An inductive transmitter, aerosol-generating device and system

Abstract

An inductive emitter for an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber for accommodating an aerosol-generating article in operation, a susceptor for receiving energy emitted by the inductive emitter being present in the heating chamber in operation, characterized in that the inductive emitter comprises an induction coil having a magnetic field axis, the induction coil being arranged to enclose at least a portion of the heating chamber and the susceptor, the induction coil being displaceable relative to the heating chamber in operation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present patent relates to the field of new tobacco technology, in particular to an induction heating aerosol generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing concern about health, people have realized that traditional cigarettes have certain harm to health, and the influence of traditional cigarettes on health and environment has gradually attracted the attention of countries around the world.

[0003] The current heating cigarette appliances on the market mainly use the principle of resistance heating, and the heating methods mainly include inner core heating, peripheral heating and inner-outer mixed heating. The cigarette appliance with inner core heating usually uses a needle-shaped heating body because the cigarette needs to be inserted conveniently, and the cross-sectional area of the heating body needs to be small, so that the cigarette medium close to the heating body is overheated in the heating process, and the cigarette medium far from the heating body is difficult to be heated, resulting in uneven heating of the cigarette.

[0004] Electromagnetic induction heating is a method of using electromagnetic induction to generate eddy current in the interior of the material to be heated, and relying on the energy of the eddy current to achieve the purpose of heating. The process of electromagnetic induction heating is actually a comprehensive embodiment of electromagnetic induction process and heat conduction process, and the electromagnetic induction process has a dominant role. It affects and to some extent determines the heat conduction process. The heat energy required in the heat conduction process is actually provided by the eddy current power generated in the electromagnetic induction process. As a non-contact heating method, the induction heating body does not need to be electrically connected with the heating control part, so it has a large degree of freedom in design, and is very suitable for application in the field of new tobacco products. The key components in the principle of electromagnetic induction heating include an induction transmitter with an induction coil and a susceptor as an induction heating body.

[0005] At present, the heating power of electromagnetic induction heating in the field of new tobacco is controlled by controlling the voltage, current or frequency of alternating current, which has high requirements for circuit design, software programming, etc. In addition, the position of the induction coil in the cigarette appliance is fixed, and the heating position or the heating temperature spatial distribution cannot be adjusted and controlled in use. SUMMARY

[0006] The purpose of the present application is to provide a new induction heating aerosol generating device heating power adjustment method, so as to reduce the requirements for circuit design and software programming, and to adjust and control the heating position or the heating temperature spatial distribution in use.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the technical scheme adopted by the present application is as follows:

[0008] An induction emitter for an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article in operation, a susceptor for receiving energy emitted by the induction emitter being present in the heating chamber in operation, the induction emitter comprising an induction coil having a magnetic field axis, the induction coil being arranged to surround at least a portion of the heating chamber and the susceptor, the induction coil being displaceable relative to the heating chamber in operation.

[0009] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by being displaced relative to the heating chamber.

[0010] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by compressing or stretching at least a portion of the induction coil.

[0011] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by compressing or stretching the entire or a portion of the induction coil.

[0012] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by compressing a portion of the induction coil and stretching another portion of the induction coil.

[0013] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by twisting at least a portion of the induction coil.

[0014] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by twisting the entire or a portion of the induction coil in the same or opposite winding direction.

[0015] Further, the induction coil changes a number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis by twisting a portion of the induction coil in the same winding direction and twisting another portion of the induction coil in the opposite winding direction.

[0016] An aerosol-generating device comprising any of the above induction emitters, the aerosol-generating device further comprising a power supply connected to the induction coil and configured to provide a high-frequency current to the induction coil under control of a controller, a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article in operation, a susceptor for receiving energy emitted by the induction emitter being present in the heating chamber in operation.

[0017] An aerosol-generating system comprising the above aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating device contains the susceptor.

[0018] An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol- generating article, wherein the susceptor is disposed around the heating chamber, and in operation the susceptor surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0019] An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol- generating article, wherein the susceptor is disposed inside the heating chamber, and in operation the susceptor at least partially inserts the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] The aerosol-generating article is a smoking article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate which, by heating, generates an aerosol which is directly inhalable by a user into the user’s lungs through the user’s mouth.

[0021] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise both solid and liquid components.

[0022] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. For example, the aerosol-forming material can be formed from a sheet of homogenised tobacco.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise aerosol- forming material which does not comprise tobacco. For example, the aerosol-forming material can be a sheet comprising nicotine salt and aerosol-forming agent.

[0024] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol- forming substrate can comprise one or more of a powder, a granule, a pellet, a shard, a striplet, a rodlet, or a sheet material, containing one or more of a herb leaf, a tobacco leaf, a tobacco ribbaut, a flat expanded tobacco, and a homogenised tobacco.

[0025] Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can contain tobacco volatile aroma compounds or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can also contain one or more capsules which comprise, for example, additional tobacco volatile aroma compounds or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds, and such capsules can melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0026] Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can be disposed on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of a powder, a granule, a pellet, a shard, a striplet, a rodlet, or a sheet material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be arranged on the surface of the carrier, for example, in the form of a sheet, a foam, a gel, or a slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be placed across the surface of the carrier, or, alternatively, can be arranged in a pattern so as to provide uneven flavour delivery during use.

[0027] In the present patent, homogenised tobacco material means material formed by the aggregation of particulate tobacco.

[0028] In the present patent, sheet means a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

[0029] In the present patent, aggregated is used to describe a sheet that has been rolled, folded or compressed or contracted substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

[0030] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated textured sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0031] In the present patent, textured sheet means a sheet that has been crimped, embossed, impressed, perforated or otherwise deformed. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise an aggregated textured sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of spaced apart notches, protrusions, perforations or combinations thereof. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material. The use of a textured sheet of homogenised tobacco material can advantageously facilitate the aggregation of a sheet of homogenised tobacco material to form the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0032] In the present patent, crimped sheet means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article has been assembled. This advantageously facilitates the aggregation of a crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material to form the aerosol-forming substrate. However, it will be appreciated that a crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol generating article can alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations arranged at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article has been assembled.

[0033] The aerosol-forming substrate can be in the form of a plug comprising aerosol-forming material defined by paper or other wrapper material. Where the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a plug, the entire plug including any wrapper paper is considered to be the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0034] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plug comprising an aggregated sheet of homogenised tobacco material or other aerosol-forming material surrounded by a wrapper. Preferably, the or each elongate susceptor is located within the plug in direct contact with the aerosol-forming material.

[0035] In the present patent, aerosol former is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which in use facilitates the formation of an aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article.

[0036] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polybasic carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. A preferred aerosol former is a polyhydric alcohol or mixture thereof such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0037] The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a single aerosol former. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0038] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of greater than 5% by dry weight. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate can have an aerosol former content of between about 5% and about 30% by dry weight. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of about 20% by dry weight.

[0039] The aerosol-forming substrate including the homogenized tobacco sheet for use in an aerosol-generating article can be manufactured by known manufacturing processes in the art such as roll-pressing, thick paste, and paper-making methods.

[0040] Aerosol-forming articles can have the appearance of a conventional cigarette, cigarette articles and their gauges are generally named according to the length of the cigarette rod, as follows. By "regular", it is generally meant a cigarette rod of length in the range of 68 mm to 75 mm, for example of about 68 mm to about 72 mm, by "short" or "mini", it is meant a cigarette rod of length below 68 mm, by "king-size", it is generally meant a cigarette rod of length in the range of 75 mm to 91 mm, for example of about 79 mm to about 88 mm, by "long" or "king-size long", it is generally meant a cigarette rod of length in the range of 91 mm to 105 mm, for example of about 94 mm to about 101 mm, and by "super-long", it is generally meant a cigarette rod of length in the range of about 110 mm to about 121 mm. In addition, cigarette articles are named according to the circumference of the cigarette rod, as follows. By "regular", it is meant a cigarette rod of circumference of about 23 mm to 25 mm, by "fat", it is meant a cigarette rod of circumference above 25 mm, by "slim", it is meant a cigarette rod of circumference of about 22 mm to 23 mm, by "slim long", it is meant a cigarette rod of circumference of about 19 mm to 22 mm, by "super-slim", it is meant a cigarette rod of circumference of about 16 mm to 19 mm, and by "micro-slim", it is meant a cigarette rod of circumference below about 16 mm. Thus, a king-size super-slim cigarette rod has for example a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm. King-size regular cigarette rods, i.e. cigarette rods having a length of 75 mm to 91 mm and a circumference of 23 mm to 25 mm, are preferred by many customers. Cigarette articles of each gauge can also be manufactured with filters of different lengths. Generally, short filters are used for cigarette articles of gauges that are short in length and circumference. Generally, filter lengths range from 15 mm, used with "short" and "regular" gauges of cigarette articles, to 30 mm, used with "super-long" and "super-slim" gauges of cigarette articles. The length of the tipping paper in the length direction of the filter-tipped cigarette article is for example 3 mm to 10 mm longer than the filter.

[0041] Preferably, the aerosol-forming article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, a support element, an aerosol-cooling element and a mouthpiece. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate, the support element, the aerosol-cooling element and the mouthpiece are substantially cylindrical and have substantially equivalent outer diameters. For example, have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. Preferably, have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, for example between about 5 mm and about 10 mm or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, have an outer diameter of 7.2 mm + / - 10%.

[0042] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has a length of between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, for example between about 8 mm and about 12 mm. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate can have a length of about 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate has a length of about 12 mm.

[0043] The support element can be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and can abut the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0044] The support element can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element can be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; paperboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper; and polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In preferred embodiments, the support element is formed from cellulose acetate.

[0045] The support element can comprise a hollow tubular element. In preferred embodiments, the support element comprises a cellulose acetate tube.

[0046] The support element can have a length of between about 5 mm and about 15 mm. In preferred embodiments, the support element has a length of about 8 mm.

[0047] The aerosol-cooling element can be located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, for example the aerosol-cooling element can be located immediately downstream of, and can abut, the support element. The aerosol-cooling element can also be located between the support element and a mouthpiece, which is located at the lowermost end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0048] The aerosol-cooling element can have a total surface area of between about 300 square millimetres per millimetre of length and about 1000 square millimetres per millimetre of length. In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element has a total surface area of about 500 square millimetres per millimetre of length.

[0049] The aerosol-cooling element can alternatively be referred to as a heat exchanger.

[0050] Preferably, the aerosol-cooling element has a low draw resistance. That is, preferably, the aerosol-cooling element provides a low resistance to air passing through the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-cooling element does not substantially affect the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating article.

[0051] The aerosol-cooling element can comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. The plurality of longitudinally extending channels can be defined by a sheet material which has undergone one or more of crimping, pleating, gathering and folding to form the channels. The plurality of longitudinally extending channels can be defined by a single sheet material which has undergone one or more of crimping, pleating, gathering and folding to form the plurality of channels. Alternatively, the plurality of longitudinally extending channels can be defined by a plurality of sheet materials which have undergone one or more of crimping, pleating, gathering and folding to form the plurality of channels.

[0052] In some embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element can comprise a gathered sheet of material selected from the group consisting of: a metal foil, a polymeric material, and a substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element can comprise a gathered sheet of material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and an aluminium foil. In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element comprises a gathered sheet of biodegradable material. For example, a gathered sheet of non-porous paper or a gathered sheet of biodegradable polymeric material such as polylactic acid.

[0053] The aerosol-cooling element can be formed from a gathered sheet of material having a specific surface area of between about 10 square millimetres per milligram to about 100 square millimetres per milligram of weight. In some embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element can be formed from a gathered sheet of material having a specific surface area of about 35 mm 2 / mg.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article can comprise a mouthpiece located at the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece can be located immediately downstream of, and in close proximity to, the aerosol-cooling element. The mouthpiece can comprise a filter. The filter can be formed from one or more suitable filter materials. Many such filter materials are known in the art. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece can comprise a filter formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0055] The mouthpiece can have a length of between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. In preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece has a length of about 14 mm. The mouthpiece can have a length of between about 5 mm and about 14 mm. In preferred embodiments, the mouthpiece has a length of about 7 mm.

[0056] The elements of the aerosol-generating article (for example, the aerosol-forming substrate and any other elements of the aerosol-generating article such as the support element, the aerosol-cooling element and the mouthpiece) are surrounded by an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper is formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the outer wrapper is cigarette paper.

[0057] An aerosol-generating device is a device for illustrating interaction with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable by a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device can be a holder for a smoking article.

[0058] A susceptor refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor. When an elongate susceptor is positioned in thermal contact with an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor.

[0059] The aerosol-generating article is designed to be engaged with an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising an inductive heating source. The inductive heating source or inductor generates a fluctuating electromagnetic field in order to heat a susceptor located within the fluctuating electromagnetic field. In use, the aerosol-generating article is engaged with the aerosol-generating device such that the susceptor is located within the fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor.

[0060] The susceptor has a length dimension that is dimensionally greater than its width dimension or its thickness dimension, for example greater than twice its width dimension or its thickness dimension. The susceptor can therefore be described as an elongate susceptor. The susceptor can be arranged generally longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate. This means that the length dimension of the elongate susceptor is arranged approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate, for example within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate. In preferred embodiments, the elongate susceptor can be located at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate and extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0061] The susceptor is preferably needle-shaped, strip-shaped or leaf-shaped. Preferably, the susceptor has a length of between 5 mm and 15 mm, for example between 6 mm and 12 mm or between 8 mm and 10 mm. Preferably, the elongate susceptor has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the susceptor can have a width of between 1 mm and 5 mm and a thickness of between 0.01 mm and 2 mm, for example a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. Preferred embodiments can have a thickness of between 10 microns and 500 microns, more preferably between 10 microns and 100 microns. If the susceptor has a constant cross-section, for example a circular cross-section, it has a preferred width or diameter of between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0062] The susceptor can be made of any material that is capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Preferred susceptors comprise a metal or carbon. Preferred susceptors can comprise a ferromagnetic material, for example ferrite, ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors can be aluminium or can comprise aluminium. Preferred susceptors can be made of a 400 series stainless steel, for example a 410 grade, 420 grade or 430 grade stainless steel. Different materials will consume different amounts of energy when placed in an electromagnetic field having similar frequency and field strength values. Therefore, the parameters of the susceptor, for example the material type, length, width and thickness, can be varied within a known electromagnetic field to provide the desired energy consumption.

[0063] The preferred susceptor can be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius. Suitable susceptors can include a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed on the non-metallic core, for example a metallic track formed on a surface of a ceramic core.

[0064] The susceptor can have an outer protective layer, for example a ceramic protective layer or a glass protective layer that encapsulates the elongate susceptor, thereby forming a complete heater. The susceptor can include a protective coating of glass, ceramic or inert metal formed on the core of the susceptor material.

[0065] The susceptor is arranged in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, when the susceptor is heated, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated and an aerosol is formed. In one embodiment, the heater comprising the susceptor is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device can contain a single or multiple elongate heaters. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate can contain the susceptor, alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate can comprise a plurality of susceptors, the morphology of the susceptors can be elongate, granular, mesh, radial, tubular, hourglass, helical, etc.

[0066] The aerosol-generating device is capable of generating an oscillating electromagnetic field of between about 1 MHz and 30 MHz, for example between 2 MHz and 10 MHz, for example between 5 MHz and 7 MHz, by means of the induction coil of the induction transmitter.

[0067] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is capable of generating an oscillating electromagnetic field having a field strength (H-field) of between 1 kA / m and 5 kA / m, for example between 2 kA / m and 3 kA / m, for example about 2.5 kA / m.

[0068] The induction coil material should be selected from materials with good electrical conductivity, such as metals, etc. In addition, in this patent, the induction coil material should also have good elastic deformation ability, and metals such as spring steel, gold, silver, etc. can be used.

[0069] The movable coil support and the fixed coil support of the induction coil can be connected with the induction coil body by means of one-piece forming, welding, clamping, etc. The displacement of the movable coil support can be achieved by manual, motor-driven, etc.

[0070] The aerosol-generating device is a portable or handheld aerosol-generating device that a user can hold comfortably between the fingers of a single hand. The aerosol-generating device can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating device can have a length of between about 70 millimetres and about 120 millimetres.

[0071] The power source can be any suitable power source, for example a direct current voltage source such as a battery. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium based battery, for example a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate or lithium polymer battery.

[0072] The control element can be a simple switch. Alternatively, the control element can be an electrical circuit and can include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0073] The aerosol-generating system can comprise an aerosol-generating device and one or more aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol-generating device being configured to receive the respective number of heating chambers containing the aerosol-generating articles.

[0074] The present application provides a brand new heating power adjustment method for inductive heating aerosol-generating devices, thereby reducing the requirements for circuit design and software programming, and being able to adjust and control the heating position or the heating temperature spatial distribution in use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0075] The above summary of the present application and the following detailed description of the application are better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale.

[0076] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device in an embodiment;

[0077] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a schematic view of the number of turns of a coil in an embodiment;

[0078] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the number of turns of a coil in another embodiment;

[0079] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the number of turns of a coil in another embodiment;

[0080] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the initial state of a coil in an embodiment;

[0081] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a schematic view of the number of turns of a coil in an embodiment;

[0082] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device in an embodiment;

[0083] Figure 8 is Figure 7 is a schematic view of the number of turns of a coil in an embodiment;

[0084] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device in an embodiment;

[0085] Figure 10 is Figure 9 is a schematic view of a coil turn distribution variation in an embodiment.

[0086] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device in an embodiment;

[0087] Figure 12 is Figure 11 is a schematic view of a coil turn distribution variation in an embodiment.

[0088] In the drawings:

[0089] Induction coil: 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701

[0090] Susceptor: 102, 502, 602, 702

[0091] Device body: 103, 503, 603, 703

[0092] Heating chamber: 104, 504, 604, 704

[0093] Movable coil support: 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705

[0094] Fixed coil support: 106, 206, 306A, 306B, 406, 506, 606, 706 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] The detailed features and advantages of the present patent are described in detail in the following detailed description of the patent, which is sufficient for any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the patent and to implement it, and according to the specification, claims, and drawings disclosed in the specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the purposes and advantages related to the present patent.

[0096] It should be noted that in the present specification, similar reference numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0097] In the description of the present embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "bottom", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product is usually placed during use, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present patent.

[0098] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present patent clearer, the embodiments of the present patent will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0099] As shown in one embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device in one embodiment includes a power supply, a heating chamber 104, an induction heating body, an induction transmitter, and a controller. The power supply and the controller are arranged in the appliance body 103 of the aerosol generating device. The heating chamber 104 is used to accommodate the aerosol generating article during operation. The induction transmitter includes an induction coil 101 having a magnetic field axis, and the heating body includes a susceptor 102. The induction coil 101 is arranged to surround at least part of the heating chamber 104 and the susceptor 102. The power supply is connected to the induction coil 101 and is configured to provide a high-frequency current to the induction coil under the control of the controller. During operation, the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber 104, and the heating body is simultaneously inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article. The power supply provides a high-frequency current induction to the induction coil 101, thereby generating an induction electric field in the susceptor 102 of the heating body and forming an induction current. The heating body generates heat to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0100] During operation, the induction coil 101 can be displaced relative to the heating chamber 104. One end of the induction coil 101 is connected to a movable coil support 105, and the other end is connected to a fixed coil support 106. The movable coil support 105 and the fixed coil support 106 can be connected to the main body of the induction coil 101 by means of integral molding, welding, clamps, etc. The displacement of the movable coil support 106 can be achieved by manual operation, motor drive, etc. In one embodiment, the shell of the aerosol generating device is provided with a sliding groove having a plurality of clamping grooves. The operating handle of the movable coil support 106 radially extends out of the sliding groove, and the consumer can move the operating handle and fix it in a certain clamping groove. In another embodiment, the motor drives the movable coil support 106 to move through a transmission mechanism. When the motor stops, the movable coil support 106 also stops at the corresponding position. The fixed coil support 106 can be fixed to the shell of the aerosol generating device by means of integral molding, buckling, welding, screw fixing, etc.

[0101] When the movable coil support 105 is displaced, the induction coil 101 is displaced together with the movable coil support 105, as shown in Figure 1As shown, when the coil is close to the fixed coil support 106, the spring-shaped induction coil 101 is compressed along the magnetic field axis, so that N1 turns of the coil are within the magnetic field axis range of the sensor 102; when the movable coil support 105 is as shown... Figure 2 As shown, when the coil is moved away from the fixed coil support 106, the spring-shaped induction coil 101 is stretched along the magnetic field axis, so that N2 turns of the coil are within the magnetic field axis range of the sensor 102. When the induction coil 101 receives the same high-frequency current, the sensor 102 receives the same magnetic flux. However, since N1 is greater than N2, the magnetic flux received is... Figure 1 The induced electromotive force generated by the sensor 102 under the condition will be greater than that under the condition. Figure 2 In this state, the heating element is Figure 1 The heat output in this state will be greater than that in the state of heat generation. Figure 2 In this state, the stretching or compression of the induction coil 101 caused by the movement of the movable coil support 105 enables the change of the appliance's heating power without altering the circuit design. This can be used for sequential rapid preheating, normal heating, heat preservation, and other mode switching.

[0102] like Figure 3 In another embodiment shown, a movable coil support 205 is connected to the middle of the induction coil 201, and a fixed coil support 206 is connected to one end. When the movable coil support 205 moves closer to or further away from the fixed coil support 206 as indicated by the arrow, the lower half of the spring-like induction coil 201 is compressed or stretched along the magnetic field axis, but the lower half remains stationary. The localized stretching or compression of the induction coil 201 caused by the movement of the movable coil support 205 allows for changing the distribution of the appliance's heating power without altering the circuit design, which can be used for sequential segmented heating.

[0103] like Figure 4 In another embodiment shown, a movable coil support 305 is connected in the middle of the induction coil 301, and fixed coil supports 306A and 306B are connected at both ends. When the movable coil support 305 moves closer to or further away from the fixed coil support 306 as indicated by the arrow, the lower half of the spring-shaped induction coil 201 is compressed or stretched along the magnetic field axis, while the upper half is stretched or compressed along the magnetic field axis. The localized stretching or compression of the induction coil 301 caused by the movement of the movable coil support 305 allows for changing the distribution of the appliance's heating power without altering the circuit design, which can be used for sequential segmented heating.

[0104] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 In another embodiment shown, one end of the induction coil 401 is connected to a movable coil bracket 405, and the other end is connected to a fixed coil bracket 406. When the movable coil bracket 405 is in... Figure 6When the induction coil 401 is twisted against the winding direction of the induction coil 401 as shown in the figure, the number of turns of the spring-shaped induction coil 401 decreases; when the movable coil support 405 twists the induction coil 401 in the opposite direction along the winding direction of the induction coil 401, the number of turns of the spring-shaped induction coil 401 increases. By twisting the induction coil 401 through the movable coil support 405, the heating power of the appliance can be changed without changing the circuit design, which can be used for time-sequential rapid preheating, normal heating, and temperature maintaining mode conversion.

[0105] In another embodiment, the middle of the induction coil is connected to the movable coil support, and one end is connected to the fixed coil support. In another embodiment, the middle of the induction coil is connected to the movable coil support, and both ends are connected to the fixed coil support. By twisting the induction coil through the movable coil support, the number of turns of the induction coil can be increased or decreased, which can change the distribution of the heating power of the appliance without changing the circuit design, which can be used for time-sequential segmented heating.

[0106] As shown in one embodiment in Figure 7 and Figure 8 An aerosol-generating device includes a power supply, a heating chamber 504, an induction heating body, an induction emitter, and a controller. The power supply and the controller are arranged in the appliance body 503 of the aerosol-generating device. The heating chamber 504 is used to accommodate the aerosol-generating article during operation. The induction emitter includes an induction coil 501 with a magnetic field axis, and the heating body includes a susceptor 502. The induction coil 501 is arranged to surround at least part of the heating chamber 504 and the susceptor 502. The power supply is connected to the induction coil 501 and is configured to provide high-frequency current to the induction coil under the control of the controller. During operation, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber 504, the susceptor 502 is arranged around the heating chamber 504, the susceptor 502 surrounds at least part of the outside of the aerosol-generating article, and the power supply provides high-frequency current to the induction coil 501 to generate an induction electric field in the susceptor 502 of the heating body and form an induction current. The heating body generates heat to heat the aerosol-generating article.

[0107] During operation, the induction coil 501 can be displaced relative to the heating chamber 504.

[0108] One end of the induction coil 501 is connected to the movable coil support 505, and the other end is connected to the fixed coil support 506. When the movable coil support 505 is close to the fixed coil support 506 as shown in Figure 7 , the spring-shaped induction coil 501 is compressed along the magnetic field axis, so that the N1 turns of the coil are within the range of the magnetic field axis of the susceptor 502; when the movable coil support 505 is away from the fixed coil support 506 as shown in Figure 8As shown, when the coil is moved away from the fixed coil support 506, the spring-shaped induction coil 501 is stretched along the magnetic field axis, so that N2 turns of the coil are within the magnetic field axis range of the sensor 502. When the induction coil 501 receives the same high-frequency current, the sensor 502 receives the same magnetic flux. However, since N1 is greater than N2, the magnetic flux received is... Figure 7 The induced electromotive force generated by the sensor 502 under the condition will be greater than that under the condition. Figure 8 In this state, the heating element is Figure 7 The heat output in this state will be greater than that in the state of heat generation. Figure 8 In this state, the stretching or compression of the induction coil 501 caused by the movement of the movable coil support 505 enables the change of the appliance's heating power without altering the circuit design. This can be used for sequential rapid preheating, normal heating, heat preservation, and other mode switching.

[0109] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown, comprising a power supply, a heating chamber 604, an induction heating element, an induction emitter, and a controller. The power supply and controller are disposed within the apparatus body 603. The heating chamber 604, during operation, serves to contain an aerosol-generating article, which contains a sensor 602 serving as the heating element. The induction emitter includes an induction coil 601 having a magnetic field axis, arranged to surround at least a portion of the heating chamber 604 and the sensor 602. The power supply is connected to the induction coil 601 and configured to provide a high-frequency current to the induction coil under the control of the controller. During operation, the aerosol-generating article containing the sensor 602 is inserted into the heating chamber 604. The power supply provides a high-frequency current to the induction coil 601, thereby generating an induced electric field and forming an induced current in the sensor 602, which serves as the heating element. The heating element then heats the aerosol-generating article.

[0110] During operation, the induction coil 601 can be displaced relative to the heating chamber 604.

[0111] One end of the induction coil 601 is connected to the movable coil bracket 605, and the other end is connected to the fixed coil bracket 606. When the movable coil bracket 605 is in the position... Figure 9 As shown, when the coil is close to the fixed coil support 606, the spring-shaped induction coil 601 is compressed along the magnetic field axis, so that N1 turns of the coil are within the magnetic field axis range of the sensor 602; when the movable coil support 605 is as shown... Figure 10 As shown, when the coil is moved away from the fixed coil support 606, the spring-shaped induction coil 601 is stretched along the magnetic field axis, so that N2 turns of the coil are within the magnetic field axis range of the sensor 602. When the induction coil 601 receives the same high-frequency current, the sensor 602 receives the same magnetic flux. However, since N1 is greater than N2, the magnetic flux received is...Figure 9 The induced electromotive force generated by the susceptor 602 in the state is greater than that in the state Figure 10 The heating power of the heating body in the state is greater than that in the state Figure 9 The heating power of the heating body in the state is greater than that in the state Figure 10 Therefore, the stretching or compression of the induction coil 601 caused by the movement of the movable coil support 605 realizes the change of the heating power of the appliance without changing the circuit design, which can be used for time-sequential fast preheating, normal heating, temperature keeping and other mode conversion.

[0112] As shown in one embodiment of the aerosol generating device in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the aerosol generating device comprises a power supply, a heating chamber 704, an inductive heating body, an inductive transmitter and a controller. The power supply and the controller are arranged in the appliance body 703 of the aerosol generating device. The heating chamber 704 is used to accommodate the aerosol generating article during work, and the aerosol generating article has a susceptor 702 as a heating body. The inductive transmitter comprises an inductive coil 701 having a magnetic field axis, the inductive coil 701 is arranged to surround at least part of the heating chamber 704 and the susceptor 702, the power supply is connected to the inductive coil 701 and is configured to provide high-frequency current to the inductive coil under the control of the controller. During work, the aerosol generating article with the built-in susceptor 702 is inserted into the heating chamber 704, and the power supply provides high-frequency current to the inductive coil 701 for induction, thereby generating an induced electric field in the susceptor 702 as a heating body and forming an induced current, and the heating body heats up to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0113] During work, the inductive coil 701 can be displaced relative to the heating chamber 704.

[0114] One end of the inductive coil 701 is connected to a movable coil support 705, and the other end is connected to a fixed coil support 706. When the movable coil support 705 is close to the fixed coil support 706 as shown in Figure 11 , the spring-like inductive coil 701 is compressed along the magnetic field axis, so that only part of the susceptor 702 is within the range of the magnetic field axis of the inductive coil 701, forming a local heating zone; when the movable coil support 705 is away from the fixed coil support 606 as shown in Figure 12 , the spring-like inductive coil 701 is stretched along the magnetic field axis, so that the entire susceptor 702 is within the range of the magnetic field axis of the inductive coil 701, forming an overall heating zone. The stretching or compression of the inductive coil 701 caused by the movement of the movable coil support 705 realizes the change of the heating position and the distribution of the heating power of the appliance without changing the circuit design, which can be used for time-sequential segmented heating.

[0115] The terminology and phraseology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. There is no intention that the use of such terms and expressions imply excluding any equivalents of the features described (or portions thereof), it being expressly understood that various modifications are possible in the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the patent. Other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. Accordingly, the claims should be regarded as encompassing not only the described embodiments but also all equivalent variations that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0116] Also, it is noted that, although the patent has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is recognized that numerous other modifications and / or additions can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit of the patent and that such modifications and / or additions are contemplated as falling within the scope of the patent.

Claims

1. An inductive emitter for an aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heating chamber for containing an aerosol-generated article during operation, wherein a sensor for receiving energy emitted by the inductive emitter is present in the heating chamber during operation, characterized in that, The inductive transmitter includes an inductive coil having a magnetic field axis, the inductive coil being arranged to surround at least a portion of the heating chamber and the sensor, and during operation, the inductive coil is displaced relative to the heating chamber, changing the number of turns of the inductive coil along the magnetic field axis.

2. The inductive transmitter according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil changes the number of turns distribution along the magnetic field axis by compressing or stretching at least a portion of the induction coil.

3. The inductive transmitter according to claim 2, wherein, The induction coil changes the number of turns distribution along the magnetic field axis by compressing or stretching all or part of the induction coil.

4. The inductive transmitter according to claim 2, wherein, The induction coil changes the number of turns distribution along the magnetic field axis by compressing one part of the induction coil and stretching another part of the induction coil.

5. The inductive transmitter according to claim 1, wherein, The induction coil is obtained by twisting at least a portion of the induction coil.

6. The inductive transmitter according to claim 5, wherein, The induction coil is twisted in the direction of winding, either in the same direction or in the opposite direction, thereby changing the number of turns of the induction coil along the magnetic field axis.

7. The inductive transmitter according to claim 5, wherein, The induction coil changes the number of turns distribution along the magnetic field axis by twisting a portion of the induction coil in the winding direction and twisting another portion of the induction coil in the opposite winding direction.

8. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising the induction emitter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus further comprises: The system includes a power supply, a heating chamber, and a controller. The power supply is connected to the induction coil and configured to provide a high-frequency current to the induction coil under the control of the controller. The heating chamber is used to contain aerosol-generating articles during operation, and a sensor is present in the heating chamber during operation to receive energy emitted by the induction transmitter.

9. An aerosol generation system, comprising the aerosol generation apparatus of claim 8 and the aerosol generation article, wherein, The aerosol generating device includes the sensor.

10. An aerosol generation system, comprising the aerosol generation apparatus of claim 8 and the aerosol generation article, wherein, The sensor is disposed around the heating chamber and, during operation, surrounds at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

11. An aerosol generation system, comprising the aerosol generation apparatus of claim 8 and the aerosol generation article, wherein, The sensor is disposed inside the heating chamber, and at least a portion of the sensor is inserted into the aerosol-generating article during operation.

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