An aerosol generating device and heating method

Abstract

This application discloses an aerosol generating device and a heating method. The aerosol generating device includes an outer conductor, a driving mechanism, and at least two spaced-apart inner conductors. A resonant cavity is formed within the outer conductor to accommodate an aerosol generating matrix. At least a portion of the inner conductors is located within the resonant cavity, and the inner conductors are movable relative to the outer conductor along their own axial direction. The driving mechanism includes a driving member connected to the inner conductors. The driving member drives one of the inner conductors to move toward the aerosol generating matrix, thereby inserting the inner conductor into the aerosol generating matrix. By using the driving member to drive each inner conductor to be inserted into different parts of the aerosol generating matrix, regional heating of different parts of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​achieved, resulting in uniform heating of the aerosol generating matrix and avoiding problems such as overheating or underheating in local areas, thus improving the aerosol generation effect.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Radio frequency (RF) heaters use electromagnetic radiation to heat the aerosol generating matrix. Specifically, the aerosol generating matrix can be a treated plant leaf product. The RF heater uses a feeding structure to feed microwaves in and radiates electromagnetic fields in the resonant cavity to heat the aerosol generating matrix and generate aerosols.

[0003] In related technologies, a pin structure is typically placed at the center of the resonant cavity. This presents a problem where the pin location of the aerosol generating matrix overheats while the location further away from the pin remains too cold, resulting in uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix by the pin structure. For example, once the center of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​heated to the target temperature, continuous heating is required to ensure that the outer periphery also reaches a sufficient temperature, which increases the risk of overheating in the central region. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides an aerosol generating device and a heating method, which can realize the zoned heating of the aerosol generating matrix. The technical solution adopted is as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, the aerosol generating apparatus provided in this application includes an outer conductor, a driving mechanism, and at least two spaced-apart inner conductors. A resonant cavity is formed within the outer conductor for accommodating an aerosol generating matrix. At least a portion of the inner conductor is located within the resonant cavity, and the inner conductor is movable relative to the outer conductor along its own axial direction. The driving mechanism includes a driving member connected to the inner conductor, which drives one of the inner conductors to move toward the aerosol generating matrix, thereby inserting the inner conductor into the aerosol generating matrix.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the inner conductor has an axially movable position to extract the aerosol generating matrix; the driving member includes a first driving member and a second driving member, the first driving member being connected to the second driving member, the first driving member being used to drive the second driving member to engage or disengage with any of the inner conductors located at the extraction position, and when the second driving member engages with the inner conductor, the second driving member is capable of driving the corresponding inner conductor to move to insert into the aerosol generating matrix.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, when the second driving member is separated from any of the inner conductors, the inner conductor can be automatically extracted from the aerosol generating matrix; or, the second driving member is further configured to drive the inner conductor to be extracted from the aerosol generating matrix.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the driving mechanism further includes a turntable disposed outside the resonant cavity, a first driving member connected to the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate, a plurality of inner conductors being circumferentially spaced along the axis of rotation of the turntable, the inner conductors being inserted from the end face of the aerosol generating matrix, a second driving member being fixedly disposed on the edge of the turntable, and the first driving member stopping driving the turntable when the turntable rotates to the point where the second driving member engages with any of the inner conductors.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the driving mechanism further includes a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the end of the inner conductor located outside the resonant cavity, and the other end of which extends radially along the turntable and is used to connect to the second driving member.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the other end of the connecting rod is provided with a plug notch facing away from the inner conductor, and the output end of the second driving member is provided with a connecting arm. When the second driving member rotates to any position of the inner conductor, the connecting arm is inserted into the plug notch. The plug notch is also used for the connecting arm to pass through when the second driving member rotates past the inner conductor.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the driving mechanism further includes a bracket connected to the outer conductor, the axis of the bracket being collinear with the axis of the turntable, and a plurality of guide grooves extending axially along the outer periphery of the bracket being provided at intervals, with a plurality of inner conductors correspondingly disposed in the guide grooves.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the bottom wall of the outer conductor is provided with a through hole, a portion of the inner conductor and the support passes through the through hole, one end of the support located in the resonant cavity abuts against the end face of the aerosol generating matrix, and the support and the resonant cavity are coaxially arranged.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the inner conductor includes at least a first segment and a second segment continuously disposed along the axial direction, the diameter of the first segment being smaller than the diameter of the second segment, the first segment being used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix, or...

[0014] The end of the inner conductor used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix is ​​the first end, and the end opposite to the first end is the second end. The diameter of the inner conductor decreases exponentially from the second end to the first end.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the aerosol generating device further includes a cover that seals the end of the resonant cavity away from the driving mechanism, and the cover has a through hole for the aerosol generating matrix to pass through, or...

[0016] From the bottom to the top of the resonant cavity, the inner wall of the resonant cavity is inclined toward the center of the resonant cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the aerosol generating device further includes a power feeding structure disposed on the outer periphery of the outer conductor, the power feeding structure being used to feed an electromagnetic field to the inner conductor.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a heating method, including...

[0019] Start the aerosol generating device;

[0020] The driving mechanism drives one of the inner conductors to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix, and the inner conductor heats the aerosol generating matrix.

[0021] The inner conductor is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix;

[0022] Determine whether the aerosol generating device has reached the stop heating condition. If yes, stop the driving mechanism. If no, the driving mechanism drives another inner conductor to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect of this application, the heating cessation conditions of the aerosol generating device include at least one of the following:

[0024] The inner conductor is heated a set number of times; or

[0025] The heating time of the inner conductor reaches the set duration; or

[0026] The heating temperature of the aerosol generating matrix reaches the set temperature; or

[0027] The temperature difference within the aerosol generating matrix is ​​less than the preset temperature.

[0028] In some embodiments of the second aspect of this application, the extraction of the inner conductor from the aerosol generating matrix includes:

[0029] The driving mechanism drives the inner conductor in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, so as to extract the inner conductor from the aerosol generating matrix; or

[0030] The drive mechanism rotates to separate from the inner conductor, and the inner conductor is removed from the aerosol generating matrix.

[0031] In some embodiments of the second aspect of this application, the driving mechanism drives one of the inner conductors to insert into the aerosol generating matrix, including:

[0032] The real-time resonant frequency of the reflection from the aerosol generating device is detected using a detection system;

[0033] Adjust the length of the inner conductor inserted into the aerosol generating matrix.

[0034] The embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: By arranging at least two inner conductors at intervals, each inner conductor can be inserted into a different part of the aerosol generating matrix, thereby achieving regional heating of different parts of the aerosol generating matrix. A driving component drives one of the inner conductors to insert into the aerosol generating matrix. The inner conductor and the outer conductor can form a resonant circuit for electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves can oscillate in the resonant cavity, and the molecules in the aerosol generating matrix oscillate rapidly under the action of the electromagnetic waves and are converted into heat energy, thereby achieving the effect of heating and atomization. Because the different inner conductors are inserted at different positions in the aerosol generating matrix, it is possible to heat different parts of the aerosol generating matrix separately. By rationally arranging the positions of the inner conductors, uniform heating of the aerosol generating matrix can be achieved, avoiding problems such as overheating or underheating in local areas, and improving the aerosol generation effect. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The present application will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 1 AA cross-section view;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the drive mechanism of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 A top view of the drive mechanism of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the turntable of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the electric field distribution of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the resonant frequency of the aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the heating method provided in this application embodiment.

[0045] Reference numerals: 100, aerosol generating device; 10, outer conductor; 11, resonant cavity; 12, through hole; 20, inner conductor; 21, first section; 22, second section; 30, driving mechanism; 311, first driving element; 312, second driving element; 3121, connecting arm; 32, turntable; 321, protrusion; 33, connecting rod; 331, insertion notch; 34, bracket; 341, guide groove; 342, wing plate; 343, end plate; 40, cover; 41, through hole; 50, power supply structure; 200, aerosol generating matrix. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "middle", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0048] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0049] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0050] In the description of this application, the use of terms such as "as one implementation," "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] Firstly, please refer to Figures 1 to 4This application provides an aerosol generating device 100, including an outer conductor 10, at least two spaced-apart inner conductors 20, and a driving mechanism 30. A resonant cavity 11 is formed within the outer conductor 10, which accommodates an aerosol generating matrix 200. At least a portion of the inner conductors 20 is located within the resonant cavity 11, and the inner conductors 20 are movable relative to the outer conductor 10 along their own axial direction. The driving mechanism 30 includes a driving member connected to the inner conductors 20, which drives one of the inner conductors 20 to move toward the aerosol generating matrix 200, thereby inserting the inner conductor 20 into the aerosol generating matrix 200. By spaced-aparting at least two inner conductors 20, each inner conductor 20 can be inserted into different parts of the aerosol generating matrix 200, thereby achieving regional heating of different parts of the aerosol generating matrix 200. A driving component drives one of the inner conductors 20 to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200. The inner conductor 20 and the outer conductor 10 can form a resonant circuit for electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves can oscillate in the resonant cavity 11. The molecules in the aerosol generating matrix 200 oscillate rapidly under the action of the electromagnetic waves and are converted into heat energy, thereby achieving the effect of heating and atomization. Since the different inner conductors 20 are inserted at different positions in the aerosol generating matrix 200, it is possible to heat different parts of the aerosol generating matrix 200 separately. By rationally arranging the positions of the inner conductors 20, uniform heating of the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be achieved, avoiding problems such as overheating or underheating in local areas, and improving the aerosol generation effect.

[0052] For example, the inner conductor 20 may be configured as a post-shaped pin for easy insertion into the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0053] In some embodiments, the inner conductor 20 includes at least a first segment 21 and a second segment 22 continuously arranged along the axial direction. The diameter of the first segment 21 is smaller than the diameter of the second segment 22. The first segment 21 is used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix 200. Setting the inner conductor 20 as a two-segment structure with different inner diameters, i.e., forming the inner conductor 20 with a stepped structure, facilitates impedance matching of the inner conductor 20, thereby enabling electromagnetic wave coupling and resonance, and achieving a heating effect on the aerosol generating matrix 200. The first segment 21 of the inner conductor 20 is used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix 200; therefore, the first segment 21 of the inner conductor 20 is the main radiating structure used to provide a high-frequency electric field. The second segment 22 of the inner conductor 20 can be used for electric field transmission; as an example, the electric field can be a TE mode electric field. In addition, by setting the inner conductor 20 as a stepped structure, the depth of the inner conductor 20 inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be limited. For example, when the first segment 21 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200, the stepped structure formed at the connection between the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 abuts against the end face of the aerosol generating matrix 200, so that the second segment 22 is kept outside the aerosol generating matrix 200, thus preventing the second segment 22 from being inserted, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the insertion depth.

[0054] Optionally, the inner conductor 20 may also be provided with a stepped structure of three or more segments. For example, a third segment may be provided at the end of the second segment 22 away from the first segment 21, and the diameter of the third segment may be larger than the diameter of the second segment 22, thereby facilitating impedance matching. The number of segments in the inner conductor 20 and the size of each segment need to be determined based on the shape and size of the inner conductor 20 and the outer conductor 10 for impedance matching, and no specific limitations are made here.

[0055] In some embodiments, the end of the inner conductor 20 used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix 200 is a first end, and the end opposite the first end is a second end. The diameter of the inner conductor 20 decreases exponentially from the second end to the first end. By setting the diameter of the inner conductor 20 to meet an exponential law, impedance matching can be achieved to ensure that the energy conversion efficiency remains in a high range, or the electric field distribution can be adjusted.

[0056] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the resonant cavity 11 is inclined towards the center of the resonant cavity 11 from bottom to top. The resonant cavity 11 adopts a conical structure, which can be combined with the aerosol generating matrix 200 as a dielectric supplement material to reduce the upper diameter of the resonant cavity 11 and constrain the electric field, while also serving as a cutoff function.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a cover 40, which covers one end of the resonant cavity 11 away from the drive mechanism 30. The cover 40 has a through hole 41 through which the aerosol generating matrix 200 passes. The cover 40 can be used to reflect a small amount of leaked electromagnetic waves, ensuring that the electromagnetic waves propagating outward meet electromagnetic exposure requirements. As an example, the cover 40 can be made of an electromagnetic shielding material, such as a metal, or an electromagnetic shielding coating can be provided on the surface of the cover 40 perpendicular to the central axis of the through hole.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a feeding structure 50 disposed on the outer periphery of the outer conductor 10, which is used to feed an electromagnetic field into the inner conductor 20. Exemplarily, the feeding structure 50 can use any connector that includes a resonant frequency in its operating frequency band, such as an SMA (reverse polarity male connector), MCX (radio frequency coaxial connector), or N-type connector. The connector can be directly connected to the inner conductor 20 to form probe coupling or loop coupling, such that the normal direction of the coupling loop is parallel to the internal magnetic vector of the loop, thus achieving loop coupling. Alternatively, hole coupling can be achieved by combining a waveguide with a hole; this is not limited here.

[0059] Optionally, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a housing (not shown) that encloses the outer conductor 10, inner conductor 20, and drive mechanism 30. Therefore, Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the aerosol generating device 100 after removing the outer casing. The specific shape and structure of the outer casing can be flexibly configured according to the specific needs of the aerosol generating device 100 product, and are not limited here. The drive mechanism 30 will be further described below.

[0060] In some embodiments, the inner conductor 20 has an axially movable position to the extraction position of the aerosol generating matrix 200. The driving member includes a first driving member 311 and a second driving member 312. The first driving member 311 is connected to the second driving member 312. The first driving member 311 is used to drive the second driving member 312 to engage or disengage with any inner conductor 20 located in the extraction position. When the second driving member 312 engages with the inner conductor 20, the second driving member 312 can drive the corresponding inner conductor 20 to move and insert into the aerosol generating matrix 200. By providing the first driving member 311 and the second driving member 312, the movement of the second driving member 312 and the movement of the inner conductor 20 can be driven separately. Specifically, the first driving member 311 drives the second driving member 312 to move, and the second driving member 312 drives the inner conductor 20 to move along the axial direction of the inner conductor 20. The inner conductor 20 moves in the resonant cavity 11 and is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200. This ensures that the movement of the second drive element 312 and the movement of the inner conductor 20 do not interfere with each other, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the aerosol generating device 100 during use.

[0061] For example, the movement path of the first driving member 311 driving the second driving member 312 can be a straight line or a curve. Taking a curve as an example, the first driving member 311 can drive the second driving member 312 to rotate in a circular direction, so that the second driving member 312 engages or disengages with any of the inner conductors 20 in the withdrawn position. Specifically, when the aerosol generating device 100 is in use, the first driving member 311 drives the second driving member 312 to rotate, the second driving member 312 rotates to connect with the first inner conductor 20, the second driving member 312 drives the first inner conductor 20 to push out and insert into the aerosol generating matrix 200, and after the first inner conductor 20 is heated, the second driving member 312 separates from the first inner conductor 20. The first driving member 311 drives the second driving member 312 to continue rotating, so that the second driving member 312 connects with the second inner conductor 20. Then, the second driving member 312 drives the second inner conductor 20 to push out and insert into the aerosol generating matrix 200. This cycle is repeated to achieve that each inner conductor 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200 one by one and then withdrawn one by one. In this way, the first driving member 311 drives the second driving member 312 to cooperate with different inner conductors 20, so that the second driving member 312 drives the corresponding inner conductor 20 to insert into the aerosol generating matrix 200. In this way, compared with the implementation method that uses an independent driving member to drive each inner conductor 20, the number of driving members can be reduced when there are multiple inner conductors 20, thereby simplifying the structure and facilitating the lightweighting and miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100, as well as reducing costs.

[0062] For example, the first driving member 311 and the second driving member 312 can be power structures such as motors or cylinders. The first driving member 311 drives the second driving member 312 to rotate circumferentially relative to the inner and outer conductors within the resonant cavity. The second driving member 312 drives the corresponding inner conductor 20 to move axially relative to the outer conductor 10. The depth to which the inner conductor 20 is inserted axially into the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby achieving both circumferential indexing heating and axial segmented heating. Specifically, the second driving member 312 can be an axial telescopic motor or cylinder; the first driving member 311 can be a rotary motor.

[0063] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 30 further includes a turntable 32 disposed outside the resonant cavity 11. A first drive member 311 is connected to the turntable 32 to drive the turntable 32 to rotate. A plurality of inner conductors 20 are arranged circumferentially along the axis of rotation of the turntable 32. The inner conductors 20 are used to be inserted from the end face of the aerosol generating matrix 200. A second drive member 312 is fixedly disposed on the edge of the turntable 32. When the turntable 32 rotates to the point where the second drive member 312 engages with any inner conductor 20, the first drive member 311 stops driving the turntable 32. By arranging the inner conductors 20 circumferentially along the axis of rotation of the turntable 32, it is possible to ensure that the distance between the second drive member 312 and each inner conductor 20 is the same, ensuring that the second drive member 312 can reliably connect and drive each inner conductor 20, and avoiding problems such as unstable connection between the second drive member 312 and the inner conductor 20 due to inconsistent distances.

[0064] Optionally, the inner conductor 20 can be set in two, three, four or more according to the actual needs of the number of aerosol generating matrix 200 partitions. Multiple inner conductors 20 can be set at equal intervals along the rotation axis of the turntable 32, so that the turntable 32 can rotate the same angle each time to realize the connection or separation of the second driving member 312 and the inner conductor 20.

[0065] As an alternative implementation method, please refer to Figure 6The movement of the turntable 32 and the inner conductor 20 can be achieved by a driving component. For example, a protrusion 321 is provided on the surface of the turntable 32. When the turntable 32 rotates to the point where the protrusion 321 corresponds to any inner conductor 20, the protrusion 321 pushes the inner conductor 20 towards the aerosol generating matrix 200, so that the inner conductor 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200. The protrusion height of the protrusion 321 is such that the inner conductor 20 can be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200 after being pushed up. Furthermore, the protrusion 321 can be wedge-shaped or have a beveled guide surface. The guide surface can guide the protrusion 321 to gradually slide to the bottom of the inner conductor 20 when the protrusion 321 rotates relative to the inner conductor 20, thereby pushing the inner conductor 20 towards the aerosol generating matrix 200. When the bump 321 rotates away from one of the inner conductors 20, the inner conductor 20 separates from the bump 321 and slides off the surface of the bump 321. The end of the inner conductor 20 away from the bump 321 is pulled out of the aerosol generating matrix 200. This process continues until the bump 321 rotates to another inner conductor 20, at which point the bump 321 continues to lift the other inner conductor 20 and insert it into the aerosol generating matrix 200. This cycle is repeated to ensure that each inner conductor 20 is inserted into and pulled out of the aerosol generating matrix 200 one by one. In addition, to ensure that the inner conductor 20 can overcome the friction with the aerosol generating matrix 200 and detach smoothly, the bump 321 can also be made of a magnetic material. Along the rotation direction of turntable 32, inclined guide surfaces are provided on both sides of protrusion 321. The guide surfaces can maintain the attraction of inner conductor 20 as the bottom surface of inner conductor 20 gradually moves away from protrusion 321, ensuring that inner conductor 20 can be removed from aerosol generating matrix 200 under the action of magnetic attraction.

[0066] As an alternative implementation, the protrusion 321 can also be replaced by a slide rail or groove arranged circumferentially around the turntable 32. The slide rail or groove has a raised crest structure along the axial direction of the turntable 32, and the inner conductor 20 can slide in the slide rail when the turntable 32 rotates. When the turntable 32 rotates to a position where the crest structure corresponds to any inner conductor 20, the crest structure pushes the inner conductor 20 towards the aerosol generating matrix 200, thereby inserting the inner conductor 20 into the aerosol generating matrix. In the above-mentioned configurations, only one driving component is needed to drive the turntable 32, enabling the turntable 32 to rotate relative to the inner conductor 20, thus achieving the driving of different inner conductors 20. This simplifies the structure of the driving mechanism 30 and makes the driving mechanism 30 easier to implement.

[0067] The following description will continue with an example where the drive mechanism 30 is simultaneously equipped with a first drive member 311 and a second drive member 312. After the inner conductor 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200 and heated, the inner conductor 20 needs to be withdrawn from the aerosol generating matrix 200 so that another inner conductor 20 can be inserted. Exemplarily, the withdrawal of the inner conductor 20 from the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be implemented in the following different ways.

[0068] In the first example, the inner conductor 20 is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200 by the driving action of the second driving member 312. That is, the second driving member 312 pushes the inner conductor 20 out and inserts it into the aerosol generating matrix 200 in one direction, and correspondingly, the second driving member 312 can also drive the inner conductor 20 in the opposite direction to extract it from the aerosol generating matrix 200. In this configuration, the second driving member 312 has two opposite driving directions, thereby realizing the insertion or extraction of the inner conductor 20.

[0069] In the second example, the turntable 32 rotates until the second drive member 312 separates from either inner conductor 20, and the inner conductor 20 is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200. That is, in this configuration, the second drive member 312 provides a holding force after the inner conductor 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200, keeping the inner conductor 20 within the matrix. When the turntable 32 rotates and causes the second drive member 312 to separate from the inner conductor 20, the holding force of the second drive member 312 disappears, and the inner conductor 20 is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200, completing the separation. In this configuration, the extraction of the inner conductor 20 from the aerosol generating matrix 200 does not rely on the driving action of the second drive member 312; the second drive member 312 only provides a driving force in the insertion direction for the inner conductor 20. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the inner conductor 20 can be smoothly extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200, an elastic element (e.g., a spring) can be provided between the inner conductor 20 and the aerosol generating matrix 200. When the inner conductor 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200, it squeezes the elastic element, and the elastic element provides a restoring force to the inner conductor 20 away from the aerosol generating matrix 200, thereby ensuring that the inner conductor 20 can be smoothly extracted.

[0070] Furthermore, since there is a certain friction between the inner conductor 20 and the aerosol generating matrix 200, in order to ensure that the inner conductor 20 can be smoothly extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200, an electromagnet can be installed on the turntable 32. When the electromagnet is energized, it can generate an attractive force on the inner conductor 20, making it easy for the inner conductor 20 to detach from the aerosol generating matrix 200 and fall back to the extraction position.

[0071] Regardless of which of the two examples above is used, the separation of the inner conductor 20 from the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be achieved. This application does not specifically limit the implementation method of extracting the inner conductor 20.

[0072] Please combine Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 5 The diagram shows the electric field distribution when one of the inner conductors 20 extends, in an embodiment where four inner conductors 20 are arranged at equal intervals along the axis of rotation of the turntable 32. Figure 7 The diagram shows the electric field distribution when the left-hand image (the second driving element 312 rotates 90°) and the other adjacent inner conductor 20 (extended by the second driving element 312) are extended. Figure 7 As shown in the right figure, the electric field distribution within the resonant cavity 11 is approximately the same under both heating conditions. This configuration helps to produce the same or similar heating effect on all parts of the aerosol generating matrix 200, thus achieving uniform heating.

[0073] Figure 8 The diagram shows a comparison of the resonant frequencies of the second driver 312 before and after rotating 90°, with two different inner conductor 20 states. It can be seen that the resonant frequency difference before and after rotating the second driver 312 by 90° is 11MHz, which meets the bandwidth requirements of most LDMOS (RF power amplifiers). Furthermore, due to the small frequency difference, energy efficiency is guaranteed. This eliminates the need for input power adjustment, achieving an approximate heating effect with the same input power, reducing the risk of impedance mismatch during power adjustment. Therefore, a back-end system without controlled attenuation can be used, reducing the complexity of the back-end system.

[0074] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 30 further includes a connecting rod 33. One end of the connecting rod 33 is connected to the end of the inner conductor 20 located outside the resonant cavity 11, and the other end of the connecting rod 33 extends radially along the turntable 32 and is used to connect with the second drive member 312. To avoid interference with the outer conductor 10, a certain gap needs to be set between the second drive member 312 and the outer conductor 20, i.e., the second drive member 312 is located on the outer periphery of the turntable 32. To ensure a stable connection between the second drive member 312 and the inner conductor 20, a connecting rod 33 extending radially along the turntable 32 can be provided. The extension of the connecting rod 33 helps to connect the inner conductor 20 and the second drive member 312. Exemplarily, the connecting rod 33 and the inner conductor 20 can be fixedly connected by bolt connection, shaft hole fit, welding, or other methods.

[0075] In some embodiments, the other end of the connecting rod 33 is provided with a insertion notch 331 facing away from the inner conductor 20, and the output end of the second driving member 312 is provided with a connecting arm 3121. When the second driving member 312 rotates to any position of the inner conductor 20, the connecting arm 3121 is inserted into the insertion notch 331. The insertion notch 331 is also used for the connecting arm 3121 to pass through when the second driving member 312 rotates past the inner conductor 20. By providing the insertion notch 331, the connecting arm 3121 of the second driving member 312 can be engaged with the insertion notch 331, thereby improving the connection stability between the second driving member 312 and the connecting rod 33. When the second driving member 312 drives the inner conductor 20 to insert into the aerosol generating matrix 200, the connecting arm 3121 abuts against the top wall of the insertion notch 331, and the connecting arm 3121 drives the inner conductor 20 to move by pushing the connecting rod 33. When the second driving member 312 drives the inner conductor 20 to be extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200 in the opposite direction, the connecting arm 3121 abuts against the bottom wall of the insertion notch 331, thereby driving the inner conductor 20 to be extracted. The insertion notch 331 can also avoid the connecting arm 3121 when the second driving member 312 rotates past the connecting rod 33, so that the connecting arm 3121 can pass through the insertion notch 331.

[0076] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 30 further includes a bracket 34 connected to the outer conductor 10. The axis of the bracket 34 is collinear with the axis of the turntable 32. A plurality of guide grooves 341 extending axially along the outer periphery of the bracket 34 are provided at intervals. A plurality of inner conductors 20 are correspondingly disposed in the guide grooves 341. By providing the bracket 34 and the guide grooves 341 in the bracket 34, the plurality of inner conductors 20 can be separated and fixed. On the other hand, when the inner conductors 20 move along their own axes, the guide grooves 341 can guide the inner conductors 20, preventing the inner conductors 20 from shaking or shifting when inserted into (or extracted from) the aerosol matrix 200, thereby improving the stability of the inner conductors 20 in use.

[0077] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the outer conductor 10 is provided with a through hole 12, through which a portion of the inner conductor 20 and the support 34 pass. One end of the support 34 located inside the resonant cavity 11 abuts against the end face of the aerosol generating matrix 200, and the support 34 and the aerosol generating matrix 200 are coaxially arranged. By inserting a portion of the support 34 into the resonant cavity 11, the portion of the inner conductor 20 located in the resonant cavity 11 can be supported and guided. By utilizing the abutment between the support 34 and the end face of the aerosol generating matrix 200, the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be stabilized, preventing it from shifting or falling off during use, thus improving the reliability of the aerosol generating device 100. Furthermore, the coaxial arrangement of the support 34 and the aerosol generating matrix 200 allows the inner conductor 20 to be inserted around the central axis of the aerosol generating matrix 200, achieving uniform heating of all positions of the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0078] In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the portion of the support 34 located outside the resonant cavity 11 is further provided with a plurality of wing plates 342. The plurality of wing plates 342 are spaced apart along the outer periphery of the support 34, and a guide groove 341 is formed between two adjacent wing plates 342. One end of the wing plate 342 abuts against the bottom wall of the outer conductor 10. By using the end face of the wing plate 342 to abut against the bottom wall of the outer conductor 10, the connection and fixation between the support 34 and the outer conductor 10 can be realized, preventing them from moving relative to each other and improving the stability of the support 34. The guide groove 341 formed by the gap between two wing plates 342 can make the structure of the support 34 more compact while guiding the inner conductor 20. The wing plates 342 can also be used to separate the plurality of inner conductors 20, so that each inner conductor 20 can avoid affecting other inner conductors 20 when moving.

[0079] In some embodiments, the end of the support 34 facing away from the resonant cavity 11 is further provided with an end plate 343, and the end of the connecting rod 33 with an insertion notch 331 protrudes from the edge of the end plate 343. The end plate 343 can support the inner conductor 20 and the connecting rod 33, and limit the movement of the inner conductor 20 to prevent the inner conductor 20 from falling off the support 34.

[0080] Secondly, please refer to Figure 9 This application also provides a heating method, which is implemented using the aerosol generating device 100 provided in the first aspect. The heating method includes the following steps:

[0081] S100. Start the aerosol generating device 100;

[0082] S200. The drive mechanism 30 drives one of the inner conductors 20 to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200, and the inner conductor 20 heats the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0083] S300. The inner conductor 20 is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200;

[0084] S400. Determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 has met the conditions for stopping heating:

[0085] If so, S410. Stop drive mechanism 30;

[0086] If not, S420. The drive mechanism 30 drives another inner conductor 20 to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0087] By setting a judgment on the heating stop condition, if the heating stop condition is not met, multiple inner conductors 20 can be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200 one by one in sequence, thereby heating different parts of the aerosol generating matrix 200. By repeatedly executing steps S200 to S420, heating of all parts of the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be achieved. When the heating stop condition is met, the driving mechanism 30 stops driving the inner conductors 20. At this time, the inner conductors 20 will not be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200, thereby stopping the heating, solving the problem of local overheating of the aerosol generating matrix 200, and achieving the effect of uniform heating.

[0088] Optionally, the conditions for stopping heating of the aerosol generating device 100 in step S400 above include at least one of the following:

[0089] P1. The number of heating cycles for the inner conductor 20 has reached the set number; or

[0090] P2. The heating time of the inner conductor 20 reaches the set duration; or

[0091] P3. The heating temperature of the aerosol generating matrix 200 reaches the set temperature; or

[0092] P4. The temperature difference throughout the aerosol generating matrix 200 is less than the preset temperature.

[0093] By setting and controlling the number of heating cycles, heating time, internal temperature of the aerosol generating matrix 200, and internal temperature difference of the aerosol generating matrix 200, the heating state of the aerosol generating matrix 200 can be controlled, ensuring that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated and avoiding the problem of local overheating of the aerosol generating matrix 200, thus achieving a uniform heating effect.

[0094] Optionally, the four heating stop conditions P1 to P4 can be controlled individually, meaning any one of the above conditions can be used as the heating stop condition. Of course, in other examples, any combination of two or three of these conditions can be selected as the heating stop condition, or heating can be stopped only when all conditions are met simultaneously. The specific combination method is not limited here.

[0095] In some embodiments, step S300, extracting the inner conductor 20 from the aerosol generating matrix 200, includes:

[0096] S310. The drive mechanism 30 drives the inner conductor 20 in the opposite direction of the insertion direction so that the inner conductor 20 is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0097] In this way, the drive mechanism 30 can have two opposite driving actions on the inner conductor 20, pushing in and pulling out, so as to realize the action of inserting the inner conductor 20 into the aerosol generating matrix or pulling it out from it.

[0098] In other embodiments, step S300, in which the inner conductor 20 is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix 200, includes:

[0099] S320. The drive mechanism 30 rotates until it separates from the inner conductor 20, and the inner conductor 20 is removed from the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0100] At this point, the separation of the inner conductor 20 from the aerosol generating matrix does not rely on the reverse driving action of the driving mechanism 30. Instead, the driving mechanism 30 provides a force for the inner conductor 20 to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix. When the driving mechanism 30 separates from the inner conductor 20, the force disappears and the inner conductor 20 can be removed from the aerosol generating matrix 200 (for example, by falling off under its own gravity or by falling off under the elastic force of the return spring).

[0101] In some embodiments, step S200, where the driving mechanism 30 drives one of the inner conductors 20 to insert into the aerosol generating matrix 200, includes:

[0102] S210. The real-time resonant frequency of the reflection from the aerosol generating device 100 is detected using a detection system;

[0103] S220. Adjust the length of the inner conductor 20 inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200.

[0104] The resonant frequency in the aerosol generating device 100 can be monitored in real time by the detection system, which helps to adjust the length of the inner conductor 20 inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 200 in real time, so as to ensure that the resonant frequency of the aerosol generating device 100 is consistent with the input frequency. In this way, there is no need to adjust the frequency of the fed electromagnetic wave in the feed structure, thereby achieving the effect of quasi-static radio frequency heating.

[0105] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include An outer conductor, wherein a resonant cavity is formed within the outer conductor, the resonant cavity being used to contain an aerosol generating matrix; At least two spaced inner conductors, at least a portion of which are located in the resonant cavity, and which are movable relative to the outer conductor along their own axial direction; A driving mechanism includes a driving member connected to the inner conductor, the driving member being used to drive one of the inner conductors to move toward the aerosol generating matrix, so that the inner conductor is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner conductor has the ability to move axially to a position where the aerosol generating matrix can be extracted; The driving component includes a first driving component and a second driving component. The first driving component is connected to the second driving component. The first driving component is used to drive the second driving component to engage or disengage with any of the inner conductors located at the extraction position. When the second driving component engages with the inner conductor, the second driving component can drive the corresponding inner conductor to move and insert it into the aerosol generating matrix.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the second driving member is separated from any of the inner conductors, the inner conductor can be automatically extracted from the aerosol generating matrix; or, The second driving element is also used to drive the inner conductor to be extracted from the aerosol generating matrix.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving mechanism further includes a turntable disposed outside the resonant cavity. The first driving member is connected to the turntable to drive the turntable to rotate. A plurality of inner conductors are circumferentially spaced along the rotation axis of the turntable. The inner conductors are used to be inserted from the end face of the aerosol generating matrix. The second driving member is fixedly disposed on the edge of the turntable. When the turntable rotates to the point where the second driving member engages with any of the inner conductors, the first driving member stops driving the turntable.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drive mechanism further includes a connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the end of the inner conductor located outside the resonant cavity, and the other end of which extends radially along the turntable and is used to connect to the second drive member.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The other end of the connecting rod is provided with a plug notch facing away from the inner conductor. The output end of the second driving member is provided with a connecting arm. When the second driving member rotates to any position of the inner conductor, the connecting arm is inserted into the plug notch. The plug notch is also used for the connecting arm to pass through when the second driving member rotates past the inner conductor.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The drive mechanism also includes a bracket connected to the outer conductor. The axis of the bracket is collinear with the axis of the turntable. The outer periphery of the bracket is provided with a plurality of guide grooves extending along the axial direction of the bracket, and a plurality of inner conductors are correspondingly arranged in the guide grooves.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the outer conductor is provided with a through hole, and the inner conductor and a part of the support pass through the through hole. One end of the support located in the resonant cavity abuts against the end face of the aerosol generating matrix. The support and the resonant cavity are coaxially arranged.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The inner conductor includes at least a first segment and a second segment continuously arranged along the axial direction, the diameter of the first segment being smaller than the diameter of the second segment, and the first segment being used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix, or... The end of the inner conductor used for insertion into the aerosol generating matrix is ​​the first end, and the end opposite to the first end is the second end. The diameter of the inner conductor decreases exponentially from the second end to the first end.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The aerosol generating device further includes a cover, which seals the end of the resonant cavity away from the driving mechanism. The cover has a through hole for the aerosol generating matrix to pass through. From the bottom to the top of the resonant cavity, the inner wall of the resonant cavity is inclined toward the center of the resonant cavity.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aerosol generating device further includes a power feeding structure disposed on the outer periphery of the outer conductor, the power feeding structure being used to feed an electromagnetic field into the inner conductor.

12. A heating method, characterized in that: include Start the aerosol generator; A drive mechanism drives one of the inner conductors to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix, and the inner conductor heats the aerosol generating matrix. The inner conductor is extracted from the aerosol generating matrix; Determine whether the aerosol generating device has reached the stop heating condition. If yes, stop the driving mechanism. If no, the driving mechanism drives another inner conductor to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix.

13. The heating method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The conditions for stopping heating of the aerosol generating device include at least one of the following: The inner conductor is heated a set number of times; or The heating time of the inner conductor reaches the set duration; or The heating temperature of the aerosol generating matrix reaches the set temperature; or The temperature difference within the aerosol generating matrix is ​​less than the preset temperature.

14. The heating method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The extraction of the inner conductor from the aerosol generating matrix includes: The driving mechanism drives the inner conductor in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, so as to extract the inner conductor from the aerosol generating matrix; or The drive mechanism rotates to separate from the inner conductor, and the inner conductor is removed from the aerosol generating matrix.

15. The heating method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The driving mechanism drives one of the inner conductors to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix, including: The real-time resonant frequency of the reflection from the aerosol generating device is detected using a detection system; Adjust the length of the inner conductor inserted into the aerosol generating matrix.

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