Atomizer and aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The application relates to an atomizer and an aerosol generating device. The atomizer comprises a heating assembly, an electromagnetic coil arranged outside the heating assembly, the electromagnetic coil comprising a plurality of turns of wire coils arranged along an axial direction of the electromagnetic coil, and a moving element connected to at least one turn of wire coil. The moving element can be controlled to drive part of the wire coils to move along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil to change the winding density of at least part of the electromagnetic coil. In the temperature rising stage at the initial heating stage, the position of the moving element can be controlled to make part of the electromagnetic coil have a larger winding density, so that the area of the heating assembly corresponding to the part of the electromagnetic coil forms a concentrated high temperature area, which is beneficial to the rapid generation of aerosol. In the temperature maintaining stage at the middle and later heating stage, the moving element can be controlled to drive part of the wire coils to move along the axial direction to change the winding density of the electromagnetic coil, so that the magnetic field intensity generated by each part of the electromagnetic coil in the axial direction has higher consistency, and the temperature of the whole heating assembly is kept uniform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of atomization technology, and in particular to an atomizer and an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosols are colloidal dispersion systems formed by solid or liquid particles dispersed and suspended in a gaseous medium. Because aerosols can be absorbed by the human body through the respiratory system, they provide users with a novel alternative absorption method. An aerosol generating device refers to a device that forms aerosols from stored atomizable media through heating, ultrasound, or other methods. Atomizable media include liquid, gel, paste, or solid aerosol generating matrices. By atomizing these aerosol generating matrices, inhalable aerosols can be delivered to users, replacing conventional product forms and absorption methods.

[0003] Currently, most atomizing devices use resistance heating to heat the aerosol generation matrix. However, resistance heating has drawbacks such as concentrated heat, susceptibility to dry burning, and the generation of odors from scorching, which have been pressing issues to be addressed in the atomization field. Electromagnetic heating technology, as an emerging atomization technology, has been initially applied in atomization devices to replace resistance heating due to its advantages such as fast heating speed, no pollution, and high heating efficiency.

[0004] Atomizing devices using electromagnetic heating typically include an electromagnetic heating coil and a heating element. The electromagnetic heating coil is energized to generate a magnetic field, and the heating element, located within this magnetic field, heats up. The aerosol-generating matrix comes into contact with the heating element, which then heats and atomizes the aerosol-generating matrix. However, because the electromagnetic thermal efficiency of electromagnetic atomization technology is slightly lower than the electrothermal conversion efficiency of resistance, the aerosol generation rate is slower in the initial heating stage under the same magnetic energy, thus limiting its further application in aerosol generation devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an atomizer and aerosol generation device to address the problems of low thermal conversion efficiency and slow aerosol generation rate in the initial heating stage of electromagnetic atomization technology.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, an atomizer is provided, comprising:

[0007] Heating components;

[0008] An electromagnetic coil, wound around the heating element, comprises multiple turns of sub-coils arranged sequentially along its own axial direction; and

[0009] A movable element connected to at least one turn of the sub-coil;

[0010] The movable element can controllably drive a portion of the sub-coil to move along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil, thereby changing the winding density of at least a portion of the electromagnetic coil.

[0011] In one embodiment, a portion of the sub-coil in the electromagnetic coil is fixed relative to the heating component.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sub-coils located at opposite ends of the electromagnetic coil in the axial direction are respectively fixed relative to the heating component.

[0013] In one embodiment, a limiting groove is formed on the outer side wall of the heating component, and the sub-coil is limited within the limiting groove to be fixed relative to the heating component.

[0014] In one embodiment, the movable element includes:

[0015] A movable rod extends longitudinally along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil; and

[0016] At least two moving parts, one end of each moving part being connected to one of the sub-coils, and the other end of each moving part being connected to the moving rod.

[0017] In one embodiment, one end of the moving part is wound around the sub-coil.

[0018] In one embodiment, the movable component includes at least one movable rod, all of which are arranged at circumferential intervals along the electromagnetic coil. The movable component also includes a connecting ring, which is sleeved around the heating element, and all of the movable rods are connected to the connecting ring.

[0019] In one embodiment, the atomizer further includes a drive member, which is tractively connected to the movable member for driving the movable member to move axially along the electromagnetic coil.

[0020] In one embodiment, the atomizer further includes a shielding layer covering the electromagnetic coil, the shielding layer having a connecting slot extending axially along the electromagnetic coil, and the moving rod extending out of the connecting slot.

[0021] According to another aspect of this application, an aerosol generating device is provided, including the atomizer of the above embodiment. The aerosol generating device further includes a battery assembly electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is configured to generate a magnetic field under the action of the electrical energy of the battery assembly, and the heating component is configured to generate heat under the action of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil.

[0022] In the initial heating phase of the aforementioned atomizer, the position of the movable component can be controlled to allow a portion of the electromagnetic coil to have a higher winding density. This results in a stronger magnetic field generated by this portion of the electromagnetic coil, creating a concentrated high-temperature zone on the heating element corresponding to this portion of the electromagnetic coil, which is beneficial for rapid aerosol generation. In the later heating and heat preservation phase, the movable component can be controlled to move a portion of the sub-coil axially, changing the winding density of the electromagnetic coil. This ensures a higher consistency in the magnetic field strength generated by different parts of the electromagnetic coil along the axial direction, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature across all areas of the entire heating element along the axial direction. Ultimately, this achieves excellent heating performance and provides users with a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an atomizer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shielding layer of the atomizer shown;

[0025] Figure 3 Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the atomizer shown.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the coil support structure of an atomizer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 100. Atomizer; 120. Heating element; 121. Heating source; 123. Insulation layer; 125. Coil support; 125a. Limiting groove; 127. Shielding layer; 127a. Communicating groove; 140. Electromagnetic coil; 160. Moving part; 161. Moving rod; 163. Moving section; 165. Connecting ring;

[0029] 200. Aerosol generation matrix. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the atomizer in one embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shielding layer of an atomizer according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an atomizer according to one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0037] Embodiments of this application provide an aerosol generating apparatus for heating an aerosol generating matrix 200 to generate aerosols for user use. In the following embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix 200 has a cylindrical structure, including a matrix body and a coating layer circumferentially covering the matrix body. The matrix body may include tobacco filler, which may be in regular or irregular shapes such as filaments, granules, or flakes. The coating layer may be formed of a covering material such as cigarette paper, thereby maintaining a certain shape of the matrix body.

[0038] It is understood that the materials forming the matrix body are not limited to tobacco fillers. The matrix body can be formed from a single material or from a mixture of multiple materials in different proportions. Other substances can also be added to the matrix body to produce aerosols with different compositions and flavors to meet the different needs of users. The materials forming the coating layer are not limited to cigarette paper. In some other embodiments, the coating layer can also be formed from other materials such as aluminum foil to meet different requirements.

[0039] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating device includes an atomizer 100 and a battery assembly (not shown). An aerosol generating matrix 200 can be inserted into the atomizer 100. The battery assembly is electrically connected to the atomizer 100 to supply power to the atomizer 100. The atomizer 100 can heat up under the power of the battery assembly to heat the atomized aerosol generating matrix 200 to generate aerosol for the user to use.

[0040] The atomizer 100 includes a heating element 120 and an electromagnetic coil 140. The heating element 120 is used to contain the aerosol generating matrix. The electromagnetic coil 140 is wound around the heating element 120 and electrically connected to the battery assembly. The electromagnetic coil 140 can be heated by the electrical energy of the battery assembly to generate a magnetic field. The heating element 120 in the magnetic field is heated by magnetic induction, thereby heating the atomized aerosol generating matrix 200 to generate aerosol.

[0041] Specifically, the heating element 120 has a hollow columnar structure, and the central axis of the heating element 120 is oriented as follows: Figure 1 In the Z direction, the circumferential direction of the heating element 120 is... Figure 1 The heating element 120 forms a receiving cavity, which extends longitudinally along the central axis of the heating element 120. One end of the receiving cavity is open in the axial direction, so one end of the aerosol generating matrix can be inserted into the receiving cavity through the open end. It is understood that the shape of the heating element 120 is not limited, and the cross-section of the receiving cavity can be a regular or irregular shape such as a circle or triangle.

[0042] Furthermore, the heating assembly 120 includes a heating element 121, a heat insulation layer 123, and a coil support 125. The heating element 121 has a hollow cylindrical structure to form a accommodating cavity. The heating element 121 can be a magnetically conductive heating element, such as a pure iron heating element, a stainless steel heating element, or a low-carbon steel heating element. It is understood that the specific material of the heating element 121 is not limited, as long as it can generate heat under a magnetic field. The heat insulation layer 123 can be formed of aerogel or other materials with good heat insulation properties. The heat insulation layer 123 covers the outer surface of the heating element 121 to prevent the heat generated by the heating element 121 from dissipating outwards. The coil support 125 is fitted over the heat insulation layer 123 to fix the heat insulation layer 123 and to mount the electromagnetic coil 140. It is understood that the specific structure of the heating assembly 120 is not limited to this and can be configured as needed to meet different heating requirements.

[0043] The electromagnetic coil 140 is formed by at least one bundle of wires spirally extending along the axial direction of the heating element 120. The central axis of the electromagnetic coil 140 coincides with the central axis of the heating element 120. It includes multiple turns of coil arranged sequentially along its own axial direction, each turn of coil circumferentially surrounding the heating element 120, with each turn of coil having a surrounding angle of approximately 360°. It is understood that in some other embodiments, the central axis of the electromagnetic coil 140 may not coincide with the central axis of the heating element 120, depending on the different shapes of the heating element 120.

[0044] As described in the background art, existing electromagnetic heating technology enables the heating component 120 to have a high degree of temperature uniformity in various regions along the axial direction, but at the same time, the maximum temperature is relatively small, thereby reducing the aerosol generation rate in the initial stage of heating and increasing the energy consumption of the atomizer 100.

[0045] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, the atomizer 100 of this application further includes a movable member 160, which is connected to at least one turn of the sub-coil of the electromagnetic coil 140 and can controllably drive a portion of the sub-coil to move along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil 140 to change the winding density of at least a portion of the electromagnetic coil 140.

[0046] The "winding density of electromagnetic coil 140" refers to the number of turns of the sub-coil per unit length along the axial direction of electromagnetic coil 140. A higher winding density means more turns of the sub-coil per unit length, a smaller pitch between adjacent sub-coils, and a stronger magnetic field generated by electromagnetic coil 140 per unit length. Conversely, a lower winding density means fewer turns of the sub-coil per unit length, a larger pitch between adjacent sub-coils, and a weaker magnetic field generated by electromagnetic coil 140 per unit length.

[0047] Thus, during the initial heating phase, the position of the movable component 160 can be controlled to allow a portion of the electromagnetic coil 140 to have a higher winding density. This portion of the electromagnetic coil 140 generates a stronger magnetic field, resulting in a concentrated high-temperature zone in the area of ​​the heating element 120 corresponding to this portion of the electromagnetic coil 140, which is beneficial for rapid aerosol generation. During the later heat preservation phase, the movable component 160 can be controlled to move a portion of the sub-coil axially, changing the winding density of the electromagnetic coil 140. This ensures a high degree of consistency in the magnetic field strength generated by different parts of the electromagnetic coil 140 along the axial direction, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature across all areas of the entire heating element 120 along the axial direction. Ultimately, this achieves excellent heating results and provides users with a better user experience.

[0048] Furthermore, a portion of the sub-coil in the electromagnetic coil 140 is fixed relative to the heating component 120, thereby preventing the electromagnetic coil 140 from detaching from the heating component 120 during movement and ensuring the safety of the atomizer 100.

[0049] It is understood that any sub-coil can be fixed relative to the heating component 120 as needed, while sub-coils not fixed relative to the heating component 120 can move relative to the heating component 120. As a preferred embodiment, the sub-coils located at opposite ends of the electromagnetic coil 140 in the axial direction are respectively fixed relative to the heating component 120, and the middle part of the electromagnetic coil 140 can move along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil 140 under the drive of the moving member 160, thereby effectively preventing the electromagnetic coil 140 from detaching from the heating component 120 during movement while maximizing the change in the density of the electromagnetic coil 140.

[0050] Furthermore, combined Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4A schematic diagram of the structure of a coil support in one embodiment of this application is shown. In some embodiments, in order to fix the sub-coil, a limiting groove 125a is formed on the outer wall of the coil support 125 of the heating component 120. The length direction of the limiting groove 125a extends along the circumference of the coil support 125. The shape and size of the limiting groove 125a match the shape and size of the wire bundle forming the electromagnetic coil 140. The sub-coil can be locked in the limiting groove 125a to be fixed relative to the coil support 125.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the coil support 125 has multiple sets of limiting grooves 125a at opposite ends in the axial direction. The multiple sets of limiting grooves 125a located at the same end of the coil support 125 are arranged circumferentially. Each set of limiting grooves 125a includes at least one limiting groove 125a. When a set of limiting grooves 125a includes at least two limiting grooves 125a, the limiting grooves 125a belonging to the same set are arranged axially at intervals along the coil support 125, so that adjacent sub-coils can be respectively clamped.

[0052] Thus, the sub-coils located at opposite ends of the electromagnetic coil 140 in the axial direction are respectively confined within the limiting grooves 125a, and the same sub-coil can be simultaneously confined within multiple limiting grooves 125a arranged circumferentially along the coil support 125. Therefore, both ends of the electromagnetic coil 140 in the axial direction are fixed relative to the coil support 125 through the limiting grooves 125a, and only the middle part can move under the action of the moving member 160.

[0053] It is understood that the movable part of the electromagnetic coil 140 and the part fixed relative to the heating component 120 are not limited to the above embodiments. Only one end of the electromagnetic coil 140 in the axial direction can be fixed relative to the coil bracket 125, or the middle part of the electromagnetic coil 140 can be fixed relative to the heating component 120. The fixing method is not limited to limiting through the limiting groove 125a, but can also be other methods, such as limiting buckles, to limit the sub-coil.

[0054] The movable component 160 includes a movable rod 161 and at least one movable part 163. The movable rod 161 extends longitudinally along the axial direction of the heating assembly 120. One end of each movable part 163 is connected to any one turn of the coil, and the other end is connected to the movable rod 161. Thus, the movable rod 161 can move the movable part 163 under the action of an external force, thereby simultaneously moving at least one turn of the sub-coil. As a preferred embodiment, one end of the movable part 163 is annular to be wound around the sub-coil, so as not to affect the normal operation of the sub-coil.

[0055] In some embodiments, the movable member 160 includes at least one movable rod 161, all of which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the heating element 120. Any one of the movable rods 161 can be simultaneously connected to the same turn of the coil. The movable member 160 also includes a connecting ring 165, which is sleeved on the outside of the heating element 120, and all the movable rods 161 are connected to the connecting ring 165. Thus, the connecting ring 165 can drive all the movable rods 161 to move synchronously, thereby driving the sub-coils connected to the movable part 163 to move synchronously.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, the movable member 160 includes two movable rods 161. The two movable rods 161 are located on opposite sides of the heating assembly 120 in a radial direction and are simultaneously connected to a connecting ring 165. One end of one movable rod 161 is provided with three movable parts 163, which are respectively sleeved on the three-turn coil. One end of one movable rod 161 is provided with two movable parts 163, which are respectively sleeved on two of the aforementioned three-turn coils.

[0057] When the moving rod 161 moves along the axial direction of the atomizing assembly, the moving part 163 can drive the three-turn coil connected to it to move along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil 140, thereby stretching or compressing other sub-coils arranged adjacent to it along the axial direction, and finally adjusting the winding density of the electromagnetic coil 140.

[0058] In some embodiments, the atomizer 100 further includes a drive member (not shown), which is drively connected to the movable member 160 and drives the movable member 160 to move axially along the electromagnetic coil 140. In a preferred embodiment, the drive member is a motor, and the moving speed and direction of the movable member 160 can be adjusted by controlling the motor's rotation speed and direction. In other embodiments, the moving rod 161 can also be moved manually. It is understood that the driving method, moving speed, and starting position of the movable member 160 are not limited and can be set as needed to meet different atomization requirements.

[0059] In some embodiments, the atomizer 100 further includes a shielding layer 127, which covers the electromagnetic coil 140 circumferentially and serves to limit the electromagnetic coil 140 while preventing the electromagnetic coil 140 from radiating electromagnetic radiation.

[0060] Furthermore, the shielding layer 127 has a connecting groove 127a that extends along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil 140. It can be understood that the length of the connecting groove 127a is set according to the stroke of the moving rod 161. The moving rod 161 extends out of the connecting groove 127a to connect to the driving component or for easy gripping by the user. Moreover, the connecting groove 127a can limit the travel of the moving rod 161, preventing excessive movement of the moving rod 161 and potential damage to the electromagnetic coil 140.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the shielding layer 127 has two connecting slots 127a, which are respectively located on opposite sides in a radial direction of the shielding layer 127. Two moving rods 161 can extend out of the shielding layer 127 through the connecting slots 127a, and the connecting ring 165 is located inside the shielding layer 127.

[0062] The aforementioned atomizer 100 and its aerosol generating device can be moved by a drive component or manually, allowing for flexible adjustment of the winding density of the electromagnetic coil 140 by moving a portion of its sub-coils. In the initial heating stage, the winding density of some sub-coils can be increased, causing the heating element 120 to concentrate into a high-temperature zone, thus rapidly generating aerosol from the aerosol generating matrix located in the high-temperature zone. In the middle and later stages of heating, the winding density of some electromagnetic coils 140 can be reduced by moving some sub-coils, ensuring the uniformity of the axial temperature of the heating element 120. This results in a good heating effect on the aerosol generating matrix 200, while simultaneously reducing the energy consumption of the atomizer 100, which is beneficial for the further promotion and application of electromagnetic heating technology.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An atomizer, characterized in that, include: A heating element forms a receiving cavity that extends longitudinally along the central axis of the heating element. An electromagnetic coil is wound around the heating component, and the electromagnetic coil includes multiple turns of sub-coils arranged sequentially along its own axial direction. as well as A movable element, connected to at least one turn of the sub-coil, includes a movable rod and at least two movable parts. The movable rod extends longitudinally along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil. One end of each movable part is connected to one of the sub-coils, and the other end of each movable part is connected to the movable rod. The movable element can controllably drive a portion of the sub-coil to move along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil, thereby changing the winding density of at least a portion of the electromagnetic coil.

2. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the sub-coil in the electromagnetic coil is fixed relative to the heating component.

3. The atomizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sub-coils located at opposite ends of the electromagnetic coil in the axial direction are respectively fixed relative to the heating component.

4. The atomizer according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, A limiting groove is formed on the outer side wall of the heating element, and the sub-coil is limited within the limiting groove to be fixed relative to the heating element.

5. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the moving part is wound around the sub-coil.

6. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable component includes at least one movable rod, all of which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the electromagnetic coil. The movable component also includes a connecting ring, which is sleeved on the heating element, and all of the movable rods are connected to the connecting ring.

7. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizer also includes a driving component, which is tractively connected to the moving component and is used to drive the moving component to move axially along the electromagnetic coil.

8. The atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizer also includes a shielding layer that covers the electromagnetic coil. The shielding layer has a connecting groove that extends along the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil, and the moving rod extends out of the connecting groove.

9. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, The atomizer as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is further comprising a battery assembly electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic coil being configured to generate a magnetic field under the influence of electrical energy from the battery assembly, and the heating element being configured to generate heat under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil.

Images