Aerosol generation device

Abstract

This application discloses an aerosol generating device, comprising: a tubular element defining a receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article, wherein the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generated article is divided into several segments of equal length; a shielding element defining a shielding space with the tubular element; a radiation module located in the shielding space and movable between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the tubular element; a drive module fixedly connected to the radiation module; and a controller connected to both a microwave generating circuit and the drive module, configured to control the microwave generating circuit to output a microwave signal of preset time and preset power based on a heating trigger signal, thereby heating the current segment corresponding to the radiation module; and controlling the drive module to drive the radiation module to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position to the second position, thereby moving the radiation module to the next segment corresponding to the current segment, wherein the preset step length is equal to the length of the segment. Therefore, this application can achieve uniform heating.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In one prior art example, the aerosol generation device defines a resonant cavity, with a needle-shaped microwave antenna positioned outside the cavity, or passing through the bottom or sidewall of the cavity. The antenna radiates radio frequency energy to the aerosol-generated article located within the cavity, thereby heating the article. However, a fixedly positioned microwave antenna suffers from overheating at the near end and insufficient heating at the far end, posing a challenge to achieving uniform heating of an aerosol-generated article of a certain volume. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus that can achieve uniform heating of aerosol-generated products.

[0004] This application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, including:

[0005] A tubular element defining a receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating article is divided into several sections of equal length.

[0006] A shielding element, together with the tubular element, defines a shielding space;

[0007] A radiation module is located in the shielded space and can move between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the tubular element. When the radiation module is in the first position, it corresponds to the first section of the smoke-generating section, and when the radiation module is in the second position, it corresponds to the last section of the smoke-generating section.

[0008] A microwave generating circuit is connected to the radiation module;

[0009] A drive module is fixedly connected to the radiation module;

[0010] The controller, connected to both the microwave generating circuit and the driving module, is configured to control the microwave generating circuit to output a microwave signal of preset time and preset power based on a heating trigger signal, thereby heating the current segment corresponding to the radiation module; and to control the driving module to drive the radiation module to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position to the second position, so that the radiation module corresponds to the next segment of the current segment, wherein the preset step length is equal to the length of the segment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the preset time interval is 0.3S-1S.

[0012] In some embodiments, an airflow sensor is also included, connected to the controller, and configured to output a heating trigger signal in response to a suction action applied to the aerosol generating device, and send it to the controller.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to control the drive module to reset and return to the first position after the last section of the smoke-generating section has been heated.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to determine the preset step size based on the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports.

[0015] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is also included, disposed in the air passage of the aerosol generating device and connected to the controller, configured to detect the temperature at the location of the temperature sensor, so that the controller adjusts the heating time and heating power of the current segment based on the temperature.

[0016] In some embodiments, the radiation module includes:

[0017] A movable bracket is fixedly connected to the drive module;

[0018] A radiating element is mounted on the movable support and arranged around the tubular element, and is movable between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the tubular element;

[0019] A connecting lead is mounted on the movable bracket and connected between the radiating element and the microwave generating circuit, configured to transmit the microwave signal output by the microwave generating circuit to the radiating element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the radiating element includes a microstrip patch antenna, a waveguide antenna, a helical antenna, a folded antenna, an inverted F antenna, a loop antenna, a dipole antenna, or a single dipole antenna.

[0021] In some embodiments, the movable support includes:

[0022] The radiating element is mounted in the fixed base;

[0023] The extension has a lead wire groove and a mounting hole. The lead wire groove is connected to the mounting base. One end of the connecting lead wire is connected to the radiating element, and the other end of the connecting lead wire passes through the mounting base, is installed in the lead wire groove, and is connected to the microwave generating circuit. The driving module is interference-fitted with the mounting hole.

[0024] In some embodiments, the radiation module further includes:

[0025] The mounting bracket is placed over the end of the movable bracket away from the connecting lead.

[0026] The first buffer is disposed between the radiating element and the mounting bracket, and is located between the mounting bracket and the radiating element;

[0027] The second buffer is disposed on the bottom wall of the fixed base and located between the fixed base and the radiating element.

[0028] In some embodiments, the drive module includes:

[0029] The moving mechanism is interference-fitted with the moving support;

[0030] A motor module, connected to the moving mechanism, is configured to drive the moving mechanism to move, thereby causing the moving bracket to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position to the second position; and to drive the moving mechanism to move, thereby causing the moving bracket to reset and return to the first position.

[0031] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0032] The first cover assembly is disposed over one end of the shielding element and is fixedly connected to both the shielding element and the radiation module.

[0033] The second cover assembly is disposed on the other end of the shielding element and is fixedly connected to the shielding element.

[0034] In some embodiments, an air intake assembly is further included, at least partially extending through the second cover assembly, the air intake assembly, the second cover assembly, and the tubular element defining an airflow passage for at least a portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0035] This application offers at least the following advantages: by dividing the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generated product into several equal-length segments, the controller controls the microwave generating circuit to output microwave signals of preset time and preset power based on a heating trigger signal, thereby heating the current segment corresponding to the radiation module; and by controlling the drive module to move the radiation module along the direction from the first position to the second position by a preset step length, thereby moving the radiation module to the next segment corresponding to the current segment, wherein the preset step length is equal to the length of the segment. Therefore, this application can achieve uniform heating of the aerosol-generated product. Attached Figure Description

[0036] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device with omitted components provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view in one usage state;

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown;

[0040] Figure 4 This is an electrical connection diagram of an aerosol generating device with omitted components provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radiation module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view in another usage configuration;

[0043] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B shown;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the smoke-generating section of a radiant module for moving heating aerosol generation products, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drive module provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0047] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The aerosol generating apparatus provided in this application includes:

[0048] The tubular element 10 defines a receiving cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article 200, and the smoke-generating section of the aerosol generating article 200 is divided into several sections of equal length.

[0049] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 200 comprises a filter section, a cooling section, and a smoke-generating section, or it comprises a filter section, a cooling section, a smoke-generating section, and a plug section, wherein the smoke-generating section may contain nicotine. When the aerosol generating article 200 is received by the tubular element 10, the filter section and the cooling section are located outside the tubular element 10, effectively cooling the aerosol, preventing the smoke from burning the user's mouth, and facilitating the user's inhalation.

[0050] The shielding element 20 and the tubular element 10 define a shielding space.

[0051] The radiation module 30 is located in the shielded space and can move between a first position 301 and a second position 302 along the axial direction of the tubular element 10. When the radiation module 30 is in the first position 301, it corresponds to the first section of the smoke-generating section. When the radiation module 30 is in the second position 302, it corresponds to the last section of the smoke-generating section.

[0052] In one embodiment, the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating article 200 is divided into eight segments of equal length. When the radiation module 30 is in the first position 301, it corresponds to the first segment of the smoke-generating section; when the radiation module 30 is in the second position 302, it corresponds to the eighth segment of the smoke-generating section.

[0053] For example, the shielding element 20 is a metal tube, disposed outside the tubular element 10, and defines a shielding space with the tubular element 10. The radiation module 30 is located in the shielding space. The metal tube is used to shield the radiation module 30 from radiating microwave signals, thus improving safety. The shielding space also serves as the movement space for the radiation module 30, having a first position 301 and a second position 302. The axial direction of the radiation module 30 coincides with the axial direction of the tubular element 10, allowing the radiation module 30 to reciprocate between the first position 301 and the second position 302.

[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The radiation module 30 includes:

[0055] The movable bracket 31 is fixedly connected to the drive module 50.

[0056] The radiating element 32 is mounted on the movable bracket 31 and arranged around the tubular element 10, and is movable between the first position 301 and the second position 302 along the axial direction of the tubular element 10.

[0057] In some embodiments, the radiating element 32 includes a microstrip patch antenna, a waveguide antenna, a helical antenna, a folded antenna, an inverted-F antenna, a loop antenna, a dipole antenna, or a single dipole antenna. In one specific embodiment, the radiating element 32 is a folded inverted-F antenna with a diameter of 7.6 mm and a height of 14.5 mm.

[0058] The connecting lead 33 is mounted on the movable bracket 31 and connected between the radiating element 32 and the microwave generating circuit 40, and is configured to transmit the microwave signal output by the microwave generating circuit 40 to the radiating element 32.

[0059] In some embodiments, the movable support 31 includes:

[0060] The radiating element 32 is installed in the mounting base 311.

[0061] The extension 312 has a lead wire groove 3121 and a mounting hole 3122. The lead wire groove 3121 is connected to the fixed base 311. One end of the connecting lead wire 33 is connected to the radiating element 32, and the other end of the connecting lead wire 33 passes through the fixed base 311, is installed in the lead wire groove 3121, and is connected to the microwave generating circuit 40. The drive module 50 is interference-fitted with the mounting hole 3122.

[0062] Based on the foregoing embodiments, the radiation module 30 further includes:

[0063] Mounting bracket 34 is placed on the end of movable bracket 31 away from connecting lead 33.

[0064] The first buffer 35 is disposed between the radiating element 32 and the mounting bracket 34, and is located between the mounting bracket 34 and the radiating element 32.

[0065] The second buffer 36 is disposed on the bottom wall of the fixed base 311 and is located between the fixed base 311 and the radiating element 32.

[0066] In one embodiment, both the first buffer 35 and the second buffer 36 comprise silicone.

[0067] The microwave generating circuit 40 is connected to the radiation module 30.

[0068] The microwave generating circuit 40 is used to output a microwave signal and transmit it to the radiation module 30. In some optional embodiments, the operating frequency range of the microwave signal is 2.4GHz-5.85GHz; for example, the operating frequency of the microwave signal is selected as 2.45GHz or 5.85GHz. Furthermore, the output power of the microwave signal can be adjusted; for example, the output power range of the microwave signal is 10W-50W.

[0069] The drive module 50 is fixedly connected to the radiation module 30. See also the following embodiments: Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The drive module 50 includes:

[0070] The moving mechanism 51 is interference-fitted with the moving support 31.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, the moving mechanism 51 includes a bracket 511, a slider 512, a lead screw 513, and a guide rod 514. The lead screw 513 and guide rod 514 are mounted on the bracket 511, and the slider 512 is disposed on the lead screw 513 and guide rod 514 and is inserted into the mounting hole 3122 to achieve an interference fit. It can be understood that the moving mechanism 51 is not limited to... Figure 9 The structure shown can also be other structures in which the moving mechanism 51 drives the moving support 31 to move.

[0072] The motor module 52 is connected to the moving mechanism 51 and is configured to drive the moving mechanism 51 to move, thereby causing the moving bracket 31 to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position 301 to the second position 302; and to drive the moving mechanism 51 to move, thereby causing the moving bracket 31 to reset and return to the first position 301.

[0073] In one embodiment, the motor module 52 is a precision stepper motor with a movement accuracy of ±0.1mm.

[0074] The controller 60 is connected to the microwave generating circuit 40 and the drive module 50 respectively. It is configured to control the microwave generating circuit 40 to output a microwave signal with a preset time and preset power based on the heating trigger signal, thereby heating the current segment corresponding to the radiation module 30; and to control the drive module 50 to drive the radiation module 30 to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position 301 to the second position 302, so that the radiation module 30 corresponds to the next segment of the current segment, wherein the preset step length is equal to the length of the segment.

[0075] In some embodiments, the preset time interval is 0.3S-1S.

[0076] Taking the radiation module 30 in the first position 301 as an example, the controller 60 controls the microwave generating circuit 40 to output a microwave signal with a preset time and preset power based on the heating trigger signal, thereby heating the first section. When the preset time is reached, the first section is heated and the aerosol generating matrix in the first section is absorbed and consumed. In other words, the preset time is the heating time of the first section.

[0077] By setting the preset time range to 0.3S-1S, rapid smoke generation in each section can be achieved, eliminating user waiting time and improving user experience. Furthermore, since the smoke generation time is the same in each section, the consistency of the aerosol generation device's flavor can be improved.

[0078] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes an airflow sensor connected to the controller 60, configured to output a heating trigger signal in response to a suction action applied to the aerosol generating device, and send it to the controller 60.

[0079] The initial position of the radiation module 30 is the first position 301, corresponding to the first segment. When the user inhales, the airflow sensor detects a change in air pressure and outputs a heating trigger signal, which is sent to the controller 60. The trigger control microwave generator circuit 40 outputs a microwave signal with a preset time and preset power, thereby heating the first segment. When the preset time is reached, the trigger drive module 50 drives the radiation module 30 to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position 301 to the second position 302. Since the preset step length is equal to the length of the segment, the radiation module 30 now corresponds to the second segment. If the controller 60 receives the next heating trigger signal, the above process is repeated to heat the second segment, and the radiation module 30 moves a preset step length to the third segment, and so on, until the last segment is heated.

[0080] Preferably, the first section is heated sequentially from the last section.

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, when the current segment is heated, the adjacent segments are also partially heated, so that some areas of the corresponding two segments are heated in overlap.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller 60 is further configured to control the drive module 50 to reset back to the first position 301 after the last section of the heating and smoke generation section.

[0083] In other embodiments, when the aerosol-generated product 200 is pulled out, the radiation module 30 is reset and returned to the first position 301.

[0084] Therefore, when replacing the aerosol generating product 200, it is beneficial to heat the newly replaced aerosol generating product 200.

[0085] In some embodiments, the controller 60 is further configured to determine a preset step size based on the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports.

[0086] In one specific embodiment, the length of the smoke-generating section is used as the dividend, the preset number of suction ports is used as the divisor, and the controller 60 determines the preset step size based on the quotient of the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports.

[0087] In one embodiment, the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports are pre-written into the controller 60, so that the controller 60 determines the preset step size based on the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports. In another embodiment, the controller 60 pre-stores the correspondence between the model of the aerosol generating product 200 and the length of the smoke-generating section. When the aerosol generating product 200 is received in the receiving cavity of the tubular element 10, the model of the aerosol generating product 200 is identified, and the length of the smoke-generating section is obtained based on the correspondence between the model of the aerosol generating product 200 and the length of the smoke-generating section, so that the controller 60 determines the preset step size based on the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports.

[0088] In some embodiments, the controller 60 is also configured to change the preset number of suction ports in response to user input.

[0089] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a temperature sensor disposed in the air passage of the aerosol generating device and connected to the controller 60, configured to detect the temperature at the location of the temperature sensor, so that the controller 60 adjusts the heating time and heating power of the current segment based on the temperature.

[0090] according to Figure 8 As shown, assuming a preset time of 0.5 seconds, a smoke-generating section length of 32 mm, a preset number of suction ports of 8, and a preset step size of 4 mm, the smoke-generating section is divided into 8 equal segments. The top of the smoke-generating section is defined as the 0 mm position, and the radiating element 32 is aligned with the 0 mm position. The first segment is 0 mm - 4 mm, the second is 4 mm - 8 mm, the third is 8 mm - 12 mm, the fourth is 12 mm - 16 mm, the fifth is 16 mm - 20 mm, the sixth is 20 mm - 24 mm, the seventh is 24 mm - 28 mm, and the eighth is 28 mm - 32 mm. The heating process is as follows:

[0091] During the first suction, the microwave generating circuit 40 outputs a microwave signal of preset time and preset power to the radiating element 32, thereby heating the first section. When the preset time is reached, the radiating element 32 moves downward by 4mm. During the second suction, the microwave generating circuit 40 outputs a microwave signal of preset time and preset power to the radiating element 32, thereby heating the second section. When the preset time is reached, the radiating element 32 moves downward by 4mm. This continues until the eighth suction, when the microwave generating circuit 40 outputs a microwave signal of preset time and preset power to the radiating element 32, thereby heating the eighth section. When the preset time is reached or the aerosol-generated product 200 is removed, the radiating element 32 returns to its original position aligned with 0mm.

[0092] In addition, during the heating process of each section, the heating parameters of the current section are adjusted by the feedback temperature of the temperature sensor. The heating parameters can be heating time, heating power, heating curve, etc.

[0093] In further embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 The aerosol generating device further includes: a first cover assembly 70, which covers one end of the shielding element 20 and is fixedly connected to the shielding element 20 and the radiation module 30 respectively; and a second cover assembly 80, which covers the other end of the shielding element 20 and is fixedly connected to the shielding element 20.

[0094] according to Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a first clamping member 71 and a first sealing member 72. The first clamping member 71 is located on the first cover assembly 70 and surrounds the aerosol generating article 200, and is used to clamp the aerosol generating article 200, thereby further improving the stability of the aerosol generating article 200 received in the tubular element 10. The first sealing member 72 is located between the first cover assembly 70 and the tubular element 10, and is used to seal the airflow channel of the aerosol generating apparatus to prevent aerosol from escaping into the shielded space.

[0095] according to Figure 7 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes a second sealing element 81, which is located between the second cover assembly 80 and the tubular element 10, and is used to seal the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device to prevent aerosol from escaping into the shielded space.

[0096] In further embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The aerosol generating device also includes an air intake assembly 90, which is at least partially disposed within the second cover assembly 80. The air intake assembly 90, the second cover assembly 80, and the tubular element 10 define an airflow passage for at least a portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0097] according to Figure 7 As shown, the aerosol generating device also includes a third sealing element 91, which is arranged around the air intake assembly 90 and seals the port position of the air intake assembly 90.

[0098] The aerosol generating apparatus provided in this application divides the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generated product into several segments of equal length. The controller, based on a heating trigger signal, controls the microwave generating circuit to output microwave signals of preset time and preset power, thereby heating the current segment corresponding to the radiation module. It also controls the drive module to move the radiation module along a direction from a first position to a second position by a preset step length, thus moving the radiation module to the next segment corresponding to the current segment. The preset step length is equal to the length of the segment. Therefore, this application can achieve uniform heating of the aerosol-generated product.

[0099] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: include: A tubular element defining a receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein the smoke-generating section of the aerosol-generating article is divided into several sections of equal length. A shielding element, together with the tubular element, defines a shielding space; A radiation module is located in the shielded space and can move between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the tubular element. When the radiation module is in the first position, it corresponds to the first section of the smoke-generating section, and when the radiation module is in the second position, it corresponds to the last section of the smoke-generating section. A microwave generating circuit is connected to the radiation module; A drive module is fixedly connected to the radiation module; The controller, connected to the microwave generating circuit and the driving module respectively, is configured to control the microwave generating circuit to output a microwave signal with a preset time and preset power based on a heating trigger signal, thereby heating the current segment corresponding to the radiation module; And control the driving module to drive the radiation module to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position to the second position, so that the radiation module corresponds to the next segment of the current segment, wherein the preset step length is equal to the length of the segment.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The preset time interval is 0.3S-1S. 3.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an airflow sensor, connected to the controller, configured to output a heating trigger signal in response to a suction action applied to the aerosol generating device, and send it to the controller.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to control the drive module to reset and return to the first position after the last section of the smoke-generating section is heated. 5.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to determine the preset step size based on the length of the smoke-generating section and the preset number of suction ports. 6.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed in the air passage of the aerosol generating device and connected to the controller. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature at its location, so that the controller adjusts the heating time and heating power of the current section based on the temperature. 7.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, The radiation module includes: A movable bracket is fixedly connected to the drive module; A radiating element is mounted on the movable support and arranged around the tubular element, and is movable between a first position and a second position along the axial direction of the tubular element; A connecting lead is mounted on the movable bracket and connected between the radiating element and the microwave generating circuit, configured to transmit the microwave signal output by the microwave generating circuit to the radiating element.

8. The aerosol-generating device of claim 7, wherein, The radiating elements include microstrip patch antennas, waveguide antennas, helical antennas, folded antennas, inverted-F antennas, loop antennas, dipole antennas, or single dipole antennas.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The movable support includes: The radiating element is mounted in the fixed base; The extension has a lead wire groove and a mounting hole. The lead wire groove is connected to the mounting base. One end of the connecting lead wire is connected to the radiating element, and the other end of the connecting lead wire passes through the mounting base, is installed in the lead wire groove, and is connected to the microwave generating circuit. The driving module is interference-fitted with the mounting hole. 10.The aerosol-generating device of claim 9, wherein, The radiation module also includes: The mounting bracket is placed over the end of the movable bracket away from the connecting lead. The first buffer is disposed between the radiating element and the mounting bracket, and is located between the mounting bracket and the radiating element; The second buffer is disposed on the bottom wall of the fixed base and located between the fixed base and the radiating element. 11.The aerosol-generating device of claim 7, wherein, The drive module includes: The moving mechanism is interference-fitted with the moving support; A motor module, connected to the moving mechanism, is configured to drive the moving mechanism to move, thereby causing the moving bracket to move a preset step length along the direction from the first position to the second position; and to drive the moving mechanism to move, thereby causing the moving bracket to reset and return to the first position. 12.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The first cover assembly is disposed over one end of the shielding element and is fixedly connected to both the shielding element and the radiation module. The second cover assembly is disposed on the other end of the shielding element and is fixedly connected to the shielding element. 13.The aerosol-generating device of claim 12, wherein, It also includes an air intake assembly, at least partially disposed within the second cover assembly, the air intake assembly, the second cover assembly, and the tubular element defining at least a portion of the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device.

Images