Aerosol-generating device, heater, and aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The utility model provides an aerosol generating device, a heater and an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating device comprises a heater which is used for being inserted into an aerosol generating product and heating the aerosol generating product at least by radiating light rays to the aerosol generating product; the heater comprises a light-permeable housing having a free front end and a tail end opposite to each other, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the tail end; an opening is defined at the tail end of the cavity, so that the cavity is not sealed or closed; the light-emitting element is assembled in the cavity through the opening and is kept at a preset position; the light-emitting element is configured to be in a cylinder shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the heater, and at least part of the light-emitting element abuts against or makes contact with the inner side surface of the cavity. According to the aerial fog generating device, the light-emitting element is assembled in the non-sealed cavity of the shell and is at least partially in contact with the inner wall of the cavity, and the aerial fog generating device is beneficial for improving the heating efficiency and manufacturing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Efforts are being made to replace these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0003] Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For example, the material could be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Known heating devices involve inserting a pin or needle-shaped heater into the tobacco or other non-tobacco product for heating; the applicant proposed a light heater structure in Chinese patent CN221670968U, comprising a pin-shaped housing and a light-emitting element inside the housing; wherein the light-emitting element emits light at an operating temperature of approximately 450–2800°C to heat the tobacco or other non-tobacco product by radiating light from within. In use, because the light-emitting element is not in contact with the housing of the light heater, and the housing of the light heater is also not in contact with the tobacco product, the efficiency of generating aerosols by heating the tobacco product solely through infrared radiation is low; for example, it cannot provide sufficient aerosol generation between a short number of adjacent puffs for the user. Utility Model Content

[0004] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0005] A heater is arranged to be inserted into an aerosol-generating article and to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article at least by radiating light onto it; the heater includes:

[0006] A light-transmitting outer shell has a longitudinally opposed free front end and a long end, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the long end; the cavity is closed or sealed.

[0007] A light-emitting element is assembled within the cavity and is configured as a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally along the heater; the inner surface of the cavity surrounds the light-emitting element in the circumferential direction and abuts against at least a portion of the outer surface of the light-emitting element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing contacts the light-emitting element and thus conducts heat to each other; the heater can also heat the aerosol-generated article by the housing through heat conduction.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the housing is interference-fitted or tightly fitted with the light-emitting element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element is assembled in the cavity of the housing at a cooling temperature of -200°C to 0°C.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element and the housing are interference-fitted or tightly fitted.

[0012] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element has a first end near the free front end and a second end near the end end;

[0013] The end face of the cavity facing the end is spaced apart from the second end of the light-emitting element;

[0014] And / or, the end face of the cavity facing the free front end abuts against the first end of the light-emitting element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element has a first end near the free front end and a second end near the end end;

[0016] The heater also includes:

[0017] A first conductive lead is connected to the first end and extends at least partially from the first end to the outside of the end; a second conductive lead is connected to the second end and extends at least partially from the second end to the outside of the end.

[0018] An electrically insulating isolation element is located at least partially within the light-emitting element; the first conductive lead at least partially penetrates the isolation element and is thus confined within the isolation element.

[0019] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element is configured as a spiral heating coil extending longitudinally along the cavity, having a first end near the free front end and a second end near the end end;

[0020] The heating coil has a bent portion located at the first end, the bent portion being formed or defined by bending the conductor material of the heating coil inward.

[0021] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element includes:

[0022] A first electrical connection portion and a second electrical connection portion, arranged longitudinally at intervals, define the electrical connection area of ​​the light-emitting element;

[0023] The light-emitting portion extending between the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion defines the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first electrical connection portion and / or the second electrical connection portion protrude more than the light-emitting portion on the outer surface of the light-emitting element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first electrical connection and / or the second electrical connection are interference-fitted or tightly fitted with the housing;

[0026] And / or, the light-emitting part has a distance of 0.1 to 1.0 mm between it and the inner surface of the cavity.

[0027] In some embodiments, the light-emitting portion is made of a rolled sheet;

[0028] Alternatively, the light-emitting part may be arranged in a grid shape with a plurality of holes;

[0029] Alternatively, the light-emitting part may include a plurality of light-emitting units arranged discretely or at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0030] Another embodiment of this application provides a heater for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0031] A light-transmitting outer shell has a longitudinally opposed free front end and a long end, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the long end; the cavity is closed or sealed.

[0032] A light-emitting element is assembled within the cavity and is configured as a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally along the heater; the inner surface of the cavity surrounds the light-emitting element in the circumferential direction and abuts against at least a portion of the outer surface of the light-emitting element.

[0033] Another embodiment of this application also proposes a method for preparing a heater for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0034] A light-transmitting housing and a light-emitting element are obtained; the housing has a free front end and a free rear end that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the free rear end; the cavity defines an opening at the rear end;

[0035] The light-emitting element is assembled from the opening to a predetermined position within the cavity, and the inner surface of the cavity surrounds and abuts against the outer surface of the light-emitting element in the circumferential direction.

[0036] Molten sealing material is applied to the opening at the end of the cavity;

[0037] The sealing material is cooled and solidified, and then bonded to the outer shell to seal the opening.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the light-emitting element is assembled from the opening into the cavity, at least a portion of the volume of the light-emitting element is cooled and contracted rather than expanded by heat.

[0039] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, the light-emitting element of the heater is in contact with the inner wall of the cavity of the outer shell. During use, this can promote heating by both radiation and conduction of heat to improve heating efficiency. This is beneficial for ensuring sufficient aerosol generation between two adjacent suction ports within a short period of time.

[0040] Another embodiment of this application also proposes an aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0041] A heater is arranged to be inserted into an aerosol-generating article and to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article at least by radiating light onto it; the heater includes:

[0042] A light-transmitting outer shell has a free front end and a long-axis opposite end, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the long end; the cavity is defined by an opening at the long end, and thus the cavity is unsealed or non-closed.

[0043] A light-emitting element is fitted into the cavity through the opening and held in a predetermined position within the cavity; the light-emitting element is configured as a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally along the heater and at least partially abutting or contacting the inner surface of the cavity.

[0044] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element is located 1 to 5 mm away from the free front end at the predetermined position.

[0045] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element is in communication with the atmosphere through the opening; the light-emitting element is made of metal or alloy and has a surface protective layer.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light-emitting element is interference-fitted or tightly fitted with the housing.

[0047] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element is configured as a spiral heating coil extending longitudinally along the cavity, having a first end near the free front end and a second end near the end end;

[0048] The heating coil has a bent portion located at the first end, the bent portion being formed or defined by bending the conductor material of the heating coil inward.

[0049] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element includes:

[0050] A first electrical connection portion and a second electrical connection portion, arranged longitudinally at intervals, define the electrical connection area of ​​the light-emitting element;

[0051] The light-emitting portion extending between the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion defines the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting element.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first electrical connection portion and / or the second electrical connection portion protrude more than the light-emitting portion on the outer surface of the light-emitting element.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first electrical connection and / or the second electrical connection are interference-fitted or tightly fitted with the housing;

[0054] And / or, the light-emitting part has a distance of 0.1 to 1.0 mm between it and the inner surface of the cavity.

[0055] In some embodiments, the light-emitting portion is made of a rolled sheet;

[0056] Alternatively, the light-emitting part may be arranged in a grid shape with a plurality of holes;

[0057] Alternatively, the light-emitting part may include a plurality of light-emitting units arranged discretely or at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0058] Another embodiment of this application provides a heater for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0059] A light-transmitting outer shell has a free front end and a long-axis opposite end, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the long end; the cavity is defined by an opening at the long end, and thus the cavity is unsealed or non-closed.

[0060] A light-emitting element is fitted into the cavity through the opening and held in a predetermined position within the cavity; the light-emitting element is configured as a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally along the heater and at least partially abutting or contacting the inner surface of the cavity.

[0061] Another embodiment of this application also proposes an aerosol generation system, comprising:

[0062] A replaceable aerosol generating article includes a base aerosol generating matrix; the aerosol generating matrix is ​​configured to generate aerosols when heated; the aerosol generating matrix has mesopores.

[0063] A reusable aerosol generating device includes:

[0064] A chamber for removably receiving the aerosol-generated article;

[0065] A heater, at least partially extending within the chamber for insertion into the central hole of the aerosol-generating article, generates aerosols by radiating light onto the aerosol-generating matrix to heat the matrix; the heater includes:

[0066] A light-transmitting housing defines the outer surface of the heater and has longitudinally opposed free front and rear ends, and a cavity extending between the free front and rear ends.

[0067] A light-emitting element is assembled within the cavity and held in a predetermined position within the cavity; the light-emitting element is configured as a cylindrical shape extending longitudinally along the heater and at least partially abutting or contacting the inner surface of the cavity;

[0068] When the heater is inserted into the central hole of the aerosol generating article, there is an air gap of less than 1 mm between the outer shell and the inner surface of the central hole.

[0069] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, the light-emitting element is assembled in the non-sealed cavity of the outer shell and is at least partially in contact with the inner wall of the cavity, which is beneficial for improving heating efficiency and preparation. Attached Figure Description

[0070] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system in use according to one embodiment;

[0072] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another structural schematic diagram of the heater;

[0073] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the heater from another perspective;

[0074] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Another exploded view of the heater;

[0075] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the light-emitting element connected to conductive leads at both ends;

[0076] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the assembly of the heating element inside the outer casing during the fabrication of the heater;

[0077] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the end of the housing containing the heating element being sealed with adhesive.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the heater from one perspective of yet another embodiment;

[0079] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another exploded view of the heater;

[0080] Figure 10 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the heater from another embodiment;

[0081] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the heating element from one perspective of yet another embodiment;

[0082] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the heater from one perspective;

[0083] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the heating element from one perspective of yet another embodiment;

[0084] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the heating element from one perspective of yet another embodiment;

[0085] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to yet another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0086] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0087] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generation system for generating aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation system includes: an aerosol generation article and an aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generation article to generate aerosols. The aerosol generation article can generate aerosols by being heated.

[0088] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the aerosol generation system includes:

[0089] Aerosol generating article 1000 includes an aerosol generating matrix, which generates aerosols when heated;

[0090] An aerosol generating device is used to receive and heat the aerosol generating product 100 to produce an aerosol for users to inhale.

[0091] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 has an overall elongated cylindrical structure, for example, configured to resemble the cylindrical shape of a cigarette. Alternatively, in other variations, the aerosol generating article 1000 may be an elongated elliptical cylinder, a square prism, a polygonal prism, etc. In some embodiments, the appearance of the aerosol generating article 1000 may mimic the appearance of a conventional lit and smokeable cigarette. The aerosol generating article 1000 may have an outer diameter between approximately 5 mm and 12 mm (e.g., between approximately 5 mm and 10 mm). The aerosol generating article 1000 has a total length between approximately 40 and 100 mm; in alternative embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 has a total length between approximately 45 and 55 mm.

[0092] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 includes an aerosol-generating matrix; the aerosol-generating matrix describes a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which can form aerosols. The aerosols described herein can be visible or invisible and can include vapors (e.g., fine particles of matter in a gaseous state, which are typically liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as droplets of gas and condensed vapors. The aerosol-generating matrix can include one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, fragments, strands, strips, or sheets, comprising one or more of the following: dried flowers or leaves, grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco midribs, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0093] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 1000 may further include a filter nozzle for filtering and discharging the aerosol; the filter nozzle typically includes a porous material such as cellulose acetate. In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is heated within an aerosol generating apparatus, the filter nozzle is exposed outside the aerosol generating apparatus, thus facilitating inhalation by the user.

[0094] See Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device includes:

[0095] The chamber has an opening 40; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can be removably received in the chamber through the opening 40.

[0096] A heater 30, which extends at least partially within the chamber, is inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 when it is received in the chamber to heat it, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a variety of volatile compounds, which are formed solely by heat treatment.

[0097] Cell 10 is used for power supply;

[0098] The circuit board 20, such as a PCB board or FPC board, integrates or arranges control circuitry on the circuit board 20; the circuit board 20 is used to guide current between the battery cell 10 and the heater 30, or to control the battery cell 10 to provide power to the heater 30.

[0099] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 1000 is a replaceable consumable, which can be removably received within the chamber for heating via the opening 40 of the chamber by user operation, and removed by user operation for replacement after consumption. The aerosol generating device is reusable.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the DC supply voltage provided by the battery cell 10 is in the range of about 2.5V to about 9.0V, and the DC current provided by the battery cell 10 is in the range of about 2.5A to about 20A.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the heater 30 is generally shaped like a pin, needle, rod, column, sheet, or plate, which is advantageous for insertion into the aerosol-generating article 1000. In some embodiments, the heater 30 may have a length of about 15 to 25 mm and an outer diameter of about 2 to 4 mm.

[0102] In some embodiments, heater 30 is an electroluminescent heater; heater 30 generates aerosols by heating aerosol generating article 1000 at least by radiating infrared light to it. In some embodiments, heater 30 may typically include an electroluminescent element and an auxiliary substrate for assisting in the fabrication of the electroluminescent element. For example, in some embodiments, the electroluminescent element is in the shape or form of a spiral coil. Or in other embodiments, the electroluminescent element is in the form of a conductive trace bonded to a carrier. Or in yet other embodiments, the electroluminescent element is in the shape of a sheet.

[0103] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 30 is configured as an elongated lamp tube. Alternatively, the heater 30 may be approximately a linear light source.

[0104] Figures 2 to 7 A schematic diagram of a heater 30 according to one embodiment is shown; the heater 30 of this embodiment includes a free front end 311 and a rear end 312 opposite each other along the length direction; wherein the free front end 311 is configured with a tapered tip and has a tapered portion 314 with a reduced outer diameter at the free front end 311 for insertion into an aerosol generating article 1000. Figures 2 to 7 As shown, heater 30 includes:

[0105] The housing 31 defines at least a portion of the outer surface of the heater 30. Figures 2 to 7As shown, the outer casing 31 is configured in a pin-like, needle-like, column-like, or rod-like shape. Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the two opposite ends of the outer casing 31 along the length direction define the free front end 311 and the end end 312 of the heater 30, respectively; and a cavity 313 extending between the free front end 311 and the end end 312 is formed or arranged in the outer casing 31.

[0106] In the embodiment, cavity 313 is closed or sealed; cavity 313 is not open at end 312. According to Figure 3 As shown, cavity 313 does not extend to end 312. And the distance d11 between cavity 313 and end 312 is approximately between 1 and 5 mm.

[0107] In some embodiments, cavity 313 is filled with a protective gas. In some embodiments, cavity 313 is filled with halogen, such as iodine vapor. In some specific embodiments, cavity 313 is sealed with a 1×10⁻⁶ ppm gas. -6 ~1×10 -2 μmol / mm 3 Halogen. Or in some embodiments, the cavity 313 is filled with an inert gas, such as argon or helium.

[0108] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pressure inside cavity 313 is less than the pressure outside shell 31; that is, cavity 313 has a vacuum or cavity 313 is evacuated. In some specific embodiments, the pressure inside cavity 313 is less than 0.85 atm.

[0109] In some embodiments, the housing 31 may be made of a high-temperature resistant and light-transmitting material such as quartz, glass, ceramic, or mica; preferably, it is a transparent material. For example, the housing 31 made of quartz glass or borosilicate glass has a transmittance of more than 90% for the light emitted by the light-emitting element 32; in a more preferred embodiment, the housing 31 made of high-purity quartz has a transmittance of more than 95% for the light emitted by the light-emitting element 32.

[0110] In some embodiments, the housing 31 has an outer diameter of approximately 2.0 to 3.2 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.3 to 0.8 mm; the inner diameter of the cavity 313 of the housing 31 is approximately 1.0 to 3.0 mm, and the length of the cavity 313 is approximately 12 to 15 mm. In a specific embodiment, the housing 31 has an outer diameter of approximately 2.5 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.6 mm.

[0111] In some embodiments, the length of the tapered portion 314 with a reduced outer diameter at the free front end 311 of the housing 31 is approximately 1.0 to 3.5 mm; more specifically, the length of the tapered portion 314 with a reduced outer diameter is 2.5 mm.

[0112] according to Figures 2 to 7 As shown, heater 30 also includes:

[0113] The light-emitting element 32 is located inside the cavity 313 and is used to emit light.

[0114] exist Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the light-emitting element 32 is arranged in the form of a solenoid coil. In embodiments, the axis of the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the heater 30 and / or the chamber 313. In some specific embodiments, the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 has three or more windings or turns; or more preferably, the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 has approximately 4 to 15 windings and a length of approximately 3 to 10 mm. The conductor material of the light-emitting element 32 has a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 has an extension length of 8 to 12 mm.

[0115] according to Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the conductor material of the solenoid coil-type light-emitting element 32 is different from a conventional circular shape. According to... Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the wire material in the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 has a larger dimension extending axially than extending radially perpendicularly, thus giving the wire material of the light-emitting element 32 a flattened rectangular shape. Simply put, compared to a conventional helical heating coil formed from circular cross-section wires, the light-emitting element 32 constructed above has a completely or at least flattened wire material. Therefore, the wire material extends to a smaller extent in the radial direction. This measure improves the light-emitting area and the uniformity of light emission of the light-emitting element 32.

[0116] In some embodiments, the wire material of the light-emitting element 32 may include tungsten wire, molybdenum wire, carbon fiber wire or tin oxide wire, stainless steel wire, nickel-chromium alloy wire, etc. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the wire material of the light-emitting element 32 is composed of an oxide of at least one metallic element such as Mg, Al, Ti, Zr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the wire material of the light-emitting element 32 may include a light-emitting metal or alloy, such as Fe-Mn-Cu alloys, stainless steel alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, etc. In one specific embodiment, the light-emitting element 32 is a tungsten wire; or, the light-emitting element 32 is composed of a tungsten wire with a purity of 99% or higher.

[0117] In some embodiments, due to the PTC effect of the light-emitting material of the light-emitting element 32, the resistance of the light-emitting element 32 increases with increasing operating temperature. In some embodiments, the light-emitting element 32 has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, so that the circuit board 20 can determine the temperature of the light-emitting element 32 by measuring its resistance during use.

[0118] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter of the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 is substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 313; for example, in some embodiments, the difference between the outer diameter of the light-emitting element 32 and the diameter of the cavity 313 is within ±0.5 mm; thus, after assembly, the outer surface of the light-emitting element 32 is in contact with the inner surface of the cavity 313. The inner surface of the cavity 313 surrounds and conforms to the outer surface of the light-emitting element 32 in the circumferential direction. For example, in some specific embodiments, the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 has an outer diameter of 1.2 to 3.0 mm. After assembly, the light-emitting element 32 and the housing 31 are in contact with each other and thus conduct heat to each other.

[0119] In some preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the solenoid coil-shaped light-emitting element 32 is slightly larger than the diameter of the cavity 313, for example, the outer diameter of the light-emitting element 32 is 0.1 to 0.5 mm larger than the diameter of the cavity 313 before assembly; thus, it is advantageous for allowing dimensional interference between the light-emitting element 32 and the housing 31 to form an interference fit or tight fit after assembly, and for maintaining sufficient and stable contact between the outer surface of the light-emitting element 32 and the inner surface of the housing 31.

[0120] In some embodiments, the light-emitting element 32 is powered by the circuit board 20 and heats up through resistive Joule heating, emitting light at an operating temperature of 300–800°C. More preferably, the light-emitting element 32 emits light at an operating temperature of 300–550°C. In some embodiments, the wavelength range of the light emitted by the light-emitting element 32 is in the range of 200 nm–3500 nm. The light emitted by the light-emitting element 32 is primarily infrared light.

[0121] In some specific embodiments, when the light-emitting element 32 can emit light at an operating temperature of 300 to 550°C, the surface temperature of the glass housing 31 is approximately between 250 and 500°C.

[0122] In this embodiment, when the heater 30 is inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 for heating, the surface of the outer shell 31 is in direct contact with the material of the aerosol generating article 1000. Therefore, in use, the heater 30 can simultaneously heat the aerosol generating article 1000 through heat conduction via the outer shell 31 and light radiation via the light-emitting element 32, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article 1000. This is advantageous for ensuring sufficient aerosol generation between two adjacent suction ports within a short period of time.

[0123] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the embodiment shown, the light-emitting element 32 is an electroluminescent element and is connected to the circuit board 20 by soldering or arranging a first conductive lead 321 and a second conductive lead 322 at both ends; in use, the circuit board 20 controls the supply of power from the battery cell 10 to the light-emitting element 32, thereby causing the light-emitting element 32 to emit light.

[0124] In the embodiment, the first conductive lead 321 is connected to the first end of the light-emitting element 32 in the longitudinal direction near the free front end 311 by welding or the like, and the second conductive lead 322 is connected to the second end of the light-emitting element 32 in the longitudinal direction near the end end 312 by welding or the like.

[0125] In this embodiment, current is guided on the light-emitting element 32 by a first conductive lead 321 and a second conductive lead 322. The first conductive lead 321 and the second conductive lead 322 extend from inside the cavity 313 through an end 312 to the outside of the housing 31, and are then electrically connected to the circuit board 20. In some embodiments, the first conductive lead 321 and the second conductive lead 322 may be made of a low-resistivity metal or alloy, such as silver, copper, gold, nickel, tungsten, or alloys containing them.

[0126] In another specific embodiment, the light-emitting element 32 is made of stainless steel wire or nickel-chromium alloy wire; the first conductive lead 321 and the second conductive lead 322 are made of tungsten wire.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first conductive lead 321 passes longitudinally through the light-emitting element 32; or, at least a portion of the first conductive lead 321 extends within the light-emitting element 32.

[0128] See Figure 5As shown, the lead wire material of the light-emitting element 32 in the form of a solenoid coil has an inwardly bent portion 3210 at its first end, and a first conductive lead 321 is soldered to the bent portion 3210 and thus electrically connected to the first end of the light-emitting element 32. The bent portion 3210 is bent inwards into the light-emitting element 32. In some embodiments, the bent portion 3210 is bent straight inwards; or, the bent portion 3210 is curved, etc.; this facilitates the connection operation of the first conductive lead 321 to the first end of the light-emitting element 32. Specifically, in the manufacturing process, after the first conductive lead 321 passes through from the second end of the light-emitting element 32 to the first end, it can be soldered to the bent portion 3210 to form a connection.

[0129] In one embodiment, after assembly, the first end / bent portion 3210 of the light-emitting element 32 abuts longitudinally against the end face of the cavity 313 facing the free front end 311 to provide a stop. After assembly, the distance between the first end of the light-emitting element 32 and the free front end 311 is between 1 and 4 mm.

[0130] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 30 further includes:

[0131] An isolation element 34 is located within the light-emitting element 32. The length of the isolation element 34 is less than the length of the light-emitting element 32, and it is arranged near the second end of the light-emitting element 32. After assembly, the first conductive lead 321 passes through the isolation element 34; in embodiments, the first conductive lead 321 is at least partially confined and held by the isolation element 34. Thus, in use, the isolation element 34 serves to isolate the first conductive lead 321 from the inner surface / second conductive lead 322 of the light-emitting element 32 near the second end within the light-emitting element 32, preventing them from contacting and forming a short circuit.

[0132] In this embodiment, the isolation element 34 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as ceramic or glass; therefore, the isolation element 34 is electrically insulating. In this embodiment, the isolation element 34 has a length of approximately 2 to 5 mm.

[0133] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the surfaces of the first conductive lead 321 and / or the second conductive lead 322 are insulating. For example, in some embodiments, the surfaces of the first conductive lead 321 and / or the second conductive lead 322 are deposited, sprayed, or coated with an insulating material to provide insulation. In some specific embodiments, the insulating material of the first conductive lead 321 and / or the second conductive lead 322 may include a glaze layer, a ceramic layer; or, the first conductive lead 321 and / or the second conductive lead 322 are surface-insulated enameled wires.

[0134] Alternatively, in some variations of the embodiments, the first conductive lead 321 and / or the second conductive lead 322 may be encased in an insulating tube (not shown) to provide insulation. In some embodiments, the insulating tube encasing or sleeved around the first conductive lead 321 and / or the second conductive lead 322 may include an insulating tube made of capillary ceramic tube, capillary quartz tube, capillary glass tube, or an insulating tube made of organic polymer material such as Teflon, polyimide, etc.

[0135] Figures 6 to 7 This diagram illustrates an embodiment in which the light-emitting element 32 is assembled within the housing 31 to form a closed cavity 313; the fabrication process may include:

[0136] S10, according to Figure 6 As shown, a hollow pin or needle-shaped outer shell 31 is obtained, and the cavity 313 of the outer shell 31 is open at the end 312; the light-emitting element 32, which is connected to the first conductive lead 321 and the second conductive lead 322, is assembled into the cavity 313 from the opening at the end 312 and is substantially in or located in a predetermined position.

[0137] In step S10, the predetermined position is defined by a stop formed by the first end of the light-emitting element 32 abutting against the end face of the cavity 313 facing the free front end 311; this is advantageous for consistency or yield during manufacturing or assembly. Alternatively, the predetermined position is the location of the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting element 32 in the longitudinal design of the heater 30, for example, the distance between the light-emitting element 32 and the free front end 311 is defined as 1 to 5 mm, such as 2.5 mm. In embodiments, the second end of the light-emitting element 32 is not abutting against the end face of the cavity 313 facing the end 312 and has a gap; in some embodiments, the gap between the second end of the light-emitting element 32 and the end face of the cavity 313 facing the end 312 is approximately between 1 and 5 mm.

[0138] In step S10, the light-emitting element 32 is frozen to a lower temperature, such that at least a portion of the volume of the light-emitting element 32 is contracted rather than expanded by heat, which is advantageous for allowing the light-emitting element 32, which has a relatively larger outer diameter, to be smoothly assembled into the housing 31. In some embodiments, the light-emitting element 32 is frozen in ice, a cryogenic freezer, or a freezing liquid such as liquid nitrogen. In some embodiments, the frozen light-emitting element 32 may have a temperature of approximately -200°C to 0°C; or in a more specific embodiment, the frozen light-emitting element 32 may have a temperature of approximately -100°C to 0°C.

[0139] In step S10, when the light-emitting element 32 is assembled into the housing 31, the housing 31 can be at room temperature.

[0140] S20, according to Figure 7As shown, molten sealing material 35 is applied to the opening at the end 312 of cavity 313 by dispensing through dispensing device 200. After the sealing material 35 cools and solidifies, it bonds to the outer shell 31, thereby sealing cavity 313.

[0141] In step S20, the sealing material 35 can be the same material as the outer shell 31, such as molten silica, glass glaze, ceramic oxide, etc. After the sealing material 35 cools and solidifies, it is bonded to the outer shell 31 to form an integral whole.

[0142] Alternatively, in some other variations, the opening at the end 312 of the outer casing 31 can be closed by flattening at least a portion of the tube wall at the end 312 after heating it to above the glass transition temperature; after cooling and solidification, the flattened tube wall at the end 312 is fused or joined, thereby sealing or sealing the cavity 313 at the end 312.

[0143] Alternatively, in some other variations, the cavity 313 is open at the end 312, and thus the cavity 313 is unsealed or non-closed.

[0144] or Figure 8 and Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a heater 30a according to yet another embodiment is shown, in which the heater 30a includes:

[0145] The outer casing 31a has a free front end 311a and a rear end 312a facing away from each other; the outer casing 31a has a closed cavity 313a inside;

[0146] The light-emitting element 32a is used to emit light; the light-emitting element 32a is located inside the cavity 313a and abuts and contacts the inner surface of the cavity 313a; a first conductive lead 321a is connected to the first end of the light-emitting element 32a and a second conductive lead 322a is connected to the second end for guiding current on the light-emitting element 32a; the first conductive lead 321a and the second conductive lead 322a at least partially extend from the end 312a to the outside of the housing 31a;

[0147] An isolation element 34a is located within the light-emitting element 32a; a first conductive lead 321a at least partially passes through the isolation element 34a. In this embodiment, the isolation element 34a has a longer length. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the length of the isolating element 34a is basically the same as the length of the light-emitting element 32a, which is more convenient for assembly. Specifically, when assembling the isolating element 34a into the light-emitting element 32a, it can be directly inserted longitudinally until it is basically flush with the first end of the light-emitting element 32a to provide positioning, which is more convenient than... Figures 2 to 4The shorter size of the isolation element 34 makes precise positioning during assembly more convenient. Furthermore, after assembly, the isolation element 34a isolates and retains the first conductive lead 321a over a longer length.

[0148] Or in Figure 10 The diagram shows a heater 30b according to another embodiment, in which the light-emitting element 32b is in the form of a spiral coil arranged in the cavity 313b of the housing 31b; in this embodiment, the wire material of the light-emitting element 32b is a wire with a circular cross-section.

[0149] or Figure 11 and Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a light-emitting element 32c according to yet another embodiment is shown, in which the light-emitting element 32c includes:

[0150] A first electrical connection portion 3210c and a second electrical connection portion 3230c are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a light-emitting portion 3220c extends longitudinally between the first electrical connection portion 3210c and the second electrical connection portion 3230c.

[0151] In this embodiment, the electrical connection area of ​​the light-emitting element 32c is defined by the first electrical connection portion 3210c and the second electrical connection portion 3230c, and the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting element 32c is defined by the light-emitting portion 3220c. The first electrical connection portion 3210c is close to and defines the first end of the light-emitting element 32c, and the second electrical connection portion 3230c is close to and defines the second end of the light-emitting element 32c. A first conductive lead 321c is connected to the first electrical connection portion 3210c by soldering or the like, and a second conductive lead 322c is connected to the second electrical connection portion 3230c by soldering or the like, and then connected to the circuit board 20 through the first conductive lead 321c and the second conductive lead 322c.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first electrical connection portion 3210c and the second electrical connection portion 3230c are annular in shape, such as an electrode ring; the light-emitting portion 3220c is in the form of a spiral coil located between the first electrical connection portion 3210c and the second electrical connection portion 3230c. The light-emitting portion 3220c is an electroluminescent portion and may be made of an electroluminescent material.

[0153] exist Figure 12 As shown, the first electrical connection portion 3210c and / or the second electrical connection portion 3230c surround the light-emitting portion 3220c, which is convenient for mass production. Specifically, the manufacturing process may include:

[0154] Obtain a ring-shaped first electrical connection portion 3210c and / or a second electrical connection portion 3230c, such as an electrode ring; insert one end of the light-emitting portion 3220c into the first electrical connection portion 3210c and weld it to connect them, and insert the other end into the second electrical connection portion 3230c and weld it to connect them.

[0155] exist Figure 12 As shown, on the outer surface of the light-emitting element 32c in the radial direction, the first electrical connection portion 3210c and / or the second electrical connection portion 3230c protrude relative to the light-emitting portion 3220c. For example, in Figure 12 As shown, the outer surface of the first electrical connection portion 3210c has a protrusion height d12 greater than the outer surface of the light-emitting portion 3220c.

[0156] When the light-emitting element 32c is assembled into the cavity 313 of the housing 31, the first electrical connection portion 3210c and the second electrical connection portion 3230c abut and fit against the inner surface of the cavity 313, while the light-emitting portion 3220c maintains a distance d12 between itself and the inner surface of the cavity 313. In some embodiments, the protrusion height d12 and / or the distance d12 may be approximately between 0.1 and 1.0 mm. In some specific embodiments, the protrusion height d12 and / or the distance d12 is approximately 0.5 mm. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the first electrical connection portion 3210c and the second electrical connection portion 3230c of the light-emitting element 32c are interference-fitted or tightly fitted with the housing 31, while the light-emitting portion 3220c is not interference-fitted or tightly fitted with the housing 31.

[0157] or Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a light-emitting element 32d according to yet another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the light-emitting element 32d is a cylindrical or tubular shape formed by winding a sheet. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 32d includes:

[0158] A first electrical connection portion 3210d and a second electrical connection portion 3230d are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a light-emitting portion 3220d extends longitudinally between the first electrical connection portion 3210d and the second electrical connection portion 3230d.

[0159] In this embodiment, the light-emitting portion 3220d is a mesh with openings 3221d. The first electrical connection portion 3210d and the second electrical connection portion 3230d are dense structures without openings. The first conductive lead 321d is connected to the first electrical connection portion 3210d by soldering or the like, and the second conductive lead 322d is connected to the second electrical connection portion 3230d by soldering or the like, and then connected to the circuit board 20 through the first conductive lead 321d and the second conductive lead 322d.

[0160] In this embodiment, on the outer surface of the light-emitting element 32d in the radial direction, the first electrical connection portion 3210d and / or the second electrical connection portion 3230d are flush with the light-emitting portion 3220d. When the light-emitting element 32d is assembled into the cavity 313 of the housing 31, the first electrical connection portion 3210d, the second electrical connection portion 3230d, and the light-emitting portion 3220d all abut and fit against the inner surface of the cavity 313.

[0161] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 32d, which is wound from a sheet, is not completely closed in the circumferential direction, so that the light-emitting element 32d extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end through a slit or gap 3240d.

[0162] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sheet wound to form the light-emitting element 32d is a mesh-like structure with openings. The sheet can be formed into a mesh-like shape by means of mechanical punching, chemical etching, cutting, etc.

[0163] or Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a light-emitting element 32e according to yet another embodiment is shown, in which the light-emitting element 32e includes:

[0164] A first electrical connection portion 3210e and a second electrical connection portion 3230e are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction, and a light-emitting portion 3220e extends longitudinally between the first electrical connection portion 3210e and the second electrical connection portion 3230e.

[0165] In this embodiment, the electrical connection area of ​​the light-emitting element 32e is defined by the first electrical connection portion 3210e and the second electrical connection portion 3230e, and the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting element 32e is defined by the light-emitting portion 3220e. The first electrical connection portion 3210e is close to and defines the first end of the light-emitting element 32e, and the second electrical connection portion 3230e is close to and defines the second end of the light-emitting element 32e. A first conductive lead 321e is connected to the first electrical connection portion 3210e by soldering or the like, and a second conductive lead 322e is connected to the second electrical connection portion 3230e by soldering or the like, and then connected to the circuit board 20 through the first conductive lead 321e and the second conductive lead 322e.

[0166] exist Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical connection portion 3210e and the second electrical connection portion 3230e are annular in shape, such as an electrode ring. The light-emitting portion 3220e is an electroluminescent portion and can be made of an electroluminescent material.

[0167] exist Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the light-emitting portion 3220e includes:

[0168] Multiple light-emitting units 3221e are arranged discretely or isolated from each other; the multiple light-emitting units 3221e are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the light-emitting element 32e; and each light-emitting unit 3221e extends longitudinally from the first electrical connection portion 3210e to the second electrical connection portion 3230e.

[0169] Multiple slits or gaps 3222e are formed or defined between two adjacent electroluminescent units 3221e; the slits or gaps 3222e also extend longitudinally from the first electrical connection portion 3210e to the second electrical connection portion 3230e.

[0170] In this embodiment, on the outer surface of the light-emitting element 32e in the radial direction, the first electrical connection portion 3210e and / or the second electrical connection portion 3230e protrude relative to the light-emitting portion 3220e; when the light-emitting element 32e is assembled into the cavity 313 of the housing 31, the first electrical connection portion 3210e and the second electrical connection portion 3230e abut and fit against the inner surface of the cavity 313, while the light-emitting portion 3220e can maintain a distance from the inner surface of the cavity 313.

[0171] or Figure 15 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to yet another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the aerosol generation system includes:

[0172] Aerosol generating article 1000 includes an aerosol generating matrix, which generates aerosols when heated;

[0173] An aerosol generating device is used to receive and heat the aerosol generating product 100 to generate an aerosol for users to inhale.

[0174] exist Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, a central pore 1100 is defined within the aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article 1000; in some embodiments, the diameter d2 of the central pore 1100 is approximately 3–5 mm. According to… Figure 15 As shown, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber of the aerosol generating device, the heater 30 can extend into the central hole 1100 and emit light to the aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article 1000 to heat the aerosol generating matrix.

[0175] exist Figure 15In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter d2 of the central hole 1100 is larger than the outer diameter of the heater 30, so that when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the chamber of the aerosol generating device, the heater 30 and the inner surface of the central hole 1100 are not in contact and a gap or air gap can be maintained. For example, in a specific embodiment, the gap or air gap between the heater 30 and the inner surface of the central hole 1100 is less than 1 mm; more preferably, the gap or air gap between the heater 30 and the inner surface of the central hole 1100 is between 0 and 0.5 mm. By maintaining a very small gap or air gap, the heater 30 can be heated by radiation while also providing or forming convection conduction through the very small air gap, which is more efficient than heating only by radiation, to generate sufficient aerosol between two adjacent suction ports.

[0176] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; characterised in that, Comprising: a heater arranged for insertion into an aerosol-generating article and to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article at least by radiating light rays towards the aerosol-generating article; the heater comprising: a light-transmissive housing having a free front end and an end opposite to the free front end in a longitudinal direction, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the end; the cavity is defined with an opening at the end, and the cavity is non-sealed or non-hermetic; a light-emitting element fitted into the cavity through the opening and held at a predetermined position within the cavity; the light-emitting element is configured to be a cylinder extending in the longitudinal direction of the heater, and at least partially abuts against or contacts an inner side surface of the cavity.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting element is 1-5 mm away from the free front end at the predetermined position.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light-emitting element is in communication with the atmosphere through the opening; the light-emitting element is made of metal or alloy, and has a surface protection layer.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least part of the light-emitting element is interference or tightly fitted with the housing.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light-emitting element is configured to be a spiral heating coil extending in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, and has a first end close to the free front end, and a second end close to the end; The heating coil has a bending portion at the first end, which is formed or defined by inward bending of a wire material of the heating coil.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The light-emitting element comprises: first and second electric connection portions arranged at a longitudinal interval, defining an electric connection region of the light-emitting element; a light-emitting portion extending between the first and second electric connection portions, defining a light-emitting region of the light-emitting element.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein The first and / or second electric connection portion is more protruding than the light-emitting portion on an outer side surface of the light-emitting element.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein, The first and / or second electric connection portion is interference or tightly fitted with the housing; and / or, the light-emitting portion has a spacing of 0.1-1.0 mm with the inner side surface of the cavity.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein, The light-emitting portion is wound from a sheet material; or, the light-emitting portion is arranged to be a mesh having a plurality of mesh holes; or, the light-emitting portion comprises a plurality of light-emitting units arranged discretely or at an interval in a circumferential direction.

10. A heater for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Comprising: a light-transmissive housing having a free front end and an end opposite to the free front end in a longitudinal direction, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the end; the cavity is defined with an opening at the end, and the cavity is non-sealed or non-hermetic; a light-emitting element fitted into the cavity through the opening and held at a predetermined position within the cavity; the light-emitting element is configured to be a cylinder extending in the longitudinal direction of the heater, and at least partially abuts against or contacts an inner side surface of the cavity.

11. An aerosol-generating system comprising: Comprising: a replaceable aerosol-generating article comprising a base aerosol-generating substrate; the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be capable of generating an aerosol when heated; the aerosol-generating substrate has mesopores therein; a reusable aerosol-generating device comprising: a chamber for removably receiving the aerosol-generating article; a heater arranged at least partially within the chamber for insertion into a central bore of the aerosol-generating article and to generate aerosol by at least radiating light rays towards the aerosol-generating substrate to heat the aerosol-generating substrate; the heater comprising: a light-transmissive outer shell bounding an outer surface of the heater and having a free front end and a distal end longitudinally facing away from each other, and a cavity extending between the free front end and the distal end; a light-emitting element fitted within the cavity and held at a predetermined position within the cavity; the light-emitting element being configured to be cylindrical along a longitudinal extension of the heater and to at least partially abut against or contact an inner side surface of the cavity; the outer shell having an air gap of less than 1 mm between the outer shell and an inner side surface of the central bore of the aerosol-generating article when the heater is inserted into the central bore of the aerosol-generating article.

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