Aerosol-generating device and cleaning assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses an aerosol generating device and a cleaning assembly. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating assembly and a cleaning assembly. Wherein the heating assembly comprises an outer pipe and a heat generating mechanism arranged in the outer pipe; the cleaning assembly comprises a hollow part and an electrode, the hollow part is detachably arranged outside the outer pipe in a sleeving mode, the electrode is arranged between the hollow part and the outer pipe, a gap is formed between the electrode and the outer wall of the outer pipe, and the electrode is used for generating plasma in the gap. According to the aerosol generating device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the plasma generated between the hollow part and the outer tube by the two electrodes is used for heating and removing residues attached to the aerosol on the outer tube, so that the heating efficiency of the heating assembly on the aerosol forming substrate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of aerosol generating devices, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a cleaning component. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, an aerosol generating device can form an aerosol-forming substrate into an aerosol by heating. The aerosol generating device includes an outer tube, which can be in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. After the aerosol-forming substrate forms an aerosol, residues are easily attached to the outer tube, which can easily reduce the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate and be detrimental to the generation of aerosol. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides an aerosol generating device and a cleaning component.

[0004] The aerosol generating device of the embodiment of the present application includes a heating component and a cleaning component. Among them:

[0005] The heat generating assembly includes an outer tube and a heat generating mechanism disposed in the outer tube;

[0006] The cleaning component comprises a hollow member and an electrode. The hollow member is detachably sleeved outside the outer tube. The electrode is arranged between the hollow member and the outer tube and forms a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube. The electrode is used to generate plasma in the gap.

[0007] The aerosol generating device of the embodiment of the present application heats and removes the aerosol residues attached to the outer tube through the plasma generated by the electrodes between the hollow member and the outer tube, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component for the aerosol forming matrix.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heat generating mechanism includes a first electrode and a second electrode, both of which are at least partially disposed in an outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are opposite to each other and spaced apart, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when power is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cleaning component includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, wherein the third electrode is disposed between the hollow member and the outer tube, and the fourth electrode is at least partially disposed within the outer tube. When the third electrode and the fourth electrode are energized, plasma is generated within the gap.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode and the second electrode are configured as the same electrode. In some embodiments, when the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a power supply, the second electrode is electrically connected to the first power supply end of the power supply, when the hollow member is arranged outside the outer tube, the third electrode is electrically connected to the second power supply end of the power supply, and when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the first electrode is electrically connected to the second power supply end of the power supply.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a power connection assembly, the power connection assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector, the first connector is connected to the first electrode, the second connector is electrically connected to the second power supply end, and the third connector is disposed on the hollow member and electrically connected to the third electrode;

[0013] When the hollow member is sleeved outside the outer tube, the second joint contacts the third joint; when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the second joint contacts the first joint.

[0014] In some embodiments, the power connection assembly includes an insulating member and an elastic member, the insulating member is connected to the third joint, and the elastic member is connected to the first joint. During the process of the hollow member being inserted into the outer tube, the insulating member pushes the first joint to move relative to the second joint to separate the first joint from the second joint and deform the elastic member. During the process of the hollow member being separated from the outer tube, the elastic member restores its deformation to push the first joint to contact the second joint.

[0015] In some embodiments, the third electrode is a tube and is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating component includes an inner tube, the inner tube is at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner tube includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube at the first end surface, and the second electrode is against the second end surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating component also includes an insulating barrier, which is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a gap is formed between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and at least a portion of the insulating barrier, and plasma is generated in the gap when power is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0019] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier is a tube, the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the insulating barrier, and the second electrode is located outside the insulating barrier.

[0020] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier comprises a closed end and an open end opposite to the closed end, the closed end is located inside the outer tube, and the first electrode is inserted into the insulating barrier from the open end.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrode is a third electrode, and when the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the second electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

[0022] The cleaning assembly of the embodiment of the present application comprises a hollow member and an electrode.

[0023] The hollow member is used to be detachably mounted outside the outer tube of the aerosol generating device;

[0024] The electrode is arranged in the hollow member and is used to form a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and the electrode is used to generate plasma in the gap.

[0025] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become apparent from the description below, or will be learned through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the combination of a heating component and a cleaning component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a heating component according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a heating component according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a power connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a power connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application in another situation;

[0035] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A of the heating component.

[0036] Description of reference numerals:

[0037] Aerosol generating device 1000, aerosol forming substrate 300, control center 400, cover 500;

[0038] Heating component 100, heat generating mechanism 1100, inner tube 10a, first end surface 11, second end surface 12, insulating barrier 10b, closed end 13, open end 14, outer tube 20, outer wall 2001, tapered end 21, open end 22, first electrode 110, second electrode 120, protrusion 122, discharge area 130, thermal insulation gap 1002, gap 1300, first gap 1101, second gap 1202, base 90;

[0039] Power source 200, first power supply terminal 211, second power supply terminal 212, battery 210, transformer 220, first secondary side 221, second secondary side 222;

[0040] Cleaning component 600, hollow part 610, side enclosure 611, hollow section 612, electrode 620, third electrode 630, fourth electrode 640, cleaning gap 603, power connection component 650, first joint 651, second joint 652, third joint 653, insulating part 654, elastic part 655, spring 6551. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0042] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or mutual communication; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0044] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0045] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to realize the different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present application. In addition, the present application can repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and this repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, which itself does not indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the various specific processes and material examples provided by the present application, but those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0046] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 The aerosol generating device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application includes a heating component 100 and a cleaning component 600. The heating component 100 includes an outer tube 20 and a heat generating mechanism 1100 disposed in the outer tube 20. The cleaning component 600 includes a hollow member 610 and an electrode 620, wherein the hollow member 610 is detachably sleeved outside the outer tube 20, and the electrode 620 is disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 and forms a gap with the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, and the electrode 620 is used to generate plasma in the gap.

[0047] For the convenience of explanation, the gap formed by the electrode 620 disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20 is the clean gap 603 .

[0048] The aerosol generating device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application heats and removes the aerosol residues attached to the outer tube 20 through the plasma generated by the electrode 620 between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component 100 on the aerosol-forming matrix 300.

[0049] For details, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer tube 20 may be a hollow tube with one end open, and the open end is an open end 22. The heat generating mechanism 1100 may be inserted into the outer tube 20 from the open end thereof, so that the outer tube 20 wraps at least a portion of the heat generating mechanism 1100. The outer tube 20 may be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and directly contact the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The end of the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 may be closed. The closed end of the outer tube 20 may protrude outwards more sharply to form a tapered end 21. The cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20 includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, etc.

[0050] The heat generating mechanism 1100 may be a heating mechanism using plasma heating, resistance heating and / or electromagnetic induction heating. At least a portion of the heat generating mechanism 1100 is located inside the outer tube 20. The heat generated by the heat generating mechanism 1100 is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 through the outer tube 20. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs sufficient heat and is atomized outside the outer tube 20 to form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1000 can be used for consumption, assisting drug inhalation, etc.

[0051] The outer tube 20 may be made of quartz, quartz glass, ceramics, or the like, so that the outer tube 20 is transparent to infrared radiation, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and providing insulation protection for the heat generating mechanism 1100 .

[0052] During the heating component 100 heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 may reach a temperature for atomization to form an aerosol without exceeding the ignition point of the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Therefore, the aerosol-forming substrate 300 may not burn during the aerosol generation process of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0053] When the aerosol generating device 1000 generates aerosol, the aerosol-forming matrix 300 is heated by the outer tube 20 to form an aerosol, and the formed aerosol can overflow to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the aerosol suction airway (not shown). To stop the aerosol generating device 1000 from generating aerosol, the heating component 100 needs to stop heating and cool down. During the cooling process of the heating component 100, the aerosol that has not completely overflowed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 may remain and adhere to the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. The residue attached to the outer tube 20 is likely to reduce the heating efficiency of the outer tube 20 for the aerosol-forming matrix 300.

[0054] When the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a cleaning state, the heating component 100 can be partially inserted into the cleaning component 600, such as Figure 2 As shown. Along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, the direction from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 can be a top-to-bottom direction. The hollow member 610 can be covered on the outer periphery of the outer tube 20 from top to bottom. It can also be said that the heating component 100 is inserted into the hollow member 610 of the cleaning component 600 from bottom to top.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hollow member 610 may be a part of the aerosol generating device 1000, and may serve as a reinforcing support or installation fixation, or may serve as a cover or an extractor (a mechanism for taking out the aerosol-forming substrate 300). For example, the hollow member 610 may be integrated with the cover 500, or the hollow member 610 may be integrated with the cleaning assembly 600, or the hollow member 610 may be integrated with the extractor. The cleaning assembly 600 may also be an auxiliary device or an additional device of the aerosol generating device 1000, and may be assembled to the aerosol generating device 1000 when cleaning is required.

[0056] At least a portion of the outer tube 20 is accommodated in the hollow of the hollow member 610. The hollow member 610 may be cylindrical, and the cross-sectional shape of the hollow member 610 may include but is not limited to circular, nearly circular, elliptical, square, etc., and may match the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20. The depth of the hollow inside the hollow member 610 may match the length of the outer tube 20 inserted into the hollow member 610.

[0057] The hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, and a certain distance is maintained between the inner surface of the hollow member 610 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. It can also be said that the hollow member 610 is not in direct contact with the outer tube 20. In some embodiments, the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 can be in direct contact, as long as gas is allowed to enter between the two.

[0058] The aerosol-forming matrix 300 can be wrapped around the outer tube 20, and the residue formed by the generated aerosol will cool and deposit on the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. The residue can be some organic matter with strong adhesion. The heating component 100 is inserted into the cleaning component 600, and the residue can also be left at other positions in the cleaning gap 603.

[0059] In some related technologies, cleaning the heating component by physical scrubbing can easily damage the core components of the heating component such as the outer tube, and it is difficult to achieve a clean cleaning effect.

[0060] Please refer again Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present application, the electrode 620 is arranged on the surface of one side of the hollow member 610 facing the outer tube 20. At least a clean gap 603 is arranged between the electrode 620 and the outer wall of the outer tube 20. A voltage of a certain intensity is applied to the electrode 620 and another electrode opposite to the electrode 620, and the electrode 620 can discharge in the clean gap 603 to generate plasma. In some other embodiments, the electrode 620 can be arranged outside the inner surface of the hollow member 610, that is, at least one bonding layer can be separated between the electrode 620 and the outer tube 20. It can be understood that the above-mentioned other electrode can be an electrode used by the heating component 100 to generate heat, or it can be other electrodes attached to the outer tube 20.

[0061] The cleaning component 600 can utilize the plasma generated in the cleaning gap 603 to decompose the residue into small molecules, such as volatile organic matter, light oxide, water vapor, etc. The decomposition products of small molecules can volatilize in the form of gas. In this way, the cleaning component 600 can clean the aerosol residues of the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol forming matrix 300 when the heating component 100 is used again, and is conducive to the generation of aerosol. At the same time, the cleaning component 600 utilizes plasma to clean the outer tube 20, which is not easy to cause component damage, and the temperature rises rapidly, which can quickly reach more than 500 degrees Celsius, and is easy to clean. Due to the small heat capacity, the cooling speed is also fast, which avoids the excessive heating of the device, thereby affecting the function of the power supply or the control center, and the cleaning temperature is relatively easy to control, which has little impact on the reliability of the heating component 100.

[0062] See also Figure 4 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the heat generating mechanism 1100 includes a first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are at least partially disposed in the outer tube 20. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are disposed opposite to each other and spaced apart. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0063] In this way, the heat generating mechanism 1100 can emit a large amount of heat to the outside through the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma itself, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0064] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, and maintains electrical neutrality as a whole. Plasma can be generated by ionization of gas under the action of an electric field. The generation process of plasma can generate a large amount of heat, and the temperature of plasma can reach more than 1000°C in a stable state. The aerosol generating device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application can generate aerosol by using the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol-forming matrix 300. The generated aerosol can be inhaled through a mouthpiece.

[0065] The heat generating mechanism 1100 may include an inner tube 10a. The inner tube 10a may be a hollow tube. The first electrode 110 may be columnar and partially inserted into the inner tube 10a. The second electrode 120 may be hollow tubular and sleeved outside the inner tube 10a. The inner tube 10a may be made of a material with high insulation strength, such as quartz, ceramic, etc. The inner tube 10a is at least partially located between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and provides insulation protection, so the inner tube 10a may also be an insulating barrier 10b. The outer tube 20 is sleeved outside the second electrode 120 and the inner tube 10a.

[0066] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 , there is no other object blocking the interval between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The interval between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and the interval is the discharge area 130, and plasma is generated in the discharge area 130, so that the temperature at the center of the discharge area 130 is higher than other parts of the heating component 100. A voltage of a certain magnitude and frequency is applied, and a discharge breakdown occurs between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and plasma is generated by arc discharge. The generation of the discharge arc may be accompanied by a hissing sound. In this embodiment, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be connected to direct current or alternating current. When direct current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 use direct current to form plasma; when alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 use alternating current to form plasma. When a voltage of a certain magnitude and frequency is applied, plasma may also be generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by glow discharge. The glow discharge process may be accompanied by a glow of a specific color.

[0067] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 In the interval where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite, at least a portion of the insulating barrier 10b forms a gap 1300 with the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120, and plasma is generated in the gap 1300. In this embodiment, plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by dielectric barrier discharge. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a high-voltage discharge between two electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric barrier. The insulating medium is a substance with very low conductivity. Due to the presence of an insulating medium between the two electrodes, the structure of the DBD device is similar to that of a capacitor, which can conduct alternating current but almost does not conduct direct current. Therefore, in this embodiment, high-voltage alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. Dielectric barrier discharge is characterized by uniformity and stability, and the discharge process is nearly silent.

[0068] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 600 includes a third electrode 630 and a fourth electrode 640, wherein the third electrode 630 is the electrode 620. The third electrode 630 is disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, and the fourth electrode 640 is at least partially disposed within the outer tube 20. When the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are energized, plasma is generated in the cleaning gap 603.

[0069] As such, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are at least partially blocked by the outer tube 20 , and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 generate plasma in the cleaning gap 603 through dielectric barrier discharge, so that the cleaning assembly 600 can clean the outer tube 20 with plasma.

[0070] Specifically, the third electrode 630 can be disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20. One side of the third electrode 630 faces the hollow member 610, and the opposite side faces the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. A cleaning gap 603 is formed between the side of the third electrode 630 facing the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20.

[0071] A portion of the hollow member 610 may surround the central axis of the outer tube 20 to form a side enclosure 611 and a hollow space 612. The third electrode 630 may be fixedly disposed on the side enclosure 611. The side of the third electrode 630 facing the hollow member 610 may be in contact with the hollow member 610, or may be spaced a certain distance from the hollow member 610. The third electrode 630 may be a pipe, a plate, etc., or may be a conductive film or conductive circuit coated on the inner surface of the hollow member 610.

[0072] The fourth electrode 640 may be tubular, sleeved outside the inner tube 10a, and extended into the outer tube 20. The fourth electrode 640 may be arranged such that one end of the fourth electrode 640 extending into the outer tube 20 partially abuts against the tapered end 21, and extends from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. In this embodiment, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 may be two electrodes arranged in the outer tube 20.

[0073] The fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630 are at least partially opposite to each other. Exemplarily, the portion of the fourth electrode 640 extending along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 is opposite to the portion of the third electrode 630 attached to the side circumference 611. The third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 can be connected to the two poles of the power supply 200 respectively, so that discharge between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 generates plasma.

[0074] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 can maintain a certain distance from the wall of the outer tube 20 so that a heat insulating gap 1002 is formed between the fourth electrode 640 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The third electrode 630 can be attached to the inner surface of the hollow member 610. Between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, a cleaning gap 603, an outer tube 20 and a heat insulating gap 1002 are sequentially arranged. The heat insulating gap 1002 can reduce the risk of overheating of the outer tube 20 in the heating component 100.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 may be attached to the inner surface of the outer tube 20 , opposite to the third electrode 630 and separated from the third electrode 630 by the wall of the outer tube 20 and the clean gap 603 .

[0076] The end of the fourth electrode 640 that abuts against the tapered end 21 may be closed. The shape of the fourth electrode 640 may match the shape of the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and the end of the fourth electrode 640 that abuts against the tapered end 21 may protrude toward the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and match the end shape of the outer tube 20. The third electrode 630 may be partially disposed on the hollow member 610 at a position opposite to the tapered end 21, so that the plasma formed between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 can clean the residue on the top of the outer tube 20.

[0077] It can be understood that at least one of the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 is shielded and covered by the outer tube 20. Plasma is generated between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 by dielectric barrier discharge. As described above, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are configured to apply high voltage alternating current. The process of forming plasma by dielectric barrier discharge can be understood as when the electrons between the two electrodes are accelerated by a strong electric field and obtain sufficient energy, they cross the energy barrier in the medium, and electron penetration occurs to form plasma.

[0078] In some embodiments, the air in the clean gap 603 can be used as a working gas for ionization to form plasma. Nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, etc. can also be filled into the clean gap 603 as a working gas.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 are configured as the same electrode.

[0080] In this way, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 are the same electrode, so that the internal structure of the heating component 100 is more streamlined, the circuit wiring layout of the aerosol generating device 1000 is relatively simple, and the cost can be reduced.

[0081] Specifically, the second electrode 120 and the fourth electrode 640 can be opposite to another electrode and be applied with high voltage electricity, and discharge to generate plasma. The second electrode 120 and the fourth electrode 640 can both be discharge elements arranged in the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 generates plasma for heating the aerosol-forming matrix 300 to generate aerosol, and the fourth electrode 640 generates plasma for cleaning the residue after the aerosol is formed, which is not used in the use stage. Therefore, an electrode can be arranged in the outer tube 20, which is opposite to the first electrode 110 in the outer tube 20 and also opposite to the third electrode 630 outside the outer tube 20. When the electrode is energized with the first electrode 110, it acts as the second electrode 120, and when the electrode is energized with the third electrode 630, it acts as the fourth electrode 640.

[0082] In some embodiments, when the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered off; when the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered on, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered off.

[0083] In this way, the working phases of the cleaning component 600 and the heating component 100 can be staggered, thereby reducing the possibility that the cleaning process of the cleaning component 600 will have an adverse effect on the heating process of the heating component 100.

[0084] Specifically, the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120 (the fourth electrode 640), and the third electrode 630 may be connected to the same power source 200. As described above, it can be understood that when the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge inside the outer tube 20 to generate plasma, releasing a large amount of heat, and the aerosol-forming matrix 300 absorbs the heat outside the outer tube 20 to generate aerosol. When the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered on, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 discharge outside the outer tube 20 to generate plasma, burning the residue after the aerosol is generated.

[0085] When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the cleaning component 600 can be kept at a relatively large distance from the heating component 100 , and the heating component 100 is not inserted into the hollow member 610 .

[0086] When the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered on, the heating component 100 is inserted into the cleaning component 600 , and at least a portion of the outer tube 20 is opposite to the third electrode 630 .

[0087] See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a power supply 200, the second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the first power supply end 211 of the power supply 200, when the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212 of the power supply 200, and when the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212 of the power supply 200.

[0088] In this way, the same power supply group 200 can differentially power a group of electrodes including the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 or the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 (the fourth electrode 640) according to the usage status of the cleaning component 600, so that when the aerosol generating device 1000 is in the aerosol generating state, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered off; when in the cleaning state, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered on, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered off.

[0089] Specifically, the power supply 200 may include a battery 210, which may be a battery cell or a battery pack. The first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212 may form two ends with high and low potentials, respectively. The second electrode 120 and the first power supply terminal 211, the third electrode 630 and the second power supply terminal 212, and the first electrode 110 and the second power supply terminal 212 may all be connected by wires to conduct the circuit.

[0090] When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a cleaning state, and the cleaning component 600 uses plasma to clean the heating component 100. The second electrode 120, that is, the fourth electrode 640, and the third electrode 630 are respectively connected to the first power supply end 211 and the second power supply end 212 with different potentials, and a potential difference is formed between the fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630, and then plasma is formed in the cleaning gap 603 by the action of the electric field. In this case, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are de-energized, and plasma is almost not formed in the heating component 100.

[0091] When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an aerosol generating state, the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are respectively connected to the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212 with different electric potentials, and a potential difference is formed between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, and then plasma is generated in the heat generating mechanism 1100 by the electric field, and the aerosol-forming substrate 300 is heated to form an aerosol. In this case, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are de-energized, and plasma is hardly formed in the cleaning component 600.

[0092] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 further includes a control center 400 , which is connected to the heating component 100 and the power supply 200 , and can adjust the output power of the power supply 200 to control the heating temperature of the heating component 100 .

[0093] See also Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a power connection assembly 650, the power connection assembly 650 includes a first connector 651, a second connector 652, and a third connector 653, the first connector 651 is connected to the first electrode 110, the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212, and the third connector 653 is disposed on the hollow member 610 and electrically connected to the third electrode 630;

[0094] When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20 , the second joint 652 contacts the third joint 653 . When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20 , the second joint 652 contacts the first joint 651 .

[0095] In this way, the power connection component 650 can be used to control the second electrode 120 to be electrically connected to one of the first electrode 110 or the third electrode 630, thereby controlling the aerosol generating device 1000 to be in an aerosol generating state or a cleaning state.

[0096] Specifically, the power connection assembly 650 is at least partially embedded in the hollow member 610. The first connector 651, the second connector 652 and the third connector 653 may all be embedded in the hollow member 610, or only the third connector 653 may be embedded in the hollow member 610. The power connection assembly 650 may also be partially exposed on the surface of the hollow member 610.

[0097] In the case where the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, please refer to Figure 8 Combined with Figure 3 , the second connector 652 contacts the third connector 653, the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the third electrode 630, and thus the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212. The fourth electrode 640 is electrically connected to the first power supply end 211, and when the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are electrically connected, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 (the fourth electrode 640) are de-energized, and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 discharge in the cleaning gap 603 to generate plasma to clean the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a cleaning state.

[0098] When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, see Figure 7 Combined with Figure 3, the second connector 652 contacts the first connector 651, the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212, and the first connector 651 is electrically connected to the first electrode 110, so that the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212. The second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the first power supply end 211, and when the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 (the second electrode 120) are disconnected, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are separated in the inner tube 10a and generate plasma, releasing heat to atomize the aerosol-forming matrix 300 to form an aerosol. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an aerosol generating state.

[0099] Please refer again Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the power connection assembly 650 includes an insulating member 654 and an elastic member 655, the insulating member 654 is connected to the third joint 653, and the elastic member 655 is connected to the first joint 651. When the hollow member 610 is inserted into the outer tube 20, the insulating member 654 pushes the first joint 651 to move relative to the second joint 652 to separate the first joint 651 from the second joint 652 and deform the elastic member 655. When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the elastic member 655 restores its deformation to push the first joint 651 to contact the second joint 652.

[0100] In this way, the conduction and de-energization of the two groups of electrodes can be controlled by a simple mechanical structure, which has low cost and strong practicability.

[0101] Specifically, the insulating member 654 includes but is not limited to a quartz block, a ceramic block, a rubber block, etc. The elastic member 655 can be a spring 6551, an elastic rope, an elastic rubber, etc. For example, if the elastic member 655 is a spring 6551, one end of the spring 6551 can be fixed to a side of the first joint 651, and the other end can be fixed to the cleaning device. The first joint 651, the second joint 652 and the third joint 653 can all be made of metal materials with good electrical conductivity.

[0102] In one embodiment, the hollow member 610 is gradually separated from the outer tube 20, and the spring 6551 is gradually extended to push out the first joint 651, so that the first joint 651 and the second joint 652 are gradually approached. Figure 7 As shown, the elastic supporting force provided by the elongated spring 6551 is sufficient to support the first connector 651 and the second connector 652 to maintain surface contact, thereby forming an electrical connection, and then the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are electrically connected.

[0103] Correspondingly, during the process of the hollow member 610 being inserted into the outer tube 20, the insulating member 654 is located between the first joint 651 and the third joint 653, pushing the second joint 652 to squeeze the spring 6551, the spring 6551 is compressed and shortened, the second joint 652 gradually separates from the second joint 652, and the third joint 653 gradually moves to abut against the second joint 652 as the insulating member 654 moves. When the hollow member 610 is completely sleeved at a predetermined position outside the outer tube 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the third connector 653 maintains contact with the second connector 652, and the first connector 651 is completely separated from the second connector 652, so that the second power supply segment connected to the second connector 652 and the third electrode 630 connected to the third connector 653 form an electrical connection, the power is disconnected between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and the power is connected between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 (second electrode 120).

[0104] It should be noted that pushing out the first connector 651 through the insulating member 654 is only one way to control the electrical connection of the electrode of the aerosol generating device 1000 of the present application. The method of realizing electrical connection and control is not limited to the implementation method provided in the above description, and also includes a variety of magnetic control, such as using magnetic attraction and other methods to control the conduction and disconnection of the circuit.

[0105] Please participate again Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the power supply 200 includes a transformer 220 , a first secondary side 221 of the transformer 220 forms a first power supply terminal 211 , and a second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220 forms a second power supply terminal 212 .

[0106] In this way, the power source 200 can use the battery 210 with small power and volume to provide high voltage alternating current to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 , the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 .

[0107] In a transformer, the power supply side is the primary side, and the side without power supply or the high voltage side of a step-up transformer or the low voltage side of a step-down transformer is the secondary side. Different secondary sides have different coil turns corresponding to different lines, so their terminal voltages are also different. Therefore, the transformer can provide corresponding voltages for unused lines.

[0108] Specifically, the transformer 220 of the embodiment of the present application can be a step-up transformer 220, and a high voltage AC is applied between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640. It can be understood that the voltage required for glow discharge or dielectric barrier discharge to generate plasma is usually 10 3 ~10 4Due to the need to miniaturize the aerosol generating device 1000, the output voltage of the battery 210 that the power supply 200 can match is limited. Therefore, a step-up transformer 220 can be used to apply high voltage electricity to the electrodes.

[0109] In combination with the above, the second electrode 120 (fourth electrode 640) is electrically connected to the first secondary side 221 of the transformer 220. When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220, and high voltage alternating current is applied to the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, so that an alternating electric field with a large electric field strength can be formed in the cleaning gap 603. When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220, and an alternating electric field with a large electric field strength is formed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0110] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the third electrode 630 is a tube and is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow member 610 .

[0111] In this way, the third electrode 630 is a tube and is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow member 610 , which can make the installation and positioning of the third electrode 630 simpler.

[0112] Specifically, the hollow section 612 of the hollow member 610 can be formed by the hollow member 610 surrounding the central axis of the outer tube 20. And the hollow member 610 has two ends in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, one end of which is closed and the other end is open. The side 611 of the hollow member 610 can be a part that surrounds the outer tube 20 and extends along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The heating component 100 can partially extend into the hollow section 612 from the opening of the hollow member 610, and partially expose outside the hollow member 610 from the opening of the hollow member 610.

[0113] Exemplarily, the third electrode 630 may be a hollow tube with a thin tube wall that fits the inner wall surface of the hollow member 610. The third electrode 630 may be sleeved outside the outer tube 20, coaxial with the outer tube 20, and the inner diameter of the third electrode 630 is greater than the outer diameter of the outer tube 20. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shapes of the third electrode 630 and the outer tube 20 include but are not limited to circular, elliptical, square, polygonal, etc. The inner diameter of the third electrode 630 may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the third electrode 630, and the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-sectional surface of the outer tube 20.

[0114] The direction from the closed end of the hollow member 610 to the open end of the hollow member 610 can be from top to bottom. The axial direction of the third electrode 630 can be substantially parallel to the up-down direction. The upper end of the third electrode 630 can abut against the deepest part of the hollow section 612 along the axial direction of the third electrode 630.

[0115] In some embodiments, both ends of the third electrode 630 along its own axis may have openings, and the third electrode 630 is attached to the side circumference 611, opposite to the portion of the fourth electrode 640 extending in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. Along the radial direction of the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 may be shaped like a parallel plate electrode pair. A clean gap 603 is provided in the area where the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are opposite to each other, and plasma is formed in the clean gap 603.

[0116] In some embodiments, the upper end of the third electrode 630 may be closed and fit with the inner wall surface of the conical end 21 of the outer tube 20 of the hollow member 610. The closed upper end (not shown) of the third electrode 630 may be opposite to the conical end 21 of the outer tube 20 separated by the fourth electrode 640. The cleaning gap 603 also includes a gap formed between the outer wall 2001 of the conical end 21 and the upper end of the third electrode 630.

[0117] The third electrode 630 may be made of a metal material or alloy material with good electrical conductivity. For example, the third electrode 630 may be made of at least one of copper alloy, nickel and nickel-based alloy, stainless steel, zirconium, hafnium, tungsten and the like.

[0118] See also Figure 6 In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes an inner tube 10a, the inner tube 10a is at least partially inserted into the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the inner tube 10a, and the second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10a.

[0119] In this way, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other in the inner tube 10 a and generate a plasma arc in the inner tube 10 a . The arc discharge can improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 .

[0120] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner tube 10a is a through tube, and both ends along its own axial direction have openings, and the openings penetrate the inner tube 10a in the axial direction. The inner tube 10a extends into the outer tube 20, and one end is close to the tapered end 21. The second electrode 120 can be a pipe fitting, with one end closed, and the end is arranged on the inner tube 10a near the tapered end 21. The first electrode 110 extends into the inner tube 10a, and the second electrode 120 can be sleeved outside the inner tube 10a. Thus, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10a, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 are sleeved in sequence to form a heating component 100. In some embodiments, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10a, the second electrode 120 and the outer tube 20 can be roughly coaxial.

[0121] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are located at the ends of the inner tube 10a and are separated by a predetermined distance in the inner tube 10a. The interval between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the inner tube 10a is the discharge zone 130, and plasma is generated in the discharge zone 130. The distance range between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, that is, the axial length range of the discharge zone 130, can be 4mm-10mm. For example, the axial length range of the discharge zone 130 can be 4mm-10mm, 5mm-8mm, 6mm-7mm, 5.5mm-6mm, etc. For another example, the axial length of the discharge zone 130 can be 4.1mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, etc.

[0122] Please continue reading Figure 6 In some embodiments, the inner tube 10 a includes a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12 opposite to the first end surface 11 , the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 a at the first end surface 11 , and the second electrode 120 is against the second end surface 12 .

[0123] In this way, the assembly of the heat generating mechanism 1100 is clearer and simpler, which is beneficial to the production of the heat generating component 100.

[0124] Specifically, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 may be the end faces of both ends of the inner tube 10a in the axial direction. The inner tube 10a extends into the outer tube 20, the end with the second end face 12 may be close to the tapered end 21, and the end with the first end face 11 may be partially exposed from the open end 22 to the outside of the outer tube 20. The inner tube 10a is a through tube, and its through hole may pass through the center of the first end face 11 and the second end face 12.

[0125] The portion of the second electrode 120 that abuts against the second end surface 12 may be in the shape of a disk and fits the second end surface 12. The second electrode 120 may extend from the center of the second end surface 12 into the inner tube 10a to form a protrusion 122. The first electrode 110 may be inserted into the inner tube 10a from the central opening of the first end surface 11, and one end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10a faces the second electrode 120 and is spaced a predetermined distance from the first end surface 11. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the first electrode 110

[0126] The distance between the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 and the first end surface 11 is substantially equal to the distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may also be an arc surface with a slight protrusion 122, which is opposite to the protrusion 122, and the principle of tip discharge is used to facilitate the formation of a plasma arc.

[0127] The lead wire connecting the second electrode 120 and the first power supply terminal 211 can be extended from between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 to stagger the lead wire connecting the first electrode 110 and the second power supply terminal 212. As described above, the inner tube 10a can provide insulation protection between the lead wires connecting the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212.

[0128] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments, the heating component 100 further includes an insulating barrier 10b, which is disposed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, wherein a gap 1300 is formed between the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 and at least a portion of the insulating barrier 10b, and plasma is generated in the gap 1300 when the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized.

[0129] In this way, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 form plasma through dielectric barrier discharge, which can heat the aerosol-forming substrate 300 silently.

[0130] Specifically, in this embodiment, the end of the insulating barrier 10b extending into the outer tube 20 is closed. The second electrode 120 is separated from the second electrode 120 by the insulating barrier 10b. Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b and between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b.

[0131] In some embodiments, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10 b , and a second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10 b . The gap 1300 mentioned above includes the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202 .

[0132] In some embodiments, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b. The second electrode 120 can be in close contact with the insulating barrier 10b and cover a portion of the surface of the insulating barrier 10b facing the outer tube 20. The gap 1300 mentioned above is the first gap 1101.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 may be in close contact with the insulating barrier 10b and cover at least a portion of the insulating barrier 10b. A second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b. The gap 1300 mentioned above is the second gap 1202.

[0134] Please continue reading Figure 5 In some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10b is a tube, the first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 is located outside the insulating barrier 10b. Specifically, the insulating barrier 10b can be a hollow tube, and the insulating barrier 10b can be called an inner tube relative to the outer tube 20. The first electrode 110 can be columnar and coaxial with the insulating barrier 10b. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 is arranged on the tube wall of the insulating barrier 10b, so that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are separated by the tube wall of the insulating barrier 10b.

[0135] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to one pole of a high voltage alternating current, respectively, to form an alternating electric field between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. Under the action of the alternating electric field, the electrons in the working gas obtain enough energy to cross the energy barrier of the insulating barrier 10b, and the working gas is ionized to form plasma.

[0136] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be arranged to be close to each other along the axial end position of the insulating barrier 10b, and have approximately the same length. Along the radial direction of the insulating barrier 10b, there can be a certain gap between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b, or the first electrode 110 can be closely fitted to the inner wall of the insulating barrier 10b. There can be a certain gap between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b, or the first electrode 110 can be closely fitted to the outer wall of the insulating barrier 10b. For example, the second electrode 120 can be plated on the outer wall of the insulating barrier 10b.

[0137] The outer tube 20 can be sleeved outside the second electrode 120 to cover the insulating barrier 10 b. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can both extend out of the outer tube 20 to connect to the power source 200 .

[0138] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10 b may also be a plate and attached to at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 .

[0139] The insulating barrier 10b can be made of materials with high insulation strength such as quartz, quartz glass, ceramics, etc.

[0140] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10 b includes a closed end 13 and an open end 14 opposite to the closed end 13 , the closed end 13 is located inside the outer tube 20 , and the first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating barrier 10 b from the open end 14 .

[0141] In this way, the closed end 13 can separate the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to prevent discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 from generating an arc.

[0142] Specifically, the closed end 13 and the open end 14 may be two ends of the insulating barrier 10b in the axial direction. The central axis of the insulating barrier 10b may pass through the opening center of the open end 14, so that the first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating barrier 10b from the open end 14 and is coaxial with the insulating barrier 10b. The closed end 13 of the insulating barrier 10b extends into the outer tube 20 and may extend to the tapered end 21.

[0143] In some embodiments, the electrode 620 is a third electrode 630 , and when the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are powered off; when the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered off.

[0144] In this way, when the heating component 100 generates plasma to heat the aerosol-forming matrix 300, the cleaning component 600 is powered off; when the cleaning component 600 generates plasma to clean the outer tube 20, the heating component 100 is powered off, so that the aerosol generating device 1000 will not interfere with the cleaning process.

[0145] When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the cleaning component 600 can be kept at a relatively long distance from the heating component 100, the heating component 100 is not inserted into the hollow member 610, and the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are powered off. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge in the outer tube 20 to generate plasma, release a large amount of heat, and the aerosol-forming matrix 300 absorbs heat outside the outer tube 20 to generate aerosol.

[0146] The heating component 100 is inserted into the cleaning component 600, and the outer tube 20 has at least a portion facing the third electrode 630 to form a cleaning gap 603, and the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are energized. When the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 discharge in the cleaning gap 603 between the third electrode 630 and the outer wall 2001 to generate plasma, and burn the residue after the aerosol is generated.

[0147] As described above, the second electrode 120 can be controlled to be connected to one of the first electrode 110 and the third electrode 630 through the power connection component 650, thereby controlling one of the cleaning component and the heating component to generate plasma. In one embodiment, the second connector 652 contacts the first connector 651 to control the second electrode 120 to be connected to the first electrode 110, and the second electrode 120 and the third electrode 630 are disconnected. The second connector 652 contacts the third connector 653 to control the second electrode 120 to be connected to the third electrode 630, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are disconnected.

[0148] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The heating component 100 also includes a base 90 for installing and fixing the heating component 100 .

[0149] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the width of the cleaning gap 603 is 0.1 mm-1 mm (including the end values).

[0150] In this way, by reasonably setting the width of the cleaning gap 603 between the third electrode 630 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, the efficiency of generating plasma in the gap can be improved, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0151] Specifically, the shortest distance between the side of the third electrode 630 facing the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20 along the radial direction of the outer tube 20 can be regarded as the width of the cleaning gap 603. The width of the cleaning gap 603 at different positions can be uneven. In some embodiments, the third electrode 630 is a circular tube sleeved outside the outer tube 20, coaxial with the outer tube 20, and the outer tube 20 is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the width of the cleaning gap 603 in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20 is approximately uniform.

[0152] For example, the width of the cleaning gap 603 may be 0.1 mm-1 mm, 0.2 mm-0.9 mm, 0.3 mm-0.8 mm, 0.4 mm-0.7 mm, 0.5 mm-0.6 mm, etc. For another example, the width of the cleaning gap 603 may be 0.1 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, etc.

[0153] In summary, please refer again Figure 3 and Figure 5 The cleaning assembly 600 of the embodiment of the present application includes a hollow member 610 and an electrode 620. The hollow member 610 is used to be detachably mounted on the outer tube 20 of the aerosol generating device 1000; the electrode 620 is arranged in the hollow member 610 and forms a gap with the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, and the electrode 620 is used to generate plasma in the gap. The gap formed by the electrode 620 and the outer wall 2001 is a cleaning gap 603.

[0154] The cleaning assembly 600 has at least two electrodes 620, one of which is disposed on the hollow member 610, and the other electrode can be disposed on the outer tube 20. At least the outer tube 20 and the cleaning gap 603 are disposed between the two electrodes 620. A voltage of a certain intensity is applied to the two electrodes 620, and the two electrodes 620 can generate plasma in the cleaning gap 603 through dielectric barrier discharge. The cleaning assembly 600 can use plasma to decompose the residue into small molecules, such as volatile organic matter, light oxides, water vapor, etc. The decomposition products of the small molecules can be volatilized in the form of gas.

[0155] In this way, the cleaning component 600 can clean the aerosol residue on the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming matrix 300 when the heating component 100 is used again, and is conducive to the generation of aerosol. At the same time, the cleaning component 600 uses plasma to clean the outer tube 20, which is not easy to cause component damage, is easy to clean, and the cleaning temperature is relatively easy to control, which has little impact on the reliability of the heating component 100.

[0156] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "certain embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0157] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: A heat generating component, the heat generating component comprising an outer tube and a heat generating mechanism disposed in the outer tube; The cleaning component comprises a hollow member and an electrode, wherein the hollow member is detachably sleeved outside the outer tube, the electrode is arranged between the hollow member and the outer tube and forms a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and the electrode is used to generate plasma in the gap.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat generating mechanism includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed opposite to each other and spaced apart, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when power is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cleaning component comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrode, the electrode is the third electrode, and the fourth electrode is at least partially arranged in the outer tube. When the third electrode and the fourth electrode are energized, plasma is generated in the gap.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fourth electrode and the second electrode are configured as the same electrode.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The aerosol generating device includes a power supply, the second electrode is electrically connected to a first power supply end of the power supply, when the hollow member is sleeved outside the outer tube, the third electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply end of the power supply, and when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the first electrode is electrically connected to the second power supply end of the power supply.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The aerosol generating device comprises a power connection assembly, the power connection assembly comprises a first connector, a second connector and a third connector, the first connector is connected to the first electrode, the second connector is electrically connected to the second power supply end, and the third connector is arranged on the hollow member and electrically connected to the third electrode; When the hollow member is sleeved outside the outer tube, the second joint contacts the third joint; when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the second joint contacts the first joint.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The power connection assembly includes an insulating member and an elastic member, the insulating member is connected to the third joint, and the elastic member is connected to the first joint. During the process of the hollow member being inserted into the outer tube, the insulating member pushes the first joint to move relative to the second joint to separate the first joint from the second joint and deform the elastic member. During the process of the hollow member being separated from the outer tube, the elastic member restores its deformation to push the first joint to contact the second joint.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third electrode is a tube and is arranged on the inner wall of the hollow member.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating component includes an inner tube, the inner tube is at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The inner tube includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface. The first electrode is exposed from the inner tube at the first end surface, and the second electrode abuts against the second end surface.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating component also includes an insulating barrier, which is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a gap is formed between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and at least a portion of the insulating barrier, and plasma is generated in the gap when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The insulating barrier is a tube, the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the insulating barrier, and the second electrode is located outside the insulating barrier.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that The insulating barrier comprises a closed end and an open end opposite to the closed end, the closed end is located inside the outer tube, and the first electrode is inserted into the insulating barrier from the open end.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 or 11, characterized in that: The electrode is a third electrode. When the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the second electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

16. A cleaning component, characterized in that: The cleaning component comprises: A hollow member, the hollow member being used to be detachably mounted outside the outer tube of the aerosol generating device; and An electrode is disposed in the hollow member and is used to form a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and the electrode is used to generate plasma in the gap.

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