Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The application relates to an aerosol generating device, comprising a first shell, a second shell, a controller, a battery, a heating element and a sensor, wherein: the first shell and the second shell are connected through a separable assembly, and a plurality of pairs of contact pieces are arranged on the connecting surface of the first shell and the second shell; the first shell has a containing cavity for placing an aerosol generating substrate; the sensor is arranged in the first shell and used for detecting whether the substrate is in place; the battery and the controller are arranged in the second shell; when the first shell and the second shell are connected, the heating element forms a conduction loop through two pairs of contact pieces in the plurality of pairs of contact pieces, the controller and the battery, and the sensor is electrically connected to the controller through another pair of contact pieces; the controller is used for starting heating; when the first shell and the second shell are separated, the two pairs of contact pieces are separated, so that the heating element loop is disconnected, and the other pair of contact pieces is also separated, and the connection between the sensor and the controller is disconnected. The device can improve the convenience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, aerosol generating devices typically control the heating process through a rotating mechanism on the device itself. When the rotating mechanism rotates to a specific position relative to the device body, the internal switching component also rotates to that position, cutting off the power supply circuit. However, this approach increases the difficulty of operation for users who find it inconvenient to operate the knobs. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an aerosol generating device that can quickly switch power supply states.

[0004] An aerosol generating device includes a first housing, a second housing, a controller, a battery, a heating element, and a sensor, wherein:

[0005] The first housing and the second housing are connected by a separable component, and multiple pairs of contact members are provided on the connection surface of the first housing and the second housing; wherein, one contact member of each pair of contact members is provided on the connection surface of the first housing, and the other contact member is provided on the connection surface of the second housing;

[0006] The first housing has a receiving cavity for placing the aerosol generation substrate;

[0007] The sensor is disposed inside the first housing and is used to detect whether the aerosol generation substrate is in place.

[0008] The battery and the controller are disposed inside the second housing;

[0009] When the first housing and the second housing are connected, the heating element forms a conductive circuit through the first pair of contacts, the second pair of contacts, the controller, and the battery, and the sensor is electrically connected to the controller through the third pair of contacts.

[0010] The controller receives the substrate positioning signal transmitted by the sensor and outputs a trigger signal to the heating element. The heating element receives the trigger signal and starts heating. When the first housing and the second housing are separated, the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts are separated, so that the circuit where the heating element is located is disconnected. The third pair of contacts are separated, so that the electrical connection between the sensor and the controller is disconnected.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heating element is disposed within the second housing, wherein:

[0012] The power supply terminal of the controller is connected to the battery, the signal terminal of the controller is connected to the signal terminal of the heating element, the power supply terminal of the heating element is connected to the first end of the power supply cable inside the first housing through the first pair of contacts, and the second end of the power supply cable is connected to the battery through the second pair of contacts.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heating element is disposed within the first housing, wherein:

[0014] The power supply terminal of the controller is connected to the battery, the signal terminal of the controller is connected to the signal terminal of the heating element through the first pair of contacts, and the power supply terminal of the heating element is connected to the battery inside the second housing through the second pair of contacts.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a temperature switch disposed within the first housing;

[0016] The sensor is connected to one of the contacts in the third pair of contacts via the temperature switch.

[0017] In one embodiment, the temperature switch is a bimetallic strip.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bimetallic strip is composed of a manganese-nickel-copper alloy and a nickel-iron alloy.

[0019] In one embodiment, the detachable component includes a snap-fit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the separable component includes a magnet assembly.

[0021] In one embodiment, the multiple pairs of contacts include at least one of a spring probe, a metal spring, an elastic conductive rubber, an elastic conductive foam, and a magnetic connector.

[0022] In one embodiment, the receiving cavity is located at one end away from the second housing, and the receiving cavity is cylindrical.

[0023] The aforementioned aerosol generating device has multiple pairs of contacts on the contact surface between the first and second housings. When the user opens the device (separating the first and second housings), the first and second pairs of contacts immediately separate physically, directly cutting off the current path to the heating element. This hardware-level power-off is faster and more reliable than software control, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of the heating element accidentally starting to heat up when the cover is open. Even if the controller software malfunctions or has a logical error (such as sensor misjudgment), as long as the cover is opened and the physical connection is broken, the heating circuit cannot be conducted, providing double safety protection. The user can cut off the power supply circuit and stop the heating of the aerosol generating device by opening the cover, improving the convenience of user operation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation device in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in a separated state in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in another embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in a separated state in another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in a separated state in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if the terms "above", "inside", etc. appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," 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 or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via 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. Similarly, "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.

[0036] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0037] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application is shown, wherein: 1-first housing; 2-second housing; 3-receiving cavity; 4-contact element; 5-controller; 6-battery; 7-aerosol generating substrate; 8-heating element; 9-sensor. An embodiment of the aerosol generating device provided in this application includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, a controller 5, a battery 6, a heating element 8, and a sensor 9, wherein:

[0038] The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected by a separable component. Multiple pairs of contact members 4 are provided on the connection surface of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. In each pair of contact members, one contact member is provided on the connection surface of the first housing 1 and the other contact member is provided on the connection surface of the second housing 2.

[0039] The first housing 1 is provided with a receiving cavity 3, which is used to place the aerosol generating substrate 7.

[0040] The aforementioned sensor 9 is disposed inside the aforementioned first housing 1, and the aforementioned sensor 9 is used to detect whether the aerosol generating substrate 7 is in place;

[0041] The battery 6 and the controller 5 are disposed inside the second housing 2; the battery 6 is used to power the entire aerosol generating device.

[0042] When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected, the heating element 8 forms a conductive circuit through the first pair of contacts, the second pair of contacts, the controller 5 and the battery 6, and the sensor 9 is electrically connected to the controller 5 through the third pair of contacts.

[0043] The controller 5 receives the substrate positioning signal transmitted by the sensor 9 and outputs a trigger signal to the heating element 8. The heating element 8 receives the trigger signal and starts heating. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are separated, the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts are separated, so that the circuit where the heating element 8 is located is disconnected. The third pair of contacts are separated, so that the electrical connection between the sensor 9 and the controller 5 is disconnected.

[0044] Specifically, the aforementioned aerosol generating device comprises upper and lower housings. The upper housing (first housing 1) is provided with a receiving cavity 3, at least one sensor 9 device, multiple sets of contacts / connectors for establishing signal paths, a controller 5, a battery 6, and a heating element 8. The receiving cavity 3, in addition to holding the aerosol generating substrate, can also be designed as a cavity with heating function, i.e., the heating element 8 is placed in the receiving cavity 3 or designed as a cavity that facilitates the entry of the heating element 8. At least one of the sensor 9 devices on the upper housing is used to detect the presence of the aerosol generating substrate in the receiving cavity 3. The contact for establishing the signal path is a component used for quickly connecting and disconnecting the electrical connection between two parts, and must be located on the upper housing near or in contact with the lower housing (second housing 2). The lower housing is provided with the battery 6, controller 5, stimulation elements (lights, motors, etc.), and a corresponding number of signal contacts matching the upper housing, and these contacts must be located on the lower housing near or in contact with the upper housing. When the signal contacts of the upper and lower housings are connected, an electrical connection can be established, realizing a signal path. If the upper housing is not equipped with a heating element 8, then the heating element 8 shall be provided in the lower housing, or vice versa; the heating element 8 is used to heat the aerosol generating substrate placed in the accommodating cavity 3. Among the sensors 9 provided in the upper housing, at least one is used to detect whether there is an aerosol generating substrate in the accommodating cavity 3. This sensor 9 is connected to the controller 5 through a set of contacts / connectors on the upper and lower housings for electrical connection.

[0045] The aforementioned aerosol generating device is mainly used to heat an aerosol generating substrate to generate aerosols. Its specific operating principle is as follows: When the aerosol generating device is started and enters the heating state, the controller 5 detects whether the contact pieces between the upper and lower housings are connected. If the connection is complete, an electrical connection is established, and the presence of an aerosol generating substrate is detected within the receiving cavity 3 of the aerosol generating device. Specifically, after the contact pieces / connectors used to connect the sensor 9 and the controller 5 complete the electrical connection, the controller 5 can receive a signal from the sensor 9. This signal not only confirms the presence of the sensor 9 but also transmits information about whether the aerosol collection detected by the sensor 9 exists in the receiving cavity 3. If an aerosol generating substrate is detected, the controller 5, upon receiving the substrate placement signal, will confirm whether the electrical connection of the contact pieces / connectors on the aerosol generating device used to conduct the heating element 8 is complete, and control the battery 6 to supply power to the heating element 8, thus activating the heating operation of the heating element 8. If no aerosol generating substrate is detected, the device will not activate the heating operation. Specifically, the control power supply circuit of the heating element 8 is as follows: one end of the heating element 8 is connected to the controller 5, and the controller 5 is then connected to the battery 6 for communication; the other end of the heating element 8 is connected to the battery 6 through one or more pairs of contacts / connectors that cross the contact surfaces of the upper and lower housings.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the user opens the device (separating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2), the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts immediately separate physically, directly cutting off the current path to the heating element 8. The separation of the third pair of contacts disconnects the electrical connection between the sensor 9 and the controller 5.

[0047] In this embodiment, multiple pairs of contacts are provided on the contact surfaces of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. When the user opens the device (separating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2), the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts immediately separate physically, directly cutting off the current path to the heating element 8. This hardware-level power-off is faster and more reliable than software control, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of the heating element 8 accidentally starting to heat up when the cover is open. Even if the controller 5 software malfunctions or has a logic error (such as a misjudgment by sensor 9), as long as the cover is opened and the physical connection is broken, the heating circuit cannot be conducted, providing double safety protection. The user can cut off the power supply circuit and stop the heating of the aerosol generating device by opening the cover, improving the convenience of user operation. In addition, when the user replaces the aerosol generating substrate, cleans, or maintains it, there is no need to perform an additional "shutdown" operation. The act of opening the cover itself is the most direct and intuitive "shutdown" command, greatly reducing the risk of the heating element being accidentally activated in an exposed state due to forgetting to turn it off or improper operation (e.g., touching the heating element with a finger).

[0048] Combination Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the heating element 8 is disposed in the second housing 2, wherein: the power supply terminal of the controller 5 is connected to the battery 6, the signal terminal of the controller 5 is connected to the signal terminal of the heating element 8, the power supply terminal of the heating element 8 is connected to the first end of the power supply cable in the first housing 1 through the first pair of contacts, and the second end of the power supply cable is connected to the battery 6 through the second pair of contacts.

[0049] Specifically, when the heating element 8 is located in the lower housing (second housing 2), one end of the wire of the heating element 8 is directly connected to the controller 5, and the other end of the wire, after being connected from the pin of the heating element 8, needs to pass through the aforementioned contact / connector through the upper housing and back to the lower housing, and then connect to the controller 5 or the battery 6. Additionally, when the upper and lower housings are closed together, the heating element 8 can be partially or completely placed in the upper housing by contacting or inserting into the bottom of the receiving cavity 3, thereby heating the aerosol generating substrate placed in the receiving cavity 3.

[0050] In this embodiment, the power supply path of the heating element 8 must pass through both the first pair of contacts (power cable inlet) and the second pair of contacts (battery 6 output terminal). When the cover is opened, the first housing 1 separates from the second housing 2, and the two pairs of contacts are physically disconnected simultaneously. Both ends of the power cable are isolated from the battery 6 / heating element 8, forming a double physical break point. Even if one pair of contacts is stuck due to a fault (the probability is extremely low), the other pair of contacts can still forcibly cut off the circuit; completely eliminating the possibility of current passing through the power cable or heating element 8 after the cover is opened.

[0051] Combination Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the heating element 8 is disposed within the first housing 1, wherein:

[0052] The power supply terminal of the controller 5 is connected to the battery 6, the signal terminal of the controller 5 is connected to the signal terminal of the heating element 8 through the first pair of contacts, and the power supply terminal of the heating element 8 is connected to the battery 6 inside the second housing 2 through the second pair of contacts.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the user opens the device, i.e., in the state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are separated, both the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts separate. The separation of the first pair of contacts disconnects the connection between the heating element 8 and the controller 5; the separation of the second pair of contacts disconnects the connection between the heating element 8 and the battery 6. The separation of the third pair of contacts disconnects the electrical connection between the sensor 9 and the controller 5.

[0054] In this embodiment, the trigger signal of the controller 5 needs to be transmitted to the signal terminal of the heating element 8 through the first pair of contacts; the power supply of the heating element 8 needs to be connected to the battery 6 through the second pair of contacts; when the first housing 1 / second housing 2 is separated, the two pairs of contacts are physically disconnected at the same time, and the signal command and power supply are cut off synchronously. Even if the controller 5 continues to output the trigger signal due to a fault (software error), the command cannot reach the heating element 8 because the signal path is physically isolated; at the same time, the power supply is cut off, forming a double hardware protection.

[0055] Existing aerosol generating devices generally involve design adjustments to the cavity structure into which the aerosol generating substrate is placed to achieve a volume fit between the substrate and the cavity, preventing the aerosol generating substrate from falling off or shifting during use. However, whether adjusting the circumferential shape of the cavity or designing serrations, slots, or other structures within the cavity to fix the aerosol generating substrate, it is impossible to completely prevent substrate movement. Especially for self-starting aerosol generating devices, movement of the aerosol generating substrate within the device cavity can cause sensor 9 to misjudge its readings, leading to device interruption. To reduce the risk of abnormal device interruption caused by movement of the aerosol generating substrate within the device cavity due to various reasons during operation, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device also includes a temperature switch, which is disposed within the first housing 1; the sensor 9 is connected to one of the contacts in the third pair of contacts via the temperature switch.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the signal path of sensor 9 is changed to first go to the temperature switch, then to the third pair of contacts, and finally to the controller 5. When the third pair of contacts separates, the power supply to the sensor 9 circuit is cut off. The temperature switch is located near the receiving cavity 3 inside the first housing 1, and is used to disconnect the connection at both ends of the temperature switch when the temperature of the receiving cavity 3 reaches the operating temperature of the temperature switch.

[0057] In this embodiment, a temperature switch is used to cut off the signal path of sensor 9 after the aerosol generating device starts heating. This avoids the risk that the movement of the aerosol generating substrate in the device cavity may cause sensor 9 to make incorrect judgments, and reduces the waste of aerosol generating substrate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the temperature switch is a bimetallic strip. Specifically, the bimetallic strip is a passive mechanical structure that controls the on / off state solely through thermal expansion and contraction, requiring no external power supply or signal drive. When the aerosol generating device starts heating, the temperature of the bimetallic strip rises. When it reaches the operating temperature, it disconnects the connection between sensor 9 and the third pair of contacts. When the aerosol generating device stops heating, the temperature of the bimetallic strip drops to the reset temperature, and then reconnects the connection between sensor 9 and the third pair of contacts. In this embodiment, the operating temperature of the bimetallic strip is linked to the heating state of the aerosol generating device, thus achieving the goal of cutting off the signal transmission path of sensor 9 during the heating state.

[0059] In some embodiments, the constituent materials of the bimetallic sheet include a manganese-nickel-copper alloy and a nickel-iron alloy.

[0060] In some embodiments, the detachable component includes a snap-fit. The snap-fit ​​can assist in achieving a stable connection between the upper and lower housings.

[0061] In some embodiments, the separable component includes a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly can assist in achieving a stable connection between the upper and lower housings.

[0062] In some embodiments, the multiple pairs of contacts include at least one of the following: spring probe, metal spring, elastic conductive rubber, elastic conductive foam, and magnetic connector.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the receiving cavity 3 is located at one end away from the second housing 2, and the receiving cavity 3 is cylindrical. The receiving cavity 3 is mainly used to match the shape of the aerosol generation substrate, and can be cylindrical.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the multiple pairs of contacts in the aerosol generating device may also include a fourth pair of contacts, meaning there are four pairs of contacts used to achieve electrical connections between the housings. Specifically, the first and second pairs of contacts are used to connect the heating element to the power supply; the third pair of contacts is used to connect the sensor to the controller; and the fourth pair of contacts is used for connection verification between the housings or to fulfill other functional requirements. Therefore, the aerosol generating device in this embodiment can only function normally when all four pairs of contacts are connected.

[0065] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the user opens the device (separating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2), the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts immediately separate physically, directly cutting off the current path to the heating element 8. The separation of the third pair of contacts disconnects the electrical connection between the sensor 9 and the controller 5. The separation of the fourth pair of contacts disables the connection verification function between the housings, or other preset functions.

[0066] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0067] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, characterized by, It includes a first housing, a second housing, a controller, a battery, a heating element, and a sensor, wherein: The first housing and the second housing are connected by a separable component, and multiple pairs of contact members are provided on the connection surface of the first housing and the second housing; wherein, one contact member of each pair of contact members is provided on the connection surface of the first housing, and the other contact member is provided on the connection surface of the second housing; The first housing has a receiving cavity for placing the aerosol generation substrate; The sensor is disposed inside the first housing and is used to detect whether the aerosol generation substrate is in place. The battery and the controller are disposed inside the second housing; When the first housing and the second housing are connected, the heating element forms a conductive circuit through the first pair of contacts, the second pair of contacts, the controller, and the battery, and the sensor is electrically connected to the controller through the third pair of contacts. The controller receives the substrate positioning signal transmitted by the sensor and outputs a trigger signal to the heating element. The heating element receives the trigger signal and starts heating. When the first housing and the second housing are separated, the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts are separated, so that the circuit where the heating element is located is disconnected. The third pair of contacts are separated, so that the electrical connection between the sensor and the controller is disconnected.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The heating element is disposed within the second housing, wherein: The power supply terminal of the controller is connected to the battery, the signal terminal of the controller is connected to the signal terminal of the heating element, the power supply terminal of the heating element is connected to the first end of the power supply cable inside the first housing through the first pair of contacts, and the second end of the power supply cable is connected to the battery through the second pair of contacts.

3. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The heating element is disposed within the first housing, wherein: The power supply terminal of the controller is connected to the battery, the signal terminal of the controller is connected to the signal terminal of the heating element through the first pair of contacts, and the power supply terminal of the heating element is connected to the battery inside the second housing through the second pair of contacts.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The aerosol generating device also includes a temperature switch, which is disposed inside the first housing; The sensor is connected to one of the contacts in the third pair of contacts via the temperature switch.

5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein, The temperature switch is a bimetallic strip.

6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 5, wherein, The bimetallic sheet is composed of manganese-nickel-copper alloy and nickel-iron alloy.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The detachable component includes a snap-fit.

8. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The separable component includes a magnet assembly.

9. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Multiple pairs of contacts include at least one of the following: spring probe, metal spring, elastic conductive rubber, elastic conductive foam, and magnetic connector.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The receiving cavity is located at one end away from the second housing, and the receiving cavity is cylindrical.

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