Patent Description:
Electronic cigarettes are also known as virtual cigarettes or electronic atomizers. Electronic cigarettes are used as substitutes for cigarette products and are often used for quitting smoking. The electronic cigarettes have similar appearance and flavor to cigarette products, but generally are free of harmful chemicals such as tar, aerosol, or the like in the cigarettes. The electronic cigarette mainly includes an atomizer and a power supply assembly. At present, the atomizer of the electronic cigarette mostly includes a capillary structure for guiding liquid and a heating element cooperating with the capillary structure. The heating element includes an elongated heating portion, and in order to generate heat uniformly, the heating portion is bent for multiple times. However, after the elongated heating portion is bent many times, the heat is prone to accumulate at bending portions thereof, resulting in excessively high temperature, which is unfavorable for controlling atomization of e-liquid. Document <CIT> discloses a heating assembly according the preamble of claim <NUM> and an electronic cigarette incorporating the same. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> furthermore disclose heaters and electronic cigarettes of the type.

The technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an improved electronic cigarette, and a heating assembly and a heating element thereof.

The technical solution used in the present disclosure to solve one of the technical problems is: a heating assembly of an electronic cigarette is provided, which includes a capillary structure configured for adsorbing e-liquid and at least one heating element configured for heating and atomizing the e-liquid adsorbed into the capillary structure, the heating element includes an elongated heating portion; the elongated heating portion includes at least one flat portion and at least one bending portion connected to the at least one flat portion in series, and a resistance of the at least one bending portion is smaller than that of the at least one flat portion. In particular, the capillary structure includes a porous body. At least partial section of the elongated heating portion is at least partially embedded in the porous body, and the porous body includes an atomizing surface corresponding to the at least partial section.

In some embodiments, the elongated heating portion is in a shape of a filament, and a diameter of the at least one bending portion is greater than that of the at least one flat portion.

In some embodiments, the elongated heating portion is in a shape of a sheet, and a thickness of the at least one bending portion is greater than that of the at least one flat portion.

In some embodiments, the elongated heating portion is in a shape of a sheet, and a width of the at least one bending portion is greater than that of the at least one flat portion.

In some embodiments, the at least partial section is embedded in the porous body with a width direction thereof following along a movement direction of the e-liquid and/or smoke in the porous body.

In some embodiments, the at least partial section in the width direction thereof is substantially perpendicular to a plane where the atomizing surface is located.

In some embodiments, two opposite surfaces of the at least partial section defined by length and width are both in direct contact with the porous body.

In some embodiments, the porous body includes a sintered porous body, and the at least partial section is integrally formed with the sintered porous body by sintering.

In some embodiments, the at least partial section includes a plurality of flat portions parallel to each other and a plurality of bending portions sequentially connecting the plurality of flat portions in series. The flat portions are arranged at intervals in a direction parallel to a plane where the atomizing surface is located, and the intervals are larger in the middle and smaller at both sides, or smaller in the middle and larger at the both sides.

In some embodiments, the at least partial section includes a plurality of flat portions parallel to each other and a plurality of bending portions sequentially connecting the plurality of flat portions in series. The atomizing surface is provided in a wavy shape, and the plurality of flat portions are disposed corresponding to troughs of the atomizing surface, respectively.

In some embodiments, the at least partial section includes a plurality of flat portions parallel to each other and a plurality of bending portions sequentially connecting the flat portions in series. The flat portions is thicker in the middle and thinner at both sides in a direction parallel to a plane where the atomizing surface is located.

In some embodiments, the porous body includes a first layer adjacent to the atomizing surface and a second layer away from the atomizing surface, and a thermal conductivity of the first layer is greater than that of the second layer.

In some embodiments, the at least partial section is at least partially embedded in the first layer. A heating element of an electronic cigarette is provided, and the heating element includes an elongated heating portion. The elongated heating portion includes at least one flat portion and at least one bending portion connecting the at least one flat portion in series. A resistance of the at least one bending portion is smaller than that of the at least one flat portion.

In some embodiments, the elongated heating portion includes a plurality of flat portions parallel to each other and a plurality of bending portions sequentially connecting the plurality of flat portions in series.

An electronic cigarette is provided, which includes the heating assembly or the heating element in any one of the embodiments described above.

The present disclosure has the beneficial effects that, by making the resistance of the bending portion smaller than that of the flat portion, less heat is generated in the bending portion, thereby effectively solving the problem of heat accumulation in the bending portion.

The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in the drawings:.

For clearer understanding of the technical features, objects, and effects of the present disclosure, the specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrate a heating assembly <NUM> of an electronic cigarette in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The heating assembly <NUM> can be applied in an atomizer of the electronic cigarette to heat and atomize e-liquid. The heating assembly <NUM> may include a porous body <NUM> for adsorbing the e-liquid from a liquid storage cavity of the atomizer and a heating element <NUM> for heating and atomizing the e-liquid adsorbed into the porous body <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> includes an elongated sheet heating portion which is embedded in the porous body <NUM>, so that all or most of a surface area of the sheet heating portion is in contact with the porous body <NUM>, which brings effects such as high atomization efficiency, low loss of heat, prevention or great reduction of dry burning and so on.

Preferably, the sheet heating portion is embedded in the porous body <NUM> in such a manner that a width direction thereof follows along a movement direction of the e-liquid and/or smoke in the porous body <NUM>, so that the movement of the e-liquid and/or the smoke can be smoother on one hand, and more heat can be concentrated near an atomizing surface <NUM> instead of being transferred towards a liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> along an opposite direction on the other hand, so as to improve the utilization of the heat. The porous body <NUM>, in some embodiments, can be made of hard capillary structures such as porous ceramics, porous glass ceramics, porous glass, and so on. The sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM>, in some embodiments, can be made of stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, titanium and so on.

When the porous body <NUM> has a sintered structure, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> can be integrally formed with the porous body <NUM> by sintering. Specifically, in an example that the porous body <NUM> is made of the porous ceramics, when the sheet heating portion is a metal sheet, a green body of the porous body <NUM> can be first formed using the Kaolin clay mass, and then the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> can be embedded into the green body, which can be baked and sintered thereafter. When the sheet heating portion is a coated sheet heating portion, the sheet heating portion can be first coated on an organic film, and then the organic film coated with the sheet heating portion is inserted into the green body, which is baked and sintered thereafter. The organic film is burnt off in the sintering process, and only the coated sheet heating portion is tightly coupled with the porous body.

Compared with a heating wire, the sheet heating portion has a larger specific surface area. When certain mechanical properties are satisfied, the thickness of the sheet heating portion can be greatly smaller than the diameter of the heating wire (the heating wire with too small diameter is easy to break). Therefore, the sheet heating portion can be made very thin to lead to low internal accumulation of heat and high atomization efficiency. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet heating portion can have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM> and a width of <NUM> to <NUM>. In some cases, the thickness of the sheet heating portion can be even smaller, for example, about <NUM>.

As shown in the figures, the porous body <NUM> can be substantially, but not limited to, in a shape of a cuboid in some embodiments. The porous body <NUM> includes the atomizing surface <NUM> and the liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> parallel to the atomizing surface <NUM>. The liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> is used to be in communication with the liquid storage cavity such that the e-liquid can flow into the porous body <NUM>. The e-liquid is heated and atomized in the porous body <NUM> and then escapes through the atomizing surface <NUM>. The porous body <NUM> includes a receiving groove <NUM> for receiving the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM>. The receiving groove <NUM> extends, in a length direction, along a direction parallel to a plane where the atomizing surface <NUM> is located, and extends, in a depth direction, along a direction away from the atomizing surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, since the liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> and the atomizing surface <NUM> are parallel to each other, the movement directions of the e-liquid and the smoke in the porous body <NUM> are both perpendicular to the atomizing surface <NUM>. The receiving groove <NUM>, in the depth direction thereof, is perpendicular to the plane where the atomizing surface <NUM> is located, so that when the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is received therein, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM>, in the width direction thereof, is also perpendicular to the plane where the atomizing surface <NUM> is located. When the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> in the width direction thereof is perpendicular to the atomizing surface <NUM>, on one hand, the movement of the smoke and the e-liquid in the porous body <NUM> will be smoother, and on the other hand, the manufacturing of the heating element <NUM> is more convenient. In addition, the main heatconducting surfaces (that is, the front surface and the rear surface defined by the length and width) of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> are located in the lateral direction to heat the e-liquid near the atomizing surface <NUM> and thus improve the atomization efficiency. Furthermore, since the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is relatively thin, and an upper surface and a lower surface defined by the thickness and the length are both small, the e-liquid away from the atomizing surface <NUM> adsorbs less heat, which can reduce the waste of heat and save energy.

It can be understood that the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is not limited to one having the width direction perpendicular to the plane where the atomizing surface <NUM> is located. In some embodiments, it is preferable to be slightly inclined, that is, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the atomizing surface <NUM>. Preferably, an angle between the width direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> and a normal direction of the atomizing surface <NUM> is within <NUM> degrees.

It can further be understood that the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is not limited to a unique corresponding relationship that the heating portion is substantially perpendicular in its whole section in the entire length to the plane where the atomizing surface <NUM> is located. Some advantages disclosed in the embodiments can be obtained as long as some sections of the heating portion satisfies such relationship. Preferably, at least half or more of the heating portion satisfies such relationship.

It can be understood that, in some embodiments, if the movement direction of the e-liquid and/or the smoke in the porous body <NUM> is not perpendicular to the plane where the atomizing surface <NUM> is located, the arrangement of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> may preferably be adjusted accordingly such that the width direction of the sheet heating portion is parallel to or follows along the movement direction of the e-liquid and/or the smoke in the porous body <NUM> as much as possible.

In some embodiments, in order to make the heat distribution more uniform, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> need to be distributed uniformly in the porous body <NUM> near the atomizing surface <NUM> as much as possible. In some embodiments, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> can be provided in an S-shape in the length direction, which includes a plurality of flat portions <NUM> arranged in parallel with each other at equal intervals, and a plurality of bending portions <NUM> connecting the plurality of flat portions <NUM> together in series. Correspondingly, the receiving groove <NUM> is also provided in an S-shape, and the size of which is adapted to the size of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM>, so that the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> can be better received therein and the receiving groove <NUM> is in close contact with the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM>. It can be understood that the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is not limited to be provided in the S-shape, and can also be provided in other shapes such as a flat strip shape, a tape shape, and a wavy shape as required. In addition, it is not limited that only one sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is provided in one porous body <NUM>, two or more heating elements <NUM> may also be provided.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the width of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is equal to the depth of the receiving groove <NUM>. When the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM> along the width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with the atomizing surface <NUM>, that is, the plane where the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is located is parallel to the atomizing surface <NUM>. Since the top surface (an upper surface defined by the length and thickness) of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the heating assembly <NUM> can atomize the e-liquid near the top surface more quickly, and the advantages of quick smoke generation and convenient manufacturing are provided.

In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity of the porous body <NUM> is uniform in a direction from the liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> to the atomizing surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the porous body <NUM> gradually increases in the direction from the liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> to the atomizing surface <NUM>. As a result, the e-liquid in the porous body <NUM> is atomized more quickly as getting closer to the atomizing surface <NUM>, therefore, the movement of the e-liquid towards the atomizing surface <NUM> is accelerated to improve the atomization efficiency.

In addition, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is embedded in the porous body <NUM> along the width direction, the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> has a large contact area with the porous body <NUM>, thus, the heating efficiency is high and the coupling is firm and uneasy to shed off. Further, such a configuration allow the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> to be as thin as possible, and the exposed portion of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is relatively narrow, which can therefore greatly reduce the occurrence of dry burning of the exposed portion.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12a in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, the heating assembly 12a is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122a is smaller than a depth of a receiving groove 1210a, as a result, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122a is received in the receiving groove 1210a along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is lower than an atomizing surface 1211a.

Such configuration can allow for accumulation of the e-liquid in a slot channel between the top surface and the atomizing surface 1211a, avoiding the exposure of the top surface and further reducing dry burning.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12b in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, the heating assembly 12b is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122b is greater than a depth of a receiving groove 1210b, as a result, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122b is received in the receiving groove 1210b along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion protrudes from an atomizing surface 1211b. With such configuration, multiple atomization temperatures can be provided to achieve the effect of diversified mouthfeel, so as to meet the needs of different users.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12c in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, the heating assembly 12c is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122c, in a width direction thereof, is perpendicular to an atomizing surface 1211c, and the sheet heating portion is totally embedded into a porous body 121c. With such configuration, the occurrence of dry burning of the heating element 122c can be avoided.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12d in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122d is equal to a depth of a receiving groove 1210d, and when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122d is received in the receiving groove 1210d along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface 1211d. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a thickness of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122d gradually increases along a depth direction of the receiving groove 1210d, such that a resistance of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122d gradually decreases along the depth direction of the receiving groove 1210d.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12e in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122e is equal to a depth of a receiving groove 1210e, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122e is received in the receiving groove 1210e along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface 1211e. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a thickness of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122e gradually decreases along a depth direction of the receiving groove 1210e, such that a resistance of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122e gradually increases along the depth direction of the receiving groove 1210e.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12f in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122f is equal to a depth of a receiving groove 1210f, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122f is received in the receiving groove 1210f along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface 1211f. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a thickness of a portion of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122f adjacent to the atomizing surface 1211f is greater than a thickness of a portion thereof away from the atomizing surface 1211f, that is, the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122f has a stepped thickness. As a result, a resistance of the portion of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122f adjacent to the atomizing surface 1211f is greater than a resistance of the portion thereof away from the atomizing surface 1211f.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly <NUM> in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element <NUM> is equal to a depth of a receiving groove <NUM>, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM> along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface <NUM>. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a thickness of a portion of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> adjacent to the atomizing surface <NUM> is smaller than a thickness of a portion thereof away from the atomizing surface <NUM>. As a result, a resistance of the portion of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> adjacent to the atomizing surface <NUM> is lower than a resistance of the portion thereof away from the atomizing surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly <NUM> in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element <NUM> is equal to a depth of a receiving groove <NUM>, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM> along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface <NUM>. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a porous body <NUM> includes a first layer <NUM> adjacent to the atomizing surface <NUM> and a second layer <NUM> away from the atomizing surface1211h, and a thermal conductivity of the first layer <NUM> is greater than that of the second layer <NUM>, so that the heat in the portion adjacent to <NUM> can be transferred faster, resulting in better atomization efficiency.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12i in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122i is equal to a depth of a receiving groove 1210i, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122i is received in the receiving groove 1210i along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface 1211i. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that flat portions 1221i of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122i are arranged at intervals in a direction parallel to a plane where the atomizing surface is located, and the intervals are larger in the middle and smaller at both sides, so that the heating is more uniform. It can be understood that, in some embodiments, the flat portions 1221i of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122i are arranged at intervals in the direction parallel to the plane where the atomizing surface is located, and the intervals are smaller in the middle and larger at the both sides.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12j in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122j is equal to a depth of a receiving groove 1210j, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122j is received in the receiving groove 1210j along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface 1211j. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that flat portions 1221j of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122j are thicker in the middle and thinner at both sides in a direction parallel to a plane where the atomizing surface is located.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly <NUM> in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element <NUM> is equal to a depth of a receiving groove <NUM>, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM> along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface <NUM>. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> is not parallel to the atomizing surface <NUM>, so that the porous body <NUM> is in a trapezoidal shape.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly <NUM> in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element <NUM> is equal to a depth of a receiving groove <NUM>, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is received in the receiving groove <NUM> along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with an atomizing surface <NUM>. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different from the heating assembly <NUM> mainly in that a liquid adsorbing surface <NUM> is in a concave arc shape.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12n in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that, as an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, a porous body 121n of the heating assembly 12n includes three atomizing surfaces 1211n and three liquid adsorbing surfaces 1212n. Each atomizing surface 1211n corresponds to a sheet heating portion of one heating element 122n, and a width of the sheet heating portion of each heating element 122n is equal to a depth of a corresponding receiving groove 1210n. When the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122n is received in the receiving groove 1210n along a width direction, a top surface of the sheet heating portion is flush with the atomizing surface 1211n. Each liquid adsorbing surface 1212n is parallel to the corresponding atomizing surface 1211n. It can be understood that the number of the atomizing surfaces 1211n can also be two or more than three.

<FIG> illustrates a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122p in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the heating element <NUM> of the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that the heating element 122p includes an elongated sheet heating portion in the middle and two electrical connecting portions 1223p, 1224p connected to both ends of the heating portion, respectively. Instead of being bent into a specific shape, the elongated sheet heating portion as shown in the figure is in the shape of a strip. In some embodiments, the heating portion is integrally formed with the two electrical connecting portions 1223p, 1224p, and lower portions of the two electrical connecting portions 1223p, 1224p protrude from a lower edge of the heating portion, respectively, such that when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122p is inserted into a porous body, the two electrical connecting portions 1223p, 1224p can be inserted more deeply to be engaged with the porous body more firmly to avoid the loosening caused by pulling of lead wires. Upper portions of the two electrical connecting portions 1223p, 1224p protrude from an upper edge of the heating portion, respectively, to act as electrical lead wires.

<FIG> illustrates a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122q in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The sheet heating portion of the heating element 122q is provided in an S-shaped long strip shape, which includes a plurality of flat portions 1221q parallel to each other and a plurality of bending portions 1222q connecting the flat portions 1221q in series. As an alternative solution for the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> of the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that a thickness of the bending portion 1222q of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122q is greater than a thickness of the flat portion 1221q thereof, so that a resistance of the bending portion 1222q is reduced, and thus the heat accumulation generated at the bending portion 1222q can be reduced. In some embodiments, the bending portion 1222q can also be widened to reduce the resistance at the corners. It can be understood that the solution is not limited to the sheet heating portion, a heating wire and a coated sheet heating element can also be applied. Specifically, when the heating wire has a flat portion and a bending portion, the bending portion can be designed to be larger directly, while for the coated heating element, the coat on the bending portion can be made thicker or wider.

<FIG> illustrates a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122r in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122r is provided with a plurality of through holes 1220r extending through the thickness direction thereof. In a length direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122r, a density of the through holes 1220r in the middle is greater than that of the through holes at both ends. As a result, in the length direction, a resistance of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122r in the middle is greater than that of the sheet heating portion at both ends to meet requirements of specific heating assemblies and allow the distribution of the heat in the porous body to meet specific requirements.

<FIG> illustrates a sheet heating portion of a heating element <NUM> in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> is provided with a plurality of through holes <NUM> extending through the thickness direction thereof. In a length direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM>, a density of the through holes 1220r in the middle is lower than that of the through holes at both ends. As a result, in the length direction, a resistance of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122r in the middle is lower than that of the sheet heating portion at both ends to meet requirements of specific heating assemblies.

<FIG> illustrates a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122t in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122t is provided with a plurality of through holes 1220t extending through the thickness direction thereof. In a width direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122t, a distribution density of the through holes 1220t gradually changes (for example, gradually increases or decreases) or changes stepwise. As a result, a resistance of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122t gradually changes or changes stepwise in the width direction to meet the requirements of different heating assemblies.

<FIG> illustrates a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122u in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution for the sheet heating portion of the heating element <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that, the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122u is a heating net which includes a plurality of meshes 1220u, the distribution of the meshes 1220u in a length direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122u includes one of the following types: (<NUM>) the meshes are uniformly distributed, such that the resistance is uniformly distributed in the length direction; (<NUM>) the density of the meshes in the middle is lower than that of the meshes at both ends, and the density changes gradually or stepwise; (<NUM>) the density of the meshes in the middle is greater than that of the meshes at both ends, and the density changes gradually or stepwise. The distribution of the meshes 1220u in a width direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122u includes one of the following types: (<NUM>) the meshes are uniformly distributed; (<NUM>) the density of the meshes on one side is greater than that of the meshes on another side, and the density changes gradually or stepwise.

<FIG> illustrate a heating assembly 12v in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the figures, the heating assembly 12v includes a porous body 121v and a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122v provided in the porous body 121v. As shown in the figures, As an alternative solution for the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that, a surface of a liquid adsorbing surface of the porous body 121v of the heating element 12v is recessed downwardly to form a groove 120v such that the whole porous body 121v is in the shape of a bowl, and an inner surface of a bottom wall of the porous body 121v forms a liquid adsorbing surface 1212v, while an outer surface of the bottom wall thereof forms an atomizing surface 1211v. The sheet heating portion of the heating element 122v is embedded in the atomizing surface 1211v. Since the porous body 121v is provided in the shape of a bowl, the whole porous body 121v is high enough to facilitate the mounting of the heating assembly 12v and the arrangement of a sealing sleeve <NUM>. Besides, it is ensured that the distance from the liquid adsorbing surface 1212v to the atomizing surface 1211v is close enough to ensure the atomization effect while facilitating the mounting. The heating element 122v can be any one of the heating elements mentioned above.

<FIG> illustrate an electronic cigarette in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The heating assembly 12v shown in <FIG> is adopted in the electronic cigarette. It can be understood that any one of the heating assemblies mentioned above can also be adaptable to the electronic cigarette. In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette can be in a flat shape, which can include an atomizer <NUM> and a battery assembly <NUM> detachably connected to the atomizer <NUM>. The atomizer <NUM> is configured for accommodating e-liquid and generating smoke. The battery assembly <NUM> is configured for supplying power for the atomizer <NUM>. As shown in the figures, a lower end of the atomizer <NUM> is inserted into an upper end of the battery assembly <NUM>, the atomizer <NUM> and the battery assembly <NUM> can be coupled together through magnetic attraction.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the atomizer <NUM> can include an atomizing assembly <NUM> and a liquid storage device <NUM> sleeved on the atomizing assembly <NUM>. The atomizing assembly <NUM> can be used to heat and atomize the e-liquid, while the liquid storage device <NUM> can be used to store the e-liquid to be supplied to the atomizing assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together, the atomizing assembly <NUM> includes a lower holder <NUM>, the heating assembly 12v disposed on the lower holder <NUM>, a sealing sleeve <NUM> sleeved on the heating assembly 12v, an upper holder <NUM> disposed on the lower holder <NUM> and abutted against the sealing sleeve <NUM>, and a sleeve <NUM> sleeved on the upper holder <NUM>. After the upper holder <NUM> abuts against the sealing sleeve <NUM>, the heating assembly 12v is tightly clamped between the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM>. The presence of the sealing sleeve <NUM> can achieve the sealing between the heating assembly 12v and the upper holder <NUM> to prevent leakage of e-liquid and can also make the positioning of the heating assembly 12v in the horizontal direction more tightly.

In some embodiments, the lower holder <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, a first supporting arm <NUM> standing on a top surface of the base <NUM>, and a second supporting arm <NUM> standing on the top surface of the base <NUM> and disposed opposite to the first supporting arm <NUM>. The heating assembly 12v is supported between the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM>, with the atomizing surface 1211v thereof facing the base <NUM> directly and spaced from the base <NUM> at an interval. The interval forms an atomizing cavity <NUM> to achieve the mixing of the smoke and the air.

In some embodiments, the base <NUM> can be in a shape of a rectangle plate. A bottom surface of the base <NUM> is recessed inwardly to form two receiving grooves <NUM> for receiving two magnetic elements <NUM> therein, respectively. The magnetic elements <NUM> are used for magnetically attracting the atomizer <NUM> and the battery assembly <NUM> together. The base <NUM> is also provided with engaging hooks <NUM> respectively on two opposite end surfaces thereof configured for engaging with the liquid storage device <NUM>. The base <NUM> can also be provided with two electrode columns <NUM> electrically connected to the heating assembly 12v on the bottom thereof, which are used to be electrically connected to positive and negative electrodes of the battery assembly <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM> can be in a shape of a plate. Inner side surfaces of the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM> are respectively recessed to form accommodating grooves <NUM>, <NUM> for an embedded portion <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM> to be embedded therein. The accommodating grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are formed in upper half portions of the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM>, respectively; and steps <NUM>, <NUM> are formed on the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM>, respectively. Both ends of the heating assembly 12v are supported on the steps <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Outer sides of top ends of the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM> are further provided with engaging portions <NUM>, <NUM> for engaging with the upper holder <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM> are left-right symmetrically arranged to facilitate the assembly, that is, there is no need for an operator to distinguish beforehand which is the left end and which is the right end during the assembly.

In some embodiments, the lower holder <NUM> can also include a U-shaped air inlet groove structure <NUM> and a U-shaped air outlet groove structure <NUM>. The air inlet groove structure <NUM> and the air outlet groove structure <NUM> are connected to outer sides of the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM>, respectively, and extend outwards horizontally. A through hole <NUM> providing communication between the air inlet groove structure <NUM> and the atomizing cavity <NUM> is formed on the first supporting arm <NUM>, while a through hole <NUM> providing communication between the air outlet groove structure <NUM> and the atomizing cavity <NUM> is formed on the second supporting arm <NUM>, so as to introduce air to carry away the smoke in the atomizing cavity <NUM>. The through holes <NUM>, <NUM> are located under the accommodating grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In some embodiments, the upper holder <NUM> can include a main body portion <NUM> having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the embedded portion <NUM> extending downwards from the middle of a bottom surface of the main body portion <NUM>, and a second air inlet channel <NUM> extending downwards from the right end of the bottom surface of the main body portion <NUM>. The embedded portion <NUM> is annular, and is accommodated in the accommodating grooves <NUM>, <NUM> between the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM> of the lower holder <NUM>, and is sleeved on the periphery of the sealing sleeve <NUM>. The upper holder <NUM> further includes two liquid channels <NUM> extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the main body portion <NUM>, a slot channel <NUM> formed on a side wall and surrounding the liquid channel <NUM> on the right side and in communication with the second air inlet channel <NUM>, and a second air outlet channel <NUM> in communication with the slot channel <NUM>. The second air outlet channel <NUM> extends through to be in communication with the slot channel <NUM> from the middle of the top surface of the upper holder <NUM>. The left end of the top surface of the upper holder <NUM> is also recessed downwardly to form two positioning holes <NUM> to cooperate with the sleeve <NUM>, thereby playing the functions of positioning and fool proofing. The upper holder <NUM> also includes an engaging hook <NUM> extending downwardly to be hooked onto the lower holder <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> can be a silicone sleeve, which can include a top wall <NUM>, an annular first blocking wall <NUM> extending downwards from a periphery of the top wall <NUM>, and two U-shaped second blocking walls <NUM>, <NUM> extending downwards respectively from two ends of the first blocking wall <NUM>. Two liquid inlet holes <NUM> and a sleeve air outlet channel <NUM> are formed on the top wall <NUM>. The two liquid inlet holes <NUM> correspond to the two liquid channels <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM>, respectively. The sleeve air outlet channel <NUM> is inserted into the second air outlet channel <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM> and is in communication with the second air outlet channel <NUM>. The first blocking wall <NUM> is used to enclose the side wall of the main body portion <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM> and cover the slot channel <NUM> on the side wall to form an air-tight annular connecting channel for the upper holder. The second blocking walls <NUM>, <NUM> cover the air inlet groove structure <NUM> and the air outlet groove structure <NUM> of the lower holder <NUM>, respectively, and form an air-tight first air inlet channel and an air-tight first air outlet channel respectively together with the first supporting arm <NUM> and the second supporting arm <NUM>. A first air inlet hole <NUM> is formed on the second blocking wall <NUM> located on the left side, the first air inlet hole <NUM> is configured to be in communication with the external environment to introduce air into the first air inlet channel. The first air outlet channel is in communication with the second air inlet channel <NUM>. Two positioning columns <NUM> extend downwards from the left end of the bottom surface of the top wall <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> to respectively cooperate with the two positioning holes <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM>, mainly to allow the first air inlet hole <NUM> located on the left side of the sleeve <NUM> to be precisely located on the left side of the assembly of the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM>, so as to ensure that the first air inlet hole <NUM> is in communication with the first air inlet channel, thereby playing the function of fool proofing.

The liquid storage device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> provided with an air outlet <NUM>, and an airflow tube <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> and in communication with the air outlet <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a liquid storage portion <NUM> and a sleeve portion <NUM> connected to the liquid storage portion <NUM>. A liquid storage cavity <NUM> is formed between the liquid storage portion <NUM> and the airflow tube <NUM>. The liquid storage cavity <NUM> includes a liquid outlet <NUM>, and the sleeve portion <NUM> is connected to a periphery of the liquid outlet <NUM> to be tightly sleeved on the atomizing assembly <NUM>. A step <NUM> is formed between an inner wall surface of the sleeve portion <NUM> and an inner wall surface of the liquid storage portion <NUM>. The step <NUM> abuts against the top surface of the atomizing assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion <NUM> is integrally formed with the liquid storage portion <NUM>. The air outlet <NUM> can be provided to be a suction nozzle in the shape of a flat trumpet.

The airflow tube <NUM> extends from the air outlet <NUM> towards the liquid outlet <NUM>, with a distal end thereof extending into the sleeve portion <NUM> and inserted into the air outlet channel <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, so as to be in communication with the second air outlet channel <NUM>. The sleeve portion <NUM> is further provided with second air inlet holes <NUM> on the left and right sides thereof, wherein the second air inlet hole <NUM> on the left side is in communication with the first air inlet hole <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, so that the air outside the housing <NUM> can enter the first air inlet channel which is formed by the sleeve <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM>. Preferably, the housing <NUM> is symmetrically arranged as a whole to facilitate the assembling, because if there is only one side provided with the second air inlet hole <NUM>, workers have to perform an additional step of judging whether the second air inlet holes <NUM> are located on the same side as the first air inlet hole <NUM> during assembling. Engaging slots <NUM> are formed in inner walls of the left and right sides of the sleeve portion <NUM> to cooperate with the engaging hooks <NUM> of the lower holder <NUM>, respectively, so that the housing <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM> can be easily engaged together.

When the atomizer <NUM> is assembled, the following steps can be used:.

As a result, the flow path of the air in the atomizer <NUM> is shown by the arrow in <FIG>: the air first flows into the first air inlet channel through the second air inlet hole <NUM> and the first air inlet hole <NUM>, and then flows into the atomizing cavity <NUM> through the through hole <NUM> to be mixed with the smoke. The mixture of smoke and air flows into the first air outlet channel through the through hole <NUM> and then flows into the second air inlet channel <NUM>. The mixture of smoke and air then flows into the annular connecting channel for the upper holder and flows into the second air outlet channel <NUM>. The mixture of smoke and air finally flows into the airflow tube <NUM>, and is finally exhausted out of the atomizer <NUM> through the air outlet <NUM>. The e-liquid in the liquid storage cavity <NUM> flows sequentially through the liquid inlet hole <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and the liquid channel <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM>, and then flows into the groove <NUM> of the heating assembly 12v to be in contact with the liquid adsorbing surface 1212v, thereby achieving the delivery of the e-liquid.

In some embodiments, the location of the second air inlet hole <NUM> is higher than that of the atomizing cavity <NUM>, which can better prevent the leakage of the e-liquid from the second air inlet hole <NUM> in a normal use state. The bottom of the whole airflow tube of the atomizer <NUM> is substantially U-shaped. The direction of the airflow at the atomizing cavity <NUM> is parallel to the atomizing surface 1211v of the heating assembly 12v, so that the smoke atomized at the atomizing surface 1211v can be carried away more easily.

In some embodiments, the porous body 121v of the heating assembly 12v has a groove on the top surface thereof. After the e-liquid enters the groove, the efficiency of liquid guiding can be increased. Specifically, on the one hand, the arrangement of the groove increases the contact area between the porous body and the e-liquid; on the other hand, the distance between the bottom surface of the groove and the outer surface of the bottom of the porous body 121v is very small, which can reduce the flow resistance of the e-liquid reaching the outer surface of the bottom of the porous body 121v. In addition, since the liquid guiding side surface of the heating element 12v needs to be sealed by the sealing sleeve <NUM> to seal the e-liquid to prevent the e-liquid from flowing into the atomizing cavity <NUM>, the porous body 121v needs to have a certain height to meet the requirements of the arrangement of the sealing element and the rigidity requirement of the porous body 121v itself. By arranging the above-mentioned groove, both the thickness requirement of the porous ceramic body and the requirement of liquid guiding efficiency can be met.

It can be understood that the heating assembly 12v of the electronic cigarette mentioned above can also use other suitable heating assemblies. The heating portion of the heating element 122v is not limited to be in the shape of an elongated sheet, it can also be in other shapes such as a filament and so on.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12w in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As an alternative solution of the heating assembly <NUM> mentioned above, it is different mainly in that, a porous body 121w of the heating assembly 12w includes a wave-shaped atomizing surface 1211w, and flat portions 1221w of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122w are respectively disposed corresponding to troughs of the wave-shaped atomizing surface 1211w and are perpendicular to a plane where the wave-shaped atomizing surface 1211w is located, thereby reducing the dry burning effect through the e-liquid accumulated at the troughs.

<FIG> illustrates a heating assembly 12x in some embodiments of the present disclosure. A width of a sheet heating portion of a heating element 122x of the heating assembly 12x is smaller than a depth of a receiving groove 1210x. Therefore, when the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122x is received in the receiving groove 1210x in a width direction, a top surface thereof is lower than an atomizing surface 1211x. As an alternative solution for the heating assembly 12a mentioned above, it is different mainly in that an angle is formed between the width direction of the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122x of the heating assembly 12x and a normal direction of the atomizing surface 1211x. Preferably, the angle is smaller than <NUM> degrees.

<FIG> illustrates a heating element 122y in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The heating element 122y includes a strip-shaped heating portion in the middle and two electrical connecting portions 1223y, 1224y respectively integrally connected to two ends of the heating portion. As an alternative solution for the heating element 122p mentioned above, it is different mainly in that, the sheet heating portion of the heating element 122y is provided with a plurality of through holes or blind holes 1220y at positions adjacent to an atomizing surface of a porous body to improve the resistance of the area.

<FIG> illustrates a heating element 122z in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The heating element 122z includes an elongated sheet heating portion in the middle and two electrical connecting portions 1223z, 1224z respectively integrally connected to two ends of the heating portion. As an alternative solution for the heating element 122p mentioned above, it is different mainly in that, the heating portion of the heating element 122z is provided with a plurality of through holes or blind holes 1220z at positions away from an atomizing surface of a porous body to improve the resistance of the area.

Claim 1:
A heating assembly (<NUM>) of an electronic cigarette, comprising a capillary structure configured for adsorbing e-liquid and at least one heating element (<NUM>) configured for heating and atomizing the e-liquid adsorbed into the capillary structure, the heating element (<NUM>) comprising an elongated heating portion, wherein the elongated heating portion comprises at least one flat portion (<NUM>) and at least one bending portion (<NUM>) connected to the at least one flat portion (<NUM>) in series, a resistance of the at least one bending portion (<NUM>) is smaller than that of the at least one flat portion (<NUM>);
characterized in that the capillary structure comprises a porous body (<NUM>), at least partial section of the elongated heating portion is at least partially embedded in the porous body (<NUM>), and the porous body (<NUM>) comprises an atomizing surface (<NUM>) corresponding to the at least partial section.