Aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The present application relates to an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element for heating an aerosol-generating article; an extractor comprising a base for supporting the bottom of the aerosol-generating article and through which the heating element can pass; the driving mechanism is in interference fit with the extractor to drive the extractor to move between a first position and a second position relative to the heating element so as to adjust the length of the portion, penetrating through the bottom support, of the heating element, or to drive the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position; wherein the heating element is configured to support the aerosol-generating article when the driving mechanism drives the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position, so as to provide at least partial acting force for keeping the aerosol-generating article in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of aerosol generation, and particularly to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device that can heat a tobacco product so that the tobacco product generates volatiles to form an aerosol without burning.

[0003] In an existing typical aerosol generating device, there is a central heating element and an extractor. The central heater is used to insert into the interior of the tobacco product to heat the tobacco product. The extractor can move up and down relative to the central heating element to release the adhesion between the tobacco product and the central heater to prevent the tobacco product from breaking when the tobacco product is pulled out. To improve the user experience, the extractor is interference-fitted with a driving device, and the driving device is used to drive the extractor to move up and down. However, when the driving device drives the extractor to send the tobacco product to the tobacco pulling position, the driving device needs to continuously obtain power to keep the extractor in the tobacco pulling position or continuously obtain power to maintain the working state (the working state includes the standby state) to wait for the user to pull the tobacco. After the user pulls the tobacco, the user needs to input an instruction again to instruct the driving device to drive the extractor to reset. Therefore, the existing aerosol generating device has high power consumption and complex operation. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The object of the present application includes providing an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system that can simplify the operation and reduce the power consumption.

[0005] An aerosol generating device provided by some embodiments of the present application includes:

[0006] A heating element for heating an aerosol generating article;

[0007] An extractor, including a bottom tray for supporting the bottom of the aerosol generating article and through which the heating element can pass; and

[0008] A driving mechanism, which is interference-fitted with the extractor to drive the extractor to move between a first position and a second position relative to the heating element to adjust the length of the heating element passing through the bottom tray, or to drive the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position;

[0009] Wherein, the heating element is configured to support the aerosol generating article when the driving mechanism drives the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position, so as to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol generating article in the second position.

[0010] As an example, the heating element includes a conical head disposed at an end, and the cone angle of the conical head is greater than 90°.

[0011] As an example, the aerosol generating device further includes a trigger switch, and the driving mechanism is electrically connected to the trigger switch to drive the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position when the trigger switch is triggered; wherein,

[0012] The trigger switch includes a contact switch, and when the extractor is in the second position, it contacts the contact switch to trigger the contact switch; or

[0013] The trigger switch includes a proximity switch for detecting the position of the extractor and triggering when the extractor is in the second position; or

[0014] The driving mechanism includes a lead screw and a motor connected to the lead screw to drive the lead screw to rotate. The lead screw is threadedly connected to the extractor. The trigger switch includes a counter for counting the operating parameters of the driving mechanism and triggering when the operating parameters reach a preset value. The operating parameters include the rotation angle, the number of turns, or the rotation duration of the lead screw.

[0015] As an example, the aerosol generating device further includes a housing, and the extractor is configured to move between the first position and the second position relative to the heating element within the housing; the housing includes an end cap assembly, and an access hole is provided on the end cap assembly for the aerosol generating article to enter the interior of the housing to be supported by the base; wherein,

[0016] The receiving diameter of the access hole is greater than the receiving diameter of the extractor; or

[0017] A clamping member is provided on the end cap assembly for clamping the aerosol generating article to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol generating article in the second position.

[0018] As an example, the aerosol generating device includes a power supply assembly, and the power supply assembly is electrically connected to the driving mechanism and the heating element to provide power for the operation of the driving mechanism and the heating element;

[0019] Wherein, the driving mechanism and the extractor are arranged horizontally, and the driving mechanism and the extractor are located on the same side of the power supply assembly longitudinally.

[0020] As an example, the driving mechanism includes a transmission member and a motor, and the motor is connected to the extractor through the transmission member to drive the extractor to move;

[0021] The aerosol generating device further includes a first bracket, at least a part of the motor is held on the first bracket, and during at least a part of the stroke of the extractor moving from the second position to the first position, the first bracket contacts the extractor to conduct the vibration generated during the operation of the motor to the extractor, so that the extractor vibrates.

[0022] As an example, the aerosol generating device further includes a second bracket having a first holding space, at least a part of the extractor is movably disposed in the first holding space and is slidably connected to the first bracket;

[0023] The second bracket supports the first bracket.

[0024] As an example, a strip-shaped groove is provided on the wall of the second bracket, the extractor further includes a connecting portion, and the connecting portion passes through the strip-shaped groove and is connected to the driving mechanism disposed outside the first holding space.

[0025] As an example, the extractor further includes a side wall connecting the base, and when the extractor is in the first position, the side wall shields at least a part of the strip-shaped groove.

[0026] An aerosol generating system provided by some embodiments of the present application includes the aerosol generating device as described above, and further includes an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating matrix for generating an aerosol, the aerosol generating article is configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating device from top to bottom, and when the aerosol generating matrix is inserted by the heating element, an insertion hole can be formed inside the aerosol generating matrix to receive the heating element;

[0027] Wherein, the shrinkage rate of the aerosol generating matrix is greater than or equal to 5%, so that the space of the insertion hole shrinks when the heating element exits, so that when the heating element exits the aerosol generating matrix, its end can provide an upward acting force to support the aerosol generating matrix.

[0028] The above aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating device includes a heating element, an extractor and a driving mechanism, the extractor includes a bottom for supporting the aerosol generating article, the heating element can pass through the bottom support and be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article, so as to be able to heat the aerosol generating article internally, the driving mechanism is in interference fit with the extractor to drive the extractor to move between a first position and a second position relative to the heating element, so as to adjust the length of the heating element passing through the bottom support, or drive the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position; wherein, the heating element is configured to support the aerosol generating article when the driving mechanism drives the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position, so as to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol generating article in the second position. Thus, under the action of the heating element supporting the aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article can be kept in the second position when not being pulled out, the extractor can stay at the second position without staying or only staying briefly, so that the extractor can directly reset to the first position without waiting for the user to pull out the aerosol generating article, and the aerosol generating device can be powered off after the extractor resets to the first position, so that the operation can be simplified and the power consumption can be reduced. Description of the Drawings

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts do not necessarily draw according to the actual scale.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the extractor in the second position in the aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the extractor in the first position in the aerosol generating device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the first bracket provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the second bracket provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the extractor provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the heating element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7Schematic diagram of an aerosol - generating article with a heating element in a second support position provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] In the figure:

[0038] 1. Aerosol - generating article; 11. Aerosol - generating matrix; 12. Insertion hole;

[0039] 2. Heating element;

[0040] 3. Power supply assembly; 31. Battery; 32. Circuit board;

[0041] 4. Extractor; 41. Base; 42. Side wall; 43. Connection part;

[0042] 5. Driving mechanism; 51. Motor; 52. Transmission part; 521. Lead screw;

[0043] 6. First bracket; 7. Second bracket; 71. First holding space; 72. First holding space; 73. Strip - shaped groove; 8. Fixed seat; 9. Housing. Detailed implementation mode

[0044] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] The terms "first", "second", and "third" in the present application are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity or order of the indicated technical features. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) in the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the relative position relationship or movement situation between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, then the directional indication also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non - exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0046] References herein to "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase appears in various places in the specification and is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0047] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may also be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements therebetween. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, which can be used to heat the aerosol generating article 1 so that the aerosol generating article 1 emits an aerosol.

[0049] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article including an aerosol generating substrate 11 that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol generating substrate 11 is intended to be heated rather than burned to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Compared with the aerosol generated by burning or pyrolytic degradation of the aerosol generating substrate 11, the aerosol formed by heating the aerosol generating substrate 11 may contain fewer known harmful components. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1 can be removably coupled to the aerosol generating device. The article can be disposable or reusable.

[0050] The aerosol generating substrate 11 can include a solid aerosol generating substrate. The solid aerosol generating substrate can include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the substrate when heated. The solid aerosol generating substrate can include a non-tobacco material. The solid aerosol generating substrate can include a tobacco-containing material and a non-tobacco material. When the aerosol generating substrate is a solid aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating article can be a cigarette, a smoking rod, a cigar, etc.

[0051] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is a device that engages or interacts with the aerosol generating article 1 to form an inhalable aerosol. An electrically operated aerosol generating device is a device including one or more components for supplying energy from, for example, a power supply assembly 3 to heat the aerosol generating substrate 11 to generate an aerosol.

[0052] An aerosol generating device can be described as a heated aerosol generating device, which is an aerosol generating device including an aerosol generating component. The aerosol generating component includes a heating element 2, which is used to heat the aerosol generating substrate 11 of the aerosol generating article 1 to generate aerosol.

[0053] The heating element 2 can include an external heating element, an internal heating element or an air heating element. As used herein, the term "external heating element" refers to a heating element located outside the aerosol generating article 1 when the aerosol generating article 1 is assembled in the aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "internal heating element" refers to a heating element that is at least partially located within the aerosol generating article 1 when the aerosol generating article 1 is assembled in the aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "air heating element" refers to a heating element used to heat the air in the intake passage. The air enters the aerosol generating article 1 through the intake passage. The air heating element heats the air flowing through the intake passage into high-temperature air, and the high-temperature air then enters the aerosol generating article 1 and exchanges heat with the aerosol generating article 1 to achieve heating and baking of the aerosol generating article 1. The heating element has one or more. One or more heating elements can reach a temperature between approximately 200°C and 440°C, so as to enable the aerosol generating article to generate aerosol.

[0054] In one embodiment, the heating element 2 comprises a resistive material that can generate joule heat when conducting electricity. Suitable resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, conductive ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, Constantan, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, iron-aluminum-based alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heating element 2 includes a susceptor. As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a changing electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor. In such embodiments, the susceptor is designed to engage with an aerosol generating device that includes a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator generates a changing magnetic field to heat the susceptor located within the changing magnetic field. In use, the susceptor is located within the changing magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator. Wherein, the magnetic field generator is electrically connected to a power supply assembly 3, and the power supply assembly 3 provides a current for the magnetic field generator to generate a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field generator may include one or more induction coils that generate a changing magnetic field, and the one or more induction coils may surround the susceptor. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is capable of generating a changing magnetic field between 1 Hz and 30 MHz, such as between 2 Hz and 10 MHz, such as between 5 Hz and 7 MHz. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is capable of generating a changing magnetic field having a field strength (H-field) between 1 A / m and 5 kA / m, such as between 2 A / m and 3 kA / m, such as approximately 2.5 kA / m.

[0056] Wherein, the susceptor may include metal or carbon. In one embodiment, the susceptor may include a ferromagnetic material, such as ferrite, ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. In one embodiment, the susceptor includes a nickel-iron alloy. In one embodiment, the susceptor includes a 400 series stainless steel, and the 400 series stainless steel includes grade 410 or grade 420 or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when located within an electromagnetic field having similar frequency and field strength values. Therefore, the parameters of the susceptor, such as material type, length, width, and thickness, can all be changed to provide the desired power consumption within a known electromagnetic field.

[0057] In one embodiment, the heating element 2 includes an infrared electrothermal coating and a substrate, and the infrared electrothermal coating is disposed on the surface of the substrate. The infrared electrothermal coating can generate heat energy when powered on, and then generate infrared rays of a certain wavelength, for example, far-infrared rays with a wavelength of 8μm to 15μm. When the wavelength of the infrared rays matches the absorption wavelength of the aerosol-forming substrate, the energy of the infrared rays is easily absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate. In the embodiments of the present application, the wavelength of the infrared rays is not limited and can be infrared rays with a wavelength of 0.75μm to 1000μm, and optionally far-infrared rays with a wavelength of 1.5μm to 400μm. The infrared electrothermal coating can be optionally printed on the outer surface of the substrate after being sufficiently stirred and evenly mixed with far-infrared electrothermal ink, ceramic powder, and inorganic binder, and then dried and cured for a certain period of time. The thickness of the infrared electrothermal coating can be 30μm - 50μm; of course, the infrared electrothermal coating can also be coated on the outer surface of the substrate after being mixed and stirred in a certain proportion with tin tetrachloride, tin oxide, antimony trichloride, titanium tetrachloride, and anhydrous copper sulfate; or it can be a silicon carbide ceramic layer, a carbon fiber composite layer, a zirconium-titanium-based oxide ceramic layer, a zirconium-titanium-based nitride ceramic layer, a zirconium-titanium-based boride ceramic layer, a zirconium-titanium-based carbide ceramic layer, an iron-based oxide ceramic layer, an iron-based nitride ceramic layer, an iron-based boride ceramic layer, an iron-based carbide ceramic layer, a rare earth-based oxide ceramic layer, a rare earth-based nitride ceramic layer, a rare earth-based boride ceramic layer, a rare earth-based carbide ceramic layer, a nickel-cobalt-based oxide ceramic layer, a nickel-cobalt-based nitride ceramic layer, a nickel-cobalt-based boride ceramic layer, a nickel-cobalt-based carbide ceramic layer, or a high-silica molecular sieve ceramic layer; the infrared electrothermal coating can also be an existing coating of other materials.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the aerosol generating device may include a power supply component 3 for supplying power to the aerosol generating assembly. The power supply component 3 may include any suitable battery 31. In one embodiment, the battery 31 is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the battery 31 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery. The power supply component 3 may include a circuit board 32 and one or more control circuits disposed on the circuit board 32. The control circuit may control the output of the battery 31, for example, to make the battery 31 output alternating current or direct current, or for example, to make the battery 31 output current or voltage in the form of a pulse.

[0059] One or more controllers may be provided on the control circuit. The controller(s) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. Specifically, the controller not only controls the operation of the battery 31 and the heating element 2, but also controls the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device. In addition, the controller can determine whether the aerosol generating device can operate by checking the status of the components of the aerosol generating device. The controller includes at least one processor. The processor may include a logic gate array, or may include a combination of a general - purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores programs executable by the microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art should understand that the controller may include another type of hardware.

[0060] In the embodiments such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the heating element 2 is an internal heating element. When the aerosol - generating article 1 is assembled in the aerosol generating device, at least a part of the heating element 2 is inserted into the aerosol - generating matrix 11 inside the aerosol - generating article 1.

[0061] Based on this, in order to prevent the aerosol - generating article 1 from breaking when the aerosol - generating article 1 is pulled out of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further includes an extractor 4. The extractor 4 includes a base 41 for supporting the bottom of the aerosol - generating article 1 and through which the heating element 2 can pass. The extractor 4 can move relative to the heating element 2 from a first position to a second position, such that the length of the heating element 2 passing through the base gradually decreases. And during the movement from the first position to the second position, the base 41 maintains supporting the bottom of the aerosol - generating article 1, so as to prevent the aerosol - generating article 1 from breaking during the process of gradually separating the aerosol - generating article 1 from the heating element 2.

[0062] To improve the user experience, the aerosol generating device further includes a driving mechanism 5 electrically connected to the power supply assembly 3. The power supply assembly 3 can provide power for the operation of the driving mechanism 5. Among them, the driving mechanism 5 is in interference fit with the extractor 4 to drive the extractor 4 to move between the first position and the second position relative to the heating element 2. Therefore, when it is necessary to pull out the aerosol - generating article 1 from the aerosol generating device, the driving mechanism 5 can drive the extractor 4 to automatically move from the first position to the second position.

[0063] When the extractor 4 is in the first position, the aerosol generating device can wait for the insertion of the aerosol - generating article 1, or there is already an aerosol - generating article 1, and the heating element 2 can wait for heating or is heating the aerosol - generating article 1.

[0064] When the extractor 4 is in the second position, it indicates that the adhesion between the aerosol - generating article 1 and the heating element 2 has been released, and the aerosol - generating article 1 can be directly pulled out. The driving mechanism 5 can drive the extractor 4 to reset to the first position.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present application, the heating element 2 is configured to support the aerosol-generating article 1 when the drive mechanism 5 drives the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position, so as to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol-generating article 1 in the second position. In this way, when the extractor 4 moves the aerosol-generating article 1 from the first position to the second position, without waiting for the user to pull out the aerosol-generating article 1, the drive mechanism 5 can directly drive the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position. After the extractor 4 resets to the first position, the aerosol-generating device can automatically shut down. Thus, there is no need for the user to input an instruction to make the drive mechanism 5 drive the extractor 4 to reset, and the power consumption of the aerosol-generating device can be reduced. The user can immediately pull out the aerosol-generating article 1 when the aerosol-generating article 1 reaches the second position, or can also pull out the aerosol-generating article 1 after the aerosol-generating device shuts down. That is, it is not required that the user immediately pull out the aerosol-generating article 1. The user can pull out the aerosol-generating article 1 at a convenient time for himself, thereby improving the user experience.

[0066] Specifically, the aerosol-generating device further includes a trigger switch. The drive mechanism 5 is electrically connected to the trigger switch to drive the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position when the trigger switch is triggered, so that the drive mechanism 5 can automatically drive the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position without the user issuing an instruction to the aerosol-generating device.

[0067] In one embodiment, the trigger switch includes a contact switch. When the extractor 4 is in the second position, it contacts the contact switch to trigger the contact switch. The contact switch is a position switch that can be operated by mechanical direct contact with a moving member. When the sensing component of the contact switch senses mechanical contact or senses the applied pressure, it provides a control instruction to the controller or directly to the drive mechanism 5. The contact switch may include a single-contact switch or may include a multi-contact switch. The contact switch may include a microswitch, a pressure switch, a toggle switch or a push-button switch.

[0068] Therefore, when the extractor 4 is moved to the second position, the contact switch will be triggered by the extractor 4 because of contacting the extractor 4, and a control instruction is generated. The drive mechanism 5 responds to this control instruction and automatically drives the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position.

[0069] In one embodiment, the trigger switch includes a proximity switch. The proximity switch is used to detect the position of the extractor 4 and is triggered when the extractor 4 is in the second position. A proximity switch is a position switch that can operate without mechanical direct contact with a moving member. When the moving member enters the operating distance of the sensing component of the proximity switch, the switch can be actuated without mechanical contact and without applying any pressure, thereby providing a control instruction to the controller or directly to the drive mechanism. Proximity switches include inductive proximity switches, capacitive proximity switches, Hall proximity switches, AC and DC proximity switches, and optoelectronic proximity switches.

[0070] Therefore, when the extractor 4 is moved to the second position, the corresponding electrical parameters in the proximity switch will change, causing the proximity switch to be triggered and generating a control instruction. The drive mechanism 5 responds to this control instruction and automatically drives the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position.

[0071] In one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drive mechanism 5 includes a lead screw 521 and a motor 51 connected to the lead screw 521 to drive the rotation of the lead screw 521. The lead screw 521 is threadedly connected to the extractor 4. Thus, when the lead screw 521 rotates, the extractor 4 can move linearly along the lead screw 521. The trigger switch includes a counter to count the operating parameters of the drive mechanism 5 and is triggered when the operating parameters reach a preset value. Here, the operating parameters may include the rotation angle, the number of rotations, or the rotation duration of the lead screw 521. Since the thread pitch and the rotation speed provided on the lead screw 521 are known, the rotation angle, the number of rotations, and / or the rotation duration of the lead screw 521 are associated with the stroke of the extractor 4 moving linearly along the lead screw 521. By using a counter to count the rotation angle, the number of rotations, or the rotation duration of the lead screw 521, when the rotation angle, the number of rotations, or the rotation duration reaches the preset value, it can be determined that the extractor 4 has moved from the first position to the second position.

[0072] Therefore, when the extractor 4 is moved to the second position, the counter generates a control instruction, and the drive mechanism 5 responds to this control instruction and automatically drives the extractor 4 to reset from the second position to the first position. Here, the counter may include a counter, an angle sensor, and / or a timer.

[0073] In one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the drive mechanism 5 includes a transmission member 52 and a motor 51. The motor 51 is connected to the extractor 4 through the transmission member 52 to drive the extractor 4 to move. The transmission member 52 includes, but is not limited to, the above-mentioned lead screw 521. For example, the transmission member 52 can also include gears, telescopic rods, or link rods, etc. The motor 51 is electrically connected to the power supply assembly 3. During the process of the motor 51 driving the extractor 4 to move through the transmission member 52, the motor 51 will vibrate. The vibration of the motor 51 can be used to promote the separation of the aerosol-generating article 1 from the extractor 4, so that during the process of the extractor 4 moving from the second position to the first position, the resistance between the aerosol-generating article 1 and the extractor 4 is reduced, thereby preventing the aerosol-generating article 1 from following the extractor 4 to reset to the first position. This is beneficial for both the separation of the aerosol-generating article 1 from the extractor 4 and for enabling the heating element 2 to stably support the aerosol-generating article 1, so that the aerosol-generating article 1 remains in the second position.

[0074] Specifically, reference can be made to Figures 1 - 3 , the aerosol generating device further includes a first bracket 6. At least a part of the motor 51 is held on the first bracket 6. During at least part of the stroke of the extractor 4 moving from the second position to the first position, the first bracket 6 contacts the extractor 5. The first bracket 6 can conduct the vibration generated when the motor 51 operates to the extractor 4, causing the extractor 4 to vibrate. The bottom tray 41 of the extractor 4 supports the bottom of the aerosol-generating article 1. Since the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 are made of different materials and are connected through assembly, the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 have different vibration frequencies, and the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 can vibrate relative to each other.

[0075] Similarly, during at least part of the stroke of the extractor 4 moving from the first position to the second position, the first bracket 6 can also contact the extractor 4. Thus, during at least part of the stroke of the extractor 4 moving from the first position to the second position, the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 can also vibrate relative to each other.

[0076] Moreover, since the bottom tray 41 of the extractor 4 supports the bottom of the aerosol-generating article 1, the aerosol-generating article 1 can also vibrate when it is not separated from the extractor 4. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 1 can vibrate relative to the heating element 2, which helps to release the adhesion between the aerosol-generating article 1 and the heating element 2 and facilitates the gradual withdrawal of the heating element 2 from the aerosol-generating article 1.

[0077] During Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor 4 further includes a side wall 42 that can be at least partially disposed around the aerosol-generating article 1. During at least a part of the travel of the extractor 4 from the first position to the second position, the first bracket 6 contacts the side wall 42 of the extractor 4. The relative vibration between the side wall 42 of the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 helps to reduce the resistance of the side wall 42 to the aerosol-generating article 1, and helps to ensure that when the extractor 4 moves the aerosol-generating article 1 to the second position, the supporting force of the heating element 2 on the aerosol-generating article 1 is greater than the sum of the frictional force of the side wall 42 of the extractor 4 on the aerosol-generating article 1 and the gravity of the aerosol-generating article 1. This thus helps the extractor 4 to separate from the aerosol-generating article 1, and when the extractor 4 returns from the second position to the first position, it can keep the aerosol-generating article 1 in the second position. Preferably, when the extractor 4 is in the second position, the side wall 42 of the extractor 4 contacts the first bracket 6 (reference can be made to Figure 1 ).

[0078] More specifically, reference can be made to Figures 1 - 3 . The first bracket 6 includes a holding groove 61 and a contact wall 62. At least a part of the motor 51 is fixed in the holding groove 61. During at least a part of the formation of the movement of the extractor 4 between the first position and the second position, the extractor 4 contacts the contact wall 62 and can slide along the contact wall 62. Among them, reference can be made to Figure 3 . The contact wall 62 can be an annular wall. When the extractor 4 contacts the contact wall 62, the contact wall 62 is disposed around the extractor 4. The holding groove 61 can be a through groove or a blind groove as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 [[ID=***]]

[0079] . The holding groove 61 and the contact wall 62 are disposed close to each other to increase the vibration intensity of the contact wall 62, and further to increase the relative vibration intensity between the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 and the relative vibration intensity between the aerosol-generating article 1 and the heating element 2.

[0079] In the embodiments shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5 , an avoidance hole 411 for the heating element 2 to pass through is formed on the base 41. The heating element 2 is spaced from the base 41 in the avoidance hole 411, which helps to increase the relative vibration intensity between the aerosol-generating article 1 and the heating element 2. The aerosol-generating device further includes a fixing seat 8. One end of the heating element 2 is fixed on the fixing seat 8. The fixing seat 8 and the first bracket 6 are spaced from each other to reduce the vibration intensity of the heating element 2 when the motor 41 works, or to prevent the heating element 2 from vibrating when the motor 41 works. In some examples, some flexible members can be provided between the fixing seat 8 and the first bracket 6 to reduce vibration.

[0080] For facilitating the separation of the extractor 4 from the aerosol-generating article 1: In one example, the extractor 4 does not include a side wall to prevent the extractor 4 from interfering with the side of the aerosol-generating article 1 by applying force. Specifically, when the extractor 4 does not include the side wall 42, when the extractor 4 moves the aerosol-generating article 1 to the second position, the supporting force of the heating element 2 on the aerosol-generating article 1 is greater than the gravity of the aerosol-generating article 1. Thus, after the extractor 4 is separated from the aerosol-generating article 1, the aerosol-generating article 1 is maintained at the second position. In another example, the extractor 4 includes the side wall 42, but the receiving diameter of the side wall 42 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article 1 to reduce or prevent the extractor 4 from interfering with the side of the aerosol-generating article 1 by applying force. And in this example, when the extractor 4 is at the first position and at least a part of the heating element 2 is inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article 1, the aerosol-generating article 1 is stably maintained in the aerosol-generating device through the mutual interference between the heating element 2 and the aerosol-generating article 1, and to prevent the user's mouth from sucking the aerosol-generating article 1 out of the aerosol-generating device when inhaling the aerosol-generating article 1. Of course, in this example, the aerosol-generating device may also be provided with a clamping member outside the extractor 4 to clamp the aerosol-generating article 1.

[0081] In one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the aerosol-generating device further includes a second bracket 7 having a first holding space 71, and at least a part of the extractor 4 is movably disposed in the first holding space 71 and slidably connected to the second bracket 7; wherein, the second bracket 7 supports the first bracket 6, and the vibration of the motor 51 can be conducted to the second bracket 7 through the first bracket 6, so that the second bracket 7 vibrates, which helps to promote the vibration of the extractor 4 and helps to promote the release of the adhesion between the heating element 2 and the aerosol-generating article 1.

[0082] In one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , a strip-shaped groove 73 is provided on the wall of the second bracket 7, and the extractor 4 further includes a connecting portion 43, and the connecting portion 43 passes through the strip-shaped groove 73 and is connected to a transmission member 52 disposed outside the first holding space 71. When the extractor 4 moves between the first position and the second position, at least a part of the connecting portion 43 moves in the strip-shaped groove 73. The connecting portion 43 may be connected to the base 41 of the extractor 4. When the extractor 4 has the side wall 42, the connecting portion 43 may be connected to the base 41 and / or the side wall 42 of the extractor 4. The connecting portion 43, the base 41 and the side wall 42 may be integrally injection-molded.

[0083] Furthermore, reference may be made to Figure 2, the extractor 4 has a side wall 42 connecting to the base, and when the extractor 4 is in the first position, the side wall 42 blocks at least a part of the strip-shaped groove 73 to reduce and prevent the refluxed aerosol from adhering to the drive mechanism 5 through the strip-shaped groove 73.

[0084] In one embodiment, reference may be made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the heating element 2 includes a conical head 21 provided at the end, and the conical head 21 is used to pierce the bottom of the aerosol-generating article 1 so that the heating element 2 can be more easily inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article 1. Since the heating element 2 can support the aerosol-generating article 1 in the second position, when the aerosol-generating article 1 is in the second position, the heating element 2 still remains in contact with the aerosol-generating article 1. Preferably, when the aerosol-generating article 1 is in the second position, at least a part of the conical head 21 is located in the aerosol-generating article 1, and the aerosol-generating article 1 is supported by the slope of the conical head 21.

[0085] Wherein, the cone angle θ of the conical head 21 can be greater than 90°. By making the conical head 21 have a larger cone angle θ to reduce the slope of the conical head 21, it helps to increase the component of the supporting force of the conical head 21 on the aerosol-generating article 1 in the up and down directions (the first position and the second position are arranged in the up and down direction, and the second position is above the first position), so that the conical head 21 can provide a greater effect to support the aerosol-generating article 1 in the second position. The shape of the conical head 21 is generally conical. Compared with a sheet shape, the conical conical head 21 is beneficial to increasing the supporting area for the aerosol-generating article 1, which is beneficial to keeping the aerosol-generating article 1 in the second position.

[0086] In the embodiment as described in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the aerosol-generating device further includes a housing 9, and the extractor 4 is configured to move relative to the heating element 2 between a first position and a second position within the housing 9; the housing 9 includes an end cap assembly 91, and an inlet hole 911 for the aerosol-generating article 1 to enter the interior of the housing 9 to be supported by the base 41 is provided on the end cap assembly 91. In one example, the receiving diameter of the inlet hole 911 is larger than the receiving diameter of the extractor 4, so that there is no resistance or a small resistance between the inlet hole 911 and the aerosol-generating article 1 during the process of the extractor 4 carrying the aerosol-generating article 1 moving from the first position to the second position. In one example, a clamping member is provided on the end cap assembly 91, and the clamping member is used to clamp the aerosol-generating article 1 to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol-generating article 1 in the second position. In one example, reference may be made to Figure 1 , when the extractor 4 is in the second position, it abuts against the end cap assembly 91, so that the end cap assembly 91 can prevent the extractor 4 from being exposed outside the housing 9.

[0087] In the embodiments such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 described, the drive mechanism 5 and the extractor 4 are arranged horizontally, and the drive mechanism 5 and the extractor 4 are located on the same side of the power supply assembly 3 longitudinally. Therefore, there is a relatively large space in the housing 9 to accommodate the power supply assembly 3, which helps to increase the battery life of the aerosol generating device. More specifically, a second holding space 72 is further provided on the second bracket 7, and at least a part of the power supply assembly 3 is held in the second holding space 72. More specifically, the second holding space 72 can be divided into two to respectively hold the circuit board 32 and the battery 31 in the power supply assembly 3.

[0088] In one embodiment, in order to ensure that the heating element 2 can support the aerosol generating article 1 located at the second position and keep the aerosol generating article 1 at the second position, the present application provides a system, which includes the aerosol generating device provided in any of the above embodiments or examples, and further includes an aerosol generating article 1 adapted to the aerosol generating device, and the shrinkage rate of the aerosol generating matrix 11 in the aerosol generating article 1 is greater than or equal to 5%.

[0089] The aerosol generating article 1 is configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating device from top to bottom. When the aerosol generating article 1 is assembled with the aerosol generating device, at least a part of the heating element 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 11, so that an insertion hole 12 is formed in the originally relatively uniform aerosol generating matrix 11, and the heating element 2 is press-fitted into the insertion hole 12. Wherein, the direction from top to bottom is the same as the direction from the second position to the first position.

[0090] During the process that the extractor 4 carries the heated aerosol generating article 1 from the first position to the second position, the heating element 2 gradually withdraws from the insertion hole 12. Due to the lack of circumferential support of the heating element 2, as the heating element 2 gradually withdraws, the insertion hole 12 shrinks section by section from top to bottom, while the heating element 2 hardly shrinks, so that the heating element 2 can provide an upward acting force to support the aerosol generating matrix 11, keeping the aerosol generating article 1 at the second position.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the heating element 2 further includes a main body 22, and the conical head 21 is connected to the main body 22. Figure 7 The dotted line 12a in Figure 7 represents the boundary of the insertion hole 12 formed in the aerosol generating matrix 11 when at least a part of the main body 22 of the heating element 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 11. Figure 7As shown, a part of the conical head 21 is located within the insertion hole 12 after the aerosol-generating substrate 11 rebounds, and the slope surface of the conical head 21 supports the aerosol-generating substrate 11 after rebounding.

[0092] Among them, the main body 22 can be generally cylindrical. Preferably, the diameter D of the main body 22 is greater than 2.5 mm. Thus, after the main body 22 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate 11, a relatively large gathering can be formed inside the aerosol-generating substrate 11 with a shrinkage rate greater than or equal to 5% to form the insertion hole 12. Then, after the main body 22 exits the insertion hole 12, the aerosol-generating substrate 11 can have a relatively large rebound so that the space of the insertion hole 12 has a relatively large shrinkage amount. Therefore, the heating element 2 can provide an upward acting force to stably support the aerosol-generating substrate 11.

[0093] In a specific embodiment, the diameter of the heating element 2 is 2.9 mm. Therefore, after the heating element 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate 11, an insertion hole 12 with an inner diameter of 2.9 mm will be formed in the aerosol-generating substrate 11. When the main body 22 of the heating element 2 exits the aerosol-generating article 1 after heating is completed, the inner diameter of the insertion hole 12 shrinks to less than 2 mm. Therefore, the heating element 2 can support the aerosol-generating article 1.

[0094] Moreover, after the aerosol-generating substrate 11 rebounds and the insertion hole 12 shrinks, the interference between the aerosol-generating article 1 and the side wall 42 of the extractor 4 can also be reduced, which is beneficial to the separation of the extractor 4 and the aerosol-generating article 1 at the second position.

[0095] It should be noted that the aerosol-generating article 1 with an aerosol-generating substrate 11 having a shrinkage rate greater than or equal to 5% is not the only aerosol-generating article 1 adapted to the aerosol-generating device provided in this application.

[0096] It should be noted that the description and drawings of this application give preferred embodiments of this application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Further, for those of ordinary skill in the art, improvements or transformations can be made according to the above description, and all such improvements and transformations should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of this application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Comprising: A heating element for heating an aerosol generating article; An extractor including a base for supporting the aerosol generating article and through which the heating element can pass; And A drive mechanism, which is in interference fit with the extractor to drive the extractor to move relative to the heating element between a first position and a second position to adjust the length of the heating element passing through the base, or to drive the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position; Wherein, the heating element is configured to support the aerosol generating article when the drive mechanism drives the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position, so as to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol generating article in the second position.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element includes a conical head provided at an end, and the cone angle of the conical head is greater than 90°.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device further includes a trigger switch, and the drive mechanism is electrically connected to the trigger switch to drive the extractor to reset from the second position to the first position when the trigger switch is triggered; wherein, The trigger switch includes a contact switch, and when the extractor is in the second position, it contacts the contact switch to trigger the contact switch; or The trigger switch includes a proximity switch, and the proximity switch is used to detect the position of the extractor and trigger when the extractor is in the second position; or The drive mechanism includes a lead screw and a motor for connecting the lead screw to drive the lead screw to rotate. The lead screw is threadedly connected to the extractor. The trigger switch includes a counter for counting the working parameters of the drive mechanism and triggering when the working parameters reach a preset value. The working parameters include the rotation angle, the number of turns or the rotation duration of the lead screw.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device further includes a housing, and the extractor is configured to move relative to the heating element between the first position and the second position within the housing; the housing includes an end cover assembly, and an access hole is provided on the end cover assembly for the aerosol generating article to enter the interior of the housing to be supported by the base; wherein, The receiving diameter of the access hole is greater than the receiving diameter of the extractor; or A clamping member is provided on the end cover assembly, and the clamping member is used to clamp the aerosol generating article to provide at least part of the force for keeping the aerosol generating article in the second position.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device includes a power supply assembly, and the power supply assembly is electrically connected to the drive mechanism and the heating element to provide power for the operation of the drive mechanism and the heating element; Wherein, the drive mechanism and the extractor are arranged horizontally, and the drive mechanism and the extractor are located on the same side of the power supply assembly longitudinally.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a transmission member and a motor, and the motor is connected to the extractor through the transmission member to drive the extractor to move; The aerosol generating device further includes a first bracket, at least a part of the motor is held on the first bracket, and during at least a part of the stroke of the extractor moving from the second position to the first position, the first bracket contacts the extractor to conduct the vibration generated during the operation of the motor to the extractor, so that the extractor vibrates.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein, The aerosol generating device further includes a second bracket having a first holding space, at least a part of the extractor is movably disposed in the first holding space and is slidably connected to the first bracket; The second bracket supports the first bracket.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein A strip-shaped groove is provided on the wall of the second bracket, the extractor further includes a connecting portion, and the connecting portion passes through the strip-shaped groove and is connected to the driving mechanism disposed outside the first holding space.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The extractor further includes a side wall connecting the base, and when the extractor is in the first position, the side wall shields at least a part of the strip-shaped groove.

10. An aerosol generating system, comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-9, further comprising an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generating substrate for generating an aerosol, the aerosol generating article is configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating device from top to bottom, and when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted by the heating element, an insertion hole can be formed inside the aerosol generating substrate to receive the heating element; Among them, The shrinkage rate of the aerosol generating substrate is greater than or equal to 5%, so that the space of the insertion hole shrinks when the heating element exits, so that the heating element can provide an upward acting force to support the aerosol generating substrate during the process of exiting the aerosol generating substrate.

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