Aerosol generation device

Abstract

This application discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a cartridge assembly including multiple spaced cartridges and a mounting bracket for supporting the cartridges; each cartridge is provided with an electronic tag for identifying the cartridge; a power supply assembly connected to the cartridge assembly, the power supply assembly being movable relative to the cartridge assembly to selectively establish an electrical connection with a target cartridge among the multiple cartridges; an identification antenna disposed on the power supply assembly for coupling communication with the electronic tag; and a first shielding member, at least partially disposed between the electronic tags of two adjacent cartridges; wherein, when the power supply assembly establishes an electrical connection with a target cartridge, the identification antenna is aligned with the electronic tag on the target cartridge, and the first shielding member is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges. Therefore, this application can avoid the signal crosstalk problem of electronic tags on multiple cartridges and improve the reliability of cartridge identification.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the introduction of new regulations for e-cigarettes, the e-cigarette market is becoming more compliant, and refillable cartridge products will become the future trend.

[0003] In some existing technology examples, the aerosol generating device includes multiple receiving cavities and a mainboard antenna. The receiving cavities are used to hold tobacco cartridges, and each cartridge has an electronic tag storing its information. Data is read and written to the electronic tag through signal coupling between the mainboard antenna and the electronic tag, thereby achieving anti-counterfeiting, anti-dry burning, flavor recognition, and cartridge information identification. However, signal coupling can occur between the electronic tags on multiple cartridges, leading to crosstalk. This can cause the mainboard antenna to identify adjacent cartridges or multiple cartridges simultaneously, reducing the reliability of cartridge identification. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application aims to provide an aerosol generating device that can avoid signal crosstalk problems on electronic tags on multiple e-cigarette cartridges and improve the reliability of e-cigarette cartridge identification.

[0005] At least one embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0006] The cartridge assembly includes multiple spaced-apart cartridges and a mounting bracket for supporting the cartridges; each cartridge is provided with an electronic tag for identifying the cartridge.

[0007] A power supply component is connected to the cartridge assembly, and the power supply component is movable relative to the cartridge assembly to selectively establish an electrical connection with a target cartridge among a plurality of cartridges.

[0008] An identification antenna is mounted on the power supply assembly for coupling and communication with the electronic tag;

[0009] A first shielding element is at least partially disposed between the electronic tags of two adjacent cartridges;

[0010] When the power supply component establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna is aligned with the electronic tag on the target cartridge, and the first shielding component is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges.

[0011] In some embodiments, the power supply assembly includes a support tube, the cartridge assembly is configured to rotate about the central axis of the support tube, and a plurality of cartridges are distributed around the support tube, with the identification antenna disposed on the support tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, each cartridge includes a first electrode group, and the power supply assembly includes a second electrode group. During movement of the cartridge assembly relative to the power supply assembly, the second electrode group selectively establishes an electrical connection with the first electrode group of the target cartridge.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes:

[0014] The second shielding component is arranged around the support tube. The second shielding component is used to divide the support tube into a shielded area and an unshielded area. When the power supply component establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the electronic tag on the target cartridge is aligned with the unshielded area, and the other cartridges are aligned with the shielded area.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a receiving tube and a plurality of partitions, the receiving tube defining a first receiving cavity, the plurality of partitions being connected to the receiving tube, and the receiving tube and the plurality of partitions jointly defining a second receiving cavity for respectively receiving a plurality of e-cigarette cartridges;

[0016] At least one side of each of the partitions is provided with a third shield, which is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges when the power assembly establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electronic tag includes a tag antenna and a flexible substrate for carrying the tag antenna, the flexible substrate being attached to a portion of the surface of the cartridge.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first shielding member includes a first shielding layer and a second shielding layer carried on the flexible substrate;

[0019] Along the trajectory of the cigarette cartridge, the first shielding layer is located on one side of the tag antenna, and the second shielding layer is located on the other side of the tag antenna.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lengths of the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer are both greater than or equal to the length of the tag antenna along a direction parallel to the central axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer are configured as rectangles.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first shielding member includes a third shielding layer supported on the flexible substrate, and the third shielding layer surrounds at least both sides of the tag antenna along the trajectory of the cigarette cartridge.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cartridge assembly further includes a housing having a plurality of windows corresponding to the plurality of cartridges.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this application are: by at least partially disposing the first shield between the electronic tags of two adjacent cartridges; when the power supply assembly establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna is aligned with the electronic tag on the target cartridge, and the first shield is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges, thereby avoiding the signal crosstalk problem of electronic tags on multiple cartridges and improving the reliability of cartridge identification. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of a cigarette cartridge assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mounting bracket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of the first type of electronic tag and the first shielding component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the second type of electronic tag and the first shielding component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 4c This is a schematic diagram of the third type of electronic tag and the first shielding component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the fourth type of electronic tag and the first shielding component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the fifth type of electronic tag and the first shielding component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 5c This is a schematic diagram of the sixth type of electronic tag and the first shielding component provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 An aerosol generating device provided in this application includes: a cartridge assembly 10, comprising a plurality of spaced cartridges 11 and a mounting bracket 12 for supporting the cartridges 11; each cartridge 11 is provided with an electronic tag 20 for identifying the cartridge 11; a power supply assembly 30 connected to the cartridge assembly 10, the power supply assembly 30 being movable relative to the cartridge assembly 10 to selectively establish an electrical connection with a target cartridge among the plurality of cartridges 11; an identification antenna 40 disposed on the power supply assembly 30 for coupling communication with the electronic tag 20; and a first shielding member 50, at least partially disposed between the electronic tags 20 of two adjacent cartridges 11; wherein, when the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with a target cartridge, the identification antenna 40 is aligned with the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge, and the first shielding member 50 is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna 40 and the electronic tags 20 on other cartridges 11.

[0039] Multiple cartridges 11 refer to two or more cartridges 11. In the embodiments of the application, the cartridge assembly 10 includes four or more cartridges 11 spaced apart. Taking the cartridge assembly 10 including four spaced cartridges 11 as an example, under normal circumstances, when the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna 40 is aligned with the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge. At this time, the distance between the identification antenna 40 and the target cartridge is the closest, and the coupling signal is the strongest, thereby identifying the target cartridge. However, the electronic tags 20 of the four spaced cartridges 11 will couple with each other to form a large circular coil, interfering with the data communication between the identification antenna 40 and the target cartridge, which may lead to the identification of other cartridges 11 besides the target cartridge.

[0040] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 Each cartridge 11 includes a first electrode group 111, and the power supply assembly 30 includes a second electrode group 32. During the movement of the cartridge assembly 10 relative to the power supply assembly 30, the second electrode group 32 selectively establishes an electrical connection with the first electrode group 111 of the target cartridge.

[0041] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a mouthpiece assembly connected to the cartridge assembly 10, the mouthpiece assembly having a plurality of second channels. Each cartridge 11 includes a first channel 112, and when the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the first channel 112 of the target cartridge is in fluid communication with one of the second channels, thereby allowing the aerosol generated by the target cartridge to reach the outside of the mouthpiece assembly through the first channel 112 and the second channel.

[0042] The power supply assembly 30 includes a support tube 31, the cartridge assembly 10 is configured to rotate around the central axis of the support tube 31, and a plurality of cartridges 11 are distributed around the support tube 31. An identification antenna 40 is disposed on the support tube 31.

[0043] In some embodiments, the support tube 31 is inserted into, for example, Figure 3 The power supply assembly 30 and the cartridge assembly 10 are connected in the first receiving cavity 101 shown. The cartridge assembly 10 is configured to rotate around the central axis of the support tube 31, and multiple cartridges 11 are evenly distributed around the first receiving cavity 101. Based on this, the power supply assembly 30 also includes a circuit board disposed in the support tube 31, and an identification antenna 40 is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board. When the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the first surface of the circuit board is parallel to the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge, and the identification antenna 40 is aligned with the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge.

[0044] In other embodiments, the cartridge assembly 10 also includes a base, the cartridge assembly 10 being configured to rotate about the central axis of the base, and an identification antenna 40 disposed on the circumferential side surface of the base. When the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna 40 aligns with the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes:

[0046] The second shielding component 60 is arranged around the support tube 31. The second shielding component 60 is used to divide the support tube 31 into a shielded area 311 and an unshielded area 312. When the power supply component 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge is aligned with the unshielded area 312, and the other cartridges 11 correspond to the shielded area 311.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second shielding member 60 is configured as a thin metal sheet surrounding the support tube 31. The unfolded length of the metal sheet is less than the circumferential length of the support tube 31, such that the area of ​​the support tube 31 covered by the metal sheet is the shielded area 311, and the uncovered area is the unshielded area 312, where the identification antenna 40 is located. When the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the electronic tag 20 on the target cartridge aligns with the identification antenna 40 through the unshielded area 312. In some alternative embodiments, the height of the metal sheet and the support tube 31 are equal or less than the height of the support tube 31 along a direction parallel to the central axis of the support tube 31.

[0048] Please see Figure 3 The mounting bracket 12 includes a receiving tube 121 and a plurality of partition plates 122. The receiving tube 121 is used to define a first receiving cavity 101. The plurality of partition plates 122 are connected to the receiving tube 121. The receiving tube 121 and the plurality of partition plates 122 are used to jointly define a second receiving cavity 102 for respectively accommodating a plurality of smoke cartridges 11.

[0049] In some embodiments, the support tube 31 is inserted into the first receiving cavity 101, a plurality of second receiving cavities 102 are arranged around the first receiving cavity 101, and a plurality of tobacco cartridges 11 are respectively placed in the corresponding second receiving cavity 102, so that the plurality of tobacco cartridges 11 are distributed around the support tube 31.

[0050] At least one side of each partition 122 is provided with a third shield 70, which is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna 40 and the electronic tag 20 on other cartridges 11 when the power assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge.

[0051] The partition 122 includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, and at least one side of each partition 122 is provided with a third shield 70, including:

[0052] Each partition 122 has a third shielding element 70 on its first side;

[0053] Each partition 122 has a third shielding element 70 on its second side;

[0054] Each partition 122 is provided with a third shielding element 70 on its first and second sides;

[0055] A third shielding element 70 is provided on the first side of some partition plates 122, and a third shielding element 70 is provided on the second side of some partition plates 122.

[0056] A third shielding element 70 is provided on the first side of some partition plates 122, and a third shielding element 70 is provided on both the first and second sides of some partition plates 122.

[0057] A third shielding element 70 is provided on the second side of some partition plates 122, and a third shielding element 70 is provided on the first side and the second side of some partition plates 122.

[0058] By setting the above, the signal coupling path of the electronic tags 20 of two adjacent cartridges 11 is cut off, and the coupling signal of the electronic tag 20 of the target cartridge is prevented from radiating in the left and right directions, thereby preventing the electronic tags 20 on multiple cartridges 11 from coupling with each other.

[0059] The cartridge assembly 10 also includes a housing 13, which has multiple windows (not shown) corresponding to the multiple cartridges 11.

[0060] Users can observe the remaining e-liquid level in the cartridge 11 through a window, allowing them to replace it with a new cartridge when the e-liquid is depleted or about to run out. In some optional embodiments, the flavor of the e-liquid is indicated on the cartridge 11, and users can observe the flavor through a window, making it easier for them to select a target cartridge and switch flavors.

[0061] The electronic tag 20 includes a tag antenna 21 and a flexible substrate 22 for carrying the tag antenna 21. The flexible substrate 22 is attached to a portion of the surface of the e-cigarette cartridge 11.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electronic tag 20 is a wireless communication tag, including an RFID tag and an NFC tag. Taking an NFC tag as an example, the NFC tag is attached to a portion of the surface of the cartridge 11. The power supply component 30 controls the identification antenna 40 to emit radio frequency signals at a preset frequency. When the power supply component 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna 40 aligns with the NFC tag on the target cartridge. The NFC tag enters the magnetic field range of the identification antenna 40, and the tag antenna 21 of the NFC tag generates an induced current (i.e., a coupling signal) through electromagnetic induction. After rectification, the NFC tag is powered on and activated. At this time, the NFC tag is communicatively connected to the identification antenna 40, and the power supply component 30 can read and write data to the NFC tag.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first shielding member 50 includes a first shielding layer 51 and a second shielding layer 52 supported on the flexible substrate 22; along the movement trajectory of the smoke cartridge 11, the first shielding layer 51 is located on one side of the tag antenna 21, and the second shielding layer 52 is located on the other side of the tag antenna 21.

[0064] The first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are made of materials with electromagnetic shielding properties, such as metal materials like copper, aluminum, and steel; materials like a mixture of silver / silver-plated particles and silicone rubber; materials like silver-nickel nylon / aluminum foil and polyurethane foam; and materials like graphene composites, etc. Through surface pretreatment, coating processes, and curing, a coating is formed on the flexible substrate 22.

[0065] When the power supply assembly 30 establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the first shielding member 50 of the target cartridge is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna 40 and the electronic tags 20 on the left and right cartridges 11, thereby enhancing the coupling signal of the electronic tags 20 on the target cartridge. Furthermore, it cuts off the signal coupling path between the target cartridge and the electronic tags 20 on the left and right cartridges 11, preventing the coupling signal of the electronic tags 20 on the target cartridge from radiating in the left-right direction, thus preventing the target cartridge from coupling with the electronic tags 20 on the left and right cartridges 11.

[0066] Along the direction parallel to the central axis of the cigarette cartridge assembly 10, the lengths of the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are both greater than or equal to the length of the tag antenna 21.

[0067] The above settings enhance the shielding effect of the first shielding element 50, preventing the coupling signals between the target cartridge and the electronic tags 20 on the left and right cartridges 11 from coupling through the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52. It is understood that the lengths of the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 can be less than the length of the tag antenna 21, thus reducing the cost of the aerosol generating device while ensuring the shielding effect of the first shielding element 50.

[0068] As an example, the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are constructed into rectangles. Figure 4a As shown, both the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are parallel to the width direction of the flexible substrate 22. In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 forms an angle with the width direction of the flexible substrate 22. In some alternative embodiments, the number of at least one of the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 is not 1. It is understood that the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are not limited to rectangles, and can also be constructed as circular rectangles, ellipses, trapezoids, or other shapes.

[0069] As another example, the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are configured in a curved shape. Figure 4bAs shown, both the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are parallel to the width direction of the flexible substrate 22. In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 forms an angle with the width direction of the flexible substrate 22. In some alternative embodiments, the number of at least one of the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 is not 1.

[0070] As yet another example, the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are configured in a polygonal shape. Figure 4c As shown, both the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 are composed of two straight line segments. The included angle between the first shielding layer 51 and the second shielding layer 52 is directed toward the tag antenna 21, which is more conducive to increasing the shielding effect of the first shielding component 50.

[0071] In other embodiments, the first shielding member 50 includes a third shielding layer 53 supported on the flexible substrate 22, and the third shielding layer 53 surrounds at least both sides of the tag antenna 21 along the movement trajectory of the smoke cartridge 11.

[0072] By setting the above, the shielding effect of the first shielding component 50 is increased, preventing the coupling signals of the target cartridge and the electronic tags 20 on the left and right cartridges 11 from coupling with each other through the third shielding layer 53.

[0073] In some embodiments, along the movement trajectory of the smoke cartridge 11, the length of the third shielding layer 53 surrounding both sides of the tag antenna 21 is greater than or equal to the length of the tag antenna 21.

[0074] like Figure 5a As shown, the third shielding layer 53 surrounds the tag antenna 21 in three directions and, along the trajectory of the smoke bomb 11, surrounds at least both sides of the tag antenna 21. Figure 5b As shown, the third shielding layer 53 surrounds the tag antenna 21 in four directions. The third shielding layer 53 is not closed and, along the trajectory of the smoke bomb 11, surrounds at least both sides of the tag antenna 21. Figure 5c As shown, the third shielding layer 53 surrounds the tag antenna 21 in four directions. The third shielding layer 53 is closed and surrounds at least both sides of the tag antenna 21 along the movement trajectory of the smoke bomb 11.

[0075] Understandable. Figures 5a-5c The rectangular shielding layer shown can be replaced with a circular rectangle, ellipse, trapezoid, curve, or polygonal shape disclosed in the above embodiments.

[0076] In summary, the aerosol generating device provided in this application is at least partially disposed between the electronic tags of two adjacent cartridges via a first shielding component. When the power supply component establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna is aligned with the electronic tag on the target cartridge. The first shielding component is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges, thereby avoiding signal crosstalk between electronic tags on multiple cartridges and improving the reliability of cartridge identification.

[0077] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device, characterized by, include: The cartridge assembly includes multiple spaced-apart cartridges and a mounting bracket for supporting the cartridges; each cartridge is provided with an electronic tag for identifying the cartridge. A power supply component is connected to the cartridge assembly, and the power supply component is movable relative to the cartridge assembly to selectively establish an electrical connection with a target cartridge among a plurality of cartridges. An identification antenna is mounted on the power supply assembly for coupling and communication with the electronic tag; A first shielding element is at least partially disposed between the electronic tags of two adjacent cartridges; When the power supply component establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the identification antenna is aligned with the electronic tag on the target cartridge, and the first shielding component is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The power supply assembly includes a support tube, the cartridge assembly is configured to rotate around the central axis of the support tube, and a plurality of cartridges are distributed around the support tube, with the identification antenna disposed on the support tube.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the cartridges includes a first electrode group, and the power supply assembly includes a second electrode group. During the movement of the cartridge assembly relative to the power supply assembly, the second electrode group selectively establishes an electrical connection with the first electrode group of the target cartridge.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 2, wherein, The aerosol generating device further includes: The second shielding component is arranged around the support tube. The second shielding component is used to divide the support tube into a shielded area and an unshielded area. When the power supply component establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge, the electronic tag on the target cartridge is aligned with the unshielded area, and the other cartridges are aligned with the shielded area.

5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The mounting bracket includes a receiving tube and multiple partitions. The receiving tube defines a first receiving cavity, and the multiple partitions are connected to the receiving tube. The receiving tube and the multiple partitions together define a second receiving cavity for respectively accommodating multiple e-cigarette cartridges. At least one side of each of the partitions is provided with a third shield, which is configured to shield the coupling signal between the identification antenna and the electronic tags on other cartridges when the power assembly establishes an electrical connection with the target cartridge.

6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The electronic tag includes a tag antenna and a flexible substrate for supporting the tag antenna, the flexible substrate being attached to a portion of the surface of the e-cigarette cartridge.

7. The aerosol-generating device of claim 6, wherein, The first shielding component includes a first shielding layer and a second shielding layer supported on the flexible substrate; Along the trajectory of the cigarette cartridge, the first shielding layer is located on one side of the tag antenna, and the second shielding layer is located on the other side of the tag antenna.

8. The aerosol-generating device of claim 7, wherein, Along a direction parallel to the central axis of the cartridge assembly, the lengths of both the first and second shielding layers are greater than or equal to the length of the tag antenna.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first shielding layer and the second shielding layer are constructed into a rectangle. 10.The aerosol-generating device of claim 6, wherein, The first shielding component includes a third shielding layer supported on the flexible substrate, and the third shielding layer surrounds at least both sides of the tag antenna along the movement trajectory of the smoke cartridge. 11.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The cartridge assembly also includes a housing, which has multiple windows corresponding to the multiple cartridges.

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