Aerosol generating device and heater for aerosol generating device

Abstract

The invention provides an aerosol generating device and a heater for the aerosol generating device. Wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; a heat diffuser including an upper end disposed toward the chamber, a lower end facing away from the upper end, and an air passage extending from the upper end to the lower end; a containing cavity is further formed in the heat diffuser and provided with an opening located in the lower end. The heating element is accommodated or assembled in the accommodating cavity through the opening and is used for heating the heat diffuser; in use, air at least partially passes through the air channel, is heated in the air channel and then is output to the aerosol generating product; and the plug at least partially plugs or seals the opening. According to the aerial fog generating device, the opening of the containing cavity of the heat diffuser is closed or blocked through the plug, so that the heating element and the like are prevented from falling out of the opening or leaving the containing cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of heat-not-burn aerosol generating technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a heater for an aerosol generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these burning tobacco products by creating products that release compounds without burning.

[0003] Examples of such products are heat-not-burn devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. For example, the material can be an aerosol-generating article that includes tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not include nicotine. Known heat-not-burn devices heat air as it passes through passage holes in a honeycomb ceramic to form a hot air stream by arranging a heating element around the periphery of the honeycomb ceramic; the hot air stream then heats the tobacco or other non-tobacco products. SUMMARY

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

[0005] a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article;

[0006] a heat diffuser comprising an upper end arranged towards the chamber, a lower end facing away from the upper end, and an air passage extending from the upper end to the lower end; the heat diffuser further comprising a receiving cavity arranged therein, the receiving cavity having an opening at the lower end;

[0007] a heating element received or fitted in the receiving cavity through the opening and configured to heat the heat diffuser; in use, air at least partially passes through the air passage and is heated therein before being output to the aerosol-generating article;

[0008] a plug at least partially obstructing or closing the opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plug partially extends into the receiving cavity from the opening and partially protrudes out of the opening.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heating element is arranged with an electrically conductive lead for conducting an electric current through the heating element; the electrically conductive lead at least partially extends from the receiving cavity to outside the plug.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plug is provided with an axially extending lead hole; the electrically conductive lead is threaded through the lead hole to outside of the plug; the lead hole is arranged offset from a central axis of the plug. The heating element

[0012] In some embodiments, the heating element is configured as a solenoid coil arranged axially along the accommodation cavity, and has a first end and a second end opposite to each other; the electrically conductive lead includes a first electrically conductive lead connected to the first end, and a second electrically conductive lead connected to the second end.

[0013] The heating element has a first bending portion at the first end, the first bending portion is bent inwardly along a radial direction of the heating element, and the first electrically conductive lead is connected to the first bending portion; and / or, the heating element has a second bending portion at the second end, the second bending portion is bent inwardly along a radial direction of the heating element, and the second electrically conductive lead is connected to the second bending portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the accommodation cavity is further provided with:

[0015] An electrically insulating heat conductor arranged at least partially between the heating element and the heat spreader for providing heat transfer and electrical insulation therebetween.

[0016] In some embodiments, a material overflow passage is defined between the plug and an inner surface of the accommodation cavity to provide a passage path for material overflow or exit of the heat conductor from the accommodation cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plug includes a first section and a second section arranged sequentially along an axial direction; an outer diameter of the first section is smaller than an outer diameter of the second section, thereby forming an abutting step therebetween.

[0018] The first section is inserted into the heating element and is abutted against the heating element by the abutting step to thereby provide at least partial support to the heating element.

[0019] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0020] A tubular element including a proximal end and a distal end opposite to each other;

[0021] An inner surface of the tubular element is provided with a flange, and at least a portion of the chamber is formed or defined by the flange between the proximal end and the distal end; the flange is further configured to receive an aerosol-generating article received in the chamber to thereby provide a stop;

[0022] The heat spreader is accommodated or fitted in the tubular element and located between the flange and the distal end.

[0023] Yet another embodiment of the present application also provides a heater for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0024] a heat diffuser comprising an upper end and a lower end axially opposite to each other, and an air passage extending from the upper end to the lower end; and

[0025] a heating element accommodated or fitted in the accommodating cavity through the opening, and configured to heat the heat diffuser;

[0026] a plug at least partially blocking or closing the opening.

[0027] The above aerosol generating device blocks or plugs the opening of the accommodating cavity of the heat diffuser by the plug to prevent the heating element or the like from falling out of or leaving the accommodating cavity through the opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that form a part of this patent document. These example illustrations serve the purpose of explanation only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments thereto, in which the same reference numerals represent similar elements in the various figures unless otherwise specified. The figures in the drawings are not intended to be to scale.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the heater from one perspective;

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is an exploded view of the heater from one perspective;

[0032] Figure 4 is Figure 2 is an exploded view of the heater from one perspective;

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heater with some components assembled;

[0034] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a schematic view of the assembly process of the heat diffuser, the heating element, and the plug;

[0035] Figure 7 is Figure 6 is a schematic view of the heater with the heat diffuser, the heating element, and the plug assembled;

[0036] Figure 8 is Figure 3 is a schematic view of the heating element from another perspective. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present application, the present application will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] One embodiment of the present application proposes an aerosol-generating device 100 for generating an aerosol by heating, rather than combusting, an aerosol-generating article 1000, such as a cigarette, and thereby volatilizing or releasing at least one component of the aerosol-generating article 1000 to form an aerosol for smoking, for example Figure 1 as shown.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 preferably employs a tobacco-containing material that releases volatilized compounds from a substrate upon heating; or can also be a non-tobacco material that is suitable for electrically heated smoking after being heated. The aerosol-generating article 1000 preferably employs a solid substrate that can include one or more of a powder, granules, shreds, strips, or a sheet of one or more of vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, or expanded tobacco; or, the solid substrate can contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds to be released upon heating of the substrate.

[0040] According to Figure 1 as shown, in embodiments, when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the aerosol-generating device 100, a portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000, such as a filter, is exposed outside the aerosol-generating device 100, which is advantageous for a user to draw.

[0041] The configuration of the aerosol-generating device 100 of one embodiment of the present application can be seen in Figure 1 as shown, the overall shape of the device is generally configured as a flat cylinder, and the external components of the aerosol-generating device 100 include:

[0042] a housing 10, which is internally hollow configured to form an assembly space for necessary functional components such as electronic and heating devices.

[0043] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 as shown, the aerosol-generating device 100 further includes:

[0044] a receiving opening 111 defined by the housing 10; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can be at least partially received in the aerosol-generating device 100 through the receiving opening 111, or removed from the aerosol-generating device 100 through the receiving opening 111;

[0045] a chamber 43 for receiving or containing at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 1000 that extends into the aerosol-generating device 100 through the receiving opening 111;

[0046] The heater 30 at least partially surrounds or bounds the chamber 43. In use, the heater 30 partially heats air passing through the heating element 34 in suction, and in turn heats the aerosol-generating article 1000 by outputting the heated hot air to the aerosol-generating article 1000.

[0047] The air inlet 121 is defined by the housing 10; the air inlet 121 is arranged on the housing 10 facing away from the receiving opening 111.

[0048] In embodiments, the heater 30 is at least partially supported and retained by the support wall 150. In use, the support wall 150 internally defines an air inlet passage for providing a partial passage path for air entering from the air inlet 121 to the heater 30, as shown by the arrow R11. In turn, in use, the heater 30 heats air entering in suction through the air inlet passage 150, and then outputs the heated hot air to the aerosol-generating article 1000. Figure 1

[0049] According to Figure 1 The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises:

[0050] An electric cell 130 for supplying power; preferably the electric cell 130 is a rechargeable direct current electric cell 130;

[0051] A circuit board 140 arranged with an electric circuit for controlling the electric cell 130 to provide power to the heater 30.

[0052] According to Figures 2 to 7 The heater 30 comprises:

[0053] A proximal end 41 and a distal end 42 facing away from each other in an axial direction; wherein the proximal end 41 is directed towards or proximate to the receiving opening 111;

[0054] A tubular element 40, for example a vacuum tube, extending arranged between the proximal end 41 and the distal end 42; the tubular element 40 further at least partially surrounds or bounds the chamber 43.

[0055] In some embodiments, the heater 30 / tubular element 40 has an inner diameter of about 5-10 mm. And in some embodiments, the heater 30 has a length of about 15-35 mm.

[0056] In Figures 2 to 4 embodiments, the tubular element 40 comprises:

[0057] An inner wall 410 and an outer wall 430 facing away from each other in a radial direction; and,

[0058] A central region 420 defined between the inner wall 410 and the outer wall 430.

[0059] ​In some embodiments, the central region 420 is evacuated to a pressure lower than the pressure outside the tube 40, thereby reducing heat loss from the heater 30 and / or the heated aerosol-generating article 1000, i.e. providing thermal insulation. Or in yet other variant embodiments, the tube 40 can also be replaced by other thermal insulation elements having low thermal conductivity, such as aerogel or aerogel felt, or ceramic such as zirconia ceramic, or organic polymer such as PEEK, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. The thermal insulation provided by the thermal insulation element at least partially surrounding or encasing the heating element 31 and / or the chamber 43.

[0060] In some embodiments, the central region 420 has a certain degree of vacuum; or, the central region 420 comprises a high vacuum. And in some embodiments, the pressure in the central region is between about 0.1 and about 0.001 mbar. And, the pressure in the central region is about 10 -7 orders of magnitude.

[0061] In some embodiments, the inner wall 410 and / or the outer wall 430 comprises a stainless steel layer having a thickness of about 100-200 microns.

[0062] In some embodiments, the tube 40 has an inner diameter of about 5-10 mm.

[0063] In some embodiments, the tube 40 has a length of about 15-35 mm.

[0064] According to Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the inner surface of the tube 40 and / or the inner surface of the inner wall 410 is provided with a flange 411 extending radially inwardly. In embodiments, the inner hollow of the tube 40 is partitioned by the flange 411 to define a first space between the flange 411 and the proximal end 41, and a second space between the flange 411 and the distal end 42. In some embodiments, the first space has a length of about 8-20 mm; and the second space has a length of about 10-25 mm.

[0065] In embodiments, at least part of the chamber 43 is defined by the first space between the flange 411 and the proximal end 41 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 1000; and when at least part of the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received within the chamber 43, it abuts against the flange 411 to form a stop.

[0066] In embodiments, the second space between the flange 411 and the distal end 42 defines an air heating region, and air entering from the distal end 42 is heated within the second space before being output to the aerosol-generating article 1000. In particular embodiments, the second space contains or is provided with a heating mechanism for heating air passing through the second space. And in embodiments, the heating mechanism contained or provided within the second space abuts against the flange 411 to form a stop.

[0067] According to Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the flange 411 can be substantially annular in shape; further, a perforation 412 is defined on the flange 411 to provide a path for the hot air to enter from the second space into the aerosol generating article 1000 received in the chamber 43.

[0068] According to Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the heater 30 further comprises:

[0069] at least one heating element 32;

[0070] at least one heat diffuser 31 having a plurality of air passages 311 arranged in an order along a predetermined direction; and the heat diffuser 31 is configured to absorb heat from the heating element 32, and in use, heat the air passing through the air passages 311 by the heat absorbed by the heat diffuser 31, and output to the aerosol generating article 1000, as shown by the arrow R12 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0071] In embodiments, the heat diffuser 31 is arranged in the second space; and the heating element 32 is contained or arranged in the heat diffuser 31.

[0072] In embodiments, the heat diffuser 31 itself does not generate heat; and the heat diffuser 31 only heats the air passing through the air passages 311 by absorbing or transferring the heat of the heating element 32.

[0073] In embodiments, the heat diffuser 31 has an upper end 310 and a lower end 320 facing away from each other along an axial direction; and in embodiments, the plurality of air passages 311 extend straight along the axial direction of the heat diffuser 31; and the plurality of air passages 311 penetrate through the heat diffuser 31 along the axial direction of the heat diffuser 31. The plurality of air passages 311 can be in the form of through holes formed in the heat diffuser 31 made of a dense material; in some embodiments, the cross section of the air passage 311 is circular in shape; or in yet some embodiments, the air passage 311 can also be in the form of a hexagonal, quadrangular, triangular, etc. cross-sectional shape.

[0074] In some embodiments, the plurality of air passages 311 are arranged in an order in the heat diffuser 31. The extension of the air passage 311 is in a predetermined direction, rather than being disordered. And in embodiments, the plurality of air passages 311 are arranged in an array in the heat diffuser 31. And in embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of air passages 311 in the heat diffuser 31 causes the heat diffuser 31 to be in the form of a honeycomb structure.

[0075] In some embodiments, the air passage 311 has a diameter in the range of 0.01 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm, to allow air to flow smoothly therethrough.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passage 311 is substantially constant and uniform along the axial direction; or in some alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passage 311 varies, for example, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passage 311 gradually decreases at least partially along the direction close to the upper end 310.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 has an extension length of about 5 mm to 30 mm; and the heat spreader 31 has an outer diameter of about 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0078] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 is dense. Accordingly, the air passage 311 is formed by laser perforation, machining, etc. of the heat spreader 31. For example, the machining to form the air passage 311 can include piercing the heat spreader 31 with an elongated needle or drill bit to form the air passage 311.

[0079] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 has a main body extending substantially in a columnar shape between the upper end 310 and the lower end 320; of course, the main body can include graphite. And the main body has a plurality of air passages or through holes 311 penetrating in the axial direction.

[0080] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 includes: graphite; and at least one of oxides such as silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide.

[0081] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 includes: 47 to 85 wt% of graphite, 15 to 53 wt% of at least one of oxides such as silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. In embodiments, the heat spreader 31 substantially does not include elemental metal.

[0082] In some embodiments, the oxides in the heat spreader 31 are added in the form of clay containing a mixture of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. Alternatively, the heat spreader 31 includes: 47 to 85 wt% of graphite, 15 to 53 wt% of clay.

[0083] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 has a thermal conductivity of 80 to 155 W / m.k. Alternatively, in some specific embodiments, the heat spreader 31 has a thermal conductivity of 100 to 135 W / m.k.

[0084] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 has an actual density of 2.2 to 3.3 g / cm 3; or in some specific embodiments, the actual density of the heat spreader 31 is between 2.6 and 3.0 g / cm 3 .

[0085] In some embodiments, the ratio of the total surface area to volume of the heat spreader 31 is at least 1.2: 1. Or in yet other embodiments, the ratio of the total surface area to volume of the heat spreader 31 is at least 2.0: 1, or further enhanced to at least 3.0: 1.

[0086] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 including graphite and oxides is black.

[0087] In some embodiments, the heat spreader 31 including graphite and oxides has a hardness and / or blackness between 3B and 2H pencil lead. Or in some specific embodiments, the heat spreader 31 has substantially the same or close hardness and / or blackness as a 2B pencil lead or a HB pencil lead.

[0088] According to Figures 2 to 8 , the heat spreader 31 has formed or defined therein:

[0089] A receiving cavity 313 in which the heating element 32 is received and held. The receiving cavity 313 has an opening at the lower end 320 of the heat spreader 31, and the heating element 32 is inserted or fitted into the receiving cavity 313 from the opening at the lower end 320 of the heat spreader 31.

[0090] In embodiments, the receiving cavity 313 is closed at a side near the upper end 310 of the heat spreader 31. For example, according to Figure 4 , the receiving cavity 313 is closed at the upper end 310. A plurality of air passages 311 in the heat spreader 31 are arranged around and away from the receiving cavity 313.

[0091] In embodiments, the air passages 311 are away from the receiving cavity 313. And the heat spreader 31 and the heating element 32 are thermally conductive to each other. According to Figures 2 to 8 , or in some embodiments, the receiving cavity 313 further has a thermally conductive thermal conductor 36 for filling the gap between the heating element 32 and the heat spreader 31, enhancing the thermal conduction between the heating element 32 and the heat spreader 31. In some embodiments, the thermal conductor 36 is formed by, for example, injecting glass glaze, ceramic slurry, glass slurry, etc. into the receiving cavity 313 and solidifying to fill the gap between the heating element 32 and the heat spreader 31. Or in yet other embodiments, the thermal conductor 36 is, for example, glass glaze, glass glue, resin glue, etc.

[0092] Advantageously, in use, the heat spreader 31 absorbs heat from the heating element 32 and transfers heat to air drawn through the heat spreader 31 so that the air can heat the aerosol-forming article 1000 downstream of the heat spreader 31 primarily by convection. This can provide more uniform heating relative to prior devices in which the aerosol-forming article 1000 is primarily heated directly from the heating element 32. For example, it can reduce or prevent localized hot spots or "hot spots" in the aerosol-forming article 1000 that can otherwise result from conductive heating.

[0093] According to Figures 2 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 32 is configured in the shape or form of a solenoid coil; and, the heating element 32 in the form of a solenoid coil has a first end connected with a first electrically conductive lead 321 and a second end connected with a second electrically conductive lead 322 along an axial direction, which in turn are connected to the circuit board 140 through the first and second electrically conductive leads 321, 322 for supplying power to the heating element 32 in use. The first electrically conductive lead 321 is threaded through the heating element 32.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the wire material of the heating element 32 configured in the form of a solenoid coil is different from a conventional circular shape. The cross-section of the wire material of the heating element 32 in the form of a solenoid coil has an axial extending dimension greater than a radial extending dimension, such that the cross-section of the wire material of the solenoid coil is in the shape of a flattened rectangular shape.

[0095] Briefly, the heating element 32 of the above configuration is flattened or at least flattened in form of the wire material compared to a conventional helical coil formed from a circular cross-section wire. Thus, the wire material extends along the radial direction to a lesser extent. By this measure, energy losses in the heating element 32 can be reduced. In particular, the transfer of heat generated by the heating element 32 in the radial direction towards the heat spreader 31 can be facilitated.

[0096] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the wire material of the heating element 32 has an axial extending dimension between 0.5 and 2.0 mm; for example, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the wire material of the heating element 32 has an axial extending dimension between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm. And, the cross-section of the wire material of the heating element 32 has a radial extending dimension between 0.1 and 0.5 mm; for example, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the wire material of the heating element 32 has a radial extending dimension between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0097] Alternatively, in yet further variant embodiments, the cross-section of the wire material of the heating element 32 in the form of a solenoid coil is in the shape of a circle.

[0098] In some embodiments, the heating element 32 of the solenoid coil can have about 6-18 turns, and a length of about 8-15 mm. Also, the outer diameter of the heating element 32 of the solenoid coil is not more than 1.9 mm, for example, the outer diameter of the heating element 32 is between 1.6-1.9 mm.

[0099] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent turns of the heating element 32 is constant; for example, in some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent turns of the heating element 32 is in the range of 0.025-0.3 mm; for example, in some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent turns of the heating element 32 is in the range of 0.05-0.15 mm. Or in yet other embodiments, the spacing between adjacent turns of the heating element 32 is varied. Or in yet other embodiments, the heating element 32 has a varying spacing between adjacent turns.

[0100] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the heating element 32 in the shape of a solenoid coil can be a regular circle. Or in yet other embodiments, the cross-section of the heating element 32 in the shape of a solenoid coil can be rectangular, oval, square, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, the heating element 32 is an electrically resistive heating element, which generates heat by Joule heating driven by a DC current provided by the circuit on the circuit board 140. In this embodiment, the heating element 32 is made of an electrically resistive material, and the heating element 32 includes an electrically resistive metal or alloy. For example, the heating element 32 includes at least one of nickel, cobalt, zirconium, titanium, a nickel alloy, a cobalt alloy, a zirconium alloy, a titanium alloy, a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel-iron alloy, a ferro-chromium alloy, a ferro-chromium-aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, a ferro-manganese-aluminum-based alloy, or stainless steel, etc.

[0102] According to Figures 2 to 8 As shown in FIG. 1, the heater 30 further includes:

[0103] A plug 33 at least partially extends into the receiving cavity 313 from the opening of the lower end 320 of the heat diffuser 31. In one aspect, the plug 33 is used to close or plug the opening of the receiving cavity 313 at the lower end 320 of the heat diffuser 31 to prevent the material debris of the heating element 32 and / or the heat conductor 36 from falling out of the opening or leaving the receiving cavity 313. In one aspect, the plug 33 is also used to support the heating element 32, and to separate the first and second electrically conductive leads 321, 322 to prevent them from contacting and forming a short circuit.

[0104] In particular, according to Figures 3 to 8 As shown in FIG. 1, the plug 33 is arranged in an elongated columnar shape. Also, the plug 33 has a first section 331 and a second section 332 arranged in sequence along the axial direction; the outer diameter of the first section 331 is smaller than the diameter of the second section 332, so that a shoulder is formed therebetween. According toFigures 3 to 6 As shown, the plug 33 has an axial length of about 3.0 mm; wherein the first section 331 has an axial length of 1.5 mm, and the second section 332 has an axial length of 1.5 mm. In some specific embodiments, the first section 331 has an outer diameter of 1.3 mm, and the second section 332 has an outer diameter of 1.55 mm. After assembly, the first section 331 of the plug 33 is inserted into the heating element 32 from the second end of the heating element 32 into the solenoid coil, and the second end of the heating element 32 abuts against the step defined between the first section 331 and the second section 332, thereby providing support to the heating element 32 at least partially by the plug 33. According to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, after assembly, at least a portion of the second section 332 of the plug 33 is exposed outside the receiving cavity 313, and thus the plug 33 has an exposed portion that does not extend into the receiving cavity 31; the length of the exposed portion of the plug 33 is about 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the plug 33 is electrically insulating; for example, the plug 33 is made of electrically insulating ceramic, heat-resistant polymer plastic such as PEEK, etc.

[0106] In particular according to Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the plug 33 is further provided with a first lead hole 333 axially passing through the first section 331 and the second section 332, and a second lead hole 334 axially passing through the second section 332; after assembly, the first conductive lead 321 passes through the first lead hole 333 to outside the distal end 42 of the heater 30, and the second conductive lead 322 passes through the second lead hole 334 to outside the distal end 42 of the heater 30. Thus, the first conductive lead 321 and the second conductive lead 322 are respectively limited and separated by the first lead hole 333 and the second lead hole 334. In embodiments, the first conductive lead 321 and / or the first lead hole 333 is arranged slightly offset from the central axis of the plug 33 and / or the heating element 32. For example, in some specific embodiments, the first conductive lead 321 and / or the first lead hole 333 is arranged slightly offset from the central axis of the plug 33 and / or the heating element 32 by about 0.2 mm.

[0107] According to Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the outer side surface of the first section 331 of the plug 33 is further provided with a lead avoiding groove 335; the lead avoiding groove 335 is aligned with and communicates with the second lead hole 334. After assembly, the first section 331 is inserted into the heating element 32, and the second conductive lead 322 welded to the second end of the heating element 32 is assembled via the lead avoiding groove 335 into the second lead hole 334.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive leads 321 and 322 are made of a low resistivity material, such as gold, silver, copper, nickel, or alloys containing them, etc. In some embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive leads 321 and 322 have a diameter of about 0.3 mm. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first and second lead holes 333 and 334 have a diameter of about 0.4 mm. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive leads 321 and 322 are further provided with an insulating coating on the surface thereof to provide insulation; for example, the first and second electrically conductive leads 321 and 322 are enameled wires with an insulating layer on the surface thereof, which is advantageous for forming insulation. Alternatively, in more preferred embodiments, the first and second electrically conductive leads 321 and 322 are further wrapped with an insulating organic polymer heat-shrinkable tube, such as a PI tube or a PEEK tube, etc., to provide insulation.

[0109] According to Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the outer surface of the plug 33 is further provided with a material overflow channel 336; the material overflow channel 336 is axially through the plug 33. The material overflow channel 336 is used to remove the excess heat conductor 36 in the accommodating cavity 313 during assembly.

[0110] Specifically according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heat conductor 36 in a molten state, such as glass enamel, is first injected into the accommodating cavity 313 during assembly, and then the heating element 32 and the plug 33 are inserted into the accommodating cavity 313; as the heating element 32 is gradually inserted, the excess heat conductor 36, such as glass enamel, is squeezed out or overflowed from the material overflow channel 336 on the outer surface of the plug 33 to the outside of the accommodating cavity 313. These excess heat conductors 36, such as glass enamel, are scraped clean or cleaned to avoid leaving excess heat conductors 36 in the thermal diffuser 30. 31 surface .

[0111] After assembly, the heat conductor 36, such as glass enamel, is filled in the accommodating cavity 313 after solidification or curing to fill the gap between the heating element 32 and the thermal diffuser 31, on the one hand, to facilitate heat transfer between the heating element 32 and the thermal diffuser 31, and on the other hand, to provide insulation between the heating element 32 and the thermal diffuser 31.

[0112] According to Figure 8 As shown, the heating element 32 wound by the wire material has a first bending portion 325 bent radially inward from the edge at the first end; and the first bending portion 325 is connected with the first electrically conductive lead 321. The first bending portion 325 has a diameter of about 0.2 mm.

[0113] Or in yet other variant embodiments, the heating element 32 helically wound by wire material has a second bent portion bent radially inward from the edge at the second end, and is connected with the second conductive lead 322 by the second bent portion. The second bent portion is about 0.15 mm.

[0114] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the description and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification, and further, those of ordinary skill in the art can make improvements or changes according to the above description, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating product to generate an aerosol; characterized in that, include: A chamber for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generated article; A heat diffuser includes an upper end facing the chamber, a lower end facing away from the upper end, and an air passage extending from the upper end to the lower end; the heat diffuser also includes a receiving cavity having an opening at the lower end. A heating element is accommodated or assembled within the accommodating cavity through the opening and is used to heat the heat diffuser; in use, air passes at least partially through the air passage and is heated within the air passage before being output to the aerosol-generating article; A plug, at least partially blocking or closing the opening.

2. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Part of the plug extends into the receiving cavity from the opening, and part of it is exposed outside the opening.

3. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heating element is provided with conductive leads for guiding current through the heating element; the conductive leads extend at least partially from the receiving cavity to the outside of the plug.

4. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The plug is provided with an axially extending lead hole; the conductive lead wire passes through the lead hole to the outside of the plug; the lead hole is arranged off-center from the central axis of the plug.

5. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The heating element is configured as a solenoid coil arranged axially along the receiving cavity and has a first end and a second end facing away from each other; the conductive lead includes a first conductive lead connected to the first end and a second conductive lead connected to the second end; The heating element has a first bend at the first end, the first bend being bent inward along the radial direction of the heating element, and the first conductive lead is connected to the first bend; and / or, the heating element has a second bend at the second end, the second bend being bent inward along the radial direction of the heating element, and the second conductive lead is connected to the second bend.

6. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cavity is also equipped with: An electrically insulating heat conductor is arranged at least partially between the heating element and the heat diffuser to provide heat transfer and electrical insulation between them.

7. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A material overflow channel is defined between the plug and the inner surface of the receiving cavity to provide a path for the material of the heat conductor to overflow or leave the receiving cavity.

8. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plug includes a first section and a second section arranged sequentially along the axial direction; the outer diameter of the first section is smaller than the outer diameter of the second section, thereby forming an abutting step between them; The first section is inserted into the heating element and is supported by the abutting step, thereby providing at least partial support to the heating element.

9. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A tubular element, comprising a proximal end and a distal end that are opposite to each other; The inner surface of the tubular element is provided with a flange, and at least a portion of the chamber is formed or defined by the flange and the proximal end; The flange is also configured to abut against and thus provide a stop for the aerosol-generated article received in the chamber; The heat diffuser is housed or assembled within the tubular element and is located between the flange and the distal end.

10. A heater for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: A heat diffuser includes an upper end and a lower end that are axially opposite to each other, and an air passage extending from the upper end to the lower end; the heat diffuser also includes a receiving cavity having an opening located at the lower end. A heating element is received or assembled within the receiving cavity through the opening and is used to heat the heat diffuser; A plug, at least partially blocking or closing the opening.

Images