Aerosol generation device

Abstract

This application discloses an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a support member defining a receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generated article; at least two radiation units disposed on the support member, wherein when the aerosol-generated article is received in the receiving cavity, the at least two radiation units radially divide a matrix segment of the aerosol-generated article into a corresponding number of heating zones, each radiation unit being used to heat its corresponding heating zone; and a microwave circuit connected to the at least two radiation units, the microwave circuit being configured to send radio frequency signals to the at least two radiation units according to a preset heating pattern, thereby heating the heating zone corresponding to each radiation unit respectively. Therefore, this application can shorten the preheating time, increase the smoke emission rate, and 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 a prior art example, a heating element is heated, causing its temperature to rise. The heat is then transferred to the aerosol generating matrix via thermal conduction, thereby heating the matrix to produce inhalable aerosols. However, heating the aerosol generating matrix to the target temperature requires a long time (i.e., a long preheating time), resulting in slow smoke emission and a reduced user experience. Furthermore, the higher temperature near the heating element leads to uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides an aerosol generating device that can shorten the preheating time, increase the smoke emission rate, and achieve uniform heating.

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

[0005] The support defines a receiving cavity for removably receiving aerosol-generated articles;

[0006] At least two radiation units are disposed on the support member. When the aerosol-generated article is received in the receiving cavity, the at least two radiation units divide the matrix segment of the aerosol-generated article into a corresponding number of heating zones in the radial direction. Each radiation unit is used to heat its corresponding heating zone.

[0007] A microwave circuit is connected to the at least two radiating units. The microwave circuit is configured to send radio frequency signals to the at least two radiating units according to a preset heating rule, thereby heating the heating area corresponding to each of the radiating units.

[0008] In some embodiments, the radiating unit is located in the middle of its corresponding heating zone.

[0009] In some embodiments, the effective heating area of ​​the radiation unit is S1, and the surface area of ​​the heating zone corresponding to the radiation unit is S0, wherein S1 = (1 / 3 to 3 / 4)S0.

[0010] In some embodiments, the radiating element includes at least one of a linear antenna and a planar antenna.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heating zone is a fan-shaped region with the center of the aerosol-generated article as its vertex.

[0012] In some embodiments, the areas of the heating zones corresponding to the at least two radiation units are all equal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the microwave circuit includes:

[0014] Oscillating circuit, used to output radio frequency signals;

[0015] A microwave feed module is connected to the at least two radiating units;

[0016] A switching circuit is connected to both the oscillation circuit and the microwave feed module.

[0017] The controller is connected to the oscillation circuit and the switching circuit respectively. The controller is configured to control the oscillation circuit to output radio frequency signals and to control the switching circuit to select the microwave feed branch between the microwave feed module and the at least two radiation units according to a preset heating law, so as to heat the heating area corresponding to each radiation unit respectively.

[0018] In some embodiments, the microwave feed module includes coaxial lines respectively connected to the at least two radiating units, the inner conductor of each coaxial line is connected to the corresponding radiating unit, and the outer casing of each coaxial line is electrically connected to a ground terminal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the microwave feed module further includes a mounting base, and the coaxial lines that are respectively connected to the at least two radiating units are all fixed on the mounting base;

[0020] When the aerosol generating article is received in the receiving cavity, the aerosol generating article abuts against the fixing seat.

[0021] In some embodiments, the switching circuit includes a radio frequency switch.

[0022] This application has at least the following beneficial effects: By setting at least two radiation units on the support, when the aerosol-generated product is received in the receiving cavity, the at least two radiation units divide the matrix section of the aerosol-generated product into a corresponding number of heating zones along the radial direction, and each radiation unit is used to heat its corresponding heating zone; the microwave circuit sends radio frequency signals to the at least two radiation units according to the preset heating law, thereby heating the heating zone corresponding to each radiation unit respectively. Therefore, it can shorten the preheating time, increase the smoke emission speed, and achieve uniform heating. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of an aerosol generating device with omitted components provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of another aerosol generating device with omitted components provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Top view;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a radiating unit and a heating zone provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 This application provides an embodiment of an electromagnetic energy distribution diagram for heating a specific heating zone.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microwave circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The aerosol generating apparatus 100 provided in this application includes: a support member 10 defining a receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol generating article 200; at least two radiation units 20 disposed on the support member 10, wherein when the aerosol generating article 200 is received in the receiving cavity, the at least two radiation units 20 divide the matrix segment of the aerosol generating article 200 radially into a corresponding number of heating zones, and each radiation unit 20 is used to heat its corresponding heating zone; and a microwave circuit 30 connected to the at least two radiation units 20, wherein the microwave circuit 30 is configured to send radio frequency signals to the at least two radiation units 20 respectively according to a preset heating rule, thereby heating the heating zone corresponding to each radiation unit 20 respectively.

[0033] In this embodiment, the support 10 includes a glass tube defining a receiving cavity for removably receiving the aerosol-generating article 200 and for providing support for at least two radiating units 20. In other embodiments, the support 10 may also include a ceramic tube, a PEEK tube, etc.

[0034] The radiating element 20 includes at least one of a linear antenna and a planar antenna.

[0035] Linear antennas include dipoles, single dipoles, or antennas configured with curved / winding trajectories / patterns. Planar antennas include one or more patch antennas. In some alternative embodiments, multiple patch antennas may be stacked. In other alternative embodiments, multiple patch antennas may be connected by linear antennas or conductive leads.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the radiating element 20 includes an antenna configured as a bend. Specifically, the radiating element 20 includes a first antenna segment, a second antenna segment, and a third antenna segment; one end of the first antenna segment is connected to the microwave circuit 30, and the other end of the first antenna segment is connected to one end of the second antenna segment through the third antenna segment. The first antenna segment and the second antenna segment are parallel to each other, and the length of the second antenna segment is less than that of the first antenna segment.

[0037] according to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 includes eight radiation units 20, namely radiation unit 20a, radiation unit 20b, radiation unit 20c, radiation unit 20d, radiation unit 20e, radiation unit 20f, radiation unit 20g, and radiation unit 20h. Radiation units 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, and 20h are arranged circumferentially around the support member 10 and are uniformly distributed radially along the support member 10.

[0038] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 200 comprises a filter section, a cooling section, and a matrix section, or alternatively, a filter section, a cooling section, a matrix section, and a plug section. The matrix section may contain nicotine. When the aerosol generating article 200 is received in the receiving cavity, radiation units 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, and 20h radially divide the matrix section of the aerosol generating article 200 into heating zones 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, and 208. Among them, radiation unit 20a is used to heat heating zone 201, radiation unit 20b is used to heat heating zone 202, radiation unit 20c is used to heat heating zone 203, radiation unit 20d is used to heat heating zone 204, radiation unit 20e is used to heat heating zone 205, radiation unit 20f is used to heat heating zone 206, radiation unit 20g is used to heat heating zone 207, and radiation unit 20h is used to heat heating zone 208.

[0039] Taking the use of radiation unit 20a to heat heating zone 201 as an example, radiation unit 20a radiates radio frequency energy to heating zone 201. Aerosol generating product 200 in heating zone 201 absorbs radio frequency energy and generates heat. The temperature of aerosol generating product 200 in heating zone 201 rises. When the smoke temperature is reached, aerosol is generated for users to inhale.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heating zone is a fan-shaped area with the center of the aerosol-generating article 200 as its vertex.

[0041] In some embodiments, the areas of each heating zone corresponding to at least two radiation units 20 are equal.

[0042] By designing each heating zone to have an equal area, the design difficulty of the radiation unit 20 can be reduced. On the other hand, when the power of the radio frequency signal received by at least two radiation units 20 is equal, it is beneficial to achieve uniform heating of each heating zone. Furthermore, the content of the aerosol generation matrix in each heating zone is equal, and the aerosol generation rate and duration are equal, thereby improving the consistency of taste and thus enhancing the user experience.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, heating zones 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, and 208 are sector-shaped heating zones. Furthermore, the area of ​​each sector-shaped heating zone is equal.

[0044] In some other embodiments, at least two heating zones have unequal areas. By designing at least two radiating elements 20, uniform heating of each heating zone can be achieved.

[0045] In some embodiments, the radiation unit 20 is located in the middle of its corresponding heating zone.

[0046] Therefore, the electromagnetic energy generated by the radiation unit 20 is concentrated in the middle of its corresponding heating zone, reducing the impact of the electromagnetic energy generated by the radiation unit 20 on adjacent heating zones. On the one hand, this can improve the energy utilization rate of the radiation unit 20 and increase the smoke emission rate; on the other hand, it is beneficial for the aerosol generating device 200 to achieve uniform heating.

[0047] It should be noted that the radiation unit 20 can be located at any position within its corresponding heating zone. In this case, the impact of the electromagnetic energy generated by the radiation unit 20 on adjacent heating zones can be reduced by designing the radiation unit 20. For example, the radiation unit 20 can be symmetrically arranged around its corresponding heating zone; or, for example, the radiation unit 20 can be evenly distributed within its corresponding heating zone; or, for example, the radiation unit 20 can be located at the top of its corresponding heating zone to further increase the smoke emission velocity.

[0048] In some embodiments, the effective heating area of ​​the radiation unit 20 is S1, and the surface area of ​​the heating zone corresponding to the radiation unit 20 is S0, wherein S1 = (1 / 3 to 3 / 4)S0.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the radiation unit 20 is located in the middle of its corresponding heating zone. The surface area of ​​the heating zone corresponding to the radiation unit 20 is S0, and the effective heating area of ​​the radiation unit 20 is S1. Therefore, the effective heating area S1 falls into the surface area S0 of the heating zone and satisfies S1 = (1 / 3 ~ 3 / 4)S0. While realizing the heating of its corresponding heating zone by the radiation unit 20, the influence of the electromagnetic energy generated by the radiation unit 20 on the adjacent heating zone can be further reduced, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the radiation unit 20, increasing the smoke emission speed, and is beneficial for achieving uniform heating of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, the effective heating area S1 of the radiation unit 20 and the surface area S0 of the heating zone corresponding to the radiation unit 20 completely coincide, that is, S1 = S0, and the electromagnetic energy generated by the radiation unit 20 has no effect on the adjacent heating zone.

[0051] In some alternative embodiments, the effective heating area S1 does not fall into the surface area S0 of the heating zone and satisfies S1 = (1 / 3 to 3 / 4)S0. Since the electromagnetic energy distribution of the radiation unit 20 has a stepped distribution trend, the effective heating area S1 has a relatively small impact on the adjacent heating zone.

[0052] When a certain heating zone is heated, its electromagnetic energy distribution is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the areas with higher electromagnetic energy are concentrated within the area of ​​the heating zone.

[0053] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The microwave circuit 30 includes:

[0054] Oscillator circuit 31 is used to output radio frequency signals.

[0055] In this embodiment, the radio frequency signal is a microwave signal. The microwave electromagnetic field acts on the molecules (such as polar molecules) inside the aerosol product 200 to generate heat through high-frequency vibration and friction, thereby achieving efficient heating. Furthermore, due to the strong penetrability of microwave signals, the phenomenon of local overheating leading to scorching, burning, and the generation of harmful substances can be avoided.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, the operating frequency range of the microwave signal is 2.4 GHz to 5.85 GHz; for example, the operating frequency of the microwave signal is selected as 2.45 GHz or 5.85 GHz. Furthermore, the output power of the microwave signal can be adjusted; for example, the output power range of the microwave signal is 10 W to 50 W.

[0057] The microwave feed module 32 is connected to at least two radiating elements 20.

[0058] In some embodiments, please refer again Figure 2 The microwave feed module 32 includes a coaxial line 321 connected to at least two radiating units 20 respectively. The inner conductor 3211 of each coaxial line 321 is connected to the corresponding radiating unit 20, and the outer shell 3212 of each coaxial line 321 is electrically connected to the grounding terminal 40.

[0059] The coaxial cable 321 includes an inner conductor 3211 and a housing 3212. The inner conductor 3211 is disposed inside the housing 3212. One end of the inner conductor 3211 is connected to the corresponding radiating unit 20, and the other end of the inner conductor 3211 is connected to the switching circuit 33. The housing 3212 is electrically connected to the ground terminal 40.

[0060] In one embodiment, the grounding terminal 40 is configured in a ring shape and is disposed around the support tube 10. The grounding terminal 40 is located below at least two radiating elements 20 in the vertical direction.

[0061] Each coaxial cable 321 and its connected radiating element 20 form a microwave feed branch, and the number of microwave feed branches is equal to the number of radiating elements 20.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, the microwave feed module 32 further includes a mounting base 322, and the coaxial lines 321 that are respectively connected to at least two radiation units 20 are fixed on the mounting base 322; when the aerosol generating article 200 is received in the receiving cavity, the aerosol generating article 200 abuts against the mounting base 322.

[0063] The switching circuit 33 is connected to the oscillation circuit 31 and the microwave feed module 32, respectively.

[0064] In one embodiment, the switching circuit 33 includes a radio frequency switch.

[0065] The controller 34 is connected to the oscillation circuit 31 and the switching circuit 33 respectively. The controller 34 is configured to control the oscillation circuit 31 to output radio frequency signals, and to control the switching circuit 33 to select the microwave feed branch between the microwave feed module 32 and at least two radiation units 20 according to the preset heating law, so as to heat the heating area corresponding to each radiation unit 20 respectively.

[0066] The preset heating pattern includes the heating sequence between each heating zone, as well as the heating time and heating power of each heating zone.

[0067] In one embodiment, heating zones 201 to 208 are heated sequentially.

[0068] exist Figure 3 Based on the illustrated embodiment, controller 34 controls oscillation circuit 31 to output a radio frequency signal with a preset power, and controls switching circuit 33 to select the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20a. After heating zone 201 is completed, switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20b. After heating zone 202 is completed, switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20c. After heating zone 203 is completed, switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20d. After heating zone 204 is completed, switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20e. After heating zone 205 is completed, switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20f. After heating zone 206 is completed, switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to radiating unit 20g. After the heating zone 207 is heated, the switching circuit 33 selects the microwave feed branch corresponding to the radiation unit 20h, thereby completing the heating of the aerosol-generated product 200.

[0069] It should be noted that heating zones 201 to 208 can be heated in any order. For example, they can be heated in the following order: heating zone 201, heating zone 203, heating zone 205, heating zone 207, heating zone 202, heating zone 204, heating zone 206, heating zone 208. Alternatively, they can be heated in the following order: heating zone 201, heating zone 208, heating zone 202, heating zone 207, heating zone 203, heating zone 206, heating zone 204, heating zone 205. Yet another example is the following order: heating zone 201, heating zone 205, heating zone 202, heating zone 206, heating zone 203, heating zone 207, heating zone 204, heating zone 208.

[0070] Taking the determination of whether heating zone 201 has completed heating as an example, in one example, the reflection coefficient of the matrix segment of heating zone 201 is detected, and the determination of whether heating zone 201 has completed heating is based on the reflection coefficient. In another example, the control oscillation circuit 31 outputs a radio frequency signal for a preset time, and the radiation unit 20a outputs a radio frequency signal for a preset time to heating zone 201, indicating that heating zone 201 has completed heating. The determination of whether other heating zones have completed heating can refer to the above method.

[0071] Assume the weight of the matrix segment of the aerosol generating product 200 is M, the specific heat capacity is C, the initial temperature is T0, the temperature at which the aerosol generating product 200 emits its first puff of smoke is T1, and the input power of the microwave signal is P.

[0072] If a single radiation unit 20 is used to heat the matrix section of the aerosol-generating product 200, the time t1 required for the matrix section of the aerosol-generating product 200 to reach temperature T1 is:

[0073]

[0074] If adopted Figure 3 The embodiment shown depicts a heating aerosol-generating article 200 in a matrix segment. The heating zone 201 reaches a temperature of T1 in time t2.

[0075]

[0076] Therefore, under the condition of equal input power, the following is adopted: Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the smoke emission time is theoretically 1 / 8 of the time of one radiation element 20. Therefore, in Figure 3 By increasing or decreasing the number of radiation units 20 based on the illustrated embodiment, the required smoke emission time can be obtained.

[0077] In some embodiments, please refer again Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 100 also includes:

[0078] Mounting tube 50 is arranged around support tube 10, and at least part of coaxial line 321 and at least part of mounting base 322 are located within mounting tube 50.

[0079] The outer casing 60 is fitted over the mounting tube 50.

[0080] A sealing fastener 70 is disposed between the support tube 10 and the mounting tube 50 to seal the mounting tube 50. In one embodiment, the sealing fastener 70 comprises silicone.

[0081] The clamping and fixing member 80 is arranged around the support tube 10 to further fix the support tube 10.

[0082] In summary, the aerosol generating device provided in this application is provided with at least two radiation units mounted on a support. When the aerosol generating product is received in the receiving cavity, the at least two radiation units divide the matrix section of the aerosol generating product into a corresponding number of heating zones along the radial direction. Each radiation unit is used to heat its corresponding heating zone. The microwave circuit sends radio frequency signals to the at least two radiation units according to a preset heating rule, thereby heating the heating zone corresponding to each radiation unit. Therefore, the preheating time can be shortened, the smoke emission speed can be increased, and uniform heating can be achieved.

[0083] 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, characterized by, include: The support defines a receiving cavity for removably receiving aerosol-generated articles; At least two radiation units are disposed on the support member. When the aerosol-generated article is received in the receiving cavity, the at least two radiation units divide the matrix segment of the aerosol-generated article into a corresponding number of heating zones in the radial direction. Each radiation unit is used to heat its corresponding heating zone. A microwave circuit is connected to the at least two radiating units. The microwave circuit is configured to send radio frequency signals to the at least two radiating units according to a preset heating rule, thereby heating the heating area corresponding to each of the radiating units.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The radiation unit is located in the middle of its corresponding heating zone. 3.The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The effective heating area of ​​the radiation unit is S1, and the surface area of ​​the heating zone corresponding to the radiation unit is S0, where S1 = (1 / 3 to 3 / 4)S0.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein, The radiating element includes at least one of a linear antenna and a planar antenna. 5.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, The heating zone is a fan-shaped area with the center of the aerosol-generated product as its vertex. 6.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, The areas of each heating zone corresponding to the at least two radiation units are all equal. 7.The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein, The microwave circuit includes: Oscillating circuit, used to output radio frequency signals; A microwave feed module is connected to the at least two radiating units; A switching circuit is connected to both the oscillation circuit and the microwave feed module. The controller is connected to the oscillation circuit and the switching circuit respectively. The controller is configured to control the oscillation circuit to output radio frequency signals and to control the switching circuit to select the microwave feed branch between the microwave feed module and the at least two radiation units according to a preset heating law, so as to heat the heating area corresponding to each radiation unit respectively.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave feed module includes coaxial lines that are respectively connected to the at least two radiating units. The inner conductor of each coaxial line is connected to the corresponding radiating unit, and the outer shell of each coaxial line is electrically connected to the grounding terminal.

9. The aerosol-generating device of claim 8, wherein, The microwave feed module also includes a mounting base, and the coaxial lines that are respectively connected to the at least two radiating units are all fixed on the mounting base; When the aerosol generating article is received in the receiving cavity, the aerosol generating article abuts against the fixing seat. 10.The aerosol-generating device of claim 7, wherein, The switching circuit includes a radio frequency switch.

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