Microwave heating assembly and aerosol generating device

Abstract

A microwave heating assembly (10) and an aerosol generating device, the microwave heating assembly (10) comprising an outer conductor unit (2) and an inner conductor unit (1), the outer conductor unit (2) being cylindrical and including a closed end (201), an open end (202) opposite the closed end (201), and a cavity (20) formed between the closed end (201) and the open end (202), the inner conductor unit (1) being disposed within the cavity (20), The unit (1) includes a conductor post (11) and a radiating structure (12), the conductor post (11) being disposed within the cavity (20) and having opposite fixed and free ends, the fixed end being fixed to the outer conductor unit (2) and in ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit (2), the radiating structure (12) being coupled to the free end and including at least one radiating element (121) having a sectorial cross section, the at least one radiating element (121) being positioned corresponding to the aerosol-generating article, the radiating structure (12) including the at least one radiating element (121) having a sectorial cross section being used to effectively heat the aerosol-generating article, and can effectively improve the uniformity and range of the microwave field, which is convenient for improving the uniformity of heating the aerosol-generating article.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of atomization technology, and in particular to a microwave heating assembly and an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] The aerosol-generating device may heat and atomize the aerosol-generating article by microwave heating. The aerosol-generating device typically includes a microwave heating assembly that can form a microwave interaction region through which microwave energy can be transferred to the aerosol-generating article, and in this process, the microwave energy distribution field determines the effectiveness of the microwave heating.

[0003] In prior art microwave heating assemblies, microwaves are generally supplied from one end and then resonate within the atomization cavity, and because the cavity is small, the electromagnetic wave distribution within the cavity is very non-uniform, resulting in poor heating uniformity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technical problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide an improved microwave heating assembly and aerosol generating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technical solution adopted to solve the technical problem of the present invention is to provide a microwave heating assembly for use in an aerosol generating device to heat an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a cylindrical outer conductor unit including a closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and a cavity formed between the closed end and the open end; an inner conductor unit disposed within the cavity, one end of which is connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit and one end of which extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit; Including, The inner conductor unit is a conductor post having a fixed end and a free end opposite to each other, the fixed end being fixed to the outer conductor unit and in ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit; a radiating structure coupled to the free end and including at least one radiating element having a sector-shaped cross section, the at least one radiating element being positioned corresponding to the aerosol-generating article to adjust the microwave field distribution and resonant frequency of the cavity;

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element includes two radiating elements arranged radially symmetrically along the axis of the conductor post.

[0007] In some embodiments, the radiating element has a body portion extending parallel to the axis of the conductive post.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lengths of the bodies of the two radiating elements may be equal or unequal, and the widths of the bodies of the two radiating elements may be equal or unequal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the radians of the bodies of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the two radiating elements further has an extension extending along an arc whose center is located on the axis of the conductor post.

[0011] In some embodiments, the two radiating elements are provided with the extension portions, the lengths of the main body portions of the two radiating elements are equal, and the lengths of the extension portions provided on each of the two radiating elements are equal.

[0012] In some embodiments, one of the two radiating elements has the extension, and the lengths of the body portions of the two radiating elements are not equal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element includes two radiating elements, the radiating structure further includes an elongated probe, and the three, the two radiating elements and the probe, are distributed at intervals around the circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lengths of the two radiating elements may be equal or unequal, and the widths of the two radiating elements may be equal or unequal.

[0015] In some embodiments, the lengths of the two radiating elements may or may not be equal to the length of one elongated probe.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element comprises three radiating elements equally spaced circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lengths of the three radiating elements may be equal or unequal, and the widths of the three radiating elements may be equal or unequal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element includes four radiating elements consisting of two pairs of radiating elements with different lengths between each pair, and the two pairs of radiating elements are uniformly distributed alternately around the circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

[0019] In some embodiments, the radiating structure further includes a base connected to the at least one radiating element, and the radiating structure is in ohmic contact with the free end of the conductor post via the base.

[0020] In some embodiments, the radiating structure further includes a base connected to the at least one radiating element, the base being disposed on an end surface of the conductor post facing the aerosol-generating article.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base is integrally connected to the free end of the conductor post, and the at least one radiating element has one end connected to the base and the other end extending parallel to the axis of the conductor post and away from the conductor post.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inner conductor unit further includes a conductive disk connected to the free end, the outer diameter of the conductive disk being larger than the outer diameter of the conductive post and smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the radiating structure is connected to an end face of the conductive disk remote from the conductive post.

[0024] In some embodiments, the microwave heating assembly further includes a receiving seat including a receiving portion for receiving an aerosol-generating article, the receiving portion being disposed within the cavity, and the at least one radiating element being disposed corresponding to the receiving portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element extends to a side wall of the housing and is in ohmic contact with the free end of the conductor post.

[0026] In some embodiments, the housing is cylindrical and the radians of the at least one radiating element are equal to the radians of a sidewall of the housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element is distributed inside the housing and is tightly attached to an inner wall surface of the housing.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element is distributed inside the housing and has a gap between it and an inner wall surface of the housing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element is distributed outside the housing and is tightly attached to an outer wall of the housing.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element is distributed outside the housing and has a gap between it and an outer wall surface of the housing.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one radiating element is at least partially embedded in a sidewall of the housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, the radiating structure is formed from a conductive material or has a conductive layer plated on its outer surface.

[0033] In some embodiments, the microwave heating assembly further includes a microwave supply unit connected to the outer conductor unit, one end of the microwave supply unit being inserted into the outer conductor unit from the outer peripheral wall of the outer conductor unit and making ohmic contact with the inner conductor unit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the microwave supply unit has an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric layer interposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and the inner conductor is linearly shaped and makes ohmic contact with the inner conductor unit along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the inner conductor unit.

[0035] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating device including the microwave heating assembly described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: The inner conductor unit of the present invention has a radiating structure including at least one radiating element with a sectorial cross section, and is used to efficiently heat an aerosol-generating article. This can effectively improve the uniformity and range of the microwave field, which is convenient for improving the heating uniformity of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, by changing the combination of different shapes of the radiating structure, the distribution of the microwave field can be adjusted, which plays a role in adjusting the resonant frequency of the cavity, which is advantageous for optimizing the atomization area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a microwave heating assembly of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a microwave heating assembly of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the microwave heating assembly of the present invention in which the radiating element is located inside the housing. [Figure 4] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the microwave heating assembly of the present invention, in which the radiating element is located inside the housing. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the microwave heating assembly of the present invention in which the radiating element is located outside the housing. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a radiating element of the present invention is embedded in a housing. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a radiation structure of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a fifth embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a sixth embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a seventh embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an eighth embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] In order to more clearly understand the technical features, objects, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "longitudinal", "lateral", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "head", "tail", etc. are configured and operate in specific orientations based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are intended to facilitate the description of the present technology, but do not indicate that the indicated devices or elements must have a specific orientation, and should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0039] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "attached," "connected," "fixed," and "installed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, to mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an internal communication between two elements or an interactive relationship between two elements. When an element is said to be "above" or "below" another element, the element may be "directly" or "indirectly" located on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may be present. Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to facilitate the description of the technical solution and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or the number of technical features shown. Therefore, a feature qualified as "first," "second," "third," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by those skilled in the art depending on the context.

[0040] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as specific system configurations and techniques, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that do not include these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

[0041] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that uses microwaves to heat an aerosol-generating article and atomize it to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0042] 1 and 2, in some embodiments, an aerosol-generating device includes a microwave heating assembly 10 and a microwave generator (not shown). The microwave heating assembly 10 includes an inner conductor unit 1, an outer conductor unit 2, a receiving seat 3, and a microwave supply unit. The outer conductor unit 2 is provided with a cavity 20, and the inner conductor unit 1 is disposed within the cavity 20 of the outer conductor unit 2 and can make good ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit 2. The microwave supply unit supplies microwaves generated by the microwave generator to the outer conductor unit 2 and the inner conductor unit 1. The microwave heating assembly 10 can form a microwave field that can act on an aerosol-generating article to achieve microwave heating after the microwaves are supplied.

[0043] The microwave supply unit may be a coupled power supply, and the form of the coupled power supply may be electrical or magnetic. One end of the microwave supply unit is inserted into the outer conductor unit 2 from the outer peripheral wall thereof and makes ohmic contact with the inner conductor unit 1. In some embodiments, one side of the microwave supply unit is connected to a microwave generator via a coaxial connector or a microstrip line, and the other side extends into the cavity 20 and makes ohmic contact with the cavity 20. The microwave supply unit is made of a metal material, preferably aluminum or copper. Furthermore, its outer surface may be coated with silver or gold. In some embodiments, the microwave supply unit includes an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric layer interposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. The inner conductor is straight and makes ohmic contact with the inner conductor unit 1 perpendicular to the axis of the inner conductor unit 1. It is understood that the inner conductor may be L-shaped and connected to the microwave heating assembly 10.

[0044] The overall shape of this microwave heating assembly 10 is generally cylindrical in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, but of course the microwave heating assembly 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may have other shapes such as a rectangular column or an elliptical column.

[0045] Referring also to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 2 is cylindrical and has a closed end 201 and an open end 202 opposite the closed end 201. A semi-closed cavity 20 is defined between the open end 202 and the closed end 201. The cavity 20 is cylindrical, and the receiving seat 3 extends into the cavity 20. In some embodiments, the cavity 20 may be polygonal. The outer conductor unit 2 includes a conductive side portion 21 and a bottom portion 22 connected to the side portion 21. The side portion 21 is cylindrical, and the top end of the side portion 21 has an open structure that forms the open end 202 of the outer conductor unit 2. The bottom portion 22 is closed at the lower end of the side portion 21, forming the closed end 201 of the outer conductor unit 2. A supply hole 23 is formed at one end of the side portion 21 near the bottom 22, for attaching a microwave supply unit. The supply holes 23 extend radially outward along the side 21 and communicate with the cavity 20. In some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 2 may be made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 2 may be made of a non-metallic material and may have a conductive coating plated on its inner or outer surface, and the material for the conductive coating may include gold, silver, conductive oxides, conductive ceramics, etc.

[0046] In some embodiments, one end of the inner conductor unit 1 is connected to the closed end 201 of the outer conductor unit 2, the inner conductor unit 1 is in ohmic contact with the closed end 201 of the outer conductor unit 2, and the other end extends toward the open end 202 of the outer conductor unit 2. In some embodiments, the inner conductor unit 1 may be made of a metallic material. In some embodiments, the inner conductor unit 1 may be made of a non-metallic material and may have a conductive coating plated on its inner or outer surface, and the material of the conductive coating may include gold, silver, conductive oxides, conductive ceramics, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, the accommodation seat 3 is for accommodating an aerosol-generating article, and the accommodation seat 3 is connected to the open end 202 and includes an accommodation section 30 for accommodating the aerosol-generating article, the accommodation section 30 being disposed within the cavity 20 of the outer conductor unit 2. In some embodiments, the accommodation section 30 includes a bottom wall 31 and a cylindrical side wall 32 surrounding the periphery of the bottom wall 31, and the outer diameter of the side wall 32 may be cylindrical, with the outer diameter being smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 2. A storage chamber capable of accommodating the aerosol-generating article is formed between the bottom wall 31 and the side wall 32 of the accommodation section 30.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the receiving seat 3 further includes a plurality of elongated positioning ribs 33. These positioning ribs 33 are uniformly spaced apart around the circumferential surface of the inner wall of the receiving section 30. Each positioning rib 33 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the receiving section 30. In one embodiment, these positioning ribs 33 are used to clamp the aerosol-generating article inserted into the receiving section 30. In another embodiment, a first air intake passage extending longitudinally is formed between two adjacent positioning ribs 33, allowing ambient air to be drawn into the bottom of the aerosol-generating article and further into the aerosol-generating article, facilitating the removal of aerosol generated by microwave heating.

[0049] In some embodiments, the receiving seat 3 further comprises a plurality of elongated support ribs 34. These support ribs 34 are equally spaced radially on the bottom wall 31 of the receiving section 30. It will be understood that the support ribs 34 are used to support the aerosol-generating article in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, form a plurality of radial second air intake passages. Each of these second air intake passages communicates with the first air intake passages to facilitate drawing ambient air into the bottom of the aerosol-generating article, and further into the aerosol-generating article, and carrying away the aerosol generated by microwave heating.

[0050] In some embodiments, the receiving seat 3 is fixedly or detachably attached to the open end 202 of the outer conductor unit 2. When the receiving seat 3 containing the aerosol-generating article is attached inside the outer conductor unit 2, the receiving section 30 can be located in an area where the microwave field is mainly generated, facilitating heating of the aerosol-generating article contained in the receiving section 30. In some embodiments, the receiving seat 3 may be made of a low dielectric loss material. Examples of low dielectric loss materials include PEEK, PTFE, PAF, microwave-transparent ceramics, glass, alumina, zirconia, silicon, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, the inner conductor unit 1 includes a conductor post 11 and a radiating structure 12. The conductor post 11 is disposed within the cavity 20. The outer diameter of the conductor post 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 2. The conductor post 11 has opposing fixed and free ends. The fixed end is fixed to the outer conductor unit 2 and is in ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit 2. The conductor post 11 primarily functions to conduct microwaves and may be cylindrical in some embodiments. One end away from the open end 202 of the outer conductor unit 2 is the fixed end, which can be fixedly connected to the bottom 22 of the outer conductor unit 2, and one end closer to the open end 202 is the free end, which extends toward the open end 202 of the outer conductor unit 2. In some embodiments, the fixed end of the inner conductor unit 1 is in ohmic contact with the bottom 22 of the outer conductor unit 2. In other embodiments, the fixed end of the inner conductor unit 1 is integrally connected to the bottom 22 of the outer conductor unit 2. In some embodiments, the conductor post 11 may be cylindrical. It is understood that the conductor post 11 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal shape or other shapes. In some embodiments, an axially extending mounting portion 111 may be further provided at the lower end of the conductor post 11, and the mounting portion 111 may be integrally joined to the conductor post 11. A mounting hole 24 through which the mounting portion 111 can pass is provided in the bottom 22 of the outer conductor unit 2. The mounting portion 111 of the conductor post 11 is attached to the mounting hole 24 provided in the bottom 22 of the outer conductor unit 2, thereby allowing the conductor post 11 to be fixed to the outer conductor unit 2 so that reliable ohmic contact is formed between the conductor post 11 and the outer conductor unit 2.

[0052] 9 to 11 , in some embodiments, the inner conductor unit 1 further includes a conductor disk 112 for adjusting the supply frequency (step impedance). The conductor disk 112 is used for microwave conduction, increases self-inductance and capacitance, and lowers the resonant frequency, thereby further reducing the size of the cavity 20. The conductor disk 112 may be disk-shaped and is connected to the conductor post 11, specifically, to the free end of the conductor post. The outer diameter of the conductor disk 112 is larger than that of the conductor post 11 and smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 2. In some embodiments, the conductor disk 112 may be attached to the outside of one side of the conductor post 11 near the open end 202, and the two may be integrally molded or may form an ohmic contact. In some embodiments, the conductor disk 112 may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material with a conductive coating applied to the outer surface. The conductor disk 112 is preferably made of an aluminum alloy or copper.

[0053] The free end of the conductive post 11 may incorporate a radiating structure 12, which may be disposed outside the aerosol-generating article and along the periphery of the end surface of the conductive post 11 facing the receiving seat 3. In some embodiments, the radiating structure 12 is made of a conductive material or has a conductive layer plated on its outer surface. The radiating structure 12 includes at least one radiating element 121 with a fan-shaped cross section, which is positioned corresponding to the receiving seat 3 and adjusts the microwave field distribution and resonant frequency of the cavity 20. Because most aerosol-generating articles are cylindrical, the radiating structure 12 of the present invention is adapted to the shape of the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, the cross sections of the radiating elements 121 of the present invention can all be fan-shaped to match the shape of the aerosol-generating article, thereby effectively heating the aerosol-generating article and significantly improving the heating uniformity and range of the aerosol-generating article. Of course, the radiating element 121 may have other shapes, such as a rectangular cross section, and is not specifically limited herein. Furthermore, since the microwave field is generally strongest around the top of the radiating element 121, which has a sector-shaped cross section, if the radiating element 121 of the radiating structure 12 is close to the top of the aerosol-generating article, the top of the aerosol-generating article can be heated preferentially, which facilitates rapid release of the aerosol, i.e., helps to increase the atomization rate and shorten the warm-up time. Meanwhile, designing the radiating elements 121 with different lengths can improve the heating uniformity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one radiating element 121 extends upward to the side wall 32 of the receiving portion 30 of the receiving seat 3 and makes ohmic contact with the free end of the conductor post 11, and the radians of the at least one radiating element 121 are equal to the radians of the side wall 32 of the receiving portion 30, which is useful for significantly improving the uniformity of the microwave field and improving the heating uniformity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, at least one radiating element 121 of the radiating structure 12 may be located inside the side wall 32 of the housing 30 and may be in close contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 30, with the at least one radiating element 121 extending from the bottom wall 31 of the housing 30 into the inner wall surface of the housing 30. The surface area of ​​this base 122 is equivalent to the surface area of ​​the end face of the conductor post 11 facing the housing 30. In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the housing 30 may be provided with a housing groove for fitting and positioning the at least one radiating element 121 so that it can be distributed on the inner wall surface of the housing 30. The bottom wall 31 of the housing 30 may be provided with a corresponding opening 311 through which the at least one radiating element 121 passes and extends into the interior of the housing 30, with the base 122 in close contact with the bottom wall 31 of the housing 30.

[0056] 4 , in some embodiments, at least one radiating element 121 of the radiating structure 12 is located inside the side wall 32 of the accommodating section 30, and may have a certain gap between it and the inner wall surface of the accommodating section 30. The surface area of ​​this base 122 is smaller than the surface area of ​​the end face of the conductor post 11 on the side facing the accommodating section 30, and the radiating element 121 erected in the circumferential direction of the base 122 extends into the accommodating section 30 through the opening 311, and the base 122 is in close contact with the bottom wall 31 of the accommodating section 30.

[0057] 5, in some embodiments, at least one radiating element 121 of the radiating structure 12 may be located outside the side wall 32 of the accommodating portion 30, or the at least one radiating element 121 may be closely attached to the outer wall surface of the accommodating portion 30, or the at least one radiating element 121 may be spaced apart from the outer wall surface of the accommodating portion 30. The outer wall surface of the accommodating portion 30 may be provided with an accommodating groove for fitting and positioning the at least one radiating element 121 so that it can be distributed on the outer wall surface of the accommodating portion 30.

[0058] 6, in some embodiments, the at least one radiating element 121 is at least partially embedded in the side wall 32 of the housing 30. The side wall 32 of the housing 30 has a certain thickness, and the side wall 32 of the housing 30 may be provided with an insertion hole extending upward from one end of the bottom wall 31 of the housing 30 so that the at least one radiating element 121 can be inserted therein, and the insertion hole may be shaped and sized to fit the at least one radiating element 121.

[0059] 7 to 14 , in some embodiments, the radiating structure 12 further includes a base 122 connected to at least one radiating element 121, and the radiating structure 12 is in ohmic contact with the free end of the conductor post 11 via the base 122. At least one radiating element 121 is provided in an upright position in the circumferential direction of the base 122, thereby distributing the microwave field more uniformly around the accommodating portion 30. The surface area of ​​the base 122 may be equal to or smaller than the surface area of ​​the end face of the conductor post 11 facing the accommodating portion 30.

[0060] In some embodiments, the base 122 may be provided on the end surface of the conductor post 11 facing the accommodating portion 30, be in close contact with the surface of the accommodating portion 30 facing the conductor post 11, and be in ohmic contact with the end surface of the conductor post 11 facing the accommodating portion 30. Alternatively, the base 122 is integrally molded on the end surface of the conductor post 11 facing the accommodating portion 30. In some embodiments, the base 122 is integrally connected to the free end of the conductor post 11, and at least one radiating element 121 has one end connected to the base 122 and the other end extending parallel to the axis of the conductor post 11 and in a direction away from the conductor post 11. In some embodiments, the base 122 may have other shapes, such as a disk shape, a square shape, or a polygonal shape, and covers the end surface of the conductor post 11 facing the accommodating portion 30. In some embodiments, the base 122 is integrally molded on the end surface of the conductor post 11 and the conductor disk 112, which are integrally connected.

[0061] In some embodiments, each radiating element 121 having a sector-shaped cross section includes a main body 1211 extending parallel to the axis of the conductor post 11, and the main body 1211 has a sector-shaped cross section.

[0062] 7 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a radiating structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, one radiating element 121 with a sector-shaped cross section is arranged, and the microwave field is strongest around this single radiating element 121 and becomes weaker with increasing distance from the radiating element 121. The region of the aerosol-generating article corresponding to the radiating element 121 preferentially generates aerosols. The length and width of this single radiating element 121 can be adjusted according to actual conditions, and similarly, the radian of its sector-shaped cross section can also be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0063] 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention, in which two radiating elements 121 having a sector-shaped cross section are arranged, and they may be arranged radially symmetrically along the axis of the conductor post. In some embodiments, these two radiating elements 121 may be distributed symmetrically in the circumferential direction of the side wall 32 of the accommodating section 30. Of course, these two radiating elements 121 may also be arranged with an interval in the circumferential direction of the side wall 32 of the accommodating section 30.

[0064] In some embodiments, the lengths of the body portions 1211 of the two radiating elements 121 may be equal or unequal, and the widths of the body portions 1211 of the two radiating elements 121 may be equal or unequal. In some embodiments, the radians of the body portions 1211 of the two radiating elements 121 may be equal or unequal. That is, the two radiating elements 121 may have equal lengths and unequal widths, unequal lengths and equal widths, equal lengths and equal widths, or unequal lengths and unequal widths, and can be combined and adjusted according to actual situations, but are not limited thereto.

[0065] 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of the radiating structure of the present invention, in which at least one of the two radiating elements 121 further includes an extension 1212 extending along an arc whose center is located on the axis of the conductor post 11. The extension may extend along at least one end of the arc, and preferably extends along both ends of the arc.

[0066] The cross section of the extension portion 1212 is fan-shaped and is larger than the cross section of the main body portion 1211. The extension portion 1212 is parallel to the upper and lower radial end faces of the conductive disk 112, and its cross-sectional projection is located within the end face of the conductive disk 112 on the side facing the receiving seat 3.

[0067] In some embodiments, one of the two radiating elements 121 has an extension 1212, and the lengths of the main body 1211 of the two radiating elements 121 are not equal. The extension 1212 is provided on the radiating element 121 whose main body 1211 is relatively short, thereby enabling adjustment of the microwave field. In other embodiments, the two radiating elements 121 are each provided with an extension 1212, and the lengths of the main body 1211 of the two radiating elements 121 are equal, and the lengths of the extensions 1212 provided on each of the two radiating elements 121 are equal. In some embodiments, the extension 1212 is provided on the circumferential edge of the end face of the conductive disk 112 away from the conductive post 11, and the radian of the extension 1212 may be equal to the radian of the circumferential side wall of the conductive disk 112.

[0068] 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of the radiating structure of the present invention, in which the radiating structure 12 includes one radiating element 121 with a sectorial cross section and one elongated probe 120, which are symmetrically distributed in the circumferential direction of the side wall 32 of the housing 30. The length of the sectorial cross-sectional radiating element 121 is greater than the length of the elongated probe.

[0069] 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a fifth embodiment of the radiating structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, the radiating structure 12 includes two radiating elements 121 with sector-shaped cross sections and one elongated probe 120. These three elements are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the side wall 32 of the housing 30, and their positions can be adjusted according to the actual situation. The two radiating elements 121 may or may not have equal lengths, equal or unequal widths, and equal or unequal radians. The lengths of the two radiating elements 121 may or may not be equal to the length of the one elongated probe 120.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the radiating structure of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of the radiating structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, three radiating elements 121 with fan-shaped cross sections are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the side wall 32 of the accommodating section 30. These three radiating elements 121 may or may not have equal lengths, equal or may not have equal widths, and may or may not have equal radian dimensions. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, all three radiating elements 121 have the same length. As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, all three radiating elements 121 have unequal lengths. Of course, in some other embodiments, the lengths of the radiating elements may be adjusted according to actual conditions and are not limited here.

[0071] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an eighth embodiment of the radiation structure of the present invention. In this embodiment, four radiating elements 121 with sector-shaped cross sections are arranged. The four radiating elements 121 include two pairs of radiating elements 121 with different lengths between each pair, and the width and radian can be adjusted according to the actual situation. The two pairs of radiating elements 121 are alternately and uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction of the side wall 32 of the housing 30. In this embodiment, the microwave field is strongest around the pair of radiating elements 121 with a relatively long length. The four radiating elements 121 make the microwave field distribution relatively uniform.

[0072] In some embodiments, the radiating element 121 with a sectorial cross section may be combined with an element such as an elongated probe 120 or a radiating element 121 with a non-sectoral cross section, all of which may be made of a conductive material or have a conductive layer plated on their outer surfaces. By combining these different structures, the microwave field can be adjusted so that the microwave field distribution is relatively uniform, which is advantageous for optimizing the atomization region depending on the aerosol-generating article.

[0073] The shape and distribution of the radiating structure 12 of the present invention can significantly change the distribution pattern of the microwave field within the cavity 20, and can further selectively heat different areas of the aerosol-generating article located within the container 30, improving the uniformity of the microwave field and thereby effectively improving the atomization effect.

[0074] It is understood that the above examples only represent preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical features and make slight modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, and therefore all conversions and modifications equivalent to the scope of the claims of the present invention should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A microwave heating assembly for use in an aerosol generating device to heat an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a cylindrical outer conductor unit including a closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and a cavity formed between the closed end and the open end; an inner conductor unit disposed within the cavity, one end of which is connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit and one end of which extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit; Including, The inner conductor unit is a conductor post having a fixed end and a free end opposite to each other, the fixed end being fixed to the outer conductor unit and in ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit; a radiating structure coupled to the free end and including at least one radiating element having a sector-shaped cross section, the at least one radiating element being positioned relative to the aerosol-generating article to adjust the microwave field distribution and resonant frequency of the cavity; 1. A microwave heating assembly comprising:

2. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one radiating element includes two radiating elements arranged radially symmetrically along the axis of the conductor post.

3. 3. The microwave heating assembly of claim 2, wherein the radiating element has a body portion extending parallel to the axis of the conductive post.

4. 4. The microwave heating assembly of claim 3, wherein the lengths of the body portions of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal, and the widths of the body portions of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal.

5. 4. The microwave heating assembly of claim 3, wherein the radians of the bodies of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal.

6. 4. The microwave heating assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the two radiating elements further has an extension extending along an arc whose center coincides with the axis of the conductor post.

7. The microwave heating assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the two radiating elements are provided with the extensions, the lengths of the main body portions of the two radiating elements are equal, and the lengths of the extensions provided on each of the two radiating elements are equal.

8. 7. The microwave heating assembly of claim 6, wherein one of the two radiating elements has the extension, and the lengths of the body portions of the two radiating elements are not equal.

9. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one radiating element includes two radiating elements, the radiating structure further includes an elongated probe, and the three radiating elements and the probe are distributed at intervals around the circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

10. 10. The microwave heating assembly of claim 9, wherein the lengths of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal, and the widths of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal.

11. 10. The microwave heating assembly of claim 9, wherein the lengths of the two radiating elements are equal or unequal to the length of the single elongated probe.

12. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one radiating element comprises three radiating elements equally spaced circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article.

13. 13. The microwave heating assembly of claim 12, wherein the lengths of the three radiating elements are equal or unequal, and the widths of the three radiating elements are equal or unequal.

14. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one radiating element includes four radiating elements, each consisting of two pairs of radiating elements having different lengths between each pair, and the two pairs of radiating elements are uniformly distributed alternately around the circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

15. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the radiating structure further includes a base connected to the at least one radiating element, and the radiating structure is in ohmic contact with the free end of the conductor post via the base.

16. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the radiating structure further includes a base connected to the at least one radiating element, the base being disposed on an end surface of the conductor post facing the aerosol-generating article.

17. 17. The microwave heating assembly of claim 16, wherein the base is integrally connected to the free end of the conductor post, and the at least one radiating element has one end connected to the base and the other end extending parallel to the axis of the conductor post and away from the conductor post.

18. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner conductor unit further includes a conductive disk connected to the free end, the outer diameter of the conductive disk being larger than the outer diameter of the conductive post and smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit.

19. 20. The microwave heating assembly of claim 18, wherein the radiating structure is connected to an end face of the conductive disk remote from the conductive posts.

20. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, further comprising a receiving seat including a receiving portion for receiving an aerosol-generating article, the receiving portion being disposed within the cavity, and the at least one radiating element being disposed corresponding to the receiving portion.

21. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one radiating element extends to a side wall of the housing and is in ohmic contact with the free end of the conductive post.

22. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the enclosure is cylindrical and the radians of the at least one radiating element are equal to the radians of the sidewall of the enclosure.

23. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one radiating element is distributed inside the housing and is in intimate contact with an inner wall surface of the housing.

24. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one radiating element is distributed inside the housing and has a gap between it and an inner wall surface of the housing.

25. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one radiating element is distributed outside the housing and is in intimate contact with an outer wall of the housing.

26. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one radiating element is distributed outside the enclosure and has a gap between it and an outer wall of the enclosure.

27. 21. The microwave heating assembly of claim 20, wherein the at least one radiating element is at least partially embedded in a side wall of the enclosure.

28. 10. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the radiating structure is formed of an electrically conductive material or has an outer surface plated with an electrically conductive layer.

29. 2. The microwave heating assembly of claim 1, further comprising a microwave supply unit connected to the outer conductor unit, one end of the microwave supply unit being inserted into the outer conductor unit from the outer peripheral wall of the outer conductor unit and making ohmic contact with the inner conductor unit.

30. 30. The microwave heating assembly of claim 29, wherein the microwave supply unit comprises an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric layer interposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and the inner conductor is straight and in ohmic contact with the inner conductor unit along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the inner conductor unit.

31. An aerosol generating device comprising a microwave heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

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