Aerosol generating device and heater for aerosol generating device

Abstract

The utility model provides an aerosol generating device and a heater for the aerosol generating device. The aerial fog generating device comprises a tubular base body and a plurality of air nozzles, the heating element is formed or combined on the base body; a heat diffusion element mounted in the base body; the heat diffusion element is arranged to be capable of receiving heat from the heating element to generate heat, and a plurality of air channels are arranged in the heat diffusion element; air passes through the air channel, is heated and then is output to the aerosol generating product so as to heat the aerosol generating product; and a holding element at least partially located between the base body and the heat diffusion element and holding the heat diffusion element. According to the aerial fog generating device, the heat diffusion element is kept in the base body through the keeping element, and it is beneficial for preventing the heat diffusion element from being combined or assembled with the base body in a close-fitting or interference mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of heat-not-burn aerosol generation, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a heater for the aerosol generating device. Background Art

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

[0003] An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating rather than burning a material. For example, the material may be an aerosol-generating product containing tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. A known heating device arranges a heating element around the outside of a honeycomb ceramic so that air is heated to form a hot air flow when passing through the channel holes in the honeycomb ceramic; and then the tobacco or other non-tobacco product is heated by the hot air flow. Utility Model Content

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

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

[0006] a heating element formed on or bonded to the substrate;

[0007] a heat diffusion element, which is contained or installed in the base; the heat diffusion element is arranged to receive heat from the heating element and generate heat, and a plurality of air channels are arranged in the heat diffusion element; in use, air at least partially passes through the air channels, and is heated in the air channels and then output to the aerosol generating product to heat the aerosol generating product;

[0008] A retaining element is at least partially located between the substrate and the heat spreading element and retains the heat spreading element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the retaining element is greater than 30 W / mk, and the heat spreading element is arranged to indirectly receive heat from the retaining element originating from the heating element.

[0010] In some embodiments, in use, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is receivable within the base through the first end;

[0011] The heating element comprises a first heating element and a second heating element which are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the substrate; the first heating element is closer to the first end than the second heating element;

[0012] In the axial direction of the substrate, the heat diffusion element overlaps with at least a portion of the second heating element.

[0013] In some embodiments, the retaining element and / or the heat spreading element are axially away from the first heating element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the substrate is configured to generate heat by receiving heat from the first heating element and / or the second heating element, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] In some embodiments, the retaining element comprises a radially extending first lip; the first lip is positioned between the heat diffusing element and the first end of the substrate for the aerosol generating article to abut against and thereby provide a stop.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first protrusion is spaced apart from the first heating element by a distance greater than 3 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the retaining element further comprises an abutment portion extending from the first flange to the heat diffusion element; the heat diffusion element axially abuts against the abutment portion, thereby forming a gap with the first flange; the gap is configured to prevent heat from the heat diffusion element from being transferred to the first flange.

[0018] In some embodiments, the substrate has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in an axial direction; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially contained or received in the substrate through the first end;

[0019] The retaining element further comprises an extension wall extending from the heat diffusion element toward the second end of the base body; at least one or more thermal barriers are arranged on the extension wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the thermal barrier comprises hollows or windows or holes formed in the extended wall.

[0021] In some embodiments, the retaining element at least partially surrounds or encloses the heat spreading element.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present application further provides a heater for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0023] Tubular matrix;

[0024] at least one heating element formed on or bonded to the substrate;

[0025] a heat diffusion element, which is contained or installed in the base and is arranged to extend along the axial direction of the base; the heat diffusion element is arranged to receive heat from the heating element to generate heat, and a plurality of air channels are arranged in the heat diffusion element;

[0026] A retaining element is at least partially located between the substrate and the heat spreading element and retains the heat spreading element.

[0027] Another embodiment of the present application further provides an aerosol generating device, which is configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0028] a tubular substrate having a first end and a second end opposite to each other in an axial direction; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially contained or received in the substrate through the first end;

[0029] at least one heating element formed on or bonded to the substrate;

[0030] A metal or alloy heat diffusion element at least partially extends from the second end of the substrate into or is assembled in the substrate; the heat diffusion element is arranged to contact and abut against the substrate to conduct heat to each other, and then indirectly receives heat from the substrate from the heating element to generate heat; a plurality of air channels are arranged in the heat diffusion element; in use, air at least partially passes through the air channels, and is heated in the air channels and then output to the aerosol generating product to heat the aerosol generating product.

[0031] In some embodiments, the heat diffusion element is retained in the base by interference fit or tight fit with the base.

[0032] The above aerosol generating device holds the heat diffusion element in the base body by means of the holding element, which is advantageous for preventing the heat diffusion element from being tightly fitted or interference fitted to or assembled with the base body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle heater from one perspective;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central heater from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of a view of the central heater;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a central heater from one perspective;

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the assembled retaining element and the heat diffusion element;

[0040] Figure 7 Is the aerosol generating article received at Figure 5 Schematic diagram of heating in a heater;

[0041] Figure 8 is an exploded schematic diagram of a heater in a cross-sectional view according to yet another embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross section of the heater after assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application is described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0044] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device 100 that heats an aerosol generating product 1000, such as a cigarette, instead of burning it, so that at least one component of the aerosol generating product 1000 is volatilized or released to form an aerosol for inhalation, for example Figure 1 shown.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1000 preferably uses a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the substrate when heated; or it can also be a non-tobacco material that can be heated and suitable for electric heating and smoking. The aerosol generating article 1000 preferably uses a solid substrate, which can include one or more of powder, particles, fragments, strips or sheets of one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, and expanded tobacco; or, the solid substrate can contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds to be released when the substrate is heated.

[0046] according to Figure 1 As shown, in an embodiment, after the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the aerosol generating device 100, a portion thereof is exposed outside the aerosol generating device 100, such as a filter tip, for the user to inhale.

[0047] The structure of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the present application can be seen in Figure 1 As shown, the overall appearance of the device is roughly constructed in the shape of a flat cylinder, and the external components of the aerosol generating device 100 include:

[0048] The shell 10 is hollow inside, thereby forming an assembly space for necessary functional components such as electronic devices and heating devices; the shell 10 has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite to each other along the length direction.

[0049] according to Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0050] a receiving opening 111 located at the proximal end 110; in use, the aerosol generating article 1000 can be at least partially received in the aerosol generating device 100 through the receiving opening 111, or removed from the aerosol generating device 100 through the receiving opening 111;

[0051] The chamber 310 is used to receive or accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 1000 extending into the aerosol generating device 100 through the receiving opening 111;

[0052] The heater 30 at least partially surrounds or defines the chamber 310. In use, the heater 30 partially surrounds the aerosol generating article 1000 from the outside and heats the aerosol generating article 1000 from the outside; and in use, the heater 30 partially heats the air passing through the heater 30 during inhalation, and outputs the heated hot air to the aerosol generating article 1000, thereby partially heating the aerosol generating article 1000 through the hot air.

[0053] In an embodiment, the heater 30 is at least partially supported and held by the support wall 150. In an embodiment, the support wall 150 is located between the heater 30 and the distal end 120. In use, the support wall 150 defines an air inlet channel for providing a partial passage path from the air inlet 121 into the chamber 310 / aerosol generating article 1000, such as Figure 1 As shown by the arrow R11.

[0054] according to Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0055] A battery cell 130 for supplying power; preferably, the battery cell 130 is a rechargeable DC battery cell 130;

[0056] The circuit board 140 is provided with a circuit for controlling the battery cell 130 to provide power to the heater 30 .

[0057] according to Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the heater 30 comprises:

[0058] The tubular base body 31 has a first end 311 and a second end 312 which are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first end 311 faces or is close to the proximal end 110 / the receiving port 111 . The chamber 310 is formed or defined by a partial space in the base body 31 .

[0059] In some embodiments, the material of the substrate 31 is a material with good thermal conductivity, such as ceramic, glass, surface insulating metal or alloy such as anodized aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, stainless steel, etc. In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the substrate 31 is greater than 30 W / mk or higher; in a more preferred embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the substrate 31 is greater than 100 W / mk or higher. In some embodiments, the substrate 31 includes a metal suitable for the above high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, copper, titanium, or an alloy containing at least one of them.

[0060] In some embodiments, the substrate 31 has a wall thickness of about 0.05 mm to 1 mm; in some optional embodiments, the substrate 31 has a wall thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The substrate 31 has an inner diameter of about 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm; the substrate 31 has a length of about 15 mm to 40 mm. In an embodiment, the length of the aerosol-generating article 1000 surrounded or enclosed by the substrate 31 is greater than 8 mm.

[0061] according to Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the heater 30 also includes:

[0062] The first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 are combined on the base 31 .

[0063] In an embodiment, the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 are arranged to at least partially surround or enclose the base 31. In an embodiment, the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the heater 30.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 include resistive heating elements; and the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 can generate resistive Joule heat and generate heat when a direct current flows through. And in some embodiments, the material of the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 adopts a composite material of a metal material, a metal alloy, graphite, carbon, a conductive ceramic or other ceramic material and a metal material with appropriate impedance. Among them, the appropriate metal or alloy material includes at least one of nickel, cobalt, zirconium, titanium, nickel alloy, cobalt alloy, zirconium alloy, titanium alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, nickel-iron alloy, iron-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloy or stainless steel. Or in some other embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 can also include an infrared heating element, etc. The first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are made of an electrically induced infrared emitting material, and can heat the aerosol generating product 1000 received in the substrate 31 by radiating infrared rays.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 may be formed on the tubular substrate 31 by spraying or deposition. Alternatively, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are in the form of a coating or film formed on the substrate 31. Specifically, for example, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are formed by depositing a resistive metal or alloy material on the outer surface of the substrate 31 by vapor deposition.

[0066] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are circumferentially circuitous and meandering tracks; or, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are patterned tracks. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are infrared emitting coatings formed on the substrate 31 by printing, spraying, deposition, etc.; the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are electrically induced infrared emitting coatings, which can emit infrared rays into the chamber to heat the aerosol generating product 1000 when current flows through the infrared emitting coatings. The infrared emitting coatings for radiating infrared rays of the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 may include oxides of at least one or more metal elements such as Mg, Al, Ti, Zr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Zn, which can radiate far infrared rays having a heating effect when electrically heated to an appropriate temperature.

[0067] Or in some other embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are independently prepared and then wrapped or wound on the substrate 31 .

[0068] In some embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are insulated from the substrate 31. In some conventional embodiments, the outer surface of the substrate 31 may be formed with a surface insulating layer by surface anodization, spraying, deposition, etc. The surface insulating layer may include at least one of oxides, glazes, ceramics, organic polymers, etc. Or in some other embodiments, a layer of insulating organic polymer film is provided between the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 and the substrate 31 to provide insulation therebetween; for example, the organic polymer film may be a polyimide film, a polytetrafluoroethylene film, etc.

[0069] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first heating element 32 is closer to the first end 311 of the substrate 31 than the second heating element 33; and the second heating element 33 is closer to the second end 312 of the substrate 31 than the first heating element 32. Figures 2 to 7 In the embodiment shown in , the first heating element 32 and the first end 311 of the substrate 31 have a first spacing, the first spacing is about 1mm to 3mm; the second heating element 33 and the second end 312 of the substrate 31 have a second spacing, the second spacing is about 2mm to 4mm; the second spacing is greater than the first spacing. In the embodiment, the first spacing and / or the second spacing define a clamping area or an assembly area on the outer surface of the substrate 31; during assembly, the heater 30 is clamped and installed by the clamping component or the fixing component in the aerosol generating device 100 in combination with the assembly area defined by the first spacing and / or the second spacing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are annular around a portion of the substrate 31. In some embodiments, the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 are arranged in a spaced relationship so that the outer surface of the substrate 31 further defines an exposed area 314 between them. In use, the substrate 31 and the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 are thermally conductive to each other; the substrate 31 can heat the aerosol-generating article 1000 in part by receiving heat from the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33.

[0071] according to Figure 4As shown, the first heating element 32 has a first length dimension d1, and the second heating element 33 has a second length dimension d2; the first length dimension d1 is slightly smaller than the second length dimension d2. For example, in some embodiments, the first length dimension d1 is between 3 mm and 6 mm, and more specifically, the first length dimension d1 is 4.7 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the second length dimension d2 is between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more specifically, the second length dimension d2 is 6 mm. The exposed area 314 of the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 has a third length dimension d3. In some embodiments, the third length dimension d3 is greater than the first length dimension d1 and the second length dimension d2; for example, in some embodiments, the third length dimension d3 is between 5 mm and 9 mm, and more specifically, the third length dimension d3 is 6.7 mm.

[0072] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 30 further comprises:

[0073] The first electrode 34 is of an elongated or longitudinal shape; the first electrode 34 extends from the first heating element 32 to the second heating element 33; a portion of the first electrode 34 is coupled to the first heating element 32, thereby being conductively connected to the first heating element 32; another portion of the first electrode 34 is coupled to the second heating element 33, thereby being conductively connected to the second heating element 33; and the first electrode 34 passes through the exposed area 314 in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the extended length of the first electrode 34 spans or substantially spans the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33. Alternatively, the length of the first electrode 34 is substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of the first heating element 32, the exposed area 314, and the second heating element 33.

[0074] The second electrode 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the heater 30; the second electrode 35 is formed or combined on the first heating element 32 and avoids the second heating element 33; the second electrode 35 spans the first heating element 32 and is conductively connected to the first heating element 32; and the second electrode 35 is arranged away from the first electrode 34 along the radial direction of the substrate 31 or the heater 30.

[0075] The third electrode 36 extends along the longitudinal direction of the heater 30; and the third electrode 36 is arranged away from the first electrode 34 along the radial direction of the substrate 31 or the heater 30; the length of the third electrode 36 along the axial direction of the heater 30 only covers or the second heating element 33 and avoids the first heating element 32; the third electrode 36 is conductively connected to the second heating element 33.

[0076] In an embodiment, the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 are made of gold, silver, copper or alloys thereof with low resistivity. In some embodiments, the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 are electrode coatings formed by spraying or deposition, etc., so as to guide current through them on the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33. Or in some other variant embodiments, the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 can also be replaced by thinner sheet electrodes, which are formed on the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 by welding or close contact. In an embodiment, the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 are longitudinally long strips; specifically, the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 have a width of about 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0077] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode 34 is welded and connected to the first conductive lead 341 through the first welding material 342, and is connected to the circuit board 140 through the first conductive lead 341; the second electrode 35 is welded and connected to the second conductive lead 351 through the second welding material 352, and is connected to the circuit board 140 through the second conductive lead 351; the third electrode 36 is welded and connected to the third conductive lead 361 through the third welding material 362, and is connected to the circuit board 140 through the third conductive lead 361.

[0078] In use, the circuit board 140 can selectively connect any two or three of the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 to the circuit, thereby selectively guiding the current on the first heating element 32 and / or the second heating element 33 of the heater 30. Specifically, for example, the first electrode 34, the second electrode 35 and the third electrode 36 are selectively connected to the circuit of the circuit board 140 through a switch tube such as a MOS tube that can be switched between an on state and an off state, thereby enabling one of the first heating element 32 or the second heating element 33 to start heating and the other to not start heating, thereby heating separately. For another example, the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 are connected to the circuit board 140 in a series or parallel manner, so that the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 can be heated simultaneously.

[0079] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 30 further comprises:

[0080] A heat diffusion element 37 is housed or held in the base 31 for heating air passing through the heat diffusion element 37; the heat diffusion element 37 is substantially aligned or overlapped with the second heating element 33 in the longitudinal direction;

[0081] The retaining element 38 surrounds and retains the heat spreading element 37 at least partially within the base body 31 .

[0082] In the embodiment, the heat diffusion element 37 receives heat indirectly from the holding element 38 from the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 to generate heat; specifically, the heat generated by the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33 is sequentially transferred to the heat diffusion element 37 via the substrate 31 and the holding element 38 .

[0083] In an embodiment, the heat diffusion element 37 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the heater 30 and / or the substrate 31. Also, the heat diffusion element 37 is basically configured to be a columnar shape, for example, the heat diffusion element 37 is a cylindrical shape; or in some other embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 is a square column or a prism. For another example, the heat diffusion element 37 can be a honeycomb structure, etc. In some embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 has an axial length substantially the same as that of the second heating element 33; for example, the axial length of the heat diffusion element 37 is between 4 mm and 8 mm. Also, the heat diffusion element 37 has an outer diameter of about 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0084] In an embodiment, the heat diffusion element 37 has a plurality of air channels 371 arranged in an orderly manner in a predetermined direction; and in an embodiment, the plurality of air channels 371 extend straightly along the axial direction of the heat diffusion element 37. And, the plurality of air channels 371 penetrate the heat diffusion element 37 along the axial direction of the heat diffusion element 37. The plurality of air channels 371 may be formed in the form of through holes in the heat diffusion element 37 made of dense material; and in some embodiments, the cross section of the air channel 371 is circular; or in some other embodiments, the air channel 371 may also be a cross section of a hexagonal, quadrilateral, triangular or other forms.

[0085] In an embodiment, the plurality of air channels 371 are arranged in an orderly manner in the heat diffusion element 37. The extension of the air channels 371 has a predetermined direction, not in a disordered manner. In an embodiment, the plurality of air channels 371 are arranged in an array in the heat diffusion element 37. And in an embodiment, air can pass through the air channels 371 and be heated in the air channels 371 before being output to the aerosol generating article 1000, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown by the arrow R12 in the middle. In the embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of air channels 371 in the heat diffusion element 37 makes the heat diffusion element 37 in the form of a honeycomb structure.

[0086] exist Figures 2 to 7In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of air channels 371 are substantially uniformly distributed in the heat diffusion element 37. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the plurality of air channels 371 are non-uniformly distributed in the heat diffusion element 37. For example, the number / density of the plurality of air channels 371 in the central region of the heat diffusion element 37 is less than or greater than the number / distribution density near the outer region. In an embodiment, corresponding to the columnar-shaped heat diffusion element 37, the central region of the heat diffusion element 37 may be substantially a region within a radial direction at a distance from the center of the cross section equal to 1 / 2 of the diameter; the outer portion is the region surrounding the portion outside the central region. "Distribution density" may be the number of air channels 371 contained in a unit area in the cross section; or "distribution density" may be characterized as the volume occupied by the air channels 371, for example, the distribution density of the air channels 371 in the central region may be characterized as the volume of the air channels 371 in the central region.

[0087] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the air passage 371 avoids the outer edge region of the heat diffusion element 37. There is no air passage 371 in the region of about 2 mm of the outer edge of the heat diffusion element 37.

[0088] In the embodiment, the air channel 371 has a relatively large diameter; for example, the diameter of the air channel 371 is in the range of 0.01 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm, so that air can flow smoothly.

[0089] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air channel 371 is basically constant and the same along the axial direction; or in some other variations, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air channel 371 varies, for example, the cross-sectional area or diameter of at least part of the air channel 371 gradually decreases in the axial direction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 is dense. Accordingly, the air channel 371 is formed by laser perforation, machining, etc. on the dense precursor forming the heat diffusion element 37. For example, the method of machining to form the air channel 371 may include piercing the dense precursor with a thin and long needle or a drill bit to form the air channel 371 and thus prepare the heat diffusion element 37.

[0091] In some embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 includes: graphite; and at least one of oxides such as silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. And in some embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 includes: 47-85wt% graphite, 15-53wt% oxides such as at least one of oxides such as silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and calcium oxide. In an embodiment, the heat diffusion element 37 substantially does not include metal in a single substance form. For example, in some specific embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 includes: 65-80wt% graphite, 20-35wt% oxides.

[0092] In some embodiments, the oxide in the heat diffusion element 37 is added in the form of a clay containing a mixture of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide and calcium oxide. In other words, the heat diffusion element 37 includes: 47-85wt% graphite, 15-53wt% clay. For example, in some specific embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 includes: 65-80wt% graphite, 20-35wt% clay.

[0093] For example, in some embodiments, the method for preparing the heat diffusion element 37 includes:

[0094] S10, dispersing the raw graphite powder and oxide powder (or clay powder) in a solvent such as water to form a dispersion system; during the dispersion process, stirring and heating can be performed to improve the dispersion efficiency and uniformity; for example, the heating temperature is maintained at 80 to 200° C. during the dispersion process; and the stirring and dispersing time can be 1 to 6 hours;

[0095] S20, pouring the dispersion into a mold prepared according to the shape of the heat diffusion element 37, and performing at least one compaction and drying to remove moisture and shape and solidify, so as to obtain an embryo body having the shape of the heat diffusion element 37; the shaping and solidification to form the embryo body may include multiple compaction and drying, and heating may be performed during the compaction and drying process to increase the density;

[0096] S30, the blank is placed in a machine tool, and an air channel 371 is formed by drilling a hole with a drill, thereby obtaining a heat diffusion element 37.

[0097] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heat diffusion element 37 is between 80 and 155 W / mk. Alternatively, in some specific embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heat diffusion element 37 is between 100 and 135 W / mk. In some embodiments, the actual density of the heat diffusion element 37 is between 2.2 and 3.3 g / cm 3 Or in some specific embodiments, the actual density of the heat diffusion element 37 is between 2.6 and 3.0 g / cm 3The term "actual density" is a metrological term. Actual density is a metrological term published in 2015, from the first edition of "Terms of Metrology", and is defined as "the ratio of the mass of a porous solid material to its volume (excluding the volume of "voids")". Furthermore, the actual density of the heat diffusion element 37 can be characterized as the ratio of the mass of the heat diffusion element 37 to the volume of the rest of the heat diffusion element 37 excluding the air channel 371.

[0098] In some embodiments, the heat spreading element 37 comprising graphite and oxide is black.

[0099] In some embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 including graphite and oxide has a hardness and / or blackness between 3B and 2H pencil leads. Or in some specific embodiments, the heat diffusion element 37 has a hardness and / or blackness substantially the same as or close to that of a 2B pencil lead or an HB pencil lead.

[0100] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 38 is substantially cylindrical in shape; the retaining element 38 surrounds the heat diffusion element 37 ; and the retaining element 38 is at least partially located between the heat diffusion element 37 and the tubular base 31 .

[0101] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the retaining element 38 is greater than 30 W / mk, and is used to transfer heat between the substrate 31 and the heat diffusion element 37; so that the heat diffusion element 37 receives the heat of the substrate 31 to the maximum extent and generates heat, which in turn heats the air passing through the heat diffusion element 37. In a more preferred embodiment, the retaining element 38 is made of aluminum, copper, silver, titanium or alloys containing them with relatively high thermal conductivity. More preferably, the thermal conductivity of the retaining element 38 is greater than 50 W / mk. For example, the retaining element 38 made of aluminum alloy or silver-copper alloy has a thermal conductivity greater than 80 W / mk; for example, the thermal conductivity of the retaining element 38 is between 80 and 500 W / mk. For example, in some specific embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the retaining element 38 made of aluminum alloy with alloy grade 6063, aluminum alloy with alloy grade A360 or aluminum alloy with alloy grade A380 is between 90 and 151 W / mk.

[0102] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 38 comprises:

[0103] The upper and lower ends are opposite to each other in the axial direction, and are basically cylindrical in shape extending from the upper end to the lower end. The upper end of the retaining element 38 is inserted into or installed in the base 31, and faces or is close to the first end 311 of the base 31; the lower end of the retaining element 38 is exposed or located outside the base 31. In assembly, the retaining element 38 at least partially extends from the second end 312 of the base 31 into the base 31.

[0104] During assembly, the heat diffusion element 37 is first assembled with the retaining element 38 outside the substrate 31; and then the retaining element 38 and the heat diffusion element 37 are assembled from the second end 312 of the substrate 31 into the substrate 31, which is beneficial to eliminate or avoid the extrusion crushing caused by directly assembling the heat diffusion element 37 made of graphite into the substrate 31 and tightly fitting it to form a retaining.

[0105] The retaining element 38 also includes:

[0106] A substantially annular first flange 381 is located at the upper end of the retaining element 38 and extends radially inwardly; after assembly, the first flange 381 and the first end 311 of the base 31 define a chamber 310; and when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the base 31, the insertion front end of the aerosol generating article 1000 abuts against the first flange 381 to provide a stop;

[0107] The second flange 382 , which is substantially annular, is located at the lower end of the retaining element 38 and extends outward in the radial direction; after assembly, the second flange 382 abuts against the second end 312 of the base 31 .

[0108] In an embodiment, a perforation 384 is surrounded or defined in the substantially annular first flange 381; the perforation 384 is used to provide a passage for air communication between the chamber 310 and the heat diffusion element 37. During inhalation, the air that passes through the air passage 371 from the heat diffusion element 37 and is heated is delivered or enters the aerosol generating article 1000 through the perforation 384, so as to heat the aerosol generating article 1000 partially by the hot air.

[0109] In some embodiments, the retaining element 38 is made of metal or alloy, and the substrate 31 is also made of metal or alloy; when the retaining element 38 is assembled in the substrate 31, a tight fit is formed therebetween by riveting or interference fit.

[0110] The retaining element 38 also includes:

[0111] The abutment portion 385 is formed by bending or extending from the first convex edge 381 toward the lower end; when the heat diffusion element 37 extends from the lower end of the retaining element 38 or is installed in the retaining element 38, the heat diffusion element 37 can axially abut against the abutment portion 385 to form a stop. In addition, the abutment portion 385 defines a gap 386 axially located between the heat diffusion element 37 and the first convex edge 381; the gap 386 prevents the heat of the heat diffusion element 37 from being transferred to the first convex edge 381 in large quantities.

[0112] according to Figure 7As shown, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the aerosol generating device 100, the first section 1100 of the aerosol generating article 1000 is surrounded or surrounded by the first heating element 32, and the second section 1100 is mainly located in the exposed area 314 and longitudinally avoids the first heating element 32 and the second heating element 33. In use, the first section 1100 is mainly or more heated by the heat transferred by the first heating element 32; the second section 1100 is mainly or more heated by the hot air delivered by the heat diffusion element 37. In some embodiments, the length d11 of the first section 1100 is substantially equal to or close to the length d12 of the second section 1100.

[0113] In an embodiment, the length d12 of the second section 1100 is greater than 3 mm to prevent the second section 1100 from being overheated and carbonized by the heat transferred by the hot air and the first heating element 32. That is, the distance between the first protrusion 381 and the first heating element 32 is greater than 3 mm. In some specific embodiments, the length d1 is about 6 mm.

[0114] according to Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the retaining element 38 has an extension wall extending from the heat diffusion element 37 toward the second end 312 of the substrate 31; or, the retaining element 38 has an extension wall located between the heat diffusion element 37 and the lower end of the retaining element 38, and the extension wall terminates at the lower end of the retaining element 38. At least one or more thermal barriers 383 are also arranged on the extension wall; after assembly, at least one or more thermal barriers 383 are basically located between the heat diffusion element 37 and the lower end of the retaining element 38 to minimize the transfer of heat from the retaining element 38 to the lower end, and to make the heat received by the retaining element 38 from the substrate 31 absorbed by the heat diffusion element 37 as much as possible. The thermal barrier 383 can be configured in the form of a hollow or a window or a hole located on the extension wall of the retaining element 38.

[0115] In an embodiment, the retaining element 38 is pressed against the aerosol generating article 1000 and a gap is provided between the aerosol generating article 1000 and the heat diffusion element 37 , thereby preventing condensation or organic residue of the aerosol generating article 1000 from directly adhering to the heat diffusion element 37 and blocking the air channel 371 .

[0116] or Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a heater 30a of yet another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the heater 30a comprises:

[0117] The base body 31a is configured to be tubular and extends from the first end 311a to the second end 312a;

[0118] The first heating element 32a and the second heating element 33a are formed on the substrate 31a at intervals; the first heating element 32a and the second heating element 33a are substantially annular around the substrate 31a;

[0119] A first electrode 34a, a second electrode 35a and a third electrode 36a are used to guide current on the first heating element 32a and the second heating element 33a; a first conductive lead 341a is welded or connected to the first electrode 34a, a second conductive lead 321a is welded or connected to the second electrode 35a, and a third conductive lead 361a is welded or connected to the third electrode 36a;

[0120] The heat diffusion element 39a at least partially extends from the second end 312a of the substrate 31a into or is assembled into the substrate 31a. In this embodiment, the heat diffusion element 39a is made of a metal or alloy with a thermal conductivity greater than 50W / mk, such as silver, copper, aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, silver alloy, etc.

[0121] The heat diffusion element 39a made of metal or alloy can be firmly installed and held in the substrate 31a by means of interference fit or tight fit with the substrate 31a, which is beneficial for preventing the heat diffusion element 39a made of graphite material from being crushed when installed in the substrate 31a by interference fit. The heat diffusion element 39a receives heat indirectly from the first heating element 32a and the second heating element 33a from the substrate 31a to generate heat.

[0122] In this embodiment, the heat diffusion element 39a comprises:

[0123] An upper end and a lower end facing each other in the axial direction;

[0124] The first part 391a is close to and defines the upper end; a plurality of air passages 393a formed by laser drilling or the like are arranged in the first part 391a, and the air passing through the air passages 393a can be heated;

[0125] The second part 392a is close to and defines the lower end; the second part 392a has a flange 394a extending radially outward at the lower end, and abuts against the second end 312a of the base 31a through the flange 394a; the second part 392a is basically annular; the air channel 393a of the heat diffusion element 39a of the second part 392a is axially offset or avoided from the first part 391a.

[0126] After assembly, the first portion 391a is substantially axially aligned or coincident with the second heating element 33a. The second portion 392a is substantially clear of the second heating element 33a.

[0127] In this embodiment, at least one or more thermal barriers 395a are defined on the wall of the second portion 392a to prevent the heat of the heat diffusion element 39a from being transferred to the lower end.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the heat diffusion element 39a is assembled in the substrate 31a, a chamber 310a for accommodating or receiving the aerosol generating article 1000 is at least partially defined between the heat diffusion element 39a and the first end 311a of the substrate 31a. The insertion front end of the aerosol generating article 1000 abuts against the heat diffusion element 39a to provide a stop. In use, the heater 30a partially receives heat transferred by the first heating element 32a and the second heating element 33a through the substrate 31a to heat the aerosol generating article 1000 from the periphery, and partially heats the aerosol generating article 1000 by hot air passing through the heat diffusion element 39a and entering the interior of the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0129] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are given in the specification and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification. Furthermore, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; characterized in that: include: a tubular substrate for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article; a heating element formed on or bonded to the substrate; a heat diffusion element, which is contained or installed in the base; the heat diffusion element is arranged to receive heat from the heating element and generate heat, and a plurality of air channels are arranged in the heat diffusion element; In use, air at least partially passes through the air passage and is heated in the air passage before being output to the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-generating article; A retaining element is at least partially located between the substrate and the heat spreading element and retains the heat spreading element.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The thermal conductivity of the retaining element is greater than 30 W / mk, and the heat spreading element is arranged to indirectly receive heat originating from the heating element from the retaining element.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The substrate has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in an axial direction; in use, at least a portion of the aerosol generating article can be received in the substrate through the first end; The heating element comprises a first heating element and a second heating element which are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the substrate; the first heating element is closer to the first end than the second heating element; In the axial direction of the substrate, the heat diffusion element overlaps with at least a portion of the second heating element.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that The retaining element and / or the heat spreading element are axially spaced away from the first heating element.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The substrate is configured to generate heat by receiving heat from the first heating element and / or the second heating element, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that The retaining element comprises a radially extending first lip positioned between the heat diffusing element and the first end of the substrate for abutting the aerosol generating article to provide a stop.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The first protrusion is spaced apart from the first heating element by a distance greater than 3 mm.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that The retaining element further comprises abutment extending from the first protrusion to the heat diffusion element; the heat diffusion element axially abuts against the abutment to form a gap with the first protrusion; the gap is configured to prevent heat of the heat diffusion element from being transferred to the first protrusion.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The substrate has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in an axial direction; in use, the aerosol generating article can be at least partially contained or received in the substrate through the first end; The retaining element further comprises an extension wall extending from the heat diffusion element toward the second end of the base body; at least one or more thermal barriers are arranged on the extension wall.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, characterized in that The thermal barrier comprises hollows or windows or holes formed in the extended wall.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The retaining element at least partially surrounds or encloses the heat spreading element.

12. A heater for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: Tubular matrix; at least one heating element formed on or bonded to the substrate; a heat diffusion element, which is contained or installed in the base and is arranged to extend along the axial direction of the base; the heat diffusion element is arranged to receive heat from the heating element to generate heat, and a plurality of air channels are arranged in the heat diffusion element; A retaining element is at least partially located between the substrate and the heat spreading element and retains the heat spreading element.

13. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; characterized in that: include: A tubular base having a first end and a second end opposite to each other in an axial direction; In use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially contained or received within the base through the first end; at least one heating element formed on or bonded to the substrate; A metal or alloy heat diffusion element, at least partially extending from the second end of the substrate into or assembled in the substrate; the heat diffusion element is arranged to contact and abut against the substrate to conduct heat to each other, thereby indirectly receiving heat from the heating element from the substrate to generate heat; A plurality of air passages are arranged in the heat diffusion element; In use, air at least partially passes through the air passage and is heated within the air passage before being output to the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-generating article.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that The heat diffusion element is held in the base by interference fit or tight fit with the base.

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