Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generator (1) includes a microwave resonator (10). The microwave resonator (10) includes an outer conductor unit (11) that defines a resonant cavity (13), and an inner conductor unit (12) that is disposed within the outer conductor unit (11). The outer conductor unit (11) has an open end and a closed end. The inner conductor unit (12) has one end connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and one end extending toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11). The inner conductor unit (12) includes a conductor rod (121). The conductor rod (121) includes a fixed end that is connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and a free end that extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11). The inner conductor unit (12) further includes a first conductor plate (123) that is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121). The first conductor plate (123) is disposed at the free end. This effectively reduces the height of the resonant cavity (13).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic atomization, and more specifically to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The Heat Not Burning (HNB) device is a composite device that combines a heating device with an aerosol-generating substrate (treated plant leaf product). The external heating device heats the aerosol-generating substrate to a high temperature that can generate aerosols but does not reach a point of combustion, allowing the aerosol desired by the user to be generated from the aerosol-generating substrate under the premise of non-combustion.

[0003] Currently, microwave heating devices are used on the market as devices for heating aerosol-generating substrates. Generally, microwaves are supplied from one end and then resonate in the resonator. The coaxial microwave heating cavity in the related technology is restricted by the principle of λ / 4 wavelength, and the cavity height is generally 30 mm or more. Therefore, how to reduce the cavity height has become a technical challenge that the related industry must overcome.

[0004] At present, the cavity for microwave heating is mainly designed based on λ / 4 coaxial resonant cavity. In the related technology, the height of the coaxial resonant cavity is reduced by adding a high dielectric material into the cavity. However, in this technical solution, although the selected high dielectric material has a small dielectric loss (less than 0.001), it is generally located in the strong field region, so that the high dielectric material is inevitably heated at the same time as the microwave heating of the plant leaf medium. This leads to several problems. First, the energy entering the cavity is absorbed by the high dielectric material, which reduces the heating energy of the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby slowing down the heating rate of the aerosol-generating substrate. Second, the high dielectric material obviously heats up, but because the high dielectric material is in contact with the cavity, the cavity also obviously heats up, which leads to heat dissipation problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technical problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide an improved aerosol generating device that overcomes the shortcomings of the related art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical solutions adopted in the present invention to solve the technical problems are as follows:

[0007] The present invention provides an aerosol generator including a microwave resonator, the microwave resonator including an outer conductor unit defining a resonant cavity, and an inner conductor unit disposed within the outer conductor unit, the outer conductor unit having an open end and a closed end, one end of the inner conductor unit connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit and one end extending toward the open end of the outer conductor unit.

[0008] The inner conductor unit includes a conductive rod having a fixed end connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit and a free end extending toward the open end of the outer conductor unit.

[0009] The inner conductor unit further includes a first conductor plate in ohmic contact with the conductor rod, the first conductor plate being provided at the free end.

[0010] Preferably, the first conductor plate is fixed to an end wall of the free end.

[0011] Preferably, the first conductor plate is integrally formed with the conductor rod.

[0012] Preferably, the first conductive plate is coaxial with the conductive rod.

[0013] Preferably, the first conductor plate and the conductor rod are made of a metal material, or the first conductor plate has a third conductive layer on a surface thereof and the conductor rod has a second conductive layer on a surface thereof.

[0014] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes at least one annular second conductor plate, which coaxially surrounds an outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one second conductor plate is spaced below the first conductor plate along the axial direction of the conductor rod.

[0016] Preferably, the first conductive plate is disk-shaped.

[0017] Preferably, the diameter of the first conductor plate is greater than the diameter of the conductor rod.

[0018] Preferably, the inner conductor unit further comprises a conductive probe device, the probe device being in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate.

[0019] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes a through-path that axially passes through the conductive rod and the first conductive plate, and one end of the probe device adjacent to the first conductive plate is inserted into the through-path to make ohmic contact with the conductive rod and the first conductive plate.

[0020] Preferably, the probe device includes an electrically conductive, elongated hollow probe, and a temperature measuring module disposed within the hollow probe.

[0021] One end of the hollow probe adjacent to the first conductive plate is inserted into the first conductive plate and the conductive rod in that order, and an outer wall surface of the hollow probe is in ohmic contact with the first conductive plate and / or the conductive rod.

[0022] Preferably, the shape of the end of the hollow probe remote from the conductive rod includes a flat shape, a sphere, an elliptical sphere, a cone shape, or a truncated cone shape.

[0023] Preferably, the hollow probe includes a conductive second side wall and a conductive second end wall.

[0024] One end of the second side wall remote from the first conductive plate extends toward the second end wall and is connected to the second end wall.

[0025] Preferably, the maximum diameter of one end of the second side wall remote from the first conductive plate is greater than the diameter of the second end wall.

[0026] Preferably, one end of the second side wall remote from the first conductive plate and the second end wall are smoothly connected to each other.

[0027] Preferably, the hollow probe further includes an axially extending hollow passage, the temperature measuring module being accommodated in the hollow passage.

[0028] Preferably, the microwave resonator is a quarter wave coaxial resonator.

[0029] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a receiving base for mounting an aerosol-generating substrate, the receiving base including a receiving portion disposed within the resonant cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0030] The bottom of the housing portion is in close contact with the ceiling of the first conductive plate.

[0031] The present invention further comprises an aerosol generating device including a quarter wavelength coaxial resonator, the coaxial resonator including a resonant cavity and an inner conductor unit located within the resonant cavity.

[0032] The inner conductor unit includes a conductor rod adjacent to the short-circuited end of the coaxial resonator.

[0033] The internal conductor unit further includes a first conductor plate in ohmic contact with the conductor rod, the first conductor plate being provided on the ceiling of the conductor rod.

[0034] Preferably, the first conductive plate is disk-shaped and is coaxially fixed to the ceiling of the conductive rod.

[0035] Preferably, the first conductor plate is integrally formed with the conductor rod.

[0036] Preferably, the outer diameter of the first conductive plate is greater than the diameter of the conductive rod.

[0037] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a receiving base attached to the open end of the coaxial resonator.

[0038] The receiving base includes a receiving portion for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the receiving portion being positioned within a resonant cavity of the coaxial resonator.

[0039] The inner conductor unit further includes a probe device adjacent to the open end, the probe device including a conductive hollow probe that is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate, and one end of the hollow probe is inserted into the receiving portion to act on the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0040] Preferably, one end of the hollow probe remote from the conductive rod extends into the housing, and one end of the hollow probe close to the conductive rod is inserted into the first conductive plate and the conductive rod, and an outer wall surface of the hollow probe is connected to the first conductive plate and the conductive rod.

[0041] Preferably, the shape of the end of the hollow probe remote from the conductive rod includes a flat shape, a sphere, an elliptical sphere, a cone shape, or a truncated cone shape.

[0042] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes at least one annular second conductor plate, which coaxially surrounds an outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one second conductor plate is spaced below the first conductor plate along the axial direction of the conductor rod. Effect of the Invention

[0044] The aerosol generating device of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: the height of the resonant cavity can be effectively reduced by adding a first conductor plate structure to the ceiling of the internal conductor in the resonant cavity, which reduces the energy required to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby avoiding side effects such as a slower heating rate of the aerosol-generating substrate and heat dissipation problems, which are caused by the related art.

[0045] The present invention will be further described below in combination with the drawings and examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an aerosol-generating device in combination with an aerosol-generating substrate in some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the vertical cross section of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2 when disassembled. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a vertical cross section of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4 in an exploded state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the vertical cross section of the probe device in the aerosol generating device of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generating device in some other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generating device in further some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the resonance frequency when the aerosol generation device of the present invention is not provided with a first conductor plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the resonance frequency when the aerosol generation device of the present invention is provided with a first conductor plate. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the resonance frequency in the aerosol generation device of the present invention when the diameter of the first conductor plate is set to 10 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is set to 10.6 mm. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the resonance frequency in the aerosol generation device of the present invention when the diameter of the first conductor plate is set to 8 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is set to 10.6 mm. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the resonance frequency when the diameter of the first conductor plate in the aerosol generation device of the present invention is set to 10.4 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is set to 10.6 mm. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a microwave field distribution diagram of a hollow probe in an aerosol generating apparatus of the present invention, the ceiling of which has a flat roof structure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the microwave field distribution of a hollow probe having a ceiling portion with a truncated cone structure in the aerosol generating device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] In order to make the technical features, objects and effects of the present invention more clearly understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0048] 1 to 6 show an aerosol-generating device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 1 uses microwaves to heat an aerosol-generating substrate 40, thereby generating an aerosol through atomization, which can be inhaled by a user. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate 40 is a solid aerosol-generating substrate, such as a treated plant leaf product. As can be understood, in other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate 40 may be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 2 to 6, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a microwave resonator 10, a storage base 20, and a microwave supply device 30. In some embodiments, the microwave resonator 10 may be cylindrical and may include a resonant cavity 13 in which microwaves are continuously oscillated. The storage base 20 is used to mount an aerosol-generating substrate 40, and is fixedly or detachably attached to the microwave resonator 10. This allows the aerosol-generating substrate 40 inside to be exposed to the microwave field in the resonant cavity 13, and is heated and atomized by the microwaves. The microwave supply device 30 is connected to the microwave resonator 10 and is used to supply microwaves generated by a microwave generator (not shown) into the resonant cavity 13. As can be understood, the microwave resonator 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be other shapes such as a rectangular column, an elliptical column, etc.

[0050] In some embodiments, the microwave resonator 10 may be a quarter-wavelength coaxial resonator, and may include a cylindrical outer conductor unit 11 for achieving electromagnetic shielding, an inner conductor unit 12 provided in the outer conductor unit 11, and a medium (e.g., air) interposed between an outer wall surface of the inner conductor unit 12 and an inner wall surface of the outer conductor unit 11. The outer conductor unit 11 and the inner conductor unit 12 define the resonant cavity 13.

[0051] A first end of the internal conductor unit 12 is in ohmic contact with a first end wall 112 of the external conductor unit 11 to form a short-circuit end A of the microwave resonator 10. A second end of the internal conductor unit 12 extends toward a first opening 110 of the external conductor unit 11 and forms an open end B of the microwave resonator 10 without making direct ohmic contact with the external conductor unit 11. An accommodating base 20 is attached (e.g., removably or non-removably fitted) to the open end B of the microwave resonator 10 and connected to the second end of the internal conductor unit 12. In some embodiments, the axis of the internal conductor unit 12 and the axis of the external conductor unit 11 overlap or are parallel to each other, and preferably overlap each other.

[0052] In some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 11 may include a first side wall 111 capable of conducting electricity, a first end wall 112 capable of conducting electricity, and a first opening 110. In some embodiments, the first side wall 111 may be cylindrical and include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end wall 112 closes the first end of the first side wall 111 to form a closed end of the outer conductor unit 11. The first opening 110 is formed at the second end of the first side wall 111 to form an open end of the outer conductor unit 11 for fitting the receiving base 20 therein. A radially penetrating supply hole 1110 may be provided at a location of the first side wall 111 of the outer conductor unit 11 adjacent to the first end wall 112 for mounting a microwave supply device 30.

[0053] In some embodiments, the external conductor unit 11 may be integrally manufactured from a conductive metal material, and may be made of conductive metal such as aluminum alloy, copper, gold, silver, stainless steel, etc. As can be understood, the external conductor unit 11 is not limited to being integrally manufactured from a conductive material, but may be realized by plating a first conductive layer on the inner wall surface of a non-conductive cylinder. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer may be a gold-plated layer, a silver-plated layer, a copper-plated layer, etc. Furthermore, as can be understood, the external conductor unit 11 is not limited to being cylindrical, but may be other suitable shapes such as a square cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, etc.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, in some embodiments, the internal conductor unit 12 may include a conductor rod 121, a first conductor plate 123 located on the ceiling of the conductor rod 121, and a probe device 122 having one end fitted into the conductor rod 121. The other end of the probe device 122 is inserted into the accommodating base 20 to act on the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The conductor rod 121 is connected to the external conductor unit 11 and forms good ohmic contact with the external conductor unit 11. The first conductor plate 123 is used to further reduce the overall size of the aerosol generating device 1 by increasing the self-inductance and capacitance. The probe device 122 forms good ohmic contact with the conductor rod 121, so that the microwaves can be conducted to the probe device 122 via the conductor rod 121. In some embodiments, the probe device 122 has a special configuration in terms of shape, layout, etc., and is used to promote a more uniform distribution of the microwave field in the accommodating base 20. This allows for a more uniform microwave heating effect on the aerosol-generating substrate 40 within the containment base 20, thereby improving utilisation of the aerosol-generating substrate 40.

[0055] 4 and 5, the conductor rod 121 has a cylindrical shape, is disposed in the external conductor unit 11, and extends in the axial direction of the external conductor unit 11. Preferably, the axis of the conductor rod 121 and the axis of the external conductor unit 11 are arranged to overlap. Furthermore, one end of the conductor rod 121 close to the first end wall 112 of the external conductor unit 11 is fixedly connected to the inner wall surface of the first end wall 112 of the external conductor unit 11 to form a fixed end of the conductor rod 121. Furthermore, one end of the conductor rod 121 remote from the first end wall 112 extends toward the first opening 110 of the external conductor unit 11 to form a free end of the conductor rod 121. The free end of the conductor rod 121 is connectable to a first conductor plate 123.

[0056] In some embodiments, the conductor rod 121 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, preferably aluminum alloy or copper. In some other embodiments, the conductor rod 121 may be formed by coating a second conductive layer on the outer wall surface of a cylinder made of a non-conductive material. The second conductive layer may be a thin metal plating layer, such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, etc. As can be understood, in some embodiments, the conductor rod 121 is cylindrical, but may have other shapes such as a rectangular cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a stepped cylinder, an irregular cylinder, etc.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first conductor plate 123 is connected to one end of the conductor rod 121 that is remote from the first end wall 112. That is, it is connected to the ceiling of the conductor rod 121. The first conductor plate 123 forms good ohmic contact with the conductor rod 121. The diameter of the first conductor plate 123 is larger than the diameter of the conductor rod 121. In some embodiments, the bottom of the first conductor plate 123 is in close contact with the ceiling of the conductor rod 121 and fixedly connected thereto. The above connection method may be welding, bonding, screwing, or integral molding.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, and preferably, the conductive material is aluminum alloy or copper. In some other embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 may be formed by coating a third conductive layer on an outer wall surface made of a non-conductive material. The third conductive layer is, for example, a metal thin film plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a copper plating layer. Preferably, the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor rod 121 are made of the same type of material. That is, they are made of the same type of conductive material. Alternatively, the same type of non-conductive material is used and coated with a conductive layer of the same material. That is, the third conductive layer and the second conductive layer are made of the same material. In some embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 is disk-shaped. Specifically, the first conductor plate 123 is cylindrical with a diameter larger than its axial length. Of course, the first conductor plate 123 may have other shapes such as a rectangular column, an elliptical column, a stepped column, or an irregular column. Specifically, in order to satisfy the requirement of reducing the height of the cavity, the shape and size of the first conductive plate 123 are confirmed by simulation.

[0059] 8 , in some embodiments, the internal conductor unit 12 further includes at least one second conductor plate 124 in ohmic contact with the conductor rod 121. The at least one second conductor plate 124 is disposed below the first conductor plate 123. Specifically, the at least one second conductor plate 124 has an annular shape and coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod 121.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, and preferably, the conductive material is aluminum alloy or copper. In some other embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 may be formed by coating a sixth conductive layer on an outer wall surface made of a non-conductive material. The sixth conductive layer is, for example, a metal thin film plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, etc. Preferably, the first conductor plate 123, the second conductor plate 124, and the conductor rod 121 are made of the same type of material. That is, they are made of the same type of conductive material. Alternatively, the same type of non-conductive material is used and coated with the sixth conductive layer of the same material. In some embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 has an annular disk structure. However, it is obvious that the second conductor plate 124 may have other shapes, such as an annular prismatic structure, an annular hexagonal cylindrical structure, an annular stepped cylindrical structure, an annular irregular cylindrical structure, etc. Specifically, in order to meet the requirement of reducing the height of the cavity, the shape and size of the second conductive plate 124 are confirmed through simulation.

[0061] When the number of the second conductor plate 124 is one, the second conductor plate 124 is disposed below the first conductor plate 123 with a gap therebetween. The outer diameters of the second conductor plate 124 and the first conductor plate 123 may or may not be the same. On the other hand, when the number of the second conductor plates 124 is multiple, the multiple second conductor plates 124 are located below the first conductor plate 123 and disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the conductor rod 121 with uniform gaps along the axial direction of the conductor rod 121. The gap between the second conductor plate 124 adjacent to the first conductor plate 123 and the first conductor plate 123 is equal to the gap between the two adjacent second conductor plates 124. The outer diameters of the multiple second conductor plates 124 may or may not be the same. The outer diameter of the first conductor plate 123 and the outer diameter of the multiple second conductor plates 124 may be partially the same, may be completely the same, or may be completely different. The specific sizes of the first conductive plate 123 and the second conductive plate 124 can be determined by simulation and experiment.

[0062] As can be understood, a frequency shift may occur during the process of the aerosol generating device 1 heating the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The thicker the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124, the smaller the frequency shift. However, when the thickness of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 reaches a certain level, the frequency drop becomes relatively small. In addition, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 has a large effect on the frequency. The larger the diameter of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124, the lower the resonant frequency, which is advantageous for reducing the axial length of the external conductor unit 11. In engineering applications, the first conductor plate 123 is preferably attached only to the ceiling of the conductor rod 121 to facilitate cost and size control.

[0063] 5, the internal conductor unit 12 further includes a through-path 1211 that axially penetrates the conductor rod 121 and the first conductor plate 123. The through-path 1211 can be used to insert and / or install the probe device 122. Specifically, the through-path 1211 has a right circular cylindrical shape and is formed to penetrate the conductor rod 121 and the first conductor plate 123 in the axial direction along the central axis of the probe device 122. In this embodiment, one end of the hollow probe 1221 of the probe device 122 that is close to the first conductor plate 123 is inserted into the through-path 1211, so that the probe device 122 is fitted into the conductor rod 121.

[0064] It should be noted that when the conductive rod 121 or the first conductive plate 123 is manufactured by coating a non-conductive material and a third conductive layer, the inner wall surface of the through path 1211 at the corresponding position of the conductive rod 121 or the first conductive plate 123 must also be coated with the third conductive layer so that the hollow probe 1221 can form a good ohmic contact with the first conductive plate 123 or the first conductive plate 123 and the conductive rod 121. Also, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the probe device 122 may include a vertically elongated hollow probe 1221 capable of conducting electricity and a temperature measuring module 1222 provided in the hollow probe 1221. The hollow probe 1221 can make an ohmic contact with the first conductive plate 123 or the conductive rod 121 and the first conductive plate 123. In some other embodiments, one end of the hollow probe 1221 close to the first conductive plate 123 is inserted into the through passage 1211 from the ceiling of the first conductive plate 123, and after penetrating the first conductive plate 123, is provided at a position of the through passage 1211 corresponding to the conductive rod 121. As a result, the corresponding outer circumferential surface of the hollow probe 1221 is connected to the first conductive plate 123 and the conductive rod 121, and a good ohmic contact is formed. Optionally, the hollow probe 1221, the first conductive plate 123, and the conductive rod 121 are provided coaxially. In addition, the temperature measuring module 1222 is used to monitor the temperature inside the aerosol-generating substrate 40 when the aerosol-generating substrate 40 is inserted into the hollow probe 1221.

[0065] It should be noted that the hollow probe 1221 must have a conductive exterior and must form good ohmic contact with the first conductive plate 123. In addition, the higher the conductivity of the outer surface of the hollow probe 1221, the easier it is to conduct microwaves and the hollow probe 1221 can avoid self-heating due to microwave consumption caused by wall current loss.

[0066] Furthermore, the hollow probe 1221 has a hollow structure and includes a conductive second side wall 1223, a conductive second end wall 1224, and a second opening 1225. In some embodiments, the second side wall 1223 may be cylindrical. The second end wall 1224 closes one end of the second side wall 1223 away from the first conductive plate 123 to form a closed end of the hollow probe 1221. The second opening 1225 is formed at one end of the second side wall 1223 close to the first conductive plate 123 to form an open end of the hollow probe 1221. The second opening 1225 is used to insert a connection cable 1228 of the temperature measuring module 1222. The second side wall 1223, the second end wall 1224 and the second opening 1225 collectively form an open hollow passage 1226 in which the temperature measuring module 1222 is received.

[0067] One end of the hollow probe 1221 remote from the first conductive plate 123 extends toward the receiving base 20 and is inserted into the receiving base 20. In some embodiments, the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is the end of the one end remote from the first conductive plate 123. The shape of the end may be flat roof, spherical, elliptical spherical, conical, truncated conical, etc. Preferably, the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is truncated conical. In some embodiments, the end of the second side wall 1223 adjacent to the second end wall 1224 extends toward the second end wall 1224 and is connected to the outer periphery of the second end wall 1224. The second end wall 1224 has a planar structure and a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the end of the second side wall 1223 adjacent to the second end wall 1224. In some embodiments, the connection between the end of second side wall 1223 adjacent second end wall 1224 and second end wall 1224 is a smooth connection.

[0068] As can be seen, by streamlining the shape of the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221, it is possible to strengthen the local intensity of the microwave field and improve the atomization speed of the aerosol-generating substrate 40. In particular, the effect is optimal when the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is in the shape of a truncated cone.

[0069] In some embodiments, the hollow probe 1221 may be made of a conductive material such as a metal, preferably stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or copper. In some other embodiments, the hollow probe 1221 may be made of a non-conductive material, but a fourth conductive layer must be formed on the outer wall surface by coating. The fourth conductive layer is a thin metal plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, etc. In some embodiments, the cross section of the hollow probe 1221 may be circular, or may be rectangular, elliptical, triangular, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the temperature measuring module 1222 may be a temperature sensor, for example, a thermocouple for measuring temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature measuring module 1222 may include a temperature measuring probe 1227 and a connection cable 1228 electrically connected to the temperature measuring probe 1227. The temperature measuring probe 1227 is provided in one end of the hollow probe 1221 that is remote from the first conductive plate 123. The temperature measuring probe 1227 is electrically connected to a control device (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 through the connection cable 1228 provided in the through-hole path 1211 and the hollow path 1226, and can feed back the temperature inside the aerosol-generating substrate 40 to the control device.

[0071] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the accommodating base 20 may include an accommodating portion 21 and a fixing portion 22 integrally connected to the accommodating portion 21. The accommodating portion 21 is used to accommodate the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The fixing portion 22 is used to close the first opening 110 of the external conductor unit 11 in the axial direction and to extend the accommodating portion 21 into the internal conductor unit 12 to connect it to the internal conductor unit 12. In some embodiments, the accommodating base 20 may be made of a heat-resistant material with low dielectric loss, such as one or a combination of plastic, ceramic, glass, aluminum oxide, zirconia, and silicon oxide. Among the plastic materials, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, polyether ether ketone PEEK, and PPSU polyphenylsulfone are preferred, and among the ceramic materials, glass, quartz glass, aluminum oxide, and zirconia are preferred. In addition, the dielectric loss tangent of the material of the accommodating base 20 is preferably less than 0.1.

[0072] In some embodiments, the storage base 20 may include several longitudinal positioning ribs 23 and several longitudinal support ribs 25. The several positioning ribs 23 are uniformly spaced apart and arranged in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the storage chamber 210 and / or the first through-hole 220. Each of the positioning ribs 23 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the storage base 20. The several support ribs 25 are uniformly spaced apart and arranged radially on the bottom surface of the storage chamber 210. The positioning ribs 23 can be used, firstly, to fasten the aerosol-generating substrate 40 inserted into the storage chamber 210 and / or the first through-hole 220, and secondly, to form a first air supply passage extending in the longitudinal direction between every two adjacent positioning ribs 23. The support ribs 25 can be used, firstly, to support the aerosol-generating substrate 40, and secondly, to form a number of radial second air supply passages. The second air supply paths are connected to the first air supply paths, respectively, so that the surrounding air is sucked into the bottom of the aerosol-generating substrate 40 and then enters the aerosol-generating substrate 40 to carry the aerosol generated by microwave heating.

[0073] In some embodiments, the accommodation section 21 may be cylindrical and have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the external conductor unit 11. The accommodation section 21 may include an axial accommodation chamber 210. The accommodation chamber 210 is used to accommodate the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The fixing section 22 may be annular and coaxially connected to the accommodation section 21. The fixing section 22 is capable of coaxially closing the first opening 110 of the external conductor unit 11, thereby fixing the accommodation section 21 coaxially within the microwave resonator 10. The fixing section 22 includes a first axial through hole 220 that communicates the accommodation chamber 210 with the surroundings. This allows the aerosol-generating substrate 40 to be inserted into the accommodation chamber 210 via the first through hole 220.

[0074] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 21 may be cylindrical and includes a flat third bottom wall 211 and a cylindrical third side wall 212 arranged around the periphery of the third bottom wall 211. The outer diameter of the third side wall 212 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11. In some embodiments, when the receiving base 20 is assembled to the outer conductor unit 11, the third bottom wall 211 just abuts against the ceiling of the first conductor plate 123.

[0075] In this embodiment, the accommodation section 21 further includes a second through hole 26 provided in the third bottom wall 211. Specifically, the second through hole 26 is formed to penetrate the third bottom wall 211 along the axial direction. Preferably, the second through hole 26 is provided in the center of the third bottom wall 211. As can be understood, a ceiling portion, which is one end of the hollow probe 1221 of the probe device 122 that is separated from the first conductor plate 123, is inserted into the accommodation base 20 through the second through hole 26. In addition, since the bottom end of the hollow probe 1221 is fitted into the internal conductor unit 12, the ceiling portion of the hollow probe 1221 may be in a floating state within the accommodation chamber 210 of the accommodation base 20.

[0076] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the microwave supplying device 30 may be a coaxial connector and can be connected to a microwave source (not shown) provided outside the outer conductor unit 11 to supply microwaves to the cavity.

[0077] Specifically, Fig. 5 shows the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1 of the present invention. In this example, the microwave supplying device 30 may include an internal conductor 31, an external conductor 33, and a dielectric layer 32 interposed between the internal conductor 31 and the external conductor 33. When the microwave supplying device 30 is attached to the microwave resonator 10, the internal conductor 31 comes into ohmic contact with the inner wall surface of the external conductor unit 11 and / or the outer surface of the conductor rod 121 of the internal conductor unit 12, and the external conductor 33 comes into ohmic contact with the surface of the external conductor unit 11, thereby supplying microwaves into the microwave resonator 10.

[0078] In this embodiment, the inner conductor 31 of the microwave supplying device 30 has a straight line shape. When the microwave supplying device 30 is attached to the microwave resonator 10, the inner conductor 31 is in ohmic contact with the surface of the conductor rod 121 and is perpendicular to the axis of the conductor rod 121.

[0079] 7 shows another aerosol generator 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This has almost the same structure as the aerosol generator 1 described above, but differs in that a second microwave supplying device 30a is used instead of the microwave supplying device 30 of the aerosol generator 1 described above.

[0080] 7, the second microwave supplying device 30a may be a coaxial connector and may include a second inner conductor 31a, a second outer conductor 33a, and a second dielectric layer 32a interposed between the second inner conductor 31a and the second outer conductor 33a. When the second microwave supplying device 30a is attached to the microwave resonator 10, the second inner conductor 31a comes into ohmic contact with the inner wall surface of the outer conductor unit 11, and the second outer conductor 33a comes into ohmic contact with the surface of the outer conductor unit 11, thereby supplying microwaves into the microwave resonator 10.

[0081] In this embodiment, the second inner conductor 31a of the second microwave supplying device 30a may be L-shaped and include a first section 311a perpendicular to the axis of the microwave resonator 10 and a second section 312a parallel to the axis of the microwave resonator 10. The second section 312a is in ohmic contact with the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11.

[0082] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner conductor 31 and / or the second inner conductor 31a may be made of a conductive material such as a metal, preferably aluminum or copper. In some other embodiments, the inner conductor 31 and / or the second inner conductor 31a may be made of a non-conductive material, but a fifth conductive layer must be formed by coating the outer wall surface. The fifth conductive layer is a thin metal plating layer, such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, etc. In some embodiments, the inner conductor 31 and / or the second inner conductor 31a may be a coupling ring. The outside of the coupling ring has a coaxial structure and can be connected to a microwave source to supply microwaves to the cavity.

[0083] As can be seen, the combination of the above-described microwave resonator 10 and its resonant cavity 13 design can result in a resonant frequency in the range of 2.4-2.5 GHz when the aerosol-generating substrate 40 is mounted in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figs. 9 to 15, experimental data will be combined to concretely prove the effects of the first conductive plate 123 and the hollow probe 1221 having a truncated conical ceiling in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0085] It should be noted that for the following experimental data, the controlled variable method was used, with the independent variables being the presence or absence of the first conductive plate 123, the size of the first conductive plate 123, and the shape of the ceiling part of the hollow probe 1221. In addition, other structures of the aerosol generating device 1 were not changed.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of the resonance frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 3. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1 in the following respects. That is, the aerosol generator 1 in Example 3 did not have the first conductor plate 123 in the external conductor unit 11. As shown in FIG. 9, when the first conductor plate 123 was not provided, the resonance frequency of the aerosol generator 1 was 2.9375 GHz, and S11 was −3.77 db. In this case, if it was desired to lower the resonance frequency, it was necessary to increase the height of the resonant cavity 13.

[0087] Fig. 10 shows the resonance frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1. As is clear from the figure, by providing the first conductor plate 123 in the external conductor unit 11, the resonance frequency became 2.4375 GHz and S11 became -27.75 db. That is, a clear decrease in frequency was observed. In this case, it was possible to ensure that the resonance frequency was between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz while reducing the axial length of the external conductor unit 11 or its resonant cavity 13 to 25 mm or less without any problem.

[0088] Fig. 11 shows a diagram of the resonance frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-1. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1 in the following respects. That is, in Example 1-1, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 was set to 10 mm, and the inner diameter of the external conductor unit 11 was set to 10.6 mm. As shown in Fig. 11, in Example 1-1, the resonance frequency was 2.4375 GHz, and S11 was -27.75 db.

[0089] Fig. 12 shows a diagram of the resonance frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-2. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-1 in the following respects. That is, in Example 1-2, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 was set to 8 mm, and the inner diameter of the external conductor unit 11 was set to 10.6 mm. As shown in Fig. 12, in Example 1-2, the resonance frequency was 2.87 GHz, and S11 was -8.02 db.

[0090] Fig. 13 shows a diagram of the resonance frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-3. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-1 in the following respects. That is, in Example 1-3, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 was set to 10.4 mm, and the inner diameter of the external conductor unit 11 was set to 10.6 mm. As shown in Fig. 13, in Example 1-3, the resonance frequency was 2.16 GHz, and S11 was -13.01 db.

[0091] In summary, by comparing the diagrams of the resonance frequencies corresponding to Examples 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3, it became clear that the distance between the first conductor plate 123 and the inner wall surface of the first side wall 111 in the external conductor unit 11 has a large influence on the resonance frequency and the supply frequency. From this, it can be interpreted that the smaller the distance between the first conductor plate 123 and the inner wall surface of the first side wall 111, the lower the resonance frequency.

[0092] Fig. 14 shows a microwave field distribution diagram of the structure of the portion of the probe device 122 in the aerosol generator 1 of Example 4 that is located above the first conductive plate 123. The aerosol generator 1 of this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 of Example 1 in the following respects. That is, the ceiling part of the hollow probe 1221 in the aerosol generator 1 of Example 4 had a flat roof structure. As shown in Fig. 14, when the power of the microwave source was 1W and the ceiling part of the hollow probe 1221 had a flat roof structure, the strongest electric field of the microwave field was about 40385V / m.

[0093] Fig. 15 shows a microwave field distribution diagram of the structure of the portion located above the first conductive plate 123 of the probe device 122 in the aerosol generator 1 of Example 1. The ceiling part of the hollow probe 1221 in this example had a truncated cone structure. As shown in Fig. 15, in this case as well, when the power of the microwave source was 1W, the strongest electric field of the microwave field was about 104540V / m. Moreover, the microwave field was further converged to the ceiling part of the hollow probe 1221.

[0094] In summary, by comparing the microwave field distribution diagrams corresponding to Example 4 and Example 1, it is clear that the shape of the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 has a strong influence on the microwave field distribution. From this, it can be interpreted that the more pointed the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is, the stronger the microwave field is and the faster the heating rate is. It is also possible to change the distribution of the microwave field.

[0095] As can be understood, the above technical features can be used in any combination without limitation.

[0096] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent flow modification made using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect operation in other related technical fields, are all included in the scope of protection of the present invention for the same reasons.

Claims

1. a microwave resonator (10), the microwave resonator (10) including an external conductor unit (11) defining a resonant cavity (13) and an internal conductor unit (12) provided within the external conductor unit (12), the external conductor unit (11) having an open end and a closed end, one end of the internal conductor unit (12) connected to the closed end of the external conductor unit (11) and one end extending toward the open end of the external conductor unit (11); In an aerosol generating device, the inner conductor unit (12) includes a conductor rod (121), the conductor rod (121) including a fixed end connected to a closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and a free end extending toward an open end of the outer conductor unit (11), The aerosol generating device, characterized in that the internal conductor unit (12) further includes a first conductor plate (123) in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121), the first conductor plate (123) being provided at the free end.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is fixed to an end wall of the free end.

3. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive plate (123) is integrally formed with the conductive rod (121).

4. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is coaxial with the conductor rod (121).

5. The first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121) are made of a metallic material; Alternatively, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that a third conductive layer is provided on the surface of the first conductor plate (123) and a second conductive layer is provided on the surface of the conductor rod (121).

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, characterized in that the internal conductor unit (12) further includes at least one annular second conductor plate (124), which coaxially surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the conductor rod (121) and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121).

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one second conductor plate (124) is spaced apart below the first conductor plate (123) along the axial direction of the conductor rod (121).

8. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive plate (123) is disk-shaped.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first conductor plate (123) is greater than the diameter of the conductor rod (121).

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, characterized in that the internal conductor unit (12) further includes a conductive probe device (122), the probe device (122) being in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123).

11. The internal conductor unit (12) further includes a through passage (1211) that axially passes through the conductor rod (121) and the first conductor plate (123), The aerosol generating device described in claim 10, characterized in that one end of the probe device (122) adjacent to the first conductor plate (123) is inserted into the through path (1211) and makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121) and the first conductor plate (123).

12. The probe device (122) includes a conductive, elongated hollow probe (1221) and a temperature measuring module (1222) provided within the hollow probe (1221); The aerosol generating device described in claim 10, characterized in that one end of the hollow probe (1221) adjacent to the first conductor plate (123) is inserted into the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121) in sequence, and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe (1221) is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123) and / or the conductor rod (121).

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the shape of the end of the hollow probe (1221) that is away from the conductive rod (121) includes a flat shape, a sphere, an elliptical sphere, a cone shape, or a truncated cone shape.

14. The hollow probe (1221) includes a second side wall (1223) capable of conducting electricity and a second end wall (1224) capable of conducting electricity; The aerosol generating device described in claim 12, characterized in that one end of the second side wall (1223) remote from the first conductor plate (123) extends toward the second end wall (1224) and is connected to the second end wall (1224).

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, characterized in that the maximum diameter of one end of the second side wall (1223) remote from the first conductive plate (123) is larger than the diameter of the second end wall (1224).

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, characterized in that one end of the second side wall (1223) remote from the first conductor plate (123) and the second end wall (1224) are smoothly connected.

17. The aerosol generating device of claim 15, characterized in that the hollow probe (1221) further includes an axially extending hollow passage (1226), and the temperature measuring module (1222) is housed in the hollow passage (1226).

18. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the microwave resonator (10) is a quarter-wave coaxial resonator.

19. The aerosol generating device further includes a storage base (20) for mounting an aerosol-generating substrate (40), the storage base (20) including a storage portion (21) provided within the resonant cavity (13) for accommodating the aerosol-generating substrate; 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the container (21) is in close contact with the ceiling of the first conductive plate (123).

20. A quarter-wavelength coaxial resonator includes a resonant cavity (13) and an inner conductor unit (12) located within the resonant cavity (13); In the aerosol generating device, the internal conductor unit (12) includes a conductor rod (121) adjacent to the short-circuited end (A) of the coaxial resonator, The aerosol generating device is characterized in that the internal conductor unit (12) further includes a first conductor plate (123) in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121), and the first conductor plate (123) is provided on the ceiling portion of the conductor rod (121).

21. 21. The aerosol generating device according to claim 20, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is disk-shaped and coaxially fixed to the ceiling of the conductor rod (121).

22. 21. The aerosol generating device according to claim 20, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is integrally molded with the conductor rod (121).

23. 21. The aerosol generating device according to claim 20, characterized in that the outer diameter of the first conductor plate (123) is greater than the diameter of the conductor rod (121).

24. The aerosol generating device further includes a receiving base (20) attached to the open end (B) of the coaxial resonator (10); The receiving base (20) includes a receiving portion (21) for receiving an aerosol-generating substrate (40), the receiving portion (21) being located within a resonant cavity (13) of the coaxial resonator (10); The aerosol generating device of claim 20, characterized in that the internal conductor unit (12) further includes a probe device (122) adjacent to the open end (B), the probe device (122) including a conductive hollow probe (1221), the hollow probe (1221) being in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123), and one end of the hollow probe (1221) being inserted into the accommodating portion (21) to act on an aerosol generating substrate (40).

25. The aerosol generating device described in claim 24, characterized in that one end of the hollow probe remote from the conductor rod (121) extends into the accommodating portion (21), one end of the hollow probe close to the conductor rod (121) is inserted into the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121), and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe is connected to the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121).

26. The aerosol generating device according to claim 24, characterized in that the shape of the end of the hollow probe remote from the conductive rod (121) includes a flat shape, a sphere, an elliptical sphere, a cone shape, or a truncated cone shape.

27. The aerosol generating device described in claim 24, characterized in that the internal conductor unit (12) further includes at least one annular second conductor plate (124), which coaxially surrounds the outer peripheral wall of the conductor rod (121) and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121).

28. The aerosol generating device according to claim 27, characterized in that the at least one second conductor plate (124) is spaced apart below the first conductor plate (123) along the axial direction of the conductor rod (121).

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