1242 arranged in the atomizing cavity, aheating element 1241 in the atomizing cavity wound around theliquid conducting element 1242, and a porous liquidabsorbing body 1244. Theheating element 1241 is wound around theliquid conducting element 1242. The porousliquid absorbing body 1244 is arranged between the piercing means 123 and theliquid conducting element 1242, and is in tight contact with theliquid conducting element 1242. Theholder 1243 is configured for supporting theheating element 1241 and theliquid conducting element 1242. The porousliquid absorbing body 1244 is adapted for storing tobacco liquid, which is guided by the piercing means 123 from theliquid tank 111. Theliquid conducting element 1242 is adapted for absorbing tobacco liquid from the porousliquid absorbing body 1244. The porousliquid absorbing body 1244 may be a cotton cloth, or other porous material. Theheating element 1241 is configured for heating tobacco liquid absorbed in theliquid conducting element 1242.
• Thetubular electrode 1222 defines acentral hole 1224 communicating with the atomizing cavity. The piercing means 123 and theatomizing sleeve 121 cooperatively define an air gap (not shown). Thecentral hole 1224, the atomizing cavity, the air gap and theannular gap 130 cooperatively form a second air passage. The second air passage communicates with thefirst air passage 140. Air enters the second air passage via thecentral hole 1224, and brings the aerosol generated in the atomizing cavity out from themouthpiece 112.
• In the present embodiment, theatomizing sleeve 121 and theliquid tank 111 are made of transparent material, so that quantity of tobacco liquid left in theliquid tank 111 can be seen easily. When the tobacco liquid in theliquid tank 111 is used up, theliquid tank 111 or theliquid supply component 110 is replaced, and theatomizing head assembly 120 can be used repeatedly. Accordingly, theatomizing device 100 is environmental-friendly.
• Referring toFIG. 9, another liquid supply component 210 is shown. The liquid supply component 210 includes amouthpiece 212, aliquid tank 211. Themouthpiece 212 defines anair outlet 2122. The liquid supply component 210 further includes anair guide 213 arranged between theair outlet 2122 and theliquid tank 211. Theair guide 213 defines aspiral air groove 2131, which communicates with afirst air passage 240 and theair outlet 2122. After passing theair groove 2131, temperature of the aerosol is effectively decreased, thus improving user experience of the atomizing device.
• Referring toFIG. 10, anelectronic cigarette 1 includes anatomizer 2 and apower supply 3. Theatomizer 1 may be any atomizer of the previous embodiment. Thepower supply 3 provides theatomizer 1 working power.
• It is understood that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate rather than limit the disclosure. Variations may be made to the embodiments and methods without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (15)

1. An atomizer, comprising:

   a liquid supply component, the liquid supply component being configured for storing tobacco liquid, the liquid supply component having a sealing means for sealing the tobacco liquid therein;

   an atomizing assembly; and

   a piercing means for piercing the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly, the atomizing assembly configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol.
2. The atomizer according to claim 1, further comprising:

   an atomizing sleeve;

   a mouthpiece connected to one end of the atomizing sleeve;

   wherein the piercing means and the atomizing assembly are received in the atomizing sleeve, the piercing means comprises a first liquid absorbing element, the atomizing assembly comprises a second liquid absorbing element and a heating wire wound around the second liquid absorbing element, the first liquid absorbing element is connected to the second liquid absorbing element, and the first liquid absorbing element is configured for conveying the tobacco liquid to the second liquid absorbing element.
3. The atomizer according to claim 2, wherein the piercing means further comprises a supporting element surrounding the first liquid absorbing element, and the first liquid absorbing element extends through the supporting element.
4. The atomizer according to claim 2, wherein a length direction of the first liquid absorbing element is substantially perpendicular to a length direction of the second liquid absorbing element, and the end of the first liquid absorbing element is connected to a middle portion of the second liquid absorbing element in the length direction.
5. The atomizer according to claim 3, wherein the atomizing assembly further comprises a connector arranged at an end of the atomizing sleeve away from the mouthpiece, and the connector being configured for connecting to a power supply.
6. The atomizer according to claim 5, wherein the connector is annular, the supporting element is fixed on the connector, the connector comprises a silicone holder received in the connector, the silicone holder and the supporting element cooperatively define an atomizing cavity, and the atomizing assembly is accommodated in the atomizing cavity.
7. The atomizer according to claim 1, further comprising:

   an atomizing sleeve, the piercing means being received in the atomizing sleeve; and

   a connector arranged at an end of the atomizing sleeve, the connector being configured for connecting to a power supply;

   wherein the atomizing assembly is positioned between the piercing means and the connector; the liquid supply component comprises a liquid tank and an engaging part, the engaging part is configured for connecting to an opposite end of the atomizing sleeve; the liquid tank defines an opening at one end, the sealing means is arranged at one end of the liquid tank, the sealing means comprises a silica gel stopper, the silica gel stopper has a thin film integrally formed, and the thin film is configured for sealing the opening.
8. The atomizer according to claim 7, wherein the liquid supply component further comprises a mouthpiece, the liquid tank and mouthpiece are engaged by interference fit, and the engaging part is provided at an end of the mouthpiece.
9. The atomizer according to claim 7, wherein the silica gel stopper further comprises a supporting ring provided in the silica gel stopper, and the supporting ring is configured for preventing the silica gel stopper from deforming.
10. The atomizer according to claim 8, wherein an outer diameter of the liquid tank is smaller than an inner diameter of the atomizing sleeve, the liquid tank has a cut-off surface extending along an axial direction on an outer wall, and the cut-off surface and the mouthpiece cooperatively define a first air passage.
11. The atomizer according to claim 7, wherein the connector comprises a connecting sleeve fixedly connected to the atomizing sleeve, and a tubular electrode, the tubular electrode is received in the connecting sleeve, and is insulated from the tubular electrode, the atomizing assembly comprises a heating element, and two opposite ends of the heating element are respectively connected to the connecting sleeve and the tubular electrode.
12. The atomizer according to claim 11, wherein the atomizing assembly further comprises a holder, a liquid conducting element, and a porous liquid absorbing body; the holder and the piercing means cooperatively define an atomizing cavity, the liquid conducting element is arranged in the atomizing cavity; the porous liquid absorbing body is arranged between the piercing means and the liquid conducting element, the porous liquid absorbing body is in contact with the liquid conducting element, and the heating element is wound around the liquid conducting element.
13. The atomizer according to claim 12, wherein the tubular electrode defines a central hole communicating with the atomizing cavity, the piercing means and the atomizing sleeve cooperatively define an air gap, the atomizing sleeve and the liquid tank cooperatively define a gap, the central hole, the atomizing cavity, the air gap and the annular gap cooperatively form a second air passage.
14. The atomizer according to claim 7, wherein the piercing means comprises a pricking part configured for piercing the sealing structure.
15. An electronic cigarette, comprising:

    an atomizer according to any of claims 1-14; and

    a power supply configured for supplying the atomizer power.

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