An aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of atomization devices, in particular to an aerosol generating device. Since the aerosol generating device adopts a piezoelectric sensing element to sense the insertion of an aerosol generating stick, the piezoelectric sensing element can recognize the insertion of the aerosol generating stick after being subjected to the extrusion force of the aerosol generating stick, and the piezoelectric sensing element has stronger anti-interference ability to the outside world compared with the light signal recognition mode. In addition, the aerosol generating device adopts a protective layer to coat the piezoelectric sensing element, so that the piezoelectric sensing element is not easily polluted by oil and aerosol, and the recognition function of the piezoelectric sensing element to the aerosol generating stick is not easily lost, thereby improving the technical problem that the recognition function of the current aerosol generating device is easily lost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of atomization device technology, specifically to an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are used to generate aerosols for users to inhale. One current type of aerosol generating device generates aerosols by heating an aerosol generating rod. Specifically, the aerosol generating rod is inserted into the aerosol generating device, and the heating element in the device heats the aerosol generating rod to generate aerosols.

[0003] To facilitate the identification of whether a cigarette stick has been inserted into the aerosol generator, current aerosol generators typically employ optical signal recognition devices. These devices consist of a light signal transmitter and a light signal receiver. When the aerosol generator is inserted, the light signal emitted by the transmitter is blocked, and the receiver cannot receive the signal, thus identifying the insertion. Optical signal recognition devices require high precision in optical path matching and installation. As the frequency of aerosol generator use increases, accumulated oil in the optical path reduces the effectiveness of the light signal recognition. Furthermore, aerosols and oil in the optical path can easily contaminate the sensor, potentially causing the recognition function to malfunction. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an aerosol generating device to improve the technical problem that the identification function of current aerosol generating devices is prone to failure.

[0005] In a first aspect, one embodiment provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0006] The outer casing has a receiving cavity for inserting an aerosol generating rod;

[0007] A heating element, which is installed in the housing and used to heat the aerosol generating rod;

[0008] A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the housing. The piezoelectric sensor includes a piezoelectric sensing element and a protective layer. The protective layer covers the piezoelectric sensing element to prevent it from being contaminated. The piezoelectric sensing element is used to generate a sensing signal when squeezed after the aerosol generating rod is inserted into the receiving cavity.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the receiving cavity has an insertion port for inserting the aerosol generating rod, and the aerosol generating device includes an elastic sealing ring located at the insertion port. The elastic sealing ring is used to contact the aerosol generating rod and elastically deform to achieve a seal with the aerosol generating rod. The piezoelectric sensing element contacts the elastic sealing ring so that the elastic sealing ring transmits the squeezing force of the aerosol generating rod to the piezoelectric sensing element.

[0010] In another embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element is mounted on the elastic sealing ring.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element is a piezoelectric sensing ring sleeved around the outer periphery of the elastic sealing ring, or the piezoelectric sensing element is installed inside the elastic sealing ring, or the piezoelectric sensing element is installed on the outer surface of a section of the elastic sealing ring.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the elastic sealing ring has an outer peripheral surface facing away from the aerosol generating rod, and the piezoelectric sensing element is located on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sealing ring.

[0013] In another embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sealing ring is a cylindrical surface.

[0014] In another embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element and the elastic sealing ring are respectively and independently mounted on the housing.

[0015] In another embodiment, the protective layer is coated or plated onto the piezoelectric sensing element.

[0016] In another embodiment, the protective layer completely covers the piezoelectric sensing element.

[0017] In another embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element is ring-shaped, sheet-shaped, or line-shaped.

[0018] According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the above embodiment, since the aerosol generating apparatus uses a piezoelectric sensing element to sense the insertion of the aerosol generating rod, the piezoelectric sensing element can identify the insertion of the aerosol generating rod after being subjected to the squeezing force of the aerosol generating rod. Compared with the optical signal recognition method, the piezoelectric sensing element has stronger anti-interference ability. In addition, the aerosol generating apparatus uses a protective layer to cover the piezoelectric sensing element, which is not easily contaminated by oil and aerosol, and the identification function of the aerosol generating rod is less likely to fail, thus improving the technical problem of easy failure of the identification function of current aerosol generating apparatuses. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation device in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another elastic sealing ring and piezoelectric sensing element in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a piezoelectric induction element in one embodiment.

[0023] List of feature names corresponding to the reference numerals in the figure: 1. Aerosol generating rod; 11. Suction end; 12. Air inlet end of generating rod; 13. Nozzle; 2. Outer shell; 21. Receiving cavity; 211. Insertion port; 3. Heating element; 30. Heating tube; 4. Piezoelectric sensing element; 41. Piezoelectric sensing element; 42. Protective layer; 43. Lead wire; 5. Elastic sealing ring; 51. Outer peripheral surface; 6. First tube seat; 7. Second tube seat; 71. Tube seat groove; 711. Groove bottom surface; 8. Protective sleeve; 9. Insulation cavity; 10. Seat cover.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in parentheses in the accompanying drawings: The feature referred to by the reference numerals in parentheses in the accompanying drawings is the feature represented by both the number inside the parentheses and the number outside the parentheses. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0026] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0027] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, 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 application.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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, an abutment, 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] The embodiments described in the detailed implementation can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different embodiments. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the embodiments will not be described separately.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Before providing a detailed introduction to the aerosol generating device, we will first explain the target of the aerosol generating device, namely the aerosol generating rod 1. One end of the aerosol generating rod 1 is the suction end 11 for drawing aerosol, and the other end is the generating rod air inlet end 12. The suction end 11 has a suction nozzle 13 for drawing aerosol, and the generating rod air inlet end 12 is used to supply gas into the aerosol generating rod 1 when drawing aerosol.

[0033] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 2 The aerosol generating rod 1 contains an aerosol generating matrix for generating aerosols. The aerosol generating matrix is ​​either aerosol filaments or aerosol sheets. The nozzle 13 of the aerosol generating rod 1 contains filter cotton. The aerosol generating rod 1 is a heat-non-combustible rod. The aerosol generating matrix is ​​heated by the aerosol generating device to prevent combustion. The aerosol generating matrix can generate aerosols after heating.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating device includes a housing 2, a heating element 3, and a piezoelectric induction element 4. The housing 2 has a receiving cavity 21 for inserting the aerosol generating rod 1. The heating element 3 is installed in the housing 2 and is used to heat the aerosol generating rod 1. The piezoelectric induction element 4 is installed on the housing 2. (Please refer to...) Figure 4 The piezoelectric sensing element 4 includes a piezoelectric sensing element 41 and a protective layer 42. The protective layer 42 covers the piezoelectric sensing element 41 to prevent it from being contaminated. The piezoelectric sensing element 41 can be squeezed and generate a sensing signal after the aerosol generating rod 1 is inserted into the receiving cavity 21.

[0035] Because the aerosol generating device uses a piezoelectric sensor 4, the piezoelectric sensing element 41 can detect the insertion of the aerosol generating rod 1 when subjected to the squeezing force of the aerosol generating rod 1. Compared with optical signal recognition, the piezoelectric sensing element 41 has stronger resistance to external interference. In addition, the aerosol generating device uses a protective layer 42 to cover the piezoelectric sensing element 41, making the piezoelectric sensing element 41 less susceptible to contamination by oil and aerosols, and reducing the likelihood of failure in the recognition function of the aerosol generating rod 1. This improves upon the technical problem of easy failure of the recognition function in current aerosol generating devices.

[0036] The principle of the piezoelectric effect used in the piezoelectric sensing element of this application is as follows: When certain dielectrics are deformed by an external force along a certain direction, polarization occurs inside them, and opposite charges appear on their two opposing surfaces. When the external force is removed, they return to their uncharged state; this phenomenon is called the direct piezoelectric effect. When the direction of the force changes, the polarity of the charges also changes. Conversely, when an electric field is applied in the polarization direction of the dielectric, these dielectrics will also deform; when the electric field is removed, the deformation of the dielectric disappears; this phenomenon is called the inverse piezoelectric effect. A type of sensor developed based on the piezoelectric effect of dielectrics is called a piezoelectric sensor. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element 41 is a piezoelectric sensor. Specifically, the piezoelectric sensing element 41 can be a piezoelectric ceramic part, a PVDF piezoelectric film, or other composite materials, etc. Specifically, the piezoelectric sensing element 41 can be aluminum nitride, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide, lithium niobate, or lead zirconate titanate, etc. The shape of the piezoelectric sensing element 41 can be ring-shaped, sheet-shaped, or linear, etc.

[0037] To prevent the aerosol generating rod 1 from directly pressing the piezoelectric induction element 4, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 The receiving cavity 21 has an insertion port 211 for inserting the aerosol generating rod 1. The aerosol generating device includes an elastic sealing ring 5 located at the insertion port 211. The elastic sealing ring 5 is used to contact the aerosol generating rod 1 and elastically deform to achieve a seal with the aerosol generating rod 1. The piezoelectric sensing element 4 contacts the elastic sealing ring 5 so that the elastic sealing ring 5 can transmit the squeezing force of the aerosol generating rod 1 to the piezoelectric sensing element 4.

[0038] If the aerosol generating rod 1 comes into contact with the piezoelectric sensor 4 during the insertion of the receiving cavity 21, the piezoelectric sensor 4 is easily damaged by sliding friction. However, by squeezing the piezoelectric sensor 4 with the elastic sealing ring 5, direct contact between the aerosol generating rod 1 and the piezoelectric sensor 4 can be avoided, thus making the piezoelectric sensor 4 less susceptible to damage.

[0039] It should be noted that the elastic sealing ring 5 is used to seal with the aerosol generating rod 1, thereby ensuring the airtightness and suction resistance of the receiving cavity 21. When the aerosol generating rod 1 is inserted, the elastic sealing ring 5 is typically compressed. By placing a piezoelectric sensor 4 at the position of the elastic sealing ring 5, the elastic sealing ring 5 can transmit pressure to the piezoelectric sensor 4. The piezoelectric sensor 4 captures the pressure signal and converts it into an electrical signal, which is then fed back into the circuit, realizing the conversion between pressure and electrical signals, thereby enabling the identification of the aerosol generating rod 1.

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2The piezoelectric sensing element 4 is mounted on the elastic sealing ring 5. Specifically, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 can be mounted on the elastic sealing ring 5 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, or embedding. Of course, in some other embodiments, provided that the pressure when the aerosol generating rod 1 is inserted can be captured, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 and the elastic sealing ring 5 can also be mounted independently on the outer shell 2. In this case, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 can be installed first, and then the elastic sealing ring 5 can be installed. The piezoelectric sensing element 4 can be mounted on the outer shell 2 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, magnetic attraction, or welding.

[0041] To facilitate the installation of the piezoelectric sensing element 4 and the elastic sealing ring 5, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 2 The piezoelectric sensing element 4 is a piezoelectric sensing ring fitted around the outer periphery of the elastic sealing ring 5. When the aerosol generating rod 1 is inserted into the receiving cavity 21, the elastic sealing ring 5 seals against the outer periphery of the aerosol generating rod 1, causing the elastic sealing ring 5 to deform, making it easier for the piezoelectric sensing element 4 to generate a signal. Specifically, in one embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 is installed together with the elastic sealing ring 5 by the elastic force of the elastic sealing ring 5. In some other embodiments, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 can also be installed inside the elastic sealing ring 5; in this case, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 can be linear, sheet-like, or block-like. In some other embodiments, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 can also be installed on the outer surface of a section of the elastic sealing ring 5; in this case, the piezoelectric sensing element 4 can also be linear, sheet-like, or block-like.

[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The elastic sealing ring 5 has an outer peripheral surface 51 facing away from the aerosol generating rod 1, and the piezoelectric sensing element 4 is located on the outer peripheral surface 51 of the elastic sealing ring 5. In this way, when the aerosol generating rod 1 passes through the elastic sealing ring 5, the pressure on the elastic sealing ring 5 can be better transmitted to the piezoelectric sensing element.

[0043] Specifically, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The outer peripheral surface 51 of the elastic sealing ring 5 is cylindrical. The cylindrical surface facilitates the installation of the elastic sealing ring 5 and the piezoelectric sensing element 4. In some other embodiments, the cross-section of the elastic sealing ring 5 can also be circular, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0044] Regarding the structure of the protective layer 42, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 4 The protective layer 42 is coated or plated onto the piezoelectric sensing element 41. In one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 4The protective layer 42 fully encloses the piezoelectric sensing element 41. This full encapsulation provides functional protection for the piezoelectric sensing element 41. In some embodiments, the protective layer 42 may be a pyrene layer, a parylene coating, or a DLC coating. Depending on the requirements, the protective layer 42 can achieve at least one of the following effects: hydrophobic, oleophobic, waterproof, moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant, and salt spray-resistant, thereby protecting the piezoelectric sensing element 41, improving its durability, and enhancing its performance and lifespan.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the protective layer 42 may only cover the exposed part of the inductive element. For example, if one side of the inductive element is attached to the housing 2, then that side may not need to be covered by the protective layer 42.

[0046] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric sensing element 41 is a piezoelectric thin film element. A protective coating is applied to the piezoelectric sensing element 41, using PVD, PECVD, or liquid-phase + vapor-phase coating technologies. This allows for the coating to be applied at the nanometer or micrometer scale, achieving hydrophobic, oleophobic, waterproof, moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant, and salt spray-resistant properties. The coating technology needs to have good wrap-around properties, enabling full-range, multi-angle, and multi-position protection without dead angles or bubbles, protecting the surface of the piezoelectric sensing element 41 and the connection points between the lead 43 and the piezoelectric sensing element 41. The coating bonds to the piezoelectric sensing element 41 through chemical bonds, exhibiting strong adhesion and excellent abrasion resistance, preventing damage to the surface of the piezoelectric sensing element 41 during use. The coating thickness needs to be customized based on the characteristics of the piezoelectric sensing element 41 (structure, thickness, and material, etc.), typically at the nanometer or micrometer level.

[0047] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The heating element 3 is a heating tube 30, which includes a heat-conducting pipe and a heating element installed on the outer wall of the heat-conducting pipe or embedded in the heat-conducting pipe. Specifically, the heating element and the heat-conducting pipe can adopt any feasible solution. For example, the heating element can be a resistance wire embedded in the heat-conducting pipe, in which case the heat-conducting pipe is suitable to be made of an insulating and heat-conducting material. Of course, an insulating layer can also be coated on the outer periphery of the resistance wire, in which case the heat-conducting pipe can also be made of a conductive material. Another example is that the heating element can also be a heating film printed on the outer periphery of the heat-conducting pipe. Yet another example is that the heating element can also be a resistance wire wound on the outer wall of the heat-conducting pipe.

[0048] The heating element can also be heated by electromagnetic induction. For example, an inductor coil can be set outside the heat pipe, and the heat pipe itself can be made of magnetic material. In this case, the heat pipe itself is the heating element; or a heating element 3 made of magnetic material can be set on the heat pipe. The heating element 3 generates heat through electromagnetic induction and then transfers it to the heat exchanger through the heat pipe to heat the air.

[0049] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 Regarding the installation structure of the heating element 30, the aerosol generating device includes a first tube seat 6 and a second tube seat 7. The heating element 30 is clamped between the first tube seat 6 and the second tube seat 7. The aerosol generating device also includes a protective sleeve 8, which is located around the heating element 30 and forms a heat insulation cavity 9 with the heating element 30. The heat insulation cavity 9 is located between the protective sleeve 8 and the heating element 30. Clamping the heating element 30 with the first tube seat 6 and the second tube seat 7 facilitates the installation of the heating element 30.

[0050] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The second tube seat 7 and the protective sleeve 8 are integrally formed. The second tube seat 7 has a generating rod through-hole for the aerosol generating rod 1 to pass through, and the generating rod through-hole is part of the receiving cavity 21. The first tube seat 6 has an air passage for airflow. When the aerosol generating rod 1 is inserted into the receiving cavity 21 and the aerosol generating rod 1 is aspirated, outside air enters the aerosol generating rod 1 through the air passage. In some other embodiments, the second tube seat 7 and the protective sleeve 8 can also be assembled together and fixed by welding, riveting or fasteners.

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The aerosol generating device includes a cover 10, which, together with a second tube seat 7, forms a tube seat groove 71. An elastic sealing ring 5 is installed in the tube seat groove 71. A piezoelectric sensor 4 is located between the elastic sealing ring 5 and the second tube seat 7, with one side of the piezoelectric sensor 4 in contact with the bottom surface 711 of the tube seat groove 71. When the aerosol generating rod 1 is inserted into the receiving cavity 21, the elastic sealing ring 5 is compressed, and the pressure is transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor 4, which generates an electrical signal to identify and detect the aerosol generating rod 1. In one embodiment, the cover 10 and the second tube seat 7 are detachably fixed, which facilitates the installation of the elastic sealing ring 5.

[0052] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The outer casing has a receiving cavity for inserting an aerosol generating rod; A heating element, which is installed in the housing and used to heat the aerosol generating rod; A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the housing. The piezoelectric sensor includes a piezoelectric sensing element and a protective layer. The protective layer covers the piezoelectric sensing element to prevent it from being contaminated. The piezoelectric sensing element is used to generate a sensing signal when squeezed after the aerosol generating rod is inserted into the receiving cavity.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving cavity has an insertion port for inserting the aerosol generating rod. The aerosol generating device includes an elastic sealing ring located at the insertion port. The elastic sealing ring is used to contact the aerosol generating rod and elastically deform to achieve a seal with the aerosol generating rod. The piezoelectric sensing element contacts the elastic sealing ring so that the elastic sealing ring transmits the squeezing force of the aerosol generating rod to the piezoelectric sensing element.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The piezoelectric sensing element is mounted on the elastic sealing ring.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The piezoelectric sensing element is a piezoelectric sensing ring sleeved around the outer periphery of the elastic sealing ring, or the piezoelectric sensing element is installed inside the elastic sealing ring, or the piezoelectric sensing element is installed on the outer surface of a section of the elastic sealing ring.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic sealing ring has an outer peripheral surface facing away from the aerosol generating rod, and the piezoelectric sensing element is located on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sealing ring.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the elastic sealing ring is cylindrical.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The piezoelectric sensing element and the elastic sealing ring are respectively and independently mounted on the outer casing.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The protective layer is coated or plated onto the piezoelectric sensing element.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The protective layer completely covers the piezoelectric sensing element.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The piezoelectric sensing element is in the shape of a ring, sheet, or line.

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