Atomizing medium transport device, aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating system

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides an atomization medium conveying device, an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system, which comprise a plurality of aerosol generating articles and an atomization medium conveying assembly. The atomization medium conveying assembly comprises a plurality of storage members and a plurality of connecting members. The plurality of storage members are arranged at intervals, and adjacent two storage members are connected by the connecting members, so that the atomization medium conveying assembly is formed into a ring structure. The storage member is provided with a storage cavity, and the aerosol generating article is stored in the storage cavity. The atomization medium conveying assembly and the aerosol generating article are formed into a preloaded whole, and are installed to the aerosol generating device as a replaceable module. The atomization medium conveying device provided by the embodiment of the present application is provided with a plurality of aerosol generating articles, which facilitates continuous smoking for multiple times and is good in taste consistency. In addition, the aerosol generating article and the atomization medium conveying assembly are used as consumables, so that the user does not need to put the aerosol generating article into the storage cavity one by one, and replacement is convenient and fast.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and in particular to an atomizing medium transport device, an aerosol generation device, and an aerosol generation system. Background Technology

[0002] The aerosol generation system includes an atomizing medium transport device and an aerosol generation device. The atomizing medium transport device is used to transport the aerosol generation product to the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation product stores the aerosol generation matrix. When the aerosol generation product is in the aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device can convert the aerosol generation matrix into aerosols by heating or other means. The aerosols are then discharged from the aerosol generation system for users to inhale.

[0003] In related technologies, the number of times a single aerosol generating product can generate aerosol that a user can inhale is relatively small, generally 10-16 times, which is difficult to meet the user's need for a large number of continuous inhalations. In addition, the user needs to manually remove the aerosol generating product, and manually replacing the aerosol generating product is too frequent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of this application aim to provide an atomizing medium transport device, an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system that can meet the user's need for multiple continuous inhalations, and eliminate the need for the user to insert aerosol generating products one by one when it is necessary to replenish the aerosol generating products.

[0005] This application provides an atomizing medium transport device for installation within an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0006] Multiple aerosol-generated products;

[0007] An atomizing medium transport assembly includes multiple storage units and multiple connecting units. The multiple storage units are spaced apart, and adjacent storage units are connected by the connecting units to form an atomizing medium transport assembly into a ring structure. Each storage unit has a storage cavity, and the storage cavity stores the aerosol-generated product.

[0008] The atomizing medium transport component and the aerosol generating product form a pre-assembled whole, and are installed as a replaceable module into the aerosol generating device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the storage element is cylindrical and its opposite ends are open along the axial direction; and / or, a tooth gap is provided between two adjacent storage elements for the drive teeth of the drive gear of the aerosol generating device to be inserted.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connector and the storage unit are an integral structure; and / or, all of the storage cavities store the aerosol-generated product.

[0011] In some implementations, the storage component is a rigid structure and the connector is a flexible structure; or, the storage component includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, the outer cylinder is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, the space inside the inner cylinder defines the storage cavity, the connector connects two adjacent outer cylinders, and the outer cylinder and the connector are flexible structures.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article has at least one air passage extending through it along its axial direction, and / or the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating medium segment and an encapsulation layer that encapsulates at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating medium segment.

[0013] This application provides an aerosol generating device, including the atomizing medium transport device described in any embodiment of this application. The aerosol generating device includes a receiving box with a receiving space inside, and the atomizing medium transport device is housed within the receiving space.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a housing and a heating assembly. The housing has an installation space, and the receiving box and the heating assembly are disposed within the installation space. The heating assembly has a heating chamber, and the receiving box has a receiving space and a supply channel. The supply channel extends through the receiving box in a first direction and communicates with the heating chamber. The atomizing medium transport device is capable of moving within the receiving space so that multiple aerosol generating products move sequentially to the position corresponding to the supply channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a supply drive assembly and a conveying drive assembly disposed within the housing. The conveying drive assembly is used to drive the atomizing medium transport device to move within the accommodating space, so that each of the storage components moves sequentially to the supply channel. The supply drive assembly is used to push the aerosol generating product located in the supply channel to the heating chamber along the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the supply drive assembly includes a product driver and a product drive component. The product driver is located at the end of the product drive component away from the atomizing medium transport device. The product driver is driven to the product drive component to drive the product drive component to reciprocate along the first direction, thereby achieving a separable contact with the aerosol-generated product located in the supply channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the delivery drive assembly includes a drive gear and a delivery driver, at least a portion of the drive gear being disposed in the receiving space and engaging with a portion of the storage element therein to drive the atomizing medium transport assembly to move within the receiving space;

[0018] The conveying driver is disposed outside the receiving box, the driving gear has a driving hole, and the output shaft of the conveying driver is inserted into the driving hole so that the driving gear can rotate under the action of the conveying driver.

[0019] In some embodiments, the drive gear has a plurality of drive teeth arranged circumferentially around the drive gear, and a tooth gap is formed between two adjacent storage units, wherein the drive teeth are inserted into the tooth gap to achieve meshing between the drive gear and the storage unit;

[0020] The cross-section of the drive hole is a regular polygon, and the number of sides of the regular polygon is the same as the number of drive teeth, or the number of sides of the regular polygon is an integer multiple of the number of drive teeth.

[0021] In some implementations, the number of sides of the regular polygon is the same as the number of driving teeth, and the driving teeth have a symmetrical structure, with the plane of symmetry of the driving teeth passing through the center of the regular polygon and the intersection of two adjacent sides.

[0022] In some embodiments, the receiving box includes a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate being arranged at a distance along the first direction, and the atomizing medium transport device being located between the first side plate and the second side plate;

[0023] The first side plate and / or the second side plate have a positioning groove on the side facing the atomizing medium transport device. The aerosol generating device includes a first bearing. The drive gear is connected to a first rotating shaft. The first bearing is housed in the positioning groove. The first rotating shaft is connected to the first bearing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the receiving box includes a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate being arranged at a distance along the first direction, and the atomizing medium transport device being located between the first side plate and the second side plate;

[0025] The first side plate or the second side plate is provided with a clearance groove on the side away from the supply drive assembly, and the drive gear enters the receiving space through the clearance groove and meshes with a portion of the storage component therein.

[0026] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a positioning element disposed on the side of the receiving box away from the heating component along the first direction. The positioning element is detachably connected to the receiving box and is used to position the atomizing medium transport component so that one of the storage chambers is aligned with the supply channel.

[0027] This application provides an aerosol generation system, including:

[0028] The atomizing medium transport device described in any embodiment of this application;

[0029] And the aerosol generating apparatus described in any embodiment of this application; wherein the atomizing medium transport device is detachably disposed within the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0030] The atomizing medium transport device provided in this application embodiment features multiple aerosol generating products, facilitating multiple continuous inhalations without replacing the aerosol generating products. This reduces the frequency of aerosol generating product replacements. The multiple aerosol generating products operate independently; even when the last aerosol generating product generates aerosol upon heating, the inhalation experience of the first aerosol generating product is maintained. Different flavored aerosol generating products can be added when replenishing, achieving flavor diversity. Furthermore, since the aerosol generating products and the atomizing medium transport component are consumables, the aerosol generating device can be reused. One aerosol generating device can perform multiple inhalations, eliminating the need for users to individually insert aerosol generating products into the storage chamber, making replacement convenient and quick. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the atomizing medium transport device according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between an atomizing medium transport device and an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial structure, in which the drive gear is fixed outside the receiving box;

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 5 An exploded view of the structure shown.

[0037] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Another exploded view of the structure shown;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between a portion of the structure of the aerosol generating device and the atomizing medium transport device according to another embodiment of this application, wherein the drive gear is fixed inside the receiving box;

[0039] Figure 9 for Figure 8 An exploded view of the structure shown.

[0040] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0041] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown along the AA direction;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0044] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown along the BB direction;

[0045] Figure 15 for Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown along the CC direction;

[0046] Figure 16 for Figure 12 A partial structural diagram of the structure shown;

[0047] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first side plate according to an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generated article according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a supply drive component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0051] 10-Aerosol generating device; 10a-Waste chamber; 11-Heating assembly; 11a-Heating chamber; 12-Supply drive assembly; 121-Product driver; 122-Product drive component; 14-Housing; 14a-Installation space; 141-Atomizing sub-housing; 142-Supply sub-housing; 16-Power supply assembly;

[0052] 20 - Aerosol-generating product; 20a - Air passage pore;

[0053] 300 - Atomizing medium transport device; 30 - Atomizing medium transport assembly; 30a - Storage chamber; 30b - Gap; 31 - Storage component; 32 - Connecting component;

[0054] 40-Conveyor drive assembly; 41-Conveyor driver; 411-Conveyor motor; 412-Worm gear; 413-Worm wheel; 414-Output shaft; 42-Drive gear; 42a-Drive hole; 421-Drive gear; 43-Driven gear; 50-Receiving box; 50a-Receiving space; 50b-Supply channel; 50c-Mounting hole; 50d-Clearing space; 50e-Clearing groove; 50f-Positioning groove; 51-First side plate; 51a-Insertion hole; 51b-Clearing area; 51c-Supporting area; 60-Positioning element; 61-Positioning block; 62-Positioning protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0056] The specific technical features described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different combinations of specific technical features can form different embodiments and technical solutions. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in this invention will not be described separately.

[0057] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely to distinguish different objects and do not indicate that the objects have the sameness or relationship. It should be understood that the directional descriptions "above," "below," "outside," and "inside" refer to the orientation under normal use conditions, while "left" and "right" refer to the left and right directions shown in the corresponding diagrams, which may or may not be the left and right directions under normal use conditions.

[0058] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. "A plurality of" means two or more.

[0059] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1 to 19 The X direction represents the "first direction" and the axial direction.

[0060] Please see Figures 1 to 19 This application provides an atomizing medium transport device 300 for installation within an aerosol generating device 10.

[0061] The atomizing medium transport device 300 includes multiple aerosol generating articles 20 and atomizing medium transport components 30.

[0062] The atomizing medium transport assembly 30 includes multiple storage units 31 and multiple connecting units 32. The multiple storage units 31 are spaced apart, and adjacent storage units 31 are connected by connecting units 32 so that the atomizing medium transport assembly 30 forms a ring structure. The storage unit 31 is provided with a storage cavity 30a, and the storage cavity 30a stores the aerosol generating product 20.

[0063] The atomizing medium transport component 30 and the aerosol generating product 20 are formed as a pre-assembled whole and installed as a replaceable module into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0064] The aerosol generating article 20 can be made from the aerosol generating matrix itself, such as a smoky flavoring medium, like tobacco material; in other embodiments, the aerosol generating article 20 may also include a matrix and an aerosol generating matrix disposed on the matrix. The matrix may be one or more of high-temperature resistant carbon fiber, softwood pulp fiber, hardwood pulp fiber, bamboo fiber, cotton fiber, and hemp fiber. In this way, by setting a matrix, the strength of the aerosol generating article 20 can be improved, making it less prone to deformation and breakage, and it can also withstand a certain degree of high temperature without producing odor.

[0065] The aerosol-generated product 20 can be a one-piece structure, for example, formed by injection molding, compression molding, or extrusion. Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which a mixture of raw materials is added to an extruder, and the material is pushed forward by the screw or piston through the barrel and continuously passed through the die head to form products or semi-finished products of various cross-sections. For example, the aerosol-generated product 20 is a one-piece extruded structure. Thus, the aerosol-generated product 20 remains a one-piece medium whether heated or deheated, reducing the likelihood of disintegration and falling off. This reduces the problems of flake-like, filamentous, or particulate aerosol-generated products in related technologies, resulting in high atomization reliability.

[0066] The outer contour of the aerosol-generated product 20 can be cylindrical, cuboid, etc., and there are no restrictions here.

[0067] The number of aerosol generating products 20 stored in a single atomizing medium transport component 30 can be two, three or more, for example, 10 to 30, which can realize a large number of inhalations (for example, a single aerosol generating product 20 can provide 10 inhalations for the user, and a single atomizing medium transport device 300 can provide 100 to 300 inhalations for the user).

[0068] For example, a single atomizing medium transport assembly 30 can store 17 aerosol generating articles 20. It should be noted that the multiple storage cavities 30a can all contain aerosol generating articles 20, or some storage cavities 31a can contain aerosol generating articles 20 while other storage cavities 30a are empty.

[0069] While storing the aerosol-generating product 20, the storage chamber 30a can also position and limit the aerosol-generating product 20 so that the aerosol-generating product 20 is not easily detached when moving synchronously with the atomizing medium transport component 30.

[0070] The connection between two adjacent storage units 31 by a connector 32 to form a ring structure of the atomizing medium transport assembly 30 means that the storage units 31 and the connectors 32 are arranged alternately to form a ring structure, with storage units 31 on both sides of any connector 32 and connectors 32 on both sides of any storage unit 31. In this way, the atomizing medium transport device 300 is also formed into a ring structure.

[0071] A force transmission path is formed between two adjacent storage units 31 and the connecting member 32, enabling the force to be transmitted between the storage units 31, thereby allowing the storage units 31 and the connecting member 32 to drive the aerosol generating product 20 to move synchronously. After the connecting member 32 itself or a storage unit 31 that is driven and cooperates with the connecting member 32 moves, it can transmit the force to other storage units 31 and drive these storage units 31 to move. The atomizing medium transport assembly 30 can drive the aerosol generating product 20 to move synchronously. The annular structure makes the atomizing medium transport device 300 compact and the movement trajectory relatively stable, which facilitates the driving of the structure within the aerosol generating device 10. The atomizing medium transport device 300 can move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the circumferential direction, without limitation.

[0072] It is understandable that the movement of the atomizing medium transport device 300 can continuously transport the aerosol generating product 20 to the aerosol generating device 10 to achieve continuous multiple suctions. After one aerosol generating product 20 has been heated, the atomizing medium transport device 30 can drive the movement of the aerosol generating product 20 so that the next aerosol generating product 20 is ready to be atomized or is atomized.

[0073] Multiple aerosol generating products 20 operate independently and do not affect each other's flavor. Even when the last aerosol generating product 20 generates aerosols upon heating, its inhalation taste can still maintain the fresh taste of the first aerosol generating product 20, improving taste consistency. Furthermore, multiple aerosol generating products 20 can be made into different flavors, facilitating flavor diversification.

[0074] The atomizing medium transport component 30 and the aerosol generating product 20 are formed as a pre-assembled whole and installed as a replaceable module into the aerosol generating device 10. This means that during transportation and use, the atomizing medium transport component 30 and the aerosol generating device 10 are assembled together as a whole, serving as a single module. Installation with the aerosol generating device 10 only requires a single step: docking the pre-assembled whole with the aerosol generating device 10. There is no need to manually place each aerosol generating product 20 into the storage chamber 30a. After all aerosol generating products 20 have been atomized, the pre-assembled whole can be directly removed from the aerosol generating device 10 and replaced with a new, pre-prepared pre-assembled whole, making installation simple and convenient.

[0075] It is understandable that after atomization, the pre-assembled unit can be just the atomizing medium transport component 30, with the atomized aerosol product 20 collected and discharged through an additional structure. Alternatively, it can contain both the atomizing medium transport component 30 and the aerosol product 20. The aerosol product 20 can be atomized or it can include products that have not yet been atomized but have been stored for a long time and are likely to affect the aerosol flavor. There are no restrictions on this.

[0076] The atomizing medium transport device 300 provided in this application embodiment, with its multiple aerosol generating products 20, facilitates multiple continuous inhalations without replacing the aerosol generating products 20, reducing the frequency of replacement. The multiple aerosol generating products 20 are independent of each other; even when the last aerosol generating product 20 generates aerosol upon heating, it maintains the inhalation experience of the first aerosol generating product 20. When replenishing the aerosol generating products 20, different flavors can also be added, achieving flavor diversification. Furthermore, by treating the aerosol generating products 20 and the atomizing medium transport component 30 as consumables, they form a modular unit. The aerosol generating device 10 can be reused, allowing for multiple inhalations from a single device, eliminating the need for users to individually insert aerosol generating products 20 into the storage chamber 30a, making replacement convenient and quick.

[0077] The aerosol generating product 20 is reliably positioned within the storage chamber 30a and will not become loose. At the same time, by replacing the atomizing medium transport component 30, the movement of the aerosol generating product 20 driven by the atomizing medium transport component 30 can be made more reliable, reducing the loss and movement obstruction caused by multiple movements, increasing the smoothness of material replenishment, and facilitating continuous suction by driving the movement of the aerosol generating product 20 through the atomizing medium transport component 30, thus improving the user experience.

[0078] Understandably, the number of suction ports for a single aerosol generating product 20 can be set and calculated. In this way, the number of aerosol generating products 20 placed in the atomizing medium transport component 30 can be adjusted, and the total number of suction ports can be adjusted to meet the port number requirements.

[0079] For example, the outer contour of the aerosol generating article 20 is generally cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the cylinder can be 2mm to 8mm, for example, 2mm, 3mm, 3.3mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.4mm, 6mm, 6.6mm, 7mm, 7.2mm, 8mm, etc. In this way, the size of the aerosol generating article 20 is suitable, which makes it easy to contain a sufficient aerosol generating matrix with a short length, and reduces the volume required by the storage component 31 to accommodate the aerosol generating article 20, and facilitates the placement of multiple aerosol generating articles 20.

[0080] The extension length of the aerosol generating article 20 can be designed as needed. For example, the extension length of the aerosol generating article 20 is 3mm to 7.5mm. Examples include 3mm, 3.3mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.4mm, 6mm, 6.6mm, 7mm, 7.2mm, and 7.5mm. This length of aerosol generating article 20 facilitates processing and molding, reduces the volume of the storage component 31, reduces the dimensions of the aerosol generating device 10 along the extension direction of the aerosol generating article 20, and increases the reliability of the structural layout.

[0081] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 18 The aerosol generating article 20 has at least one air passage 20a extending through it along its axial direction.

[0082] In this way, the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating product 20 through heating and atomization can be directly released from the air passage 20a, and the aerosol has sufficient release space, thereby improving the utilization rate of the aerosol.

[0083] The number of airway orifices 20a can be one or more; for example, the number of airway orifices 20a is multiple.

[0084] Understandably, the aerosol generating article 20 may also contain micropores, which are interconnected to form microchannels. Some of the micropores are connected to the channel holes 20a, while other microchannels directly pass through both ends of the aerosol generating article 20. This allows the aerosol to be discharged from the aerosol generating article 20 in multiple ways. For example, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 20 after heating can directly enter the channel holes 20a and be carried out by air in the external environment; or, air in the external environment can directly enter the microchannels and carry out the aerosols entrained in the microchannels; or, the aerosol can enter the channel holes 20a from the microchannels.

[0085] It is understandable that the interconnection between micropores can be partial or non-interconnected, or all micropores can be interconnected. For example, in an embodiment where the aerosol generating article 20 is a particle aggregate, the gaps between the particles constitute the micropores, wherein the size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between the particles of the aerosol generating article 20.

[0086] It should be noted that the airway orifice 20a is a macroscopic orifice that can be seen with the naked eye, while the micropore is a pore in a peripheral sense that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

[0087] The air pores 20a and micropores can increase the surface area of ​​the aerosol generating product 20, facilitating heat transfer and improving heating efficiency. When the aerosol generating matrix within the aerosol generating product 20 is heated, it releases aerosols. Under the negative pressure generated by the user's suction, the air pores 20a and micropores can reduce the suction resistance, improve the user experience, and reduce the adverse effects of condensed aerosol residue in the aerosol generating product 20 affecting airflow.

[0088] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 20 includes an aerosol generating medium segment and an encapsulation layer, the encapsulation layer being wrapped around at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating medium segment.

[0089] The aerosol generating medium section is used to generate aerosols. The aerosol generating medium section is composed of an aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols for user use. The aerosol generating medium section is the effective suction part of the aerosol generating product 20.

[0090] The coating layer, which covers at least a portion of the outer periphery of the aerosol generating medium section, can improve the structural strength of the aerosol generating article 20, while reducing the probability of aerosol escape and increasing the reliability of the aerosol generating article 20 in use.

[0091] Understandably, the material of the coating layer has a certain structural strength to reduce the probability of deformation of the aerosol-generated product 20 due to airflow pressure during use.

[0092] The specific material of the wrapping layer is not limited, such as one or more combinations of materials such as fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, PE (Polyethylene), polyethylene composite fiber paper, PBAT (Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)).

[0093] For example, the wrapping layer is aluminum foil.

[0094] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The storage component 31 is cylindrical, and its two opposite ends along the axial direction are open. That is, both opposite sides of the storage component 31 are open along the axial direction.

[0095] In this embodiment, the storage component 31 is cylindrical, which facilitates the installation of the aerosol-generating product 20 and positions and limits the aerosol-generating product 20, allowing it to move smoothly and synchronously with the storage component 31 without detaching. The storage component 31 is open at both ends along the axial direction, facilitating the removal and replenishment of the aerosol-generating product 20, and also enabling it to be easily pushed to the aerosol-generating device 10 for atomization, thus facilitating the separation of the aerosol-generating product 20 from the storage chamber 30a.

[0096] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 A tooth gap is provided between two adjacent storage units 31 for the drive teeth 421 of the drive gear 42 of the aerosol generating device 10 to be inserted.

[0097] That is, the drive gear 42 can mesh with the storage unit 31 through the drive teeth 421, and the driving force of the drive gear 42 can act on the storage unit 31, thereby driving the atomizing medium transport component 30 to move, so that the atomizing medium transport component 30 drives the aerosol generating product 20 to move synchronously, and the aerosol generating product 20 that needs to be heated is replaced in sequence.

[0098] In some embodiments, the connector 32 and the storage unit 31 are an integral structure.

[0099] In other words, the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 are manufactured as a single piece, which makes it easier to reduce assembly steps and increase assembly efficiency. At the same time, it allows the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 to move synchronously without relative movement, making the overall structure of the atomizing medium transport device 300 simpler.

[0100] Of course, in other embodiments, the connector 32 and the storage unit 31 may also be separate structures, which is not limited here.

[0101] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 All storage chambers 30a store aerosol-generated products 20, which facilitates continuous and repeated suction. At the same time, it also ensures that the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 move the same distance and time each time, so that the aerosol-generated products 20 are sequentially transported to the aerosol-generating device 10, thereby increasing the reliability of the transport.

[0102] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the connector 32 is less than the stiffness of the storage unit 31 to which it is connected.

[0103] Stiffness refers to an object's ability to resist elastic deformation when subjected to force. Under the influence of the same magnitude of force, the connecting member 32 can undergo elastic deformation before the storage member 31. This allows the current direction of movement between the connecting member 32 and the storage member 31 that it drives to move to to be different, and the trajectory of the storage member 31 can be at least partially curved and extended rather than a straight line, making it easier to arrange more storage members 31 in a limited space and to select a suitable movement path for the storage member 31.

[0104] The connector 32 can be deformed by stretching or bending along a straight line, and there is no restriction on this.

[0105] In some embodiments, the storage component 31 is a rigid structure and the connector 32 is a flexible structure.

[0106] Thus, the storage component 31 has a certain rigidity and structural strength, is not easily deformed, and can effectively store and position the aerosol-generated product 20, reducing the probability of deformation of the aerosol-generated product 20 due to compression caused by the atomizing medium transport component 30 when it is driven to move.

[0107] The connector 32 is a flexible structure, meaning it can deform to a certain extent. The atomizing medium transport assembly 30 increases the smoothness of movement and reduces the impact on the storage unit 31 and the aerosol generation product 20 stored therein through the deformation of the connector 32.

[0108] In this embodiment, the storage component 31 can be a single-cylinder structure. The storage component 31 and the connector 32 can be integrally molded by two-color injection molding, or they can be manufactured separately and then connected.

[0109] In other embodiments, the storage component 31 includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, with the outer cylinder fitted over the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder. The space within the inner cylinder defines a storage cavity 30a. A connector 32 connects two adjacent outer cylinders. The outer cylinder and the connector are flexible structures. Exemplarily, the inner cylinder may be a rigid structure.

[0110] In other words, in this embodiment, the storage component 31 can be a double-cylinder structure. The outer cylinder and the connecting component 32 are both flexible structures, that is, they can deform to increase the smoothness of movement. The inner cylinder is a rigid structure that is not easily deformed. This can effectively store and position the aerosol-generated product 20, reducing the probability that the aerosol-generated product 20 will be deformed due to the compression of the atomizing medium transport component 30 when it is driven to move.

[0111] This application provides an aerosol generating device 10 for housing the atomizing medium transport device 300 of any embodiment of this application.

[0112] Please see Figures 2 to 11 The aerosol generating device 10 includes a container 50, which has a container space 50a, and the atomizing medium transport device 300 is housed in the container space 50a.

[0113] The container 50 has a certain structural strength, which can protect the atomizing medium transport device 300. In addition, the container 50 can also confine the movement of the atomizing medium transport component 30 within the container space 50a, reducing the probability of interference with other structures of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0114] Of course, the container 50 can also be used to install and position the atomizing medium transport device 300, so that the installation position can be known each time the atomizing medium transport device 300 needs to be replaced.

[0115] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 15 The aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 14 and a heating component 11. The housing 14 has an installation space 14a. The receiving box 50 and the heating component 11 are disposed in the installation space 14a. The heating component 11 has an installation cavity 11a. The receiving box 50 has a receiving space 50a and a supply channel 50b. The supply channel 50b extends through the receiving box 50 in a first direction and communicates with the heating cavity 11a. The atomizing medium transport device 300 can move within the receiving space 50a so that multiple aerosol generating products 20 move sequentially to the position corresponding to the supply channel 50b.

[0116] It is understood that the housing 14 is used to form at least part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 10, and to provide a certain degree of protection for the heating components 11, the container 50 and the atomizing medium transport device 300 disposed within the housing 14, so as to facilitate stable heating operation.

[0117] The supply channel 50b extends through the receiving box 50 in the first direction. The receiving box 50 can contact the outside through the supply channel 50b. When one of the storage components 31 is located in the supply channel 50b, the storage cavity 30a of the storage component 31 can be connected to the heating cavity 11a through the supply channel 50b. Thus, external force can act on the aerosol generating product 20 stored in the storage cavity 30a through the supply channel 50b, so that the aerosol generating product 20 is separated from the atomizing medium transport device 300 and enters the heating cavity 11a to be heated and atomized by the heating component 11.

[0118] Once the aerosol generating article 20 on the supply channel 50b is ejected from the atomizing medium transport device 300, the atomizing medium transport device 300 can move so that the next storage chamber 30a moves to the supply channel 50b for the next entry into the heating chamber 11a. It should be noted that the next aerosol generating article 20 can be moved to the supply channel 50b immediately after the previous aerosol generating article 20 is ejected from the atomizing medium transport device 300, or the next aerosol generating article 20 can be moved to the supply channel 50b when a new aerosol generating article 20 needs to be pushed into the heating chamber 11a.

[0119] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating product 20 stored in the storage chamber 30a can sequentially reach the supply channel 50b and be continuously fed into the heating chamber 11a, facilitating continuous and repeated inhalation by the user. When the aerosol generating product 20 in the heating chamber 11a is heated to generate aerosol, it will not significantly affect the aerosol generating product 20 located in the atomizing medium transport device 300.

[0120] The heating component 11 heats the aerosol generating article 20 in the heating chamber 11a so that the aerosol generating matrix in the aerosol generating article 20 is converted into aerosol.

[0121] The heating component 11 can heat the atomized aerosol generating product 20 in any way, including resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, laser heating, air heating, electric field heating, carbon source heating, etc., without limitation. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating product 20 is described as being drawn in a non-combustible manner after heating.

[0122] For example, the heating assembly 11 includes a heating element that atomizes the aerosol generating article 20 using a heating atomization method. The heating method includes center heating and peripheral heating. Center heating means that the heating element is inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article 20 to bake and heat the aerosol generating article 20 from the inside out. Peripheral heating means that the heating element is placed on the periphery of the aerosol generating article 20 to bake and heat the aerosol generating article 20 from the outside in.

[0123] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 15 The aerosol generating device 10 includes a supply drive assembly 12 and a conveying drive assembly 40. The supply drive assembly 12 and the conveying drive assembly 40 are disposed in the housing 14. The conveying drive assembly 40 is used to drive the atomizing medium transport device 300 to move within the accommodating space 50a, so that each storage component 31 moves sequentially to the supply channel 50b. The supply drive assembly 12 is used to push the aerosol generating product 20 located in the supply channel 50b to the heating chamber 11a along the first direction.

[0124] That is, the supply drive assembly 12 and the heating chamber 11a can be located on opposite sides of the supply channel 50b along a first direction. The first direction can be parallel to the axial direction of the heating chamber 11a.

[0125] The conveying drive assembly 40 works in conjunction with the atomizing medium transport device 300, enabling the atomizing medium transport device 300 to move smoothly within the accommodating space 50a. The supply drive assembly 12 drives only the aerosol-generated product 20 located in the supply channel 50b. Thus, the cooperation between the conveying drive assembly 40 and the supply drive assembly 12 ensures that the aerosol-generated product 20 sequentially reaches the supply channel 50b and is continuously fed into the heating chamber 11a, facilitating repeated inhalation by the user. No manual operation is required, resulting in high ease of operation and an enhanced user experience.

[0126] For example, the conveyor drive assembly 40 is disposed within the installation space 14a.

[0127] It is understood that the supply drive component 12 can be located in the installation space 14a defined by the housing 14, or it can be located outside the installation space 14a. There is no restriction here, as long as it can drive the aerosol generating product 20 into the heating chamber 11a.

[0128] The specific structure of the supply drive component 12 is not limited.

[0129] For example, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 16 The supply drive assembly 12 includes a product driver 121 and a product driver 122. The product driver 121 is located at the end of the product driver 122 away from the atomizing medium transport device 300. The product driver 121 is driven to connect with the product driver 122 to drive the product driver 122 to reciprocate along a first direction, thereby achieving a separable contact with the aerosol generating product 20 located in the supply channel 50b.

[0130] The specific form of the product driver 121 is not limited. It can be a slider for manual driving by the user, or it can include a motor to realize automatic control of the movement of the product driver 122.

[0131] For example, the article drive member 122 extends and retracts along a first direction. Here, extending and retracting along the first direction means that the article drive member 122 can move in two directions along the first direction.

[0132] For example, when the product drive 122 is in the extended state, it can move the aerosol-generated product 20 stored in the storage cavity 30a in the supply channel 50b towards the heating cavity 11a, and simultaneously push the atomized aerosol-generated product 20 in the heating cavity 11a out of the heating cavity 11a. This completes the storage of the old aerosol-generated product 20 and the unloading of the new aerosol-generated product 20. After unloading, the product driver 121 drives the product drive 122 to retract, switching to the retracted state. At this time, the product drive 122 separates from the atomizing medium transport assembly 30 to avoid interfering with the movement of the atomizing medium transport assembly 30, thereby allowing the atomizing medium transport assembly 30 to carry the next aerosol-generated product 20 to the supply channel 50b.

[0133] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 15 The housing 14 and the heating assembly 11 enclose a waste chamber 10a, which is located on the side of the heating chamber 11a away from the atomizing medium transport device 300. The waste chamber 10a is used to receive the atomized aerosol product 20 discharged from the side of the heating chamber 11a away from the storage chamber 30a.

[0134] In other words, the atomized aerosol product 20 will not be discharged into the storage chamber 30a, nor will it be discharged directly to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Instead, it can be discharged from the side of the heating chamber 11a away from the storage component 31 to the waste chamber 10a and stored in the waste chamber 10a.

[0135] In this way, the atomized aerosol generating product 20 can be cooled in the waste chamber 10a before being discharged, reducing the risk of users being burned by contact with the aerosol generating product 20 that has just been discharged from the heating chamber 11a, and also reducing the risk of the atomizing medium transport component 30 being deformed by heat. Furthermore, the driving of the un-atomized aerosol generating product 20 is on the side of the heating chamber 11a closer to the atomizing medium transport device 300, while the discharge of the atomized aerosol generating product 20 is on the side of the heating chamber 11a away from the atomizing medium transport device 300, which makes the movement more reliable and convenient. At the same time, it will not cause the atomized aerosol generating product 20 to be repeatedly atomized, resulting in higher atomization reliability. Moreover, the atomized aerosol generating product 20 will not affect the atomization of the next aerosol generating product 20.

[0136] For example, the atomized aerosol-generating article 20 can leave the heating chamber 11a under the pushing action of the supply drive component 12 to push new aerosol-generating articles 20, and enter the waste chamber 10a for storage. In this way, it is possible to continuously draw in large numbers of puffs.

[0137] Understandably, the waste chamber 10a has an outlet that can cool and discharge the atomized aerosol-generated product 20 outside the aerosol-generating device 10, thereby reducing the chance of the waste chamber 10a becoming clogged and affecting atomization.

[0138] The specific structure of the conveyor drive assembly 40 is not limited.

[0139] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The delivery drive assembly 40 includes a drive gear 42 and a delivery driver 41. At least a portion of the drive gear 42 is disposed in the receiving space 10a and engages with a portion of the storage member 31 therein to drive the atomizing medium transport assembly 30 to move within the receiving space 50a.

[0140] The conveyor drive 41 is located outside the housing 50, see [link / reference]. Figure 8 The drive gear 42 has a drive hole 42a, and the output shaft 414 of the conveyor driver 41 is inserted into the drive hole 42a so that the drive gear 42 can rotate under the action of the conveyor driver 41.

[0141] It is understood that the drive gear 42 may mesh with some of the storage components 31, thereby driving the movement of some of the storage components 31 and causing the other unmeshed storage components 31 to move synchronously; the drive gear 42 may also mesh with all of the storage components 31, so as to directly drive all of the storage components 31 to move synchronously.

[0142] For example, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The drive gear 42 meshes with some of the storage components 31, thus reducing the size of the drive gear 42. The drive gear 42 only needs to move synchronously with some of the storage components 31 to drive all the storage components 31 to move synchronously, making the structure simpler.

[0143] In this embodiment, by meshing the drive gear 42 with the storage component 31, the motion stability of the storage component 31 can be improved, and the probability of the drive gear 42 and the storage component 31 disengaging due to vibration and shaking caused by transmission can be reduced. When the drive gear 42 stops rotating, the drive gear 42 can also keep the storage component 31 in its current state by meshing with the storage component 31, so that the relative position of the storage component 31 and the aerosol generating product 20 is stable.

[0144] The delivery driver 41 applies a driving force to the drive gear 42 through the engagement of the output shaft 414 and the drive hole 42a, so that the drive gear 42 drives the storage component 31 to move. The engagement between the output shaft 414 and the drive gear 42 is stable, which facilitates the smooth operation of the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32.

[0145] The delivery driver 41 is located outside the housing 50, which reduces the space occupied inside the housing 50 and also reduces the impact on the movement of the atomizing medium transport device 300.

[0146] The specific construction of the transport driver 41 is not limited.

[0147] For example, please refer to Figure 19 The conveying driver 41 includes a conveying motor 411, a worm 412, a worm wheel 413, and an output shaft 414. The output end of the conveying motor 411 is drivenly connected to the worm 412. The worm 412 is drivenly engaged with the worm wheel 413. The output shaft 414 is located on the rotation axis of the worm wheel 413 and extends along the extension direction of its rotation axis. The output shaft 414 is inserted into the drive hole 42a.

[0148] In this embodiment, by using the transmission method of worm gear 413 and worm 412, it is beneficial to increase the torque output by output shaft 414 when the output torque of conveying motor 411 is constant, so as to make the rotation of drive gear 42 more stable and also to drive more aerosol generating products 20 at one time.

[0149] In embodiments where the drive gear 42 engages with a portion of the storage element 31, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 11 The aerosol generating device 10 also includes a driven gear 43, at least a portion of which is disposed within the receiving space 50a. The driven gear 43 meshes with a portion of the storage member 31. The drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43 are arranged at intervals. The storage member 31 and the connecting member 32 are connected in an integral manner around the drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43.

[0150] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43 makes the movement of the storage component 31 more stable, which facilitates the movement of the atomizing medium transport device 300 along a preset trajectory and reduces the probability of the storage component 31 disengaging from the drive gear 42.

[0151] Meanwhile, the drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43 are arranged in the annular structure formed by the storage member 31 and the connecting member 32, which facilitates the meshing of the drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43 with the drive gear 42, and also helps to increase the structural compactness.

[0152] In some embodiments, the driven gear 43 rotates following the drive gear 42 as the drive gear 42 rotates. Thus, driving the conveyor driver 41 is relatively simple; simply driving the drive gear 42 to rotate is sufficient to drive the storage component 31, the connecting component 32, and the driven gear 43 to rotate.

[0153] In other embodiments, the driven gear 43 is connected to the transport driver 41, meaning that the transport driver 41 directly drives both the drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43 to rotate simultaneously. This facilitates increased motion reliability and smoothness.

[0154] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 11 The drive gear 42 has multiple drive teeth 421, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the drive gear 42. A tooth gap 30b is formed between two adjacent storage units 31. The drive teeth 421 are inserted into the tooth gap 30b to achieve meshing between the drive gear 42 and the storage unit 31.

[0155] When the drive gear 42 rotates, the drive teeth 421 inserted into the tooth gap 30b push the storage component 31 to move. The storage component 31 can move in an orderly manner with the rotation of the drive gear 42, so as to achieve the smooth operation of the atomizing medium transport device 300.

[0156] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 11 The cross-section of the drive hole 42a is a regular polygon, and the number of sides of the regular polygon is the same as the number of drive teeth 421, or the number of sides of the regular polygon hole is an integer multiple of the number of drive teeth 421.

[0157] In this embodiment, the drive hole 42a is formed as a regular polygon. By making the number of sides of the regular polygon the same as or an integer multiple of the number of drive teeth 421, when the conveyor driver 41 cooperates with the drive hole 42a, the number of rotations of the drive gear 42 driven by the conveyor driver 41 can be set to achieve precise control of the transport stroke of the storage component 31. This ensures that each time the drive gear 42 stops rotating, there is a storage component 31 located in the supply channel 50b, and the aerosol generated product 20 stored therein can be pushed to the heating component 11 for heating and atomization, increasing the accuracy of movement.

[0158] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 The number of sides of the regular polygon is the same as the number of drive teeth 421, and the line connecting the ends of two adjacent drive teeth 421 that are away from the drive hole 42a is parallel to the side of the corresponding regular polygon.

[0159] In this embodiment, the line connecting the ends of two adjacent drive teeth 421 away from the drive hole 42a is parallel to the side of the corresponding regular polygon. That is, the position and direction of each drive tooth 421 can match one side of the regular polygon, which can increase the accuracy of movement and facilitate the positioning of the drive gear 42 and the conveyor driver 41 during assembly, and facilitate the precise matching of the drive hole 42a of the conveyor driver 41 and the drive gear 42.

[0160] For example, the drive gear 421 has a symmetrical structure, and the plane of symmetry of the drive gear 421 passes through the center of the regular polygon and the intersection of two adjacent sides. In this way, the delivery driver 41 can accurately control the stroke of the drive gear 42 so that a storage piece 31 is located within the supply channel 50b.

[0161] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 The housing 50 has a socket 52a that communicates with the drive hole 42a. The socket 5a is used for the conveyor shaft 414 of the conveyor driver 41 to pass through and be inserted into the drive hole 42a.

[0162] In this embodiment, the drive gear 42 can be fixed axially within the receiving space 50a. Thus, by configuring the drive gear 42, when it engages with the storage component 31, one of the storage components 31 is located in the supply channel 50b. When aerosol generation is required, the supply drive assembly 12 directly pushes the aerosol-generated product 20 from the storage component 31 located in the supply channel 50b to the heating chamber 11a. Therefore, in this embodiment, by adjusting the engagement position of the drive gear 42 and the storage component 31, the aerosol generating device 10 can stably atomize during operation. Installation is convenient and simple, requiring no additional positioning structure for the storage component 31.

[0163] The specific construction of the container 50 is not limited.

[0164] In some embodiments, the side of the receiving box 50 away from the heating chamber 11a is open and defines the receiving space 50a.

[0165] In other words, in this embodiment, the container 50 itself is an open structure. When replenishing the aerosol-generated product 20, the aerosol-generated product 20 can be directly inserted into the storage cavity 31a from the open part of the container 50 without disassembling the container 50, thus increasing the convenience of replenishment.

[0166] In this embodiment, the housing 50 can be a one-piece structure.

[0167] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 17 The container 50 includes a first side plate 51 and a second side plate 52, which are arranged at intervals along a first direction. The storage member 31 and the connecting member 32 are located between the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52. The first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52 have a positioning groove 50f on the side facing the storage member 31. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a first bearing. The drive gear 42 is connected to a first rotating shaft. The first bearing is housed in the positioning groove 50f. The first rotating shaft is connected to the first bearing.

[0168] In this embodiment, the drive gear 42 can be positioned axially within the accommodating space 50b by the cooperation of the positioning groove 50f and the first rotating shaft, so that the position of the drive gear 42 within the accommodating space 50b is fixed. The connection between the first rotating shaft and the first bearing can improve the rotational stability of the drive gear 42, reduce the probability of the drive gear 42 disengaging from the storage component 31 due to vibration and shaking caused by rotation, and increase motion stability.

[0169] In this embodiment, the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 can be a split structure.

[0170] For example, the insertion hole 52a is provided on the second side plate 52, and the positioning groove 50f is provided on the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52. The driven gear 43 can also be positioned by the positioning groove 50f.

[0171] In some embodiments, the atomizing medium transport device 300 may further include a second bearing, which may be disposed within the insertion hole 52a, with one end of the first rotating shaft away from the first bearing connected to the second bearing. A drive hole 42a is disposed on the first rotating shaft.

[0172] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 17 The movement trajectories of the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 on the surfaces of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52 include the avoidance area 51b and the support area 51c.

[0173] Understandably, the clearance area 51b can reduce the friction between the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 and the surfaces of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52 during movement, thereby reducing the movement resistance of the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 and facilitating the drive gear 42 to drive the storage component 31 and the connecting component 32 to move.

[0174] Furthermore, within the support region 51c, the frictional force between the surface of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52 and the storage member 31 is greater than the frictional force between the surface of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52 within the clearance region 51b. This allows the storage cavity 30a to adjust its axial position under the action of friction when the storage member 31 is within the support region 51c, so that the axial direction of the storage cavity 30a is perpendicular to the surface of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52, facilitating the movement of the storage cavity 30a to align with the supply channel 50b.

[0175] For example, the distance between the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 in the support area 51c is less than the distance in the avoidance area 51b. In this way, the resistance of the storage member 31 during movement can be minimized.

[0176] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 17 There are two support areas 51c, one of which is located around the drive gear 42, and the other is located around the driven gear 43. Thus, when the storage member 31 moves to the support area 51c, it can adjust its relative position along the axial direction under the frictional force of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52, so that the drive gear 42 and the driven gear 43 can better engage with the storage member 31.

[0177] It should be noted that the specific formation methods of the avoidance area 51b and the support area 51c are not limited.

[0178] In some embodiments, a portion of the surface of the first side plate 51 and / or the second side plate 52 facing the storage member 31 is recessed to form a clearance area 51b, and a non-recessed portion forms a support area 51c.

[0179] Understandably, when the storage component 31 moves from the support area 51c to the clearance area 51b, the distance between the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 increases, which reduces the contact area between the storage component 31 and the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52, thereby reducing the movement resistance of the storage component 31 and facilitating the movement of the storage component 31 under the drive of the drive gear 42; when the storage component 31 moves from the clearance area 51b to the support area 51c, the distance between the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52 decreases, which increases the contact area between the storage component 31 and the first side plate 51 and the second side plate 52, increasing the movement resistance of the storage component 31 and facilitating the adjustment of the axial position of the storage cavity 30a under the action of friction.

[0180] In some embodiments, along the annular direction of the ring structure formed by the storage member 31 and the connector 32, the recessed and non-recessed portions are smoothly connected by a slope. This makes the transition between the support region 51c and the avoidance region 51b smooth, thereby improving the smoothness of movement of the storage member 31.

[0181] In other embodiments, the drive gear 42 may be fixed axially within the mounting space 14a rather than within the housing 50, that is, the housing 50 is not provided with a structure for mounting the drive gear 42.

[0182] For example, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 A clearance groove 50e is provided on the side of the first side plate 51 or the second side plate 52 away from the supply drive assembly 12. The drive gear 42 enters the receiving space 50a through the clearance groove 50e and meshes with a portion of the storage component 31 therein.

[0183] In this embodiment, the clearance groove 50e reduces the likelihood of interference between the storage component 31 and the drive gear 42, thus increasing the reliability of the connection. The receiving box 50 does not axially position the drive gear 42. As long as the receiving box 42 connects with the drive gear 42, the drive gear 42 is positioned to correspond with the supply channel 50b. Similarly, as long as the storage component 31 meshes with the drive gear 42, one storage component 31 is located within the supply channel 50b. This embodiment allows for the provision of a positioning structure to adjust the position of each storage component 31, ensuring that one of them is located within the supply channel and directly connects with the drive gear 42, thus minimizing the impact on the drive gear 42.

[0184] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 3 to 7The aerosol generating device 10 includes a positioning element 60, which is disposed on the side of the receiving box 50 away from the heating component 11 along the first direction. The positioning element 60 is detachably connected to the receiving box 50 and is used to position the atomizing medium transport component 30 so that one of the storage chambers 30a is aligned with the supply channel 50b.

[0185] In this embodiment, the installation position of each storage component 31 is adjusted and positioned by setting the positioning component 60, so that the atomizing medium transport device 300 can dock with the drive gear 42 in the correct installation position. Moreover, one of the storage components 31 is located in the supply channel, which reduces the impact on the drive gear 42. There is no need to adjust the position of the drive gear 42 and the pre-assembled whole during installation, and the docking reliability is high.

[0186] The positioning element 60 is detachably connected to the receiving box 50. That is, when the storage element 31 is correctly engaged with the drive gear 42, the storage element 31 can be positioned by the engagement of the drive gear 42 with the storage element 31. This allows the positioning element 60 to be removed from the atomizing medium transport device 300 and placed outside the aerosol generating device 10. While facilitating the continuous movement of the atomizing medium transport assembly 30, it also reduces the likelihood of the positioning element 60 affecting other structures within the aerosol generating device 10, resulting in a simpler structure after docking.

[0187] It is understandable that by setting the structure of the positioning element 60 and the aerosol generating device 10, a foolproof design can be formed, so that when the positioning element 60 is not removed, the aerosol generating device 10 cannot be fully docked with the atomizing medium transport device 300, thus prompting the user to remove the positioning element 60 before the aerosol generating device 10 can be fully docked with the atomizing medium transport device 300 for atomization.

[0188] The specific structure of the positioning element 60 is not limited.

[0189] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The positioning member 60 includes at least one positioning block 61, at least a portion of which is inserted between two adjacent storage members 31 along the axial direction of the storage member 31. The multiple storage members 31 can move synchronously under the insertion force of the positioning block 61, so that the positioning block 61 abuts and positions itself against the two adjacent storage members 31 respectively.

[0190] Understandably, the positioning block 61 can adopt the tooth profile design of the drive gear 42 in order to better position the storage component 31 and the aerosol generating product 20.

[0191] In this embodiment, when the positioning member 60 docks with the atomizing medium transport assembly 30, during the axial insertion process of the positioning block 61, the position of the storage member 31 will cause some interference to the insertion of the positioning block 61. The insertion force of the positioning block 61 can act on its adjacent storage members 31, so that each storage member 31 moves and adjusts its relative position, so that the positioning block 61 can abut and position with the two adjacent storage members 31 respectively, completing the docking of the positioning member 60 with the atomizing medium transport assembly 30. At this time, one of the storage members 31 is in the supply channel 50b.

[0192] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 6 to 7 The receiving box 50 has a mounting hole 50c and a clearance space 50d on the first side along the axial direction of the storage member 31. The positioning member 60 has a positioning protrusion 62, which is inserted into the mounting hole 50c. The positioning block 61 passes through the clearance space 50d and is disposed in the receiving space 50a to abut against the storage member 31 on the first side along the axial direction. The second side along the axial direction of the storage member 31 is used to mesh with the drive gear 42.

[0193] In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 62 and the mounting hole 50c are used to install and position the positioning member 60. After the positioning member 60 and the receiving box 50 are engaged, the positioning block 61 can also pass through the clearance space 50d and abut against the adjacent storage member 31. The positioning block 61 and the storage member 31 abut against each other along the first axial side, and the drive gear 42 abuts against the storage member 31 along the second axial side. This makes it easy to maintain the correct position of the storage member 31 when the drive gear 42 is engaged with the storage member 31, without interfering with the engagement between the drive gear 42 and the storage member 31. At the same time, the removal of the positioning member 60 will not interfere with the drive gear 42, making the operation highly convenient.

[0194] The specific structure of the shell 14 is not limited.

[0195] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The housing 14 includes an atomizing sub-housing 141 and a supply sub-housing 142. At least one of the atomizing sub-housing 141 and the supply sub-housing 142 defines an installation space 14a. The atomizing sub-housing 141 and the supply sub-housing 142 are movably connected and can move relative to each other to separate the atomizing medium transport device 300 from the aerosol generating device 10 or to install the atomizing medium transport device 300 onto the aerosol generating device 10.

[0196] The atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 are movably connected, meaning that they can rotate or translate relative to each other. Specifically, in operation, the atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 are closed together, sealing the installation space 14a to enclose the atomizing medium transport device 300 within the shell 14, ensuring stable atomization. When it is necessary to replenish the aerosol-generating product 20, the atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 are moved relative to each other, exposing the atomizing medium transport device 300 to the external space, allowing for separation of the atomizing medium transport device 300 from the aerosol generating device 10 or installation of the atomizing medium transport device 300 into the aerosol generating device 10.

[0197] In this embodiment, by movably connecting the atomizing subshell 141 to the supply subshell 142, the replacement of the atomizing medium transport device 300 is facilitated, increasing operational convenience.

[0198] For example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 are rotatably connected, meaning that the atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 can rotate relative to each other. For example, the atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 are hinged together.

[0199] In other embodiments, the atomizing subshell 141 is detachably connected to the supply subshell 142.

[0200] The method of detaching the atomizing sub-shell 141 and the supply sub-shell 142 is not limited. For example, it can be screwed, riveted, etc., and there is no limitation here.

[0201] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The atomizing sub-shell 141 is open on one side along the thickness direction to define the installation space 14a. The supply drive assembly 12 is disposed in the supply sub-shell 142. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a power supply assembly 16, which is disposed inside the supply sub-shell 142 and is not in communication with the installation space 14a; or, the power supply assembly 16 is disposed inside the atomizing sub-shell 141 and is not in communication with the installation space 14a.

[0202] The power supply component 16 can provide electrical energy to the heating component 11, so that the heating component 11 can atomize the aerosol generating article 20. Of course, in some embodiments, the power supply component 16 can also provide electrical energy to the drive component 12, so that the drive component 12 can apply driving force to the aerosol generating article 20. In this way, the two structures share a single power supply, which can help simplify the structure of the aerosol generating device 10 and make the structure of the aerosol generating device 10 more compact.

[0203] In this embodiment, the power supply component 16 is disposed inside either the supply sub-shell 142 or the atomizing sub-shell 141, and is not connected to the installation space 14a, which facilitates the protection of the power supply component 16 and reduces the adverse effects on the power supply component 16 during the switching between the working state and the feeding state.

[0204] This application provides an aerosol generation system.

[0205] The aerosol generation system includes the aerosol generation device 10 of any of the above embodiments of this application and the atomizing medium transport device 300 of any of the embodiments of this application. The atomizing medium transport device 300 is detachably disposed within the aerosol generation device 10.

[0206] In the description of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, 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 a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0207] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An atomizing medium transport device, for installation within an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Multiple aerosol-generated products; The atomizing medium transport assembly includes multiple storage units and multiple connecting units. The multiple storage units are spaced apart, and adjacent storage units are connected by the connecting units to form a ring structure. Each storage unit has a storage cavity, which stores the aerosol generating product. The atomizing medium transport assembly and the aerosol generating product form a pre-assembled whole and are installed as a replaceable module into the aerosol generating device.

2. The atomizing medium transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage unit is cylindrical, with its opposite ends open along the axial direction; and / or, a tooth gap is provided between two adjacent storage units for the drive teeth of the drive gear of the aerosol generating device to be inserted.

3. The atomizing medium transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector and the storage unit are an integral structure; and / or, all of the storage cavities store the aerosol-generated product.

4. The atomizing medium transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage component is a rigid structure, and the connector is a flexible structure; Alternatively, the storage component includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder, the outer cylinder being sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder, the space inside the inner cylinder defining the storage cavity, and the connector connecting two adjacent outer cylinders, the outer cylinder and the connector being a flexible structure.

5. The atomizing medium transport device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The aerosol generating article is provided with at least one air passage extending through it along its axial direction; and / or, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating medium segment and a coating layer, the coating layer covering at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating medium segment.

6. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising the atomizing medium transport device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a container box, which has a receiving space inside, and the atomizing medium transport device is housed within the receiving space.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device further includes a housing and a heating component. The housing has an installation space, and the receiving box and the heating component are disposed within the installation space. The heating component has a heating chamber, and the receiving box has a receiving space and a supply channel. The supply channel extends through the receiving box along a first direction and communicates with the heating chamber. The atomizing medium transport device can move within the receiving space so that multiple aerosol generating products move sequentially to the position corresponding to the supply channel.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a supply driving component and a conveying driving component, which are disposed within the housing. The conveying driving component is used to drive the atomizing medium transport device to move within the accommodating space, so that each of the storage components moves sequentially to the supply channel. The supply driving component is used to push the aerosol generating product located in the supply channel to the heating chamber along the first direction.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The supply drive assembly includes a product driver and a product drive component. The product driver is located at the end of the product drive component away from the atomizing medium transport device. The product driver is driven to the product drive component to drive the product drive component to reciprocate along the first direction, thereby achieving a separable contact with the aerosol-generated product located in the supply channel.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The delivery drive assembly includes a drive gear and a delivery driver. At least a portion of the drive gear is disposed in the receiving space and engages with a portion of the storage element therein to drive the atomizing medium transport assembly to move within the receiving space. The conveying driver is disposed outside the receiving box, the driving gear has a driving hole, and the output shaft of the conveying driver is inserted into the driving hole so that the driving gear can rotate under the action of the conveying driver.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The drive gear has multiple drive teeth, which are arranged circumferentially around the drive gear. A tooth gap is formed between two adjacent storage components, and the drive teeth are inserted into the tooth gap to achieve meshing between the drive gear and the storage component. The cross-section of the drive hole is a regular polygon, and the number of sides of the regular polygon is the same as the number of drive teeth, or the number of sides of the regular polygon is an integer multiple of the number of drive teeth.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The number of sides of the regular polygon is the same as the number of driving teeth. The driving teeth have a symmetrical structure, and the plane of symmetry of the driving teeth passes through the center of the regular polygon and the intersection of two adjacent sides.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The container includes a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the atomizing medium transport device is located between the first side plate and the second side plate; The first side plate and / or the second side plate have a positioning groove on the side facing the atomizing medium transport device. The aerosol generating device includes a first bearing. The drive gear is connected to a first rotating shaft. The first bearing is housed in the positioning groove. The first rotating shaft is connected to the first bearing.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The container includes a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the atomizing medium transport device is located between the first side plate and the second side plate; The first side plate or the second side plate is provided with a clearance groove on the side away from the supply drive assembly, and the drive gear enters the receiving space through the clearance groove and meshes with a portion of the storage component therein.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a positioning element disposed on the side of the receiving box away from the heating component along the first direction. The positioning element is detachably connected to the receiving box and is used to position the atomizing medium transport component so that one of the storage chambers is aligned with the supply channel.

16. An aerosol generation system, characterized in that, include: The atomizing medium transport device according to any one of claims 1-5; And the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 6-15; wherein the atomizing medium transport device is detachably disposed within the aerosol generating apparatus.

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