Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of aerosol generation, and discloses an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generating device comprises a battery cell, a chamber and a heating body. Wherein the battery cell is used for supplying power; the chamber is provided with an opening; in use, the aerosol-generating article is at least partially receivable within or removable from the chamber through the opening; the heating body surrounds or defines at least one part of the cavity; the heating body is used for heating the aerosol generating product to generate aerosol; wherein the heating body comprises a first heating body and a second heating body which is fixedly connected with the first heating body in a welding manner; the first heating body receives electric power provided by the battery cell to generate heat so as to heat part of the aerosol generating product; the second heating body receives the heat transmitted by the first heating body so as to heat the other part of the aerosol generating product. According to the utility model, the problem that the heating body adopts a conventional crimping contact mode, and more heat loss is generated at the joint is solved, so that the heat efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a heating non-combustible device that heats tobacco segments used to generate aerosol products, creating an aerosol for users to inhale.

[0003] Currently, the heating element in aerosol generating devices is a one-dimensional heating structure. It heats the aerosol-generating product after direct contact and is characterized by rapid smoke production. However, this one-dimensional heating characteristic results in a high aerosol temperature during inhalation, causing a burning sensation for the user. Furthermore, because the heating element is in constant contact with the aerosol-generating product, the heating is uniform across the entire tobacco section. This leads to a gradual decline in flavor over time, particularly noticeable towards the end of the inhalation, severely impacting the user experience.

[0004] The aforementioned problems are solved by using a combination of two materials in the heating element of the aerosol generating device, forming a heating section and a heat-conducting section. Specifically, a portion of the tobacco in the aerosol-generated product is first heated in the heating section. Then, over time, heat is transferred from the heating section to the heat-conducting section, preheating it and thus heating the remaining tobacco portion of the aerosol-generated product. This avoids the problems of excessively high aerosol temperature and flavor degradation.

[0005] However, since the heating section and the heat conduction section currently use a conventional pressing contact method, a lot of heat loss will occur at the connection between the heating section and the heat conduction section during the heat transfer process, which will affect the heating efficiency of the aerosol generation device. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that solves the problem that conventional pressing contact methods result in significant heat loss at the connection points, thus affecting the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus for heating an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0009] Battery cells, used for power supply;

[0010] A chamber having an opening; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening;

[0011] A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber; the heating element is used to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate the aerosol;

[0012] The heating element includes a first heating element and a second heating element fixedly connected to the first heating element by welding. The first heating element receives electricity provided by the battery cell to generate heat to heat part of the aerosol-generated product. The second heating element receives heat transferred from the first heating element to heat another part of the aerosol-generated product.

[0013] As an alternative to the aerosol generation device, the welding method includes diffusion bonding, laser bonding, or glass brazing.

[0014] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the first heating element and the second heating element are distributed along the axial direction of the chamber, with the first heating element being closer to the opening.

[0015] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the first heating element is provided with an electrode, two electrodes are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the first heating element, and the partial structures of the two electrodes are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the first heating element.

[0016] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the second heating body is provided with a connecting part, which is sleeved on the first heating body and a portion of the connecting part forms a welding area.

[0017] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the connecting portion extends axially along the chamber and the inner surface of the connecting portion abuts against the outer surface of the first heating element.

[0018] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the second heating element is further provided with a support portion for supporting the first heating element, the support portion extending from the connecting portion toward the cavity.

[0019] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further includes a first support, in which the heating element is at least partially housed; the first heating element is spaced apart from the first support.

[0020] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further includes a second support, on which the second heating element is supported.

[0021] As an alternative to the aerosol generating device, the first heating element is a conductive ceramic, and the second heating element is an alumina ceramic.

[0022] Beneficial effects:

[0023] In this invention, the combined heating action of the first and second heating elements enables dynamic heating of the aerosol-generating product. This avoids excessively high aerosol temperatures while ensuring the gradual generation of aerosols, maintaining a consistent taste throughout the inhalation process and preventing the flavor from fading and negatively impacting the user experience. Furthermore, the first and second heating elements are fixedly connected by welding, which further ensures sufficient heat conduction, avoiding the inadequacy of direct contact in existing technologies. This reduces heat loss during transfer between the two heating elements and improves thermal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device with an aerosol generating product inserted, provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductor and the first heating element provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 100. Aerosol-generating products;

[0030] 1. Chamber; 11. Opening;

[0031] 2. Heating element; 21. First heating element; 22. Second heating element; 221. Connecting part; 222. Supporting part; 23. Fixing part;

[0032] 3. Electrodes;

[0033] 4. First support;

[0034] 5. Second support. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0039] Please see the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 4 This application provides an aerosol generating apparatus. It should be noted that this aerosol generating apparatus can be used in conjunction with an aerosol generating article 100, enabling the aerosol generating article 100 to produce aerosols.

[0040] The aerosol generating article 100 may include a mouthpiece, a connecting section, and a tobacco segment capable of generating aerosols. The connecting section is located between the mouthpiece and the tobacco segment and is used to guide the aerosol to the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is for a user to hold in their mouth, and the user can inhale the aerosol by sucking on the mouthpiece. The tobacco segment in the aerosol generating article 100 may contain an aerosol generating matrix.

[0041] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing volatile substances to form inhalable aerosols. An aerosol-generating matrix may include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. Specifically, the aerosol-generating matrix may be a tobacco-containing aerosol-generating matrix or an aerosol-generating matrix containing solid tobacco. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating matrix may include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-generating matrix may also include aerosol-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0042] The aerosol generating article 100 can be generally a rod-shaped structure extending longitudinally. The mouthpiece can be disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 100. The tobacco segment can be disposed adjacent to the distal end of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0043] The battery cell of this aerosol generating device is used for power supply. The chamber 1 has an opening 11 through which the aerosol generating article 100 can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber 1 during use. The heating element 2 surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber 1. The heating element 2 is used to heat the aerosol generating article 100 to generate aerosol. The heating element 2 includes a first heating element 21 and a second heating element 22 fixedly connected to the first heating element 21 by welding. The first heating element 21 receives power from the battery cell to generate heat to heat part of the aerosol generating article 100. The second heating element 22 receives the heat transferred from the first heating element 21 to heat another part of the aerosol generating article 100.

[0044] Specifically, chamber 1 is used to receive and contain the aerosol generating product 100. After the aerosol device is used, the user can remove the aerosol generating product 100 from chamber 1, depending on the user's actual usage. Chamber 1 is arranged longitudinally to accommodate the rod-shaped structure of the aerosol generating product 100. One side of chamber 1 has an opening 11, through which the user can insert or remove the aerosol generating product 100 into chamber 1. The shape and size of the opening 11 are adapted to the shape and size of the aerosol generating product 100 to ensure smooth and convenient insertion and removal.

[0045] The heating element 2 has a hollow structure and at least partially surrounds and defines the chamber 1. When the aerosol generating article 100 is received in the chamber 1, the heating element 2 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 100 to heat the aerosol generating article 100. In this embodiment, the heating element 2 is constructed as a longitudinally elongated tubular structure.

[0046] The battery cell is preferably a DC battery cell and can be charged by connecting to an external power source. On one hand, the battery cell can directly supply power to the first heating element 21. When the aerosol generating device is working, the first heating element 21 converts electrical energy into heat energy. The first heating element 21 contacts a portion of the aerosol generating product 100 and heats it. On the other hand, the end of the second heating element 22 is fixedly connected to the end of the first heating element 21 by welding. While the first heating element 21 is continuously heated, the second heating element 22 is gradually heated through the heat conduction of the first heating element 21, and by contacting another portion of the aerosol generating product 100, it achieves preheating and further heating of the other portion of the aerosol generating product 100.

[0047] In this embodiment, the combined heating action of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 enables dynamic heating of the aerosol-generating product 100. This avoids excessively high aerosol temperatures while ensuring that the aerosol-generating product 100 gradually produces aerosols, maintaining a consistent taste throughout the different stages of inhalation and preventing the flavor from gradually fading and affecting the user experience. Furthermore, the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 are fixedly connected by welding. This welding method further ensures sufficient heat conduction between the two elements, avoiding the insufficient heat conduction caused by direct contact in existing technologies. It also reduces heat loss during transfer between the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22, improving thermal efficiency.

[0048] Optionally, the first heating element 21 is made of conductive ceramic, and the second heating element 22 can be made of alumina ceramic or metal. Specifically, the materials of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 can be adjusted comprehensively according to factors such as welding method, molding cost, molding difficulty, and adaptability.

[0049] In this embodiment, the welding method used includes, but is not limited to, diffusion bonding, laser bonding, or glass brazing.

[0050] Diffusion bonding is a solid-state bonding technique that uses interatomic diffusion at high temperatures to form a metallurgical bond at the interface of materials without reaching their melting point. It features high joint strength, high temperature and corrosion resistance, no heat-affected zone, and stable material properties.

[0051] The specific operation of the diffusion connection between the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 is as follows: First, the surface roughness of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 is reduced by mechanical or chemical polishing, and the oxide film and contaminants are removed by acid washing or plasma cleaning. Then, the two ends of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 are precisely aligned and a constant pressure is applied. The temperature is raised to the target temperature in a vacuum furnace and held for a certain period of time to ensure sufficient diffusion, thus completing the connection between the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22. When both the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 are made of ceramic, they can achieve a seamless bond through grain growth. When they are dissimilar ceramics, it is necessary to further match their coefficients of thermal expansion to enhance the stability of the connection. When the first heating element 21 is made of ceramic and the second heating element 22 is made of metal, a new transition layer may be formed between them to complete the connection.

[0052] Laser bonding involves focusing a high-energy-density laser beam, causing a localized area of ​​the material (such as a ceramic surface or a metal-ceramic interface) to absorb the laser energy, generating instantaneous high temperatures that melt or soften the material. Subsequently, the molten material rapidly cools and solidifies after the laser beam is removed, achieving a strong bond between materials through atomic diffusion or metallurgical reactions. This process requires precise control of laser parameters (such as power, scanning speed, and spot size) to ensure a reasonable temperature field distribution and avoid thermal cracks and porosity defects.

[0053] In the specific operation of connecting the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 via laser, when both the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 are made of ceramic, laser heating causes localized melting of the surfaces of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22, forming a liquid phase layer. During cooling, the molten pool solidifies, and direct bonding between ceramic grains is achieved through atomic diffusion. This method is suitable for ceramic materials of the same type or with similar thermophysical properties, but laser parameters need to be controlled to avoid thermal cracking. When the first heating element 21 is ceramic and the second heating element 22 is metal, the laser first heats the second heating element 22, causing partial melting of the metal, while part of the ceramic in the first heating element 21 remains solid or partially melted. The molten metal wets and spreads on the ceramic surface, forming a mechanical interlocking or metallurgical bond after cooling. Due to the poor wettability between metal and ceramic, the interfacial bonding is often improved by adding an intermediate layer (such as an active metal solder) or surface modification (such as laser etching).

[0054] Glass brazing is mainly suitable for joining ceramics with ceramics or ceramics with metals, and is especially suitable for ceramic materials with high melting point, low thermal conductivity and high brittleness.

[0055] In the specific operation of glass brazing of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22, molten glass droplets are spread on the surface of the ceramic when the glass is heated to above its softening temperature. Bonding is achieved through particle diffusion and interfacial reaction to form a transition layer (such as a silicate compound transition layer). Specifically, the surfaces of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 are first cleaned to remove oil and oxides. Then, the surface roughness is roughened by sandblasting or chemical etching to improve the mechanical bonding ability of the glass brazing filler metal. Next, the glass brazing filler metal is placed at the connection interface of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22, and slight pressure is applied. Finally, heating, holding, and cooling operations are performed gradually. During the welding process, a vacuum environment or inert gas protection may also be required.

[0056] Laser bonding technology uses a high-energy laser beam as a heat source. Through the interaction between the laser and the material, local heating and melting (or softening) are achieved, ultimately forming a metallurgical bond.

[0057] Optionally, the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22 are distributed along the axial direction of the chamber 1, with the first heating element 21 being closer to the opening 11.

[0058] Specifically, an opening 11 is provided on one side of the chamber 1, allowing the aerosol generating product 100 to pass through and be inserted. After passing through the opening 11, the aerosol generating product 100 sequentially enters the interior of the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22, so that two different parts of the tobacco segment on the aerosol generating product 100 are respectively wrapped by the first heating element 21 and the second heating element 22. After the first heating element 21 is energized, a part of the aerosol generating product 100 is continuously heated. Furthermore, the second heating element 22 heats another part of the aerosol generating product 100 through thermal conduction, thereby forming a continuous dynamic heating process for the aerosol generating product 100, ensuring the uniform consumption of the aerosol generating product 100 and the stable and continuous flavor of the user's inhalation.

[0059] Optionally, the first heating element 21 is provided with two electrodes 3, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first heating element 21 and the partial structures of the two electrodes 3 are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the first heating element 21.

[0060] Specifically, the first heating element 21 is a hollow cylinder and is made of conductive ceramic. Two electrodes 3 are printed onto the outer wall of the first heating element 21. One electrode 3 is used to connect to the positive electrode of the battery cell, and the other electrode 3 is used to connect to the negative electrode of the battery cell. The two electrodes 3 are strip-shaped and extend along the circumferential outer wall of the first heating element 21. The two electrodes 3 are parallel and spaced apart, thereby maintaining a certain distance between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell and forming a stable current in the circumferential direction of the first heating element 21. Furthermore, the two electrodes 3 are structurally opposite each other in the axial portion, so that the positive and negative electrode connection ends of the battery cell are welded to the opposite structure of the two electrodes 3. This allows the positive and negative electrode connection ends of the battery cell to be arranged spaced apart along the axial direction, avoiding axial misalignment of the two connection ends of the battery cell, reducing positioning difficulty, and ensuring aesthetics.

[0061] Optionally, the second heating element 22 is provided with a connecting part 221, which is sleeved on the first heating element 21 and a portion of the connecting part 221 forms a welding area.

[0062] Specifically, the connecting portion 221 can be integrally formed on the second heating element 22. The connecting portion 221 is annular and extends axially along the cavity 1. The connecting portion 221 is sleeved on the first heating element 21, and its inner surface abuts against the outer surface of the first heating element 21, i.e., the inner surface of the connecting portion 221 is in contact with the outer surface of the first heating element 21. The end face of the connecting portion 221 forms a welding area, so that welding can be directly performed between the end face of the connecting portion 221 and the outer surface of the first heating element 21. It can be understood that an inclined surface can be provided between the end face of the connecting portion 221 and the inner surface of the connecting portion 221, which is more conducive to welding between the connecting portion 221 and the first heating element 21.

[0063] In this embodiment, the annular connecting part 221 ensures that the state of each part is consistent within the annular connecting area of ​​the second heating element 22 and the first heating element 21, which is beneficial to maintain a consistent heat conduction rate of the second heating element 22 and the first heating element 21 at different positions in the circumference.

[0064] Optionally, the second heating element 22 is further provided with a support portion 222 for supporting the first heating element 21, the support portion 222 extending from the connecting portion 221 toward the cavity 1.

[0065] Specifically, the connecting part 221 extends along the axial direction of the second heating body 22, and the supporting part 222 protrudes outward from the outer extension of the second heating body 22. The supporting part 222 can be used to support and position the connecting part 221.

[0066] In this embodiment, the support part 222 and the connecting part 221 are integrally formed on the second heating body 22 to reduce the number of parts and assembly steps.

[0067] Please see the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 3 Optionally, the aerosol generating device further includes a first support 4, and the heating element 2 is at least partially housed within the first support 4; the first heating element 21 is spaced apart from the first support 4.

[0068] Specifically, the first support 4 surrounds and forms a space inside to accommodate the heating element 2. A certain gap is formed between the outer wall of the first heating element 21 and the inner wall of the first support 4, thereby avoiding heat transfer between the first support 4 and the heating element 2, further reducing heat loss and improving heat utilization efficiency.

[0069] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device also includes a second support 5, and the second heating element 22 is supported on the second support 5.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second bracket 5 is positioned below the first bracket 4 and is detachably connected to the first bracket 4. Specifically, the second bracket 5 and the first bracket 4 can be connected using threaded fasteners. A fixing part 23 is also provided at the end of the second heating element 22 away from the first heating element 21. The fixing part 23 extends outward along the outer edge of the second heating element 22. When the second bracket 5 and the first bracket 4 are connected, the fixing part 23 can be pressed between the second bracket 5 and the first bracket 4, thereby completing the fixation of the second heating element 22.

[0071] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus for heating an aerosol generating product (100) to generate an aerosol; characterized in that, include: Battery cells, used for power supply; A chamber (1) having an opening (11) in which the aerosol-generating article (100) can be received at least partially into or removed from the chamber (1) during use; A heating element (2) surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber (1); the heating element (2) is used to heat the aerosol generating article (100) to generate the aerosol; The heating element (2) includes a first heating element (21) and a second heating element (22) fixedly connected to the first heating element (21) by welding. The first heating element (21) receives electricity from the battery cell to generate heat to heat part of the aerosol generating product (100). The second heating element (22) receives heat transferred from the first heating element (21) to heat another part of the aerosol generating product (100).

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding methods include diffusion bonding, laser bonding, or glass brazing.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heating element (21) and the second heating element (22) are distributed along the axial direction of the chamber (1), with the first heating element (21) being closer to the opening (11).

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heating element (21) is provided with two electrodes (3), the two electrodes (3) are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first heating element (21), and the partial structures of the two electrodes (3) are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the first heating element (21).

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heating element (22) is provided with a connecting part (221), which is sleeved on the first heating element (21) and part of the connecting part (221) forms a welding area.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting part (221) extends along the axial direction of the chamber (1) and the inner surface of the connecting part (221) abuts against the outer surface of the first heating element (21).

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second heating element (22) is further provided with a support portion (222) for supporting the first heating element (21), the support portion (222) extending from the connecting portion (221) toward the cavity (1).

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device further includes a first support (4), and the heating element (2) is at least partially housed within the first support (4); the first heating element (21) is spaced apart from the first support (4).

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating device also includes a second support (5), on which the second heating element (22) is supported.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first heating element (21) is a conductive ceramic, and the second heating element (22) is an alumina ceramic.

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