Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The invention provides an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is configured to heat an aerosol generating product to generate aerosol. The aerosol-generating device comprises: a substantially tubular heating element for at least partially surrounding and heating an aerosol-generating article; the heating element is actuatable in a radial direction between a contracted state and an expanded state; when the heating element is in the contraction state, the inner diameter of the heating element is smaller than that of the heating element in the expansion state. The above aerosol-generating device is provided with an elastic and radially contractible or expandable tubular heating element, which is advantageous for heating the aerosol-generating article in the contracted state, and for removing the aerosol-generating article and cleaning the heating element in the expanded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of aerosol generation, and in particular to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles (eg, cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. People have attempted to replace these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0003] An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating rather than burning a material. For example, the material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. A known heating device houses and receives the tobacco or other non-tobacco product in a chamber and heats the tobacco or other non-tobacco product via a fixedly arranged heater. Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, which is configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0005] A substantially tubular heating element for at least partially surrounding and heating an aerosol generating article; the heating element is actuatable in a radial direction between a contracted state and an expanded state; when the heating element is in the contracted state, the inner diameter of the heating element is smaller than when the heating element is in the expanded state.

[0006] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0007] The operating element is configured to be operable by a user, thereby driving the heating element to change from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heating element is resilient and is arranged to have a bias towards the contracted state or is arranged to have a bias towards the expanded state.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating element is configured in the shape of a solenoid coil.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heating element is spirally wound from a resilient alloy conductor material.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a first connection tap and a second connection tap opposite to each other, and a plurality of windings between the first connection tap and the second connection tap;

[0012] The heating element is arranged to drive the heating element from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state by actuating the first connection tap and / or the second connection tap.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heating element includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and a side opening extending from the first end to the second end.

[0014] In some embodiments, the heating element is configured to be actuated between the expanded state and the contracted state by exerting a force on the heating element.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the heating element is in the contracted state, the side opening has a first width; when the heating element is in the expanded state, the side opening has a second width; and the first width is smaller than the second width.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating element is capable of contacting an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article to heat the article in the contracted state.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the heating element in the expanded state is 8 to 15 mm;

[0018] And / or, the inner diameter of the heating element in the contracted state is 5 to 10 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0020] A bracket surrounds and holds the heating element; the heating element at least partially extends from the bracket to the outside of the bracket; the heating element is arranged to drive the heating element from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state by actuating the portion extending outside the bracket.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the heating element is in the retracted state, an insulating cavity is defined between the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol generating device to provide thermal insulation therebetween.

[0022] In some embodiments, the operating element is arranged to be rotationally or linearly moved by a user, thereby driving the heating element to transition from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heating element comprises at least one of a resistive heating element, an inductive heating element, or an infrared heating element.

[0024] In some embodiments, it also includes: an elastic tubular base that can shrink or expand in a radial direction to change the inner diameter; and the heating element is combined with the tubular base.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present application further provides an aerosol generating device, which is configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0026] A tubular heating element is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, and is used to surround and heat the aerosol generating product; the heating element is elastic and is configured to be actuated between a contracted state and an expanded state along the longitudinal direction, so as to selectively change the longitudinal length of the heating element; when the heating element is in the contracted state, the longitudinal length of the heating element is smaller than the longitudinal length when the heating element is in the expanded state.

[0027] The above aerosol generating device, which is arranged with a tubular heating element that is elastic and can radially contract or expand, is advantageous for heating the aerosol generating product in the contracted state, and for removing the aerosol generating product and cleaning the heating element in the expanded state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first shell of the aerosol generating device in a disassembled state;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device from one perspective;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the heating element being driven by the operating element to a contracted state;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a heating element in an expanded state from one viewing angle;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the heating element being driven by the operating element to a contracted state;

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the heating element in an expanded state from another perspective;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the heating element being driven by the operating element to a contracted state;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a heating element and a bracket according to another embodiment;

[0038] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of a heating mechanism in an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment;

[0039] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An exploded schematic diagram of a heating mechanism from one perspective;

[0040] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the heating mechanism in an expanded state from one viewing angle;

[0041] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the heating mechanism being driven by the operating element to a contracted state;

[0042] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment;

[0043] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the heating element being driven by the operating element to a contracted state;

[0044] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment;

[0045] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a radially retractable heating element according to yet another embodiment;

[0046] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment;

[0047] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A schematic diagram of the heating element being compressed to a contracted state;

[0048] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 Schematic diagram of the heating element being compressed to another contracted state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application is described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0050] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, which heats, rather than burns, an aerosol generating product such as a cigarette, thereby causing at least one component of the aerosol generating product to volatilize or release to form an aerosol for inhalation.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the aerosol-generating article comprises a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the substrate when heated; or it may be a non-tobacco material that is suitable for electrically heated smoking after heating. The aerosol-generating article preferably uses a solid substrate, which may include one or more of powder, particles, fragments, strips or flakes of one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, and expanded tobacco; or, the solid substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds to be released when the substrate is heated.

[0052] Figures 1 to 4 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown; Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the aerosol generating device in this embodiment is roughly constructed in a tubular shape, and has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction; wherein the proximal end 110 is used for the user to receive the aerosol generating article 1000 and is close to the user for inhalation during use; the distal end 120 is the end away from the user.

[0053] The aerosol generating device typically includes several components disposed within an outer body or housing (which may be referred to as a shell). The overall design of the outer body or housing may vary, and the type or configuration of the outer body that may define the overall size and shape of the aerosol generating device may vary. Typically, an elongated body having a shape similar to that of a cigarette or cigar may be formed by a single integral shell, or the elongated shell may be formed by two or more separable bodies. For example, an aerosol generating device may have a control body at one end having a housing containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a battery such as a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronic devices for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device).

[0054] In some optional implementations, the aerosol generating device may include a separate, separate housing or outer body that may be formed from any of a variety of different materials. The housing may be formed from any suitable structurally sound material. In some examples, the housing may be formed from a metal or alloy such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal-plating over plastic, ceramics, and the like.

[0055] according to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the external components of the aerosol generating device include:

[0056] The housing 10 has a hollow interior, thereby forming an assembly space for necessary functional components such as electronic components and heating components; and the housing 10 defines a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 at both ends along the longitudinal direction. The proximal end 110 is provided with an opening 111, through which the aerosol generating article 1000 can be received in the aerosol generating device to be heated or removed from the aerosol generating device, such as Figure 1 Indicated by the arrow P1. Also, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the aerosol generating device, a portion of the aerosol generating article 1000 is exposed outside the aerosol generating device 100, such as a filter tip, for the user to inhale.

[0057] according to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the housing 10 is defined by a plurality of parts; specifically, the housing 10 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12 arranged along a longitudinal direction; wherein the first shell 11 is close to and defines a proximal end 110 , and the second shell 12 is close to and defines a distal end 120 .

[0058] according to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes:

[0059] A battery cell 21 for power supply; preferably, the battery cell 21 is a rechargeable DC battery cell 21, and can be charged by connecting to an external power source; Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell 21 is arranged near the distal end 120; and the battery cell 21 is accommodated or installed in the second housing 12;

[0060] The circuit board 22 is, for example, a PCB board, on which a circuit or MCU controller is arranged; the circuit may be an integrated circuit; the circuit on the circuit board 22 is used to control the operation of the aerosol generating device. In addition, the circuit board 22 is also accommodated or installed in the second housing 12.

[0061] In some embodiments, the DC supply voltage provided by the battery cell 21 is in the range of about 2.5V to about 9.0V, and the ampere of the DC current provided by the battery cell 21 is in the range of about 2.5A to about 20A.

[0062] according to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes:

[0063] The first supporting element 24 and the second supporting element 23 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction; in the embodiment, the first supporting element 24 and the second supporting element 23 are arranged substantially in an annular shape, such as a PEEK ring.

[0064] Among them, the first support element 24 is arranged near the proximal end 110 and around the opening 111; the first support element 24 is used to provide support and guidance during the process of the aerosol generating article 1000 being received in the aerosol generating device, and when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the aerosol generating device, the first support element 24 radially surrounds and clamps the aerosol generating article 1000 near the proximal end 110.

[0065] The second support element 23 is used for the insertion end of the aerosol-generating article 1000 received in the aerosol-generating device to abut against to form a stop.

[0066] according to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes:

[0067] The sealing element 25 is, for example, a sealing ring, a silicone ring, or an O-ring, etc.; and when the aerosol generating article 1000 is against the second supporting element 23, the sealing element 25 is located between the second supporting element 23 and the aerosol generating article 1000, so as to form a seal therebetween to prevent the aerosol from seeping out from their gaps.

[0068] according to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes:

[0069] The heating element 30 is used to heat the aerosol generating article 1000 received in the aerosol generating device. In this embodiment, the heating element 30 is substantially located in the first housing 11 and is installed or arranged between the first supporting element 24 and the second supporting element 23.

[0070] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 30 is configured to be a longitudinally extending tubular shape, specifically a solenoid shape; the interior of the heating element 30 defines a longitudinally extending cavity, so as to receive and heat the aerosol generating article 1000 inside the heating element 30; and the heating element 30 is configured to be elastic, for example, the heating element 30 is configured to be in the shape of a coil spring. In an embodiment, the heating element 30 can contract and expand in a radial direction; and the heating element 30 has a spacing d1 with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 1000 in the expanded state, so that they are directly non-contacting, for example Figure 3 and, the heating element 30 is substantially attached or bonded to the outer surface of the aerosol generating article 1000 in the contracted state, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 1000, for example Figure 4 In an embodiment, the heating element 30 has a variable inner diameter.

[0071] according to Figures 2 to 6As shown, the heating element 30 arranged as a solenoid comprises:

[0072] A first connection tap 310 and a second connection tap 320 facing each other in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of windings 330 located between the first connection tap 310 and the second connection tap 320. Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the heating element 30 can be pulled or stretched by applying force through the first connection tap 310 and / or the second connection tap 320, thereby driving the heating element 30 to radially contract from the expanded state to the contracted state; and the solenoid-shaped heating element 30 can also be restored from the contracted state to the expanded state through elastic restoring force.

[0073] Or in some other embodiments, the elastic heating element 30 can shrink and expand in the radial direction; and the elastic heating element 30 is constructed to be biased toward the contracted state so that it is biased to be in the contracted state, or to be biased toward the expanded state so that it is biased to be in the expanded state.

[0074] Specifically in Figures 2 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises:

[0075] The operating element 50 is arranged on the first housing 11 and can be operated by the user to drive the heating element 30 to radially contract from the expanded state to the contracted state; in this embodiment, the operating element 50 is annular in shape and can rotate around its central axis, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown by the middle arrow P2;

[0076] The bracket 80 is at least partially located in the first shell 11 and is firmly combined with the second shell 12 by riveting or snapping. The bracket 80 is arranged in a ring shape and at least partially surrounds and holds the heating element 30. Moreover, a window 81 is arranged on the bracket 80.

[0077] At least a portion of the first connection tap 310 passes through the window 81 and is connected to the operating element 50 , so that the operating element 50 can pull or yank the first connection tap 310 when rotating, thereby driving the heating element to radially contract from the expanded state to the contracted state.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first connection tap 310 is fastened to the operating element 50 through the portion outside the window 81 by a mechanical connection method such as a locking screw. In other variant embodiments, the operating element 50 may also be a sliding component arranged on the first housing 11, which is driven to change the state of the heating element 30 by linear movement. In some other variant embodiments, the operating element 50 may also be connected to the second connection tap 320, and the heating element 30 may be contracted by pulling or pulling the second connection tap 320.

[0079] Figures 5 to 8 The comparison of the states of the operating element 50 after driving the heating element 30 to contract by pulling the first connection tap 310 and / or the second connection tap 320 in multiple viewing angles is shown; Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the expanded state shown, the solenoid-shaped heating element 30 has an inner diameter D11, and the length of the first connecting tap 310 and / or the second connecting tap 320 is L1; Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, the drawn solenoid-shaped heating element 30 has a reduced inner diameter D12, and the length of the first connection tap 310 and / or the second connection tap 320 is drawn to a longer length L2.

[0080] In some embodiments, the reduced inner diameter D12 of the heating element 30 is adapted to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article 1000, and may be 5 to 10 mm; and the inner diameter D11 of the heating element 30 in the expanded state is larger, for example, may be 8 to 15 mm.

[0081] Based on this, the heating element 30 with a variable inner diameter can have a variety of adaptable advancements.

[0082] For example, in yet another aspect, the heating element 30 is applied to and clamped against the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 1000 in a contracted state for heating, and the aerosol-generating article 1000 is removed and the heating element 30 is cleaned from the opening 111 in an expanded state.

[0083] For example, in another aspect, the heating element 30 with a variable inner diameter can be made compatible with aerosol generating products 1000 with different outer diameter specifications; for example, the heating element 30 in a contracted state can be adapted to heat aerosol generating products 1000 with an outer diameter of 5 to 10 mm, and by adjusting to an expanded state, it can be adapted to heat aerosol generating products 1000 with an outer diameter of 8 to 15 mm.

[0084] For example, in another aspect, according to Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the heating element 30 in the contracted state and the bracket 80 and / or the first shell 11 of the housing 10 is larger than that in the expanded state, so that an insulating cavity is defined by the distance to enhance the thermal insulation between the heating element 30 and the bracket 80 and / or the first shell 11 of the housing 10.

[0085] For example, in another aspect, when it is necessary to receive or remove the aerosol generating product 1000 during use, the heating element 30 is moved to the expanded state through the operating element 50; and when the operation of the operating element 50 is released or an external force is applied, the heating element 30 is restored to the contracted state through its own elastic restoring force to fit the outer surface of the aerosol generating product 1000 for heating.

[0086] exist Figures 2 to 6 In the embodiment shown, the aerosol generating device is further provided with:

[0087] The first electrical contact 41 forms a conductive connection by abutting against or contacting the first connection tap 310;

[0088] The second electrical contact 42 forms a conductive connection by abutting against or contacting the second connection tap 320;

[0089] The first electrical contact 41 and the second electrical contact 42 are connected to the circuit board 22 by welding conductive wires, so that the heating element 30 is connected to the circuit board 22 to form a closed heating loop to guide current on the heating element 30 .

[0090] In some embodiments, the heating element 30 is a resistive heating element, which can be provided with a direct current by the circuit board 22, thereby generating resistive Joule heat to heat the aerosol generating article 1000. In some embodiments, the resistively heated heating element 30 is wound or coiled by a wire having suitable elasticity and being able to withstand at least 350°C of a resistive metal or alloy material; the wire suitable for preparing the spiral spring-shaped heating element 30 may include, for example, stainless steel such as stainless steel with a grade of 631, nickel-chromium alloy, nickel-chromium-iron alloy, nickel-manganese alloy, and heat-resistant spring steel such as spring steel with alloy grades of GH4169 / GH4145 / 65Mn, etc. In addition, the surface of the heating element 30 may have an insulating or anti-oxidation protective layer, such as a glaze layer, a ceramic layer or a surface oxide layer, etc., to provide surface protection.

[0091] Or in some other embodiments, the heating element 30 may also be at least one of an infrared heating element or an electromagnetic induction heating element. The heating element 30 heated by infrared heating, the wire wound around the heating element 30 may include:

[0092] The inner core may be made of the above metal or alloy having suitable elasticity and being able to withstand at least 350° C., so as to provide the elasticity of the heating element 30 of the solenoid after winding;

[0093] The infrared emission layer is formed or combined with the outside of the inner core by deposition or spraying, etc., so as to heat the aerosol generating product 1000 by radiating infrared rays. In some embodiments, the infrared emission layer is an electrically induced infrared emission coating; the infrared emission layer can heat the aerosol generating product 1000 by radiating infrared rays. Accordingly, it is composed of oxides of at least one metal element such as Mg, Al, Ti, Zr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn, etc., which can radiate far infrared rays with heating effect when heated to an appropriate temperature. More preferably, the infrared emission layer based on infrared heating includes an infrared coating of tin oxide and zinc oxide, or an infrared coating of carbon fiber.

[0094] In some embodiments, the heating element 30 configured as a solenoid has about 5 to 15 windings 330. Also, the heating element 30 has a length of about 15 to 50 mm.

[0095] In some embodiments, the windings 330 of the heating element 30 are arranged uniformly. And the pitch of the heating element 30, i.e., the spacing between adjacent windings 330, is constant or uniform along the axial direction. Or in some other variations, the pitch of the heating element 30, i.e., the spacing between adjacent windings 330, varies along the axial direction. In some specific embodiments, the number of windings 330 per unit length of the middle portion of the heating element 30 is less than the number of windings 330 per unit length of at least one of the two end portions. That is, the windings of the middle portion of the heating element 30 are relatively sparse, and the windings of at least one of the two end portions are relatively dense.

[0096] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the wire wound around the heating element 30 is different from the conventional circular shape; Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the cross section of the wire wound around the heating element 30 is flat; the cross section of the wire of the heating element 30 has a dimension extending in the longitudinal direction that is greater than the dimension extending in the radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In short, the form of the wire material of the heating element 30 constructed above is completely or at least flattened compared to the conventional spiral spring shape formed by a circular cross-section wire. Therefore, the wire material extends to a smaller extent in the radial direction. By this measure, the contact area between the heating element 30 and the aerosol generating article 1000 can be increased, thereby increasing heat conduction and reducing energy loss.

[0097] or Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing a heating element 30a and a bracket 80a in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is shown; Fig. 9As shown, the heating element 30a of this embodiment is in the shape of a tubular coil spring wound by a wire having a circular cross section and elasticity; the tubular bracket 80a has a window 81a and a longitudinally extending window 82a; after assembly, the first connection tap 310a of the heating element 30a extends out of the bracket 80a from the window 81a, and the second connection tap 320a of the heating element 30a extends out of the bracket 80a from the window 82a. And, the operating element 50 drives the heating element 30a to contract by connecting the first connection tap 310a extending out of the bracket 80a, and then by pulling or pulling the first connection tap 310a; or, the operating element 50 drives the heating element 30a to contract by connecting the second connection tap 320a extending out of the bracket 80a, and then by pulling or pulling the second connection tap 320a.

[0098] or Figures 10 to 13 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of an aerosol generating device having a tubular heating mechanism 30b that can radially contract and expand is shown; in this embodiment, the tubular heating mechanism 30b includes:

[0099] The elastic base 31b is configured to be in a tubular shape extending in the longitudinal direction;

[0100] The heating element 32b is combined on the base 31b.

[0101] The material of the substrate 31b includes or adopts elastic metal or alloy, such as aluminum alloy, copper alloy, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, nickel-chromium-iron alloy, nickel-manganese alloy, and heat-resistant spring steel such as spring steel with alloy grade GH4169 / GH4145 / 65Mn. In addition, the tubular substrate 31b is non-closed in the circumferential direction. Figures 10 to 13 The middle tubular substrate 31b has a side opening 331b extending from the first end to the second end in the longitudinal direction, so that the substrate 31b can shrink and expand in the radial direction. The surface of the substrate 31b is treated with insulation, such as surface oxidation or spraying of an insulation layer, so as to form electrical insulation with the heating element 32b. The surface treatment of the substrate 31b may include deposition or coating of a nano-ceramic coating, an organic silicon coating, an inorganic glue, a glass glaze, an aluminum oxide, etc. on the surface.

[0102] Wherein, the heating element 32b includes a resistive heating element; and the heating element 32b can generate resistive Joule heat and generate heat when a direct current flows through the heating element 32b. In some embodiments, the material of the heating element 32b is a composite material of a metal material, a metal alloy, graphite, carbon, a conductive ceramic or other ceramic material and a metal material with appropriate impedance. Wherein, the appropriate metal or alloy material includes at least one of nickel, cobalt, zirconium, titanium, nickel alloy, cobalt alloy, zirconium alloy, titanium alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, nickel-iron alloy, iron-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloy or stainless steel. In some embodiments, the heating element 32b is a heating net wrapped or attached or combined with the outside of the substrate 31b; or in some other embodiments, the heating element 32b is a resistive heating track or a film or coating formed on the substrate 31b by printing, spraying, deposition, etc. For example, the heating element 32b is a resistive heating track that is circuitous and meandering along the circumference; or the heating element 32b is a patterned resistive heating track. Or in some other implementations, the heating element 32b may also include an electromagnetic induction heating element or an infrared heating element.

[0103] In some embodiments, the substrate 31b is thermally conductive to the heating element 32b, so that the substrate 31b generates heat by receiving the heat of the heating element 32b, and in turn heats the aerosol generating article 1000 surrounded by the substrate 31b. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the substrate 31b is at least 10 W / mk, preferably or at least 100 W / mk; or in some implementations, the thermal conductivity of the substrate 31b is greater than 200 W / mk or higher.

[0104] In some specific embodiments, the substrate 31b has a wall thickness of about 0.05-1 mm; and the substrate 31b has an inner diameter of about 5.0-8.0 mm; and the substrate 31b has a length of about 20-60 mm. In implementation, the length of the aerosol-generating article 1000 surrounded or enclosed by the substrate 31b is greater than 14 mm; or the length of the aerosol-generating article 1000 heated by the substrate 31b is greater than 14 mm.

[0105] according to Figures 11 to 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the heating element 32b wound or combined with the substrate 31b has a side opening 332b aligned with the side opening 331b. The aerosol generating device can be operated by a user through an operating element 50 to apply a compressive force in a radial direction to the heating mechanism 30b. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown by the arrow P3 in the middle, the heating mechanism 30b is changed from the expanded state to the contracted state, specifically, it contracts toward the side opening 331b / side opening 332b as shown in FIG. Fig.12 and Fig.13As shown by the arrow P4. In the expanded state, the base 31b and / or the heating element 32b has an inner diameter D21, and the side opening 331b / side opening 332b has a width of about 5 to 10 mm. When radially squeezed to a contracted state, the base 31b and / or the heating element 32b has a reduced inner diameter D22, and the width of the side opening 331b / side opening 332b is squeezed to a smaller size, such as about 2 to 6 mm.

[0106] In some embodiments, when adapting an aerosol generating product 1000 with an outer diameter of 5 to 10 mm, the reduced inner diameter D22 of the substrate 31b and / or the heating element 32b is adapted to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating product 1000, which may also be 5 to 10 mm; and, in the expanded state, the inner diameter D21 of the substrate 31b and / or the heating element 32b is larger, for example, may be 8 to 15 mm.

[0107] Fig.14 and Fig.15 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is shown, in which the aerosol generating device comprises:

[0108] The housing 10c has a proximal end 110c and a distal end 120c facing each other; the proximal end 110c has an opening 111c for receiving the aerosol generating article 1000;

[0109] Battery cell 21c and circuit board 22c;

[0110] A first support element 24c and a second support element 23c are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction; wherein the first support element 24c guides the aerosol generating article 1000 to be received into the aerosol generating device near the proximal end 110c and clamps the aerosol generating article 1000 in the radial direction; the second support element 23c includes a base portion 232c and an extension portion 231c extending from the base portion 232c toward the proximal end 110c; the base portion 232c is used for the aerosol generating article 1000 to abut against for stopping; and the extension portion 231c is substantially tubular in shape, so as to surround and define a chamber, thereby receiving and accommodating the aerosol generating article 1000 inserted into the aerosol generating device;

[0111] The susceptor 60c is made of a sensitive metal or alloy such as Permalloy, ferritic stainless steel, etc., which can be penetrated by the magnetic field and induce heat; the susceptor 60c extends from the base portion 232c to the extension portion 231c, so as to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 for heating;

[0112] The induction heating element 30c is arranged around the extension portion 231c and / or the chamber to generate a changing magnetic field to induce the susceptor 60c to heat the aerosol-generating article 1000.

[0113] exist Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the embodiment, the induction heating element 30c is a spiral coil, and the induction heating element 30c is elastic, for example, a spiral spring-shaped, and has elasticity in the radial direction; the induction heating element 30c includes a first connection tap 310c and a second connection tap 320c; the first connection tap 310c is connected to the circuit board 22c by abutting against and contacting the first electrical contact 41c, and then the first electrical contact 41c is welded to the circuit board 22c; and the second connection tap 320c is connected to the circuit board 22c by abutting against and contacting the second electrical contact 42c, and then the second electrical contact 42c is welded to the circuit board 22c; the induction heating element 30c can be provided with an alternating current by the circuit board 22c, thereby generating a changing magnetic field to induce heating of the receptor 60c, and in turn heat the aerosol generating product 1000.

[0114] The first electrical contact 41c passes through the bracket 80c and is connected to the operating element 50c, and can be driven by the operating element 50c to change from the expanded state to the contracted state. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the second connection tap 320c passes through the bracket 80c and is connected to the operating element 50c, and can be driven by the operating element 50c to change from the expanded state to the contracted state. Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the embodiment, the induction heating element 30c has a larger inner diameter in the expanded state and is aligned with the extension portion 231c and / or the chamber and / or the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0115] In this embodiment, the induction heating element 30c is contracted in the radial direction to adjust the intensity or density of the magnetic field within the induction heating element 30c, so as to selectively adjust or change the temperature of the susceptor 60c. When the induction heating element 30c is in the contracted state, the intensity or density of the magnetic field within the induction heating element 30c is higher in the same alternating current supply, and the energy supplied to the susceptor 60c is also higher accordingly; thereby, the induction heating element 30c is selectively switched between the contracted state and the expanded state based on the use requirements to adjust the heating temperature of the susceptor 60c.

[0116] In some embodiments, the temperature of the heating susceptor 60c and / or the power of heating the aerosol generating article 1000e is adjusted by adjusting or changing the inner diameter of the inductive heating element 30c; for example, in some embodiments, the heating process may include:

[0117] S10, in the first time period, the heating element 30c is configured to Fig.15, so that the magnetic field strength or density generated in the heating element 30c is higher, so as to heat the susceptor 50c and / or the aerosol generating article 1000 at a higher power; so as to quickly make the aerosol generating article 1000 generate aerosol output to the user for inhalation in the first time stage;

[0118] S20a In the second time period, the heating element 30c is configured to Fig.14 , thereby relatively reducing the intensity or density of the magnetic field generated in the heating element 30c, so as to maintain the temperature of the susceptor 50c and / or the aerosol generating article 1000 at the target temperature with lower energy consumption.

[0119] or Fig.16 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another variant embodiment is shown, in which the aerosol generating device comprises:

[0120] The housing 10d has a proximal end 110d and a distal end 120d facing each other; the proximal end 110d has an opening 111d for receiving an aerosol generating article 1000d including a susceptor 60d;

[0121] Battery cell 21d and circuit board 22d;

[0122] A first support element 24d and a second support element 23d are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction; wherein the first support element 24d guides the aerosol generating article 1000d to be received into the aerosol generating device near the proximal end 110d and clamps the aerosol generating article 1000d; the second support element 23d includes a base portion 232d and an extension portion 231d extending from the base portion 232d toward the proximal end 110d; the base portion 232d is used for the aerosol generating article 1000d to abut against for stopping; and the extension portion 231d is substantially tubular in shape, so as to surround and define a chamber, thereby receiving and accommodating the aerosol generating article 1000d inserted into the aerosol generating device;

[0123] The induction heating element 30d in the shape of a coil spring is arranged around the extension portion 231d and / or the chamber to generate a changing magnetic field, thereby inducing the receptor 60d to heat the aerosol generating product 1000d; the induction heating element 30d is elastic and can be driven by the operating element 50d to shrink and expand in the radial direction; the induction heating element 30d includes a first connection tap 310d and a second connection tap 320d; the first connection tap 310d is connected to the circuit board 22d by abutting and contacting the first electrical contact 41d, and then the first electrical contact 41d is welded to the circuit board 22d; and the second connection tap 320d is connected to the circuit board 22d by abutting and contacting the second electrical contact 42d, and then the second electrical contact 42d is welded to the circuit board 22d; the induction heating element 30d can be provided with an alternating current by the circuit board 22d, thereby generating a changing magnetic field to induce heating of the receptor 60d, and in turn heat the aerosol generating product 1000d. Furthermore, the first electrical contact 41d passes through the bracket 80d and is connected to the operating element 50d, and can be driven by the operating element 50d to change from the expanded state to the contracted state. Alternatively, in some other variant embodiments, the second connection tap 320d passes through the bracket 80d and is connected to the operating element 50d, and can be driven by the operating element 50d to change from the expanded state to the contracted state.

[0124] or Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a tubular heating element 30g that can be radially contracted or expanded according to another variation of the embodiment is shown; Fig.17 In the embodiment shown, the heating element 30g is in the shape of a longitudinally extending tubular tube, specifically a spiral tube; in this embodiment, the heating element 30g includes a first connecting tap 310g and a second connecting tap 320g opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of annular windings wound by elastic wires; and the plurality of annular windings are non-closed, for example, Fig.17 Each of the annular windings has a side opening 331g; the multiple non-closed annular windings are sequentially connected end to end in the longitudinal direction to form a spiral heating element 30g with a cavity inside. The heating element 30g is wound with an elastic alloy wire, so that it has elasticity and can be squeezed from the outside to the inside in the radial direction to form a contraction.

[0125] exist Fig.17 In the embodiment, the annular winding in the heating element 30g has a non-coplanar annular structure, but has a certain span in the longitudinal direction; so as to increase the heating zone or area.

[0126] Figures 18 to 20 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises:

[0127] The housing 10e defines the shape and external components of the aerosol generating device; the housing 10e has a proximal end 110e and a distal end 120e that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction; an opening 111e is defined at the proximal end 110e;

[0128] Battery cell 21e and circuit board 22e;

[0129] A substrate 60e surrounds and defines a chamber for receiving and heating the aerosol-generating article 1000e; in some specific implementations, the substrate 60e has a wall thickness of about 0.05-1 mm; and the substrate 60e has an inner diameter of about 5.0-8.0 mm; and the substrate 60e has a length of about 30-60 mm; in an embodiment, the length of the aerosol-generating article 1000e surrounded or enclosed by the substrate 60e is greater than 30 mm; or the length of the aerosol-generating article 1000e heated by the substrate 60e is greater than 30 mm;

[0130] The air channel 150e is located between the chamber and the air inlet; and then the cavity air channel 150e is used to provide a channel path from the air inlet into the chamber / aerosol generating product 1000e, such as Figures 18 to 20 As shown by the middle arrow R2;

[0131] The support element 23e is used to provide support for the substrate 60e; and the support element 23e at least partially extends into the substrate 60e for receiving the aerosol generating article 1000e; and a flexible sealing element 25e is arranged between the support element 23e and the substrate 60e to provide a seal therebetween.

[0132] according to Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes:

[0133] A heating element 30e is arranged around the base 60e; the heating element 30e is at least one of a resistance heating element, an infrared heating element or an induction heating element that generates a magnetic field; the heating element 30e is spiral-shaped and elastic, such as a spring; the heating element 30e is arranged between the first operating element 51e and the second operating element 52e;

[0134] The heating element 30e can be driven by the first operating element 51e and / or the second operating element 52e to be compressed in the longitudinal direction, thereby changing the length of the heating element 30e to selectively surround and heat a portion of the substrate 60e, thereby changing the heating position of the aerosol generating article 1000e.

[0135] Specifically, for example Fig.18In the figure, the coil spring-shaped heating element 30e is in an expanded state, and the heating element 30e has a first longitudinal length L10; at this time, the heating element 30e simultaneously surrounds the first segment 61e and the second segment 62e of the substrate 60e, so that the first segment 61e and the second segment 62e can be heated at the same time, so as to simultaneously heat the first part 1100e and the second part 1200e of the aerosol generating product 1000e.

[0136] exist Fig.19 In the embodiment, the coil spring-shaped heating element 30e is driven by the movable second operating element 52e to contract toward the upper end to a second longitudinal length L20 that is smaller than the first longitudinal length L10, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown by arrow P5; Fig.19 In the embodiment, the heating element 30e in the contracted state only surrounds the first section 61e of the substrate 60e and avoids the second section 62e, thereby heating only the first section 61e and the first portion 1100e of the aerosol-generating article 1000e.

[0137] exist Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the coil spring-shaped heating element 30e is driven by the movable first operating element 52e to contract toward the lower end to a third longitudinal length L30 that is smaller than the first longitudinal length L10, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown by the arrow P6; Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the heating element 30e in the contracted state only surrounds the second section 62e of the substrate 60e and avoids the first section 61e, thereby heating only the second section 62e and the second portion 1200e of the aerosol-generating article 1000e.

[0138] exist Figures 18 to 20 As shown in FIG, the total number of windings of the heating element 30e is the same when the heating element 30e is in the contracted state and the expanded state; the pitch of the heating element 30e or the spacing between adjacent windings is changed by actuating the heating element 30e to compress, thereby changing the longitudinal length of the heating element 30e; for example, Figures 18 to 20 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pitch of the coil spring-shaped heating element 30 e in the contracted state is smaller than the pitch in the expanded state, so that the heating element 30 e is relatively compressed to a smaller longitudinal length.

[0139] In some embodiments, the heating of different portions of the aerosol generating article 1000e may be adjusted by adjusting or changing the longitudinal length of the heating element 30e; for example, in some embodiments, the heating process may include:

[0140] S10a, in the first time period, the heating element 30e is configured to Fig.19, thereby heating only the first section 61e and the first portion 1100e of the aerosol-generating article 1000e; so as to quickly cause the first portion 1100e of the aerosol-generating article 1000e to generate an aerosol output for the user to inhale during a first time period;

[0141] S20a, in the second time period, the heating element 30e is configured to Fig.18 , thereby enabling simultaneous heating of the first portion 1100e and the second portion 1200e of the aerosol-generating article 1000e.

[0142] In some embodiments, the heating element 30e is a resistive heating element; the substrate 60e includes a heat-conductive metal or alloy, etc., and thus heats the aerosol-generating article 1000e by receiving heat from the heating element 30e.

[0143] In some embodiments, the heating element 30e is an infrared heating element; the substrate 60e includes infrared-transmissive ceramics, quartz, etc., so that the heating element 30e can heat the aerosol-generating article 1000e received in the substrate 60e by emitting infrared rays that penetrate the substrate 60e.

[0144] Or in some other embodiments, the heating element 30e is an induction heating element, which is used to generate a changing magnetic field to induce the sensitive substrate 60e to heat the aerosol generating product 1000e. Or in some other variant embodiments, the heating element 30e is an induction heating element, which is used to generate a changing magnetic field; the substrate 60e is non-sensitive, such as plastic, ceramic, etc.; a susceptor that can be penetrated by the magnetic field and generate heat is arranged in the aerosol generating product 1000e, and the magnetic field generated by the heating element 30e is induced to heat the aerosol generating product 1000e.

[0145] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are given in the specification and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification. Furthermore, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; characterized in that: include: A substantially tubular heating element for at least partially surrounding and heating an aerosol generating article; the heating element is actuatable in a radial direction between a contracted state and an expanded state; when the heating element is in the contracted state, the inner diameter of the heating element is smaller than when the heating element is in the expanded state.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The operating element is configured to be operable by a user, thereby driving the heating element to change from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating element is resilient and is arranged to have a bias towards the contracted state or is arranged to have a bias towards the expanded state.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating element is configured to be actuated between the expanded state and the contracted state by exerting a force on the heating element.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating element is capable of contacting an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article to heat it in the contracted state.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the heating element is in the retracted state, a thermally insulating cavity is defined between the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol generating device to provide thermal insulation therebetween.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating element is configured in a solenoid shape.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that The heating element is spirally wound from an elastic alloy conductor material.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that The heating element comprises a first connecting tap and a second connecting tap opposite to each other, and a plurality of windings between the first connecting tap and the second connecting tap; The heating element is arranged to drive the heating element from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state by actuating the first connection tap and / or the second connection tap.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating element includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and a side opening extending from the first end to the second end.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, characterized in that When the heating element is in the contracted state, the side opening has a first width; when the heating element is in the expanded state, the side opening has a second width; the first width is smaller than the second width.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A bracket, surrounding and holding the heating element; the heating element at least partially extends from the bracket to the outside of the bracket; The heating element is arranged to drive the heating element to change from the contracted state to the expanded state and / or from the expanded state to the contracted state by actuating the portion extending out of the stent.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The elastic tubular base can shrink or expand in the radial direction to change the inner diameter; the heating element is combined or formed on the tubular base.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating element includes at least one of a resistive heating element, an inductive heating element or an infrared heating element.

15. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; characterized in that: include: a tubular heating element arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device and configured to surround and heat the aerosol generating article; The heating element is elastic and is configured to be actuated between a contracted state and an expanded state along the longitudinal direction, thereby selectively changing the longitudinal length of the heating element; when the heating element is in the contracted state, the longitudinal length of the heating element is smaller than the longitudinal length of the heating element in the expanded state.

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