Heat-generating structure and aerosol generator

Abstract

This application provides a heating structure (1) and an aerosol generator. The heating structure (1) includes a heating element (11) that generates infrared rays when energized, and a tube (12) through which infrared rays pass. At least a portion of the heating element (11) is housed within the tube (12), and a gap is formed between the heating element (11) and the inner wall of the tube (12). The angle (a) between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11) and the longitudinal central axis of the tube (12) is 5° or less. Alternatively, the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11) and the longitudinal central axis of the tube (12) is 0.5 mm or less. This ensures good perpendicularity of the heating element (11) and a uniform gap between the heating element (11) and the tube (12), preventing scorching of the aerosol-forming substrate (4) due to localized overheating around the heating structure (1), and ensuring uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate (4). This guarantees good flavor stability when the user inhales and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of heat non-combustion vaporization, and particularly to a heat generation structure and an aerosol generator.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field of HNB (heat non-combustion) vaporization, it is common to adopt methods such as central heat-generating body heating or peripheral heat-generating body heating. Usually, the heat generated from the heat-generating body is directly transmitted to a medium such as an aerosol-forming substrate by heat conduction, and the medium is generally vaporized at 350°C or lower. In such a heating method, since the heat from the heat-generating body is directly transmitted to the aerosol-forming substrate, if the operating temperature of the heat-generating body is too high, there is a drawback that a strange smell is generated in the aerosol-forming substrate, which has an adverse effect on the taste during suction.

[0003] In the heat generation structure of the prior art that performs heating by thermal radiation, the heat-generating body is housed in a tube without directly contacting the aerosol-forming substrate, and the infrared radiation layer of the heat generation structure is excited by heating to emit infrared rays, and the infrared rays pass through the tube to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. Since the operating temperature of the heat-generating body of this heat generation structure can reach 500°C or higher, and can even reach 1000°C or higher, it is possible to greatly improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate. However, since the inner wall of the tube and the heat-generating body are precisely manufactured, the positional relationship when the heat-generating body is mounted on the tube affects the local temperature distribution of the heat generation structure, and in some cases, directly causes uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, there is a possibility that local burning of the aerosol-forming substrate due to local overheating occurs, which is disadvantageous to the user experience.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved heat generation structure and an aerosol generator.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention for solving technical problems, a heating structure is provided. The heating structure includes a heating element that generates infrared rays when energized, and a tube through which the infrared rays pass. The heating element is housed in the tube in at least a portion of its form, and a gap is formed between it and the inner wall of the tube in at least a portion of its form, and the angle (a) between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element and the longitudinal central axis of the tube is 5° or less.

[0006] Preferably, the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element and the longitudinal central axis of the tube is 0.5 mm or less.

[0007] Preferably, the heating structure further includes a support member, at least a portion of which is located inside the tube. The heating element includes a heating element and an electrode element, The tube includes a closed end and an open end, one end of the electrode portion is connected to the heating portion, and the other end protrudes from the open end. At least a portion of the electrode portion is located inside the tube and is positioned by the support member, and the support member is positioned radially and / or axially by the tube.

[0008] Preferably, the pipe is installed coaxially with the support member, or the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the pipe and the longitudinal central axis of the support member is less than or equal to a pre-installed distance.

[0009] Preferably, the tubular body includes a apex structure and a tubular body connected in the axial direction, the apex structure constitutes the closed end, and the open end of the tubular body is located at the end of the tubular body away from the apex structure. The heating element has a first end facing the apex structure in the axial direction and a second end facing the open end, the first end being in contact with and fitted to the inner wall of the apex structure, and the portion of the heating element other than the first end being installed at a distance from the inner wall of the pipe body.

[0010] Preferably, the heating element has a helical structure and includes helical segments and a apex provided at one end of the helical segments, wherein the apex is located within the apex structure and is in contact with and fitted to the inner wall of the apex structure.

[0011] Preferably, the top end of the heating element is annular, and both opposing sides of the annular top end abut the inner wall surface of the pointed structure.

[0012] Preferably, the radial dimension of the top end of the heating element gradually decreases in the direction away from the open end of the tube, and the top end abuts against the highest point of the pointed structure.

[0013] Preferably, the tubular body includes a apex structure and a tubular body connected in the axial direction, the apex structure constitutes the closed end, and the open end of the tubular body is located at the end of the tubular body away from the apex structure. The heating element has a first end facing the apex structure in the axial direction and a second end facing the open end, the first end being installed at a distance from the inner wall of the apex structure and the heating element being installed at a distance from the inner wall of the pipe body.

[0014] Preferably, the heating element includes a main body and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connected to the main body, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to the end of the main body facing the open end. The electrode portion includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being connected to the first connection portion and the second electrode being connected to the second connection portion.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second connection portions are installed on both sides of the longitudinal central axis of the heating element, and the portions facing the electrode portion are parallel to each other.

[0016] Preferably, the width of the gap (w) between the opposing surfaces of the first and second connecting portions is 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0017] Preferably, the first connection part and the second connection part are respectively installed on both sides of the central axis line in the longitudinal direction of the heating element, and at least one of the first connection part and the second connection part includes a curved part that curves in a direction away from the central axis line in the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

[0018] Preferably, the first connection part and the second connection part are respectively installed on both sides of the axis line of the heating element and are symmetrically installed with respect to the axis line of the heating element.

[0019] Preferably, the heating element has a spiral structure, the main body part is a spiral segment, the first connection part and the second connection part are linear segments connected to one end of the spiral segment, and at least a part of the portion of the linear segment close to the spiral segment curves.

[0020] Preferably, the heating element includes a heating part and an electrode part to be connected, and the heating part includes a heating base material and an infrared radiation layer coated on the heating base material.

[0021] Preferably, the angle formed by the central axis line in the longitudinal direction of the heating element and the central axis line in the longitudinal direction of the tube body is 2° or less.

[0022] Preferably, a positioning groove is formed in the support member, and the electrode part is fitted and fixed in the positioning groove.

[0023] Preferably, a position limiting part is further installed between the support member and the heating element, and the position limiting part is in close contact with the upper surface of the support member, or is engaged in the positioning groove, or is covered on the top of the positioning groove.

[0024] Preferably, the position limiting part is a welding point formed between the heating element and the electrode part.

[0025] Preferably, the tube body is provided with a reinforcement structure at least in the lower part near the bottom end.

[0026] Preferably, the tube body includes an outer tube body and an inner tube body, the inner tube body is installed inside the outer tube body, and the heating element is installed inside the inner tube body.

[0027] Preferably, the heating structure further includes a TCR temperature detection element, the TCR temperature detection element is installed inside the tube body, and is installed at a distance from the heating element.

[0028] Preferably, the tube body includes an infrared-transmittable wall surface that contacts the aerosol-forming substrate, and further includes a protrusion structure. By installing the protrusion structure on at least a part of the wall surface of the tube body, it is used to reduce the contact area between the wall surface and the aerosol-forming substrate, and the protrusion structure has infrared-transmitting characteristics.

[0029] Preferably, the tube body includes an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the heating element is inserted into the tube body through the open end, and a reflection structure for reflecting infrared rays is formed at the closed end.

[0030] [[ID=I5]] >The present invention further provides another heating structure, including a heating element that generates infrared rays in an energized state, and a tube body for the infrared rays to pass through. At least a part of the heating element is accommodated inside the tube body, and at least a part of a gap is formed between the heating element and the inner wall of the tube body. The distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element and the longitudinal central axis of the tube body is 0.5 mm or less.

[0031] The present invention further provides an aerosol generating device including the heating structure according to any one of the above.

[0032] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an extractor and a filtering structure. The extractor includes a containment tube for containing at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, the containment tube having an inlet for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate and an intake end opposite the inlet, the heating structure is detachably connected to the extractor and defines an intake passage communicating with the extractor and the containment tube together, The filtration structure is detachably installed within the intake passage and engages with the intake end to filter the airflow between the intake passage and the containment pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects. By making the angle between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 5° or less, or by making the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 0.5 mm or less, good perpendicularity of the heating element and a uniform gap between the heating element and the tube can be ensured, thereby avoiding scorching of the aerosol-forming substrate due to localized overheating around the heating structure and ensuring uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby ensuring good flavor stability when the user inhales and improving the user experience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of an aerosol generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of part A in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of section B in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of CC. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of section D in Figure 5. [Figure 7]This is a schematic diagram showing the lateral cross-sectional structure in a uniaxial position of a heating structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the lateral cross-sectional structure in a uniaxial position of a heating structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the lateral cross-sectional structure of the heating element of the heating structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a reinforcing structure in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a reinforcing structure in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a reinforcing structure in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a reinforcing structure in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with an inner tube and an outer tube in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure equipped with a TCR temperature detection element in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a TCR temperature detection element in several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a TCR temperature detection element in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a protruding structure in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a reflective structure in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of a heating structure provided with a reflective structure in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of an aerosol generator equipped with a filtration structure in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is an exploded view of a part of the structure shown in Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram showing the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of an aerosol generator equipped with a filtration structure in another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] In order to more clearly understand the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as “connection,” “fixing,” and “installation” should be understood in a broad sense. For example, a fixed connection may be a detachable connection or an integrated structure; a direct connection may be an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; and it may be internal communication between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. The terms “first” and “second” are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this technical embodiment and should not be understood as expressing or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features mentioned. Thus, features limited by “first” and “second” explicitly or implicitly indicate that they include one or more such features. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention depending on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generator according to one embodiment of the present invention, which includes a heating structure 1 and a power supply component 2 as described in any embodiment of the present invention. The heating structure 1 is detachably mounted in the housing of the power supply component 2 and is mechanically and / or electrically connectable to the power supply of the power supply component 2. Of course, the heating structure 1 may be fixed in the housing without being detachable. The power supply component 2 is used to supply power to the heating structure 1. The heating structure 1 is partially insertable into the aerosol-forming substrate 4. Specifically, the heating structure 1 is partially insertable into the medium segment of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 and generates thermal radiation when energized, heating and vaporizing the medium segment of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 to produce an aerosol. The thermal radiation is infrared thermal radiation. The aerosol-forming substrate 4 is cylindrical. Specifically, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a filamentous, plate-like, or integrally molded solid material made from the leaves and / or stems of a plant (e.g., tobacco), and further aromatic components may be added to the solid material. When energized, the heating element 11 rapidly heats up to approximately 1000°C in 1 to 3 seconds, the surface temperature of the tube 12 is controlled to 350°C or less, and the vaporization temperature of the entire aerosol-forming substrate 4 is controlled to 300 to 350°C. This ensures that the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is reliably vaporized by infrared radiation mainly in the wavelength bands of 2 μm to 4.75 μm (including endpoint values ​​and any value between both ends) and 8 μm to 11 μm (including endpoint values ​​and any value between both ends).

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the heating structure 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a heating element 11 that generates infrared rays when energized, and a tube 12 through which infrared rays are transmitted.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the heating element 11 includes a connected heating section 21 and an electrode section 22. The heating section 21 and the electrode section 22 are connected along the axial direction of the tube 12. The heating section 21 includes a heating substrate 214 and an infrared radiation layer 215 covering the heating substrate 214. The heating substrate 214 includes a metal substrate having high temperature oxidation resistance, such as a metal wire. The heating substrate 214 employs a metal material that has excellent high temperature oxidation resistance and stability, and is resistant to deformation, such as a nickel-chromium alloy substrate (e.g., nickel-chromium alloy wire) or an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy substrate (e.g., iron-chromium-aluminum alloy wire). In some embodiments, the diameter of the metal substrate is 0.15 mm to 0.8 mm (including endpoint values ​​of 0.15 mm and 0.8 mm, and any value in between).

[0040] The heat-generating section 21 further includes an oxidation-resistant layer 216 formed between the heat-generating substrate 214 and the infrared radiation layer 215. Specifically, the oxidation-resistant layer 216 is an oxide film formed on the surface of the heat-generating substrate 214 by high-temperature heat treatment. Of course, in other embodiments, the oxidation-resistant layer 216 is not limited to an oxide film formed on itself, but may be an oxidation-resistant coating applied to the outer surface of the heat-generating substrate 214. The thickness of the oxidation-resistant layer 216 is selected from the range of 1 μm to 150 μm (including endpoint values ​​and any value between the two endpoints).

[0041] The infrared radiation layer 215 is an infrared layer formed on the side of the oxidation-resistant layer 216 away from the heat-generating substrate 214 by high-temperature heat treatment of the infrared layer-forming substrate. Specifically, the infrared layer-forming substrate is silicon carbide, spinel, or a composite substrate thereof. Of course, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the infrared radiation layer 215 is not limited to an infrared layer. In other embodiments, the infrared radiation layer 215 is a composite infrared layer, for example, a glass powder composite infrared layer. Specifically, the infrared layer is formed on the side of the oxidation-resistant layer 216 away from the heat-generating substrate 214 by means of dipping, spray painting, brush painting, etc.

[0042] The heating element 11 is partially housed within the tube 12, with the other part extending outside the tube 12 and connected to a power source. A gap is formed between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the tube 12. More specifically, a radial gap for filling with air is formed between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the tube 12. The thickness of the infrared radiation layer 215 is 10 μm to 300 μm (including endpoint values ​​and any value between both endpoints). When the thickness of the infrared radiation layer 215 is 10 μm to 300 μm, the infrared effect is excellent, and the vaporization efficiency and taste of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 are optimized. A bonding layer may be further installed between the oxidation-resistant layer 216 and the infrared radiation layer 215. The bonding layer is used to prevent localized destruction of the heating element 21 and to further improve the bonding strength between the oxidation-resistant layer 216 and the infrared radiation layer 215.

[0043] When the heating element 11 is energized, infrared rays generated pass through the tube 12 and reach the aerosol-forming substrate 4, making it easy to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 4 with the heat radiated from the heating element 11. In addition, by maintaining a certain radial gap between the inner wall of the tube 12 and the heating element 11, the surface temperature of the tube 12 is prevented from rising excessively, thus avoiding overheating and burning of the medium or the generation of off-odors from solid materials.

[0044] Of these, the tube body 12 is made of a quartz glass tube, or a light wave-transmitting window material such as infrared-transmitting glass, transparent ceramic, or diamond. The wall thickness of the tube body 12 is 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm (including the value at the endpoints and any value between the two endpoints).

[0045] The heating element 11 is installed longitudinally, and its maximum radial dimension is 0.6 mm to 2.5 mm (including the value at each end and any value between both ends). The outer diameter of the tube 12 is 1.6 mm to 3.5 mm (including the value at each end and any value between both ends). In other words, the radial dimensions of the heating element 11 and the tube 12 are extremely small, and they operate at high temperatures, so there is a risk that the heating element 11 may tilt to one side due to self-deformation or external force during operation or other conditions. Furthermore, in mass production and assembly processes, tilting of the heating element is likely to occur due to production or assembly errors, and in some cases, it may even come into contact with the tube wall. When the heating element 11 tilts, the temperature distribution of the entire heating structure 1 changes, and the temperature on the tilted side of the heating element 11 in the tube 12 becomes higher than on the opposite side. When the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined limit, the heating element 11 comes into direct contact with the inner wall of the tube 12, and heat is directly transferred to the tube 12. As a result, the temperature at the contact point between the tube 12 and the heating element 11 becomes much larger than the temperature on the opposite side. In some cases, the temperature difference between the two sides at the same height level can reach 50°C or more, exceeding the limit (usually less than 10°C). This causes uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 4, negatively impacting the user experience. The present invention aims to ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 by limiting the inclination angle of the heating element 11 and ensuring good perpendicularity of the heating element 11, thereby suppressing the temperature difference around the heating structure 1 to below the limit (usually less than 10°C). Here, perpendicularity refers to the degree of orthogonality between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the cross-section of the tube 12. In some embodiments, "longitudinal direction" refers to the axial direction of the tube 12, or the direction of extension when the heating element 11 is installed in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the heating element 11 is inclined at a constant angle with respect to the tube 12. That is, the angle formed by the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 is 5° or less. Alternatively, the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 is 0.5 mm or less. Alternatively, the angle a formed by the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 is 5° or less, and the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 is 0.5 mm.

[0047] In particular, by setting the angle a between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 to 5° or less, and / or setting the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 to 0.5 mm or less, good perpendicularity of the heating element 11 and a uniform gap between the heating element 11 and the tube 12 are ensured, and the circumferential temperature difference at the coaxial position of the heating structure 1 can be controlled within an appropriate range. This avoids scorching of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 due to localized overheating around the heating structure 1, and ensures uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 4, thereby guaranteeing good flavor stability when the user inhales and improving the user experience.

[0048] As a result, the minimum gap width between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the tube 12 is 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. Note that the minimum gap width between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the tube 12 may be 0.05 mm or 0.5 mm, or any value within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. This ensures that when the heating element 11 is operating at a temperature of 500 to 1200 °C, the heating temperature of the outer surface of the tube 12 does not exceed 370 °C for a long period of time, and the outer surface temperature of the tube 12 does not exceed approximately 350 °C. In some embodiments, the instantaneous maximum temperature of the tube 12 reaches 550 °C, but the duration is very short. The surface shape of the heating element 11 is not necessarily a uniform, regular shape. If the surface of the heating element 11 is not a uniform, regular shape, the gap width between each point on the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the tube 12 is not uniform. Therefore, the minimum gap width between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the pipe 12 can be understood as the minimum value of the gap widths between each point on the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the pipe 12.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heating structure 1 further includes a support member 13, at least a portion of which is located inside the tube 12. The heating element 11 includes a heating portion 21 and an electrode portion 22. The tube 12 includes a closed end and an open end. One end of the electrode portion 22 is connected to the heating portion 21, and the other end protrudes from the open end of the tube 12. At least a portion of the electrode portion 22 is located inside the tube 12 and is positioned by the support member 13. The support member 13 is positioned radially and / or axially by the tube 12, thereby restricting the position of the heating element 11 inside the tube 12.

[0050] Specifically, the support member 13 is a ceramic cylinder, or is made of other high-temperature resistant insulating material, or has a shape other than a cylinder. The support member 13 may be entirely located inside the tube 12, or part of it may be located inside the tube 12 and the other part may protrude outside the tube 12. The tube 12 includes a closed end and an open end. The electrode part 22 is partially located inside the tube 12 and positioned on the support member 13, with the other part protruding outside the open end of the tube 12 and connected to the power supply. The heating element 21 is entirely located inside the tube 12 and is axially connected to the electrode part 22. Of course, in other embodiments, the electrode part 22 may be entirely located inside the tube 12. The support member 13 is installed coaxially with the central axis of the tube 12 during assembly, contributing to reducing the inclination angle of the heating element 21.

[0051] As a result, the heating element 11 is supported and fixed to the support member 13 via the electrode portion 22, that is, it is firmly supported and fixed at its lower end. Furthermore, since the heating element 11 itself has a certain degree of rigidity, it exhibits good overall stability when supported by the support member 13. This ensures that the heating element 11 maintains a good perpendicularity, and that the inclination angle a of the heating element 11 is 5° or less, or that the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 is 0.5 mm or less. This ensures that the temperature difference around the heating structure 1 does not exceed the limit value, and that the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is heated uniformly.

[0052] More preferably, in other embodiments, the angle a formed by the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11 and the longitudinal central axis of the tube 12 is 2° or less.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pipe 12 and the support member 13 are installed coaxially. Alternatively, if the pipe 12 and the support member 13 are installed at an angle, the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the pipe 12 and the longitudinal central axis of the support member 13 is less than or equal to the pre-installed distance, of which the pre-installed distance is 1 mm. When the longitudinal central axis of the pipe 12 and the longitudinal central axis of the support member 13 are installed at an angle, the line segment connecting any point on the longitudinal central axis of the pipe 12 and any point on the longitudinal central axis of the support member 13 becomes the separation distance, and all of the multiple separation distances formed between the two central axes are 1 mm or less.

[0054] In this embodiment, the tube 12 includes a vertex structure 20 and a tube body (not shown) connected in the axial direction, the diameter of the vertex structure 20 gradually decreases in the direction away from the open end of the tube 12. The tube 12 has a closed end located on the vertex structure 20 and an open end located on the end of the tube body away from the vertex structure 20. The heating element 11 includes a first end facing the vertex structure 20 in the axial direction and a second end facing the open end.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first end of the heating element 11 is in contact with the inner wall of the apex structure 20, and the portion other than the first end is installed at a distance from the inner wall of the pipe body, thereby continuously ensuring good perpendicularity of the heating element 11. As a result, the heating element 11 is supported at its upper end by the first end being in contact with the inner wall of the apex structure 20, and at its lower end by the support member 13. This improves the positional stability of the heating element 11 and contributes to continuously maintaining its good perpendicularity.

[0056] In some embodiments, the heating element 11 has a helical structure. The heating element 11 includes a helical segment and a apex 110 installed at one end of the helical segment. The apex 110 is located within the apex structure 20 and is in contact with the inner wall of the apex structure 20. The height of the apex 110 is in the range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm, including 0.8 mm or 2 mm. The radial dimension of the apex 110 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, including 0.5 mm or 2.0 mm.

[0057] Furthermore, because the heating element 11 has low resistance at both ends, even with the same helical pitch, the temperature at both ends will be lower than that in the middle. Therefore, the top end 110 of the heating element 11 will be in partial or complete contact with the inner wall of the pointed structure 20. As a result, the adverse effect on the temperature difference around the heating structure 1 will be negligible or within an acceptable range. Further considering the temperature distribution requirements in the heating process of different aerosol-forming substrates and the differences in different combustion states, the contact area between the top end 110 of the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the pointed structure 20 should be minimized as much as possible; in other words, point contact is most preferable.

[0058] In some embodiments, the top end 110 of the heating element 11 is annular, and both opposing sides of the annular top end 110 abut against the inner wall surface of the apex structure 20. This firmly supports and fixes the first end of the heating element 11, while minimizing the contact area between the top end 110 and the apex structure 20. And / or, the top end 110 is plate-shaped. This makes the top end 110 thin-walled and low in temperature, thus having little influence on the surface temperature of the tube 12, and thus having little influence on the heating uniformity of the entire aerosol-forming substrate 4, or in other words, macroscopically negligible. Similarly, with a more rigorous consideration, minimizing the contact area between the plate-shaped and / or annular top end and the inner wall of the tube 12, or in other words, point contact, is most preferable.

[0059] In some embodiments, the radial dimension of the top end 110 of the heating element 11 gradually decreases in the direction away from the open end of the pipe body 12. The top end 110 abuts against the highest point of the apex structure 20. This firmly supports and fixes the upper end of the heating element 11, while minimizing the contact area between the top end 110 and the apex structure 20. As a result, the helical segment adjacent to the apex structure 20 can conform to the conical shape of the apex structure 20, where the diameter gradually decreases, and facilitates contact fitting with the inner wall of the apex structure 20.

[0060] In other embodiments, the first end of the heating element 11 is installed at a distance from the inner wall of the apex structure 20. The portion of the heating element 11 other than the first end is installed at a distance from the inner wall of the pipe body. Since the lower end of the heating element 11 is supported and fixed by the support member 13, and the heating element 11 itself has a certain degree of rigidity, it is possible to maintain a good perpendicularity as a whole for an extended period.

[0061] Furthermore, the overall temperature distribution of the heat-generating structure 1 is related to the density of the helical segments. Generally, the smaller the helical pitch, the greater the amount of heat generated per unit length, the higher the temperature, and the stronger the infrared radiation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the helical pitch of the helical segments close to the apex structure 20 is formed to be much larger than the helical pitch of the helical segments further away from the apex structure 20. This makes it possible to moderately reduce the temperature of the apex 110 and further ensure the avoidance of adverse effects on the heating uniformity of the entire aerosol-forming substrate 4.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in order to ensure good perpendicularity of the heating element 11, the second end of the heating element 11 is configured such that the heating section 21 includes the main body 213 and a first connection section 211 and a second connection section 212 connected to the main body 213, with the first connection section 211 and the second connection section 212 connected to the end of the main body 213 facing the open end of the tubular body 12. The electrode section 22 includes a first electrode 221 and a second electrode 222, with the first electrode 221 connected to the first connection section 211 and the second electrode 222 connected to the second connection section 212. Specifically, the main body 213 has a helical structure, with the opposing first connection section 211 or second connection section 212 extending as the main heating section. The first connection portion 211 is connected between the main body portion 213 and the first electrode 221, and the second connection portion 212 is connected between the main body portion 213 and the second electrode 222, so that the main body portion 213 has two connection points with respect to the electrode portion 22. Furthermore, since the electrode portion 22 is positioned on the support member 13, it is ensured that the heating portion 21 is firmly supported and fixed by the support member 13 at its lower end.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 211 and the second connection portion 212 are each installed on either side of the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11, and the portions facing the electrode portion 22 are parallel to each other. That is, parallel portions are formed at the connection portion between the first connection portion 211 and the first electrode 221, and at the connection portion between the second connection portion 212 and the second electrode 222. This ensures firm support and fixation of the lower end of the heating element 11 and achieves good perpendicularity of the heating element 11.

[0064] In some embodiments, the width of the gap w between the opposing surfaces of the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 is 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm. That is, the width of the gap w between the opposing surfaces of the parallel portions of the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 is 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm. Note that the width of the gap w between the opposing surfaces of the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 may be 0.2 mm or 1.5 mm, or any value within the range of 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 211 and the second connection portion 212 are each installed on either side of the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11, and at least one of the first connection portion 211 and the second connection portion 212 includes a curved portion that curves away from the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 211 includes a curved portion that curves away from the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11. The second connection portion 212 also includes a curved portion that curves away from the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11. By installing the curved portion, winding of the helical segment is facilitated. Of course, in other embodiments, only the first connection portion 211 may include a curved portion that curves away from the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11, and the second connection portion 212 may not include the curved portion and may have a different shape, or may be connected to the second electrode 222 by other means. Similarly, the second connection portion 212 may include a curved portion that curves away from the longitudinal central axis of the heating element 11, while the first connection portion 211 may not include the curved portion and may have a different shape, or it may be connected to the first electrode 221 by other means.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first connection portion 211 and the second connection portion 212 are installed on both sides of the axis of the heating element 11, and are installed symmetrically with respect to the axis of the heating element 11. This further balances the forces on the entire heating element 11, contributing to the support and fixation of the heating element 11.

[0067] In some embodiments, the heating element 11 has a helical structure, the main body portion 213 is a helical segment, and the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 are linear segments connected to one end of the helical segment, and a curved portion is formed by bending at least a portion of the linear segment that is close to the helical segment.

[0068] The heating element 21 is either a single helix structure or a double helix structure. When the heating element 21 is a single helix structure, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the heating element 21 includes a linear segment and a helical segment extending in the axial direction of the pipe 12. The linear segment and the helical segment are connected by an annular apex 110. The linear segment is parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the pipe 12. Multiple sequentially connected helical segments are formed as the helical segment is wound around the outer circumference of the linear segment and extends along the axial direction of the linear segment. The helical segment is wound spirally around the outer circumference of the linear segment, and the linear segment itself is straightened and satisfies the straightness requirement of having a bend height of less than 0.5 mm per 200 mm. In the winding process, the opposing ends of the linear segment are fixed to a jig and rotate simultaneously. Furthermore, tension is maintained in the linear segments during rotation to prevent loss of linearity during the winding process. After the winding of the helical segments is completed, their surface contour forms a shape that approximates a virtual cylinder. During the winding process, the helical segments are tightly wound around the outer surface of the linear segments, ensuring that the virtual cylinder formed by the helical segments is coaxial with the linear segments, i.e., coaxial with the longitudinal central axis of the pipe 12. The first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 are also straightened to meet the same linearity requirements as the linear segments of the heating section 21, i.e., satisfying the requirement that the bending height per 200 mm is less than 0.5 mm.

[0069] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, in this embodiment, a positioning groove 3 is formed in the support member 13. The linear segments of the electrode portion 22 are fitted into and fixed in the positioning groove 3. Specifically, the positioning groove 3 is formed inwardly recessed on the outer circumferential surface of the support member 13. The positioning groove 3 is symmetrically arranged and corresponds to the symmetrically arranged first electrode 221 and second electrode 222, respectively. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cross-section of the positioning groove 3 in this embodiment is U-shaped. The cross-section refers to the contour line of the positioning groove 3 in the radial plane of the support member 13. The shape and dimensions of the positioning groove 3 are set to correspond to the outer circumferential shape and radial dimensions of the electrode portion 22.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the first embodiment, the width of the gap e between the positioning groove 3 and the linear segment of the electrode segment fitted therein is less than 0.15 mm. Specifically, when the electrode segment is cylindrical and the positioning groove 3 is U-shaped, the gap width values ​​between each point on the outer surface of the electrode segment and the U-shaped positioning groove 3 are not exactly the same. Therefore, it can be understood that the width of the gap formed between each point on the outer surface of the electrode segment and the U-shaped positioning groove 3 is all less than 0.15 mm.

[0071] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a lateral cross-section of the heating structure 1 in a uniaxial position according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the positioning groove 3 includes a U-shaped region and a gradually changing region to which it is connected in order to improve the positional stability of the electrode portion 22. The shape and dimensions of the U-shaped region correspond to the outer circumference shape and radial dimensions of the linear segment of the electrode portion 22, and the width of the gradually changing region gradually decreases in the direction away from the electrode portion 22, thereby further restricting the position of the electrode portion 22. In this embodiment, the groove wall surface corresponding to the gradually changing region of the positioning groove 3 is flat, but in other embodiments, the groove wall surface corresponding to the gradually changing region of the positioning groove 3 may be curved or have other shapes.

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a transverse cross-section of the heating structure 1 in a uniaxial position according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, the difference from the above-described embodiment is that the cross-section of the positioning groove 3 is circular. The cross-section is the contour line of the positioning groove 3 in the radial plane of the support member 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positioning groove 3 is not formed as an inward recess along the outer circumferential surface of the support member 13, but rather is formed without connecting to the outer circumferential surface, penetrating from one end face to the other end face of the support member 13, thus further restricting the position of the electrode portion 22.

[0073] Other technical features not mentioned in the second embodiment may be referenced by the installation of the first embodiment, the third embodiment, or other embodiments described in the preamble. Other technical features not mentioned in the third embodiment may be referenced by the installation of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or other embodiments described in the preamble.

[0074] In some embodiments, a position limiting portion is further installed between the support member 13 and the heating element 11. In the first embodiment, two position limiting portions are provided, which are connected between the first connecting portion 211 and the support member 13, and between the second connecting portion 212 and the support member 13, respectively. The position limiting portions are used to limit the position between the lower end of the heating element 11 and the support member. The position limiting portions may be in close contact with the upper surface of the support member 13, engaged in the positioning groove 3, or covering the top of the positioning groove 3.

[0075] In some embodiments, the position limiting portion is a welding point formed between the heating element 11 and the electrode portion 22. Specifically, both the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 are electrically connected to the electrode portion 22 and are formed as a single structure by welding, and the welding point functions as the position limiting portion. Furthermore, since the two welding points are at the same height level, the straight line they form is parallel to the radial direction of the support member 13. Of course, in other embodiments, it is also possible to install other intermediate structures as position limiting portions between the heating element 11 and the electrode portion 22.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a positioning element 5 is provided on the outer circumference of the tube 12. The positioning element 5 may be a flange structure. The positioning element 5 supports and fixes the tube 12, while also facilitating the attachment and detachment of the entire heating structure 1. For example, the heating structure 1 can be attached to the power supply component 2 by the positioning element 5. By supporting and fixing the tube 12 with the positioning element 5, misalignment with the heating element 11 after movement is prevented, and good perpendicularity of the heating element 11 is ensured, thereby ensuring that the temperature difference around the tube 12 does not exceed a limit value and that the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is heated uniformly.

[0077] In some embodiments, the tube 12 is fitted with a reinforcing structure at least in the lower part 121 near the bottom end. It should be understood that the lower part 121 of the tube 12 tends to break during insertion of the tube 12 into the aerosol-forming substrate 4. Therefore, in some embodiments, strengthening the lower part 121 of the tube 12 makes the tube 12 less prone to breakage, improves the reliability of the tube 12, ensures the lifespan of the aerosol generator, and improves the user experience for consumers. However, while strengthening the tube 12, it is necessary to ensure that the transmittance to infrared rays with wavelengths of 2 μm to 4.75 μm is 35% or more at least in the upper part of the tube 12. It should be understood that the transmittance to infrared rays with wavelengths of 2 μm, 4.75 μm, and any infrared rays within the range of 2 μm to 4.75 μm is 35% or more at least in the upper part of the tube 12. Preferably, the light transmittance is 50% or more, or 70% or more. As shown in Figures 10 and 12, in some embodiments, the pipe 12 is fitted with a reinforcing structure at least in its lower part 121, thereby strengthening the lower part 121 of the pipe 12 and making the pipe 12 less likely to break.

[0078] As shown in Figure 10, in some embodiments, a reinforcing structure is formed by setting the wall thickness of the lower part 121 of the pipe body 12 to be greater than the wall thickness of the upper part 122. As the wall thickness of the lower part 121 of the pipe body 12 is set to be greater than the wall thickness of the upper part 122, the outer diameter of the upper part 122 becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the lower part 121. As shown in Figure 11, in some embodiments, a reinforcing structure is formed by setting the radial dimension of the lower part 121 to be greater than the radial dimension of the upper part 122. In this embodiment, the radial dimension of the lower part 121 is greater than the radial dimension of the upper part 122, that is, the outer diameter of the lower part 121 is greater than the outer diameter of the upper part 122. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of each position in the axial direction of the upper part 122 is the same, and the outer diameter of each position in the axial direction of the lower part 121 is the same. That is, both the upper part 122 and the lower part 121 are installed in a straight tubular shape, and the cross-sections of the upper part 122 and the lower part 121 are installed concentrically. Of these, the outer diameter of the lower part 121 is approximately twice the outer diameter of the upper part 122. For example, the outer diameter of the lower part 121 is twice, or close to, the outer diameter of the upper part 122. Of course, this specification does not limit the relationship between the outer diameter dimensions of the upper part 122 and the lower part 121, and it is sufficient if the outer diameter of the lower part 121 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the upper part 122, thereby reinforcing the strength of the lower part 121. In some embodiments, the pipe wall thickness of the lower part 121 is set to be larger than the pipe wall thickness of the upper part 122, thereby providing a double reinforcement effect to the lower part 121. In this configuration, the wall thickness of the upper section 122 is the same at each position in the axial direction, the wall thickness of the lower section 121 is the same at each position in the axial direction, the wall thickness of the lower section 121 is set to be slightly greater than that of the upper section 122, and the inner wall of the lower section 121 is further from the central axis of the pipe body 12 in the radial direction than the inner wall of the upper section 122. As a result, the gap between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the upper section 122 is smaller than the gap between the heating element 11 and the inner wall of the lower section 121.

[0079] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the lower section 121 is the same as that of the upper section 122, i.e., the inner wall of the lower section 121 is radially further from the central axis of the pipe body 12 than the inner wall of the upper section 122. This results in a smaller gap between the heating element and the inner wall of the upper section 122 than the gap between the heating element and the inner wall of the lower section 121. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the upper section 122 gradually increases from the end connected to the apex structure 20 to the other end, and the outer diameter of the lower section 121 gradually increases from the end adjacent to the upper section 122 to the open end 23. Alternatively, the outer diameter of either the upper section 122 or the lower section 121 gradually increases, but the wall thickness at each position in the axial direction of the other section remains the same.

[0080] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in some embodiments, the reinforcing structure includes reinforcing ribs 24 installed on the inner and / or outer walls of the lower section 121. That is, the reinforcing structure is formed by installing reinforcing ribs 24 on the inner and / or outer walls of the lower section 121. The reinforcing ribs 24 are made of a flexible material such as silicone rubber, for example, to provide a cushioning effect.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, in some embodiments, the tube 12 includes an outer tube 123 and an inner tube 124, with the inner tube 124 installed inside the outer tube 123. The heating element 11 is installed inside the inner tube 124. The inner tube 124 is installed with at least a partial gap between it and the outer tube 123. Preferably, the gap between the inner tube 124 and the outer tube 123 is uniform. Since the tube walls of the outer tube 123 and the inner tube 124 are configured to allow infrared radiation to pass through, the infrared radiation emitted from the heating element 11 can heat the aerosol-forming substrate 4. By installing the inner tube 124 with a gap between it and the outer tube 123, the heat from the heating element 11 is re-radiated through the inner tube 124, the heat transferred to each part of the outer tube 123 is made relatively uniform, achieving uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 and improving the taste when the user inhales.

[0082] In some embodiments, the outer tube 123 is hollow and tubular, with both ends along the axial direction. Specifically, the outer tube 123 includes a tubular body with a circular cross-section and a apex structure 20 installed at one end of the tubular body. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular body is not limited to a circular shape. The inner tube 124 is hollow and tubular, with both ends along the axial direction. Specifically, the inner tube 124 includes a tubular body with a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular body is not limited to a circular shape. The tubular body has a hollow structure with openings at both ends. The heating element 11 is installed inside the inner tube 124, and the inner tube 124 and the heating element 11 are fixed in place by the one end of the inner tube 124 contacting the apex structure 20.

[0083] In some embodiments, the tube wall of the inner tube 124 is installed at a distance from the entire heating element 11. For example, a gap is provided between the inner tube 124 and the heating element 11 for filling with air. In other embodiments, the gap can also be used to fill with a reducing gas or an inert gas. By providing a gap, direct contact between the inner tube 124 and the heating element 11 is prevented. In some embodiments, the heating element 11 may be installed at a partial distance from the tube wall of the inner tube 124. Specifically, a positional limiting effect can be achieved by making the radial dimension of some segments of the heating element 11 larger than the radial dimension of other segments, and making the radial dimension of some segments of the heating element 11 the same as the inner diameter of the inner tube 124. In some embodiments, a positional limiting effect can be achieved by making a portion of the inside of the inner tube 124 protrude toward the heating element 11 and come into contact with the heating element 11. In other embodiments, a separation positioning structure is installed on the heating element 11 or the wall of the inner tube 124 to prevent direct contact between the heating element 11 and the wall of the inner tube 124. For example, a ceramic ring or the like is fitted to a part of the heating element 11. The above-mentioned gap refers to a gap into which air can enter and does not necessarily mean the presence of air or other gases, and a vacuum state is also included as one form. In order to improve the taste when inhaled and extend the life of the heating element 11, the inner tube 124 may be in a vacuum state or configured to seal its open end.

[0084] The heating temperature of the entire exothermic structure for the aerosol-forming substrate 4 can be adjusted by setting the tube wall thickness and the distance between the inner tube 124 and the outer tube 123. Under the same temperature conditions, the overall irradiance tends to decrease as the tube wall thickness increases. Selectively, in some embodiments, the tube wall thickness of the outer tube 123 is 0.15 mm to 0.6 mm, including 0.15 mm and 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the temperature of the exothermic structure tends to gradually decrease as the distance between the heating element 11 and the tube wall increases. Preferably, in some embodiments, the distance between the tube wall of the outer tube 123 and the inner tube 124 is 0.05 mm to 1 mm, including 0.05 mm and 1 mm.

[0085] As shown in Figure 15, in some embodiments, the heating structure further includes a TCR (temperature resistance coefficient) temperature sensing element 140. The TCR temperature sensing element 140 is installed inside the tube 12 and at a distance from the heating element 11, and is used to measure the temperature of the heating structure.

[0086] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in some embodiments, the TCR temperature detection element 140 includes a temperature detection unit 141 having a high TCR value, a third lead wire 142, and a fourth lead wire 143. The third lead wire 142 and the fourth lead wire 143 are electrically connected to both ends of the temperature detection unit 141, and protrude from the positioning element 5 to the outside of the tube 12, thereby forming an inverted U-shaped TCR temperature detection element 140 overall. The TCR temperature detection element 140 is connected to an external circuit and used to detect the temperature of the heat-generating structure. In some embodiments, the material of the temperature detection unit 141 is set to platinum wire or the like. By arranging the temperature detection unit 141 of the TCR temperature detection element 140 having a high TCR value horizontally at the predetermined position described above and being located in a uniform temperature distribution, and by connecting the third lead wire 142 and the fourth lead wire 143 to an external circuit, it is possible to calculate the temperature corresponding to different points in time using the corresponding algorithm, enabling more accurate temperature measurement than other arrangement configurations. The TCR temperature detection element 140 is positioned inside the tube 12 along its axial direction and spaced apart from the heating element 11. In some embodiments, the TCR temperature detection element 140 is positioned at the location of the electrode portion 22 inside the tube 12. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 141 is positioned at the connection point between the heating element 21 and the electrode portion 22 inside the tube 12, or slightly below the connection point.

[0087] As shown in Figure 17, in another embodiment, the TCR temperature detection element 140 does not need to have a third lead wire 142 and a fourth lead wire 143. That is, the temperature detection unit 141 having a high TCR value is formed in a rod shape as a whole, bent into a vertically elongated inverted U shape and installed inside the tube 12, and installed at a distance from the heating element 11 and the tube 12. The bent temperature detection unit 141 forms a first temperature detection unit 1411, a second temperature detection unit 1412 and a third temperature detection unit 1413, of which the first temperature detection unit 1411 is horizontally positioned at the connection point between the heating element 21 and the electrode unit 22, or slightly below the connection point. The second temperature detection unit 1412 and the third temperature detection unit 1413 are connected to both ends of the first temperature detection unit 1411, respectively, and protrude from the positioning element 5 to the outside of the tube 12. The corresponding temperature is obtained by calculating the average value of the entire TCR temperature sensing element 140 in this configuration using a different algorithm. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the temperature sensing unit 141 is circular, i.e., the TCR temperature sensing element 140 is a TCR resistance wire. In other embodiments, the TCR temperature sensing element 140 may be plate-shaped, i.e., a TCR resistance plate. The TCR temperature sensing element 140 in this TCR resistance value setting is entirely a resistance wire with a high TCR value, is easy to manufacture, and is suitable for mass production.

[0088] As shown in Figure 18, in some embodiments, the tube 12 includes an infrared-transmitting wall surface that contacts the aerosol-forming substrate 4. The tube 12 further includes a projection structure 161, which is installed on at least a portion of the wall surface of the tube 12. The installation of the projection structure 161 reduces the contact area between the wall surface and the aerosol-forming substrate 4, facilitates cleaning, extends the lifespan of the heating structure, prevents contaminants generated from the aerosol-forming substrate 4 during suction from remaining on the surface of the tube 12, and reduces the loss of infrared energy. The projection structure 161 has infrared-transmitting properties. In this embodiment, the tube 12 is divided into an insertion portion 16 and a non-insertion portion. During use, after inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 4, the portion located within the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is designated as the insertion portion 16, and the portion not inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is designated as the non-insertion portion. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 16 includes a apex structure 20 and a portion of the tubular body. In some embodiments, the insertion portion 16 is located within the insertion range of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 and covers the tube 12 in the longitudinal direction over a range of 2 to 12 mm. Specifically, the projection structure 161 is installed on the wall surface of the insertion portion 16 that is in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 4. In other embodiments, when the heating elements 11 are installed at intervals around the outer circumference of the tube 12, the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is housed in a containment chamber inside the tube 12. Correspondingly, the projection structure 161 is installed on the inner wall surface of the tube 12.

[0089] Specifically, the protrusion structure 161 is installed in a strip or grid pattern. When the protrusion structure 161 is strip-shaped, it can be set to a vertical strip, annular strip, spiral strip, etc. When the protrusion structure 161 is grid-shaped, it can be set to a square grid, rhombic grid, circular grid, polygonal grid, irregular grid, etc. When the protrusion structure 161 is installed in a strip shape, its width is 0.2 to 3 mm and its thickness is 0.05 to 0.3 mm. When the protrusion structure 161 is installed in a grid pattern, its width is 0.2 to 3 mm and its thickness is 0.05 to 0.3 mm. By installing the protrusion structure 161, the contact area between the heat-generating structure and the aerosol-forming substrate 4 is reduced, thereby reducing the degree of adhesion. At the same time, by installing it within this width and thickness range, it is possible to balance the area where the protrusion structure 161 is installed with the area where it is not installed. This method prevents the accumulation of large amounts of oil in the areas where the protrusion structure 161 is installed and the areas where it is not installed, and achieves the effect of cleaning both the areas where the protrusion structure 161 is installed and the areas where it is not installed with only minor cleaning work.

[0090] Specifically, when the projection structure 161 is set in a vertically elongated strip shape, it includes a plurality of vertically elongated projection ribs, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the pipe body 12 and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe body 12. Specifically, the direction in which the vertically elongated projection ribs extend may be parallel to the central axis direction of the pipe body 12 and installed on the wall surface of the pipe body 12, or it may be installed on the wall surface of the pipe body 12 so as to be inclined with respect to the central axis direction of the pipe body 12. The vertically elongated projection ribs may be uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction of the pipe body 12, or they may be arranged at uneven intervals.

[0091] When the projection structure 161 is set in an annular band shape, it includes a plurality of annular projection ribs arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tube 12. Specifically, the annular projection ribs may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube 12 so as to be perpendicular to the central axis of the tube 12, or they may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the tube 12 at an inclination with respect to the central axis of the tube 12, either upward or downward. The annular projection ribs may be uniformly arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tube 12, or they may be arranged at uneven intervals.

[0092] When the projection structure 161 is set up in a spiral band shape, it may include a single spiral projection rib that spirally wraps around the insertion portion 16 from the top to the bottom, or it may include a plurality of spiral projection ribs that are intermittently connected in the front-rear direction to cover the entire insertion portion 16. When the projection structure 161 includes a plurality of spiral projection ribs, they may be installed uniformly on the pipe or at uneven intervals.

[0093] Specifically, when the projection structure 161 is set up in a mesh pattern, the dimensions of its unit cell are 0.2 to 3 mm, and it includes multiple elongated projection ribs and multiple annular projection ribs. The multiple elongated projection ribs extend along the longitudinal direction of the pipe body 12 and are installed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the pipe body 12. The multiple annular projection ribs are installed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the pipe body 12 and are connected to each of the multiple elongated projection ribs. When the projection structure 161 is set up in a mesh pattern, the multiple elongated projection ribs and multiple annular projection ribs may be arranged at uniform or non-uniform intervals, as long as the dimensions of the unit cell are in the range of 0.2 to 3 mm.

[0094] When the protrusion structure 161 is selectively set in a mesh pattern, it can also be set in circular, polygonal, or irregular shapes, provided that the dimensions of the unit cell are in the range of 0.2 to 3 mm. All of the above structures are applicable to heating structures that use both central and ambient heating.

[0095] In some embodiments, the protrusion structure 161 is made of infrared-transmitting glass. The material composition includes at least one of SiO2, Li2O, K2O, Al2O3, MgO, TiO2, P2O5, and ZrO2. The protrusion structure 161 has an infrared transmittance of 50% or more in the 2-4.75 μm wavelength band, preferably 70% or more. The protrusion structure 161 formed by the above material combination can transmit infrared rays with high transmittance, achieving optimized control of infrared radiation energy while reducing energy loss in the infrared radiation process. Selectively, in some embodiments, the material of the protrusion structure 161 may be the same as that of the tube 12, or it may be integrally molded with the tube 12. By designing the material and structure of the protrusion structure 161 in this way, the optimized control of infrared radiation energy can be further improved, and the taste during inhalation and the stability of the taste before and after inhalation can be improved.

[0096] In the manufacturing process, the protruding structure 161 is formed by laser engraving or die punching onto a cast film tape. Finally, after high-temperature treatment at 600-1000°C, the wall surface of the tube 12 and the protruding structure 161 are integrally molded, forming a mesh-like or strip-like infrared radiation window. This optimizes the control of infrared radiation energy by the protruding structure 161, reducing infrared energy loss, while also reducing the contact area between the aerosol-forming substrate 4 and the window, thereby reducing the degree of adhesion between the aerosol-forming substrate 4 and the tube wall, and significantly reducing dirt residue and the difficulty of cleaning. Furthermore, this production method is easy to operate and suitable for mass production.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the material of the protruding structure 161 is the same as the material of the window portion, the thickness of the window portion can be appropriately increased, and grooves of a predetermined shape can be installed in the insertion portion 16 on the window portion by a corresponding process. This makes it possible to achieve the objective of reducing the contact area with the aerosol-generating substrate by making the portion without recesses a protruding rib.

[0098] The aforementioned projection structure 161 may also be a projection dot structure or a striped projection installed in any other direction, and further explanation is omitted here.

[0099] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in some embodiments, the tube 12 includes an open end and a closed end opposite the open end. The heating portion 21 of the heating element 11 is inserted into the tube 12 through the open end, and a reflective structure for reflecting infrared rays is formed at the closed end. This heating structure, by forming a reflective structure at the closed end for reflecting infrared rays, shifts the temperature distribution of the entire heating element 11 downwards, avoiding the problem of the aerosol-forming substrate 4 burning due to overheating of the closed end, which would result in a poor taste when the product is inhaled. Furthermore, the reflective structure re-reflects infrared radiation to an intermediate position in the tube 12, allowing the heating element 11 to be reheated and improving the heat utilization efficiency.

[0100] As shown in Figure 19, in some embodiments, the apex structure 20 has a reflective structure formed to reflect infrared radiation. The reflective structure includes a reflective coating 1120 applied to the outer surface of the apex structure 20. The reflective coating 1120 can reflect infrared radiation heat from the apex structure 20 to the heating element 21, reducing the temperature of the apex structure 20 and preventing excessive heat from being transferred from the apex structure 20 to the aerosol-forming substrate 4 after insertion, thus avoiding off-flavors caused by overheating that would negatively affect the smoking experience. Furthermore, the reflective coating 1120 can reheat the heating element 21 by reflecting the infrared radiation from the apex structure 20 to the middle part of the heating element 21, thereby improving heat utilization efficiency. The material of the reflective coating 1120 includes high-temperature resistant metallic materials such as platinum, gold, silver, and ceramic layers, non-metallic materials, and other materials that produce total internal reflection to infrared radiation. The thickness of the reflective coating 1120 is 50 nm to 150 μm, and the thickness range includes 50 nm, 150 μm, and any value within the range of 50 nm to 150 μm. The reflective structure has a reflectance of 35% or more, preferably 50% or more, to infrared rays with wavelengths of 2 to 4.75 μm, thereby improving thermal utilization efficiency. The wavelength bands of these infrared rays include 2 μm, 4.75 μm, and any wavelength band within the range of 2 μm to 4.75 μm.

[0101] As shown in Figure 20, in another embodiment, the reflective structure includes a reflective cover 14 that is molded separately. The shape of the reflective cover 14 is an inverted "V" shape corresponding to the shape of the apex structure 20. A reflective coating 1120 is applied to the side of the reflective cover 14 that faces the apex structure 20. The reflective cover 14 is fixed to the apex structure 20 by adhesive, mechanical bonding or other means.

[0102] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an extractor 10 and a filtration structure 30. In some embodiments, the extractor 10 includes a second top wall 101 and a cylindrical second side wall 102 connected to the second top wall 101. The second top wall 101 is provided with an inlet 111, which extends inward to form a housing tube 112 connected to the second top wall 101. The housing tube 112 is used to house at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 4. The housing tube 112 has a tubular structure with both ends passable. The inlet 111 is used to insert the aerosol-forming substrate 4 into the housing tube 112. The end of the housing tube 112 away from the inlet 111 has an intake end 1121. The inner diameter of the intake end 1121 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 111 and the outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 4, and is used to fix the aerosol-forming substrate 4 to the housing tube 112 and prevent the aerosol-forming substrate 4 from falling out. An intake hole 1021 communicating with the housing tube 112 is provided in the second side wall 102. The intake hole 1021 is used to supply air by communicating with the outside air.

[0103] The heating structure is detachably connected to the extractor 10 and defines an intake passage 110 that communicates with the housing tube 112 together with the extractor 10. The filtration structure 30 is detachably installed in the intake passage 110 and, by fitting with the intake end 1121, filters the airflow between the intake passage 110 and the housing tube 112. The filtration structure 30 is used to filter aerosols that pass through the filtration structure 30 and flow into the extractor 10, preventing aerosols from diffusing and accumulating in the gaps between the connections of the components, facilitating cleaning, and improving the taste when inhaled. Specifically, a cavity 120 communicating with the intake hole 1021 is formed in the cylindrical second side wall 102. The cavity 120, together with the outer wall of the housing tube 112, forms an intake passage 110 that communicates with the housing tube 112. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the intake passage 110 may be installed according to the actual circumstances.

[0104] Referring to Figures 21 to 23, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes a bracket 25. The bracket 25 is used to mount and fix the heating structure and the filtration structure 30, and provides support for the heating structure and the filtration structure 30. An airflow detection device 241 is mounted inside the bracket 25 and communicates with the housing tube 112. When suction occurs, a negative pressure is formed in the cavity, and the airflow detection device 241 responds by issuing a command. In some embodiments, the bracket 25 includes a first sleeve 251, a support wall 252, and a second sleeve 253. The first sleeve 251 wraps around half of the heating structure, and the first side wall adjacent to the heating structure is connected perpendicularly to the support wall 252. The second sleeve 253 is connected to the first sleeve 251 and the support wall 252, respectively. The first sleeve 251 is further provided with a notch 2513. The notch 2513 is L-shaped and extends from the first top wall of the first sleeve 251 to the support wall 252, facilitating the user's removal of the filtration structure 30 and partial cleaning of the heating structure. A vent hole 2514 is installed in the first side wall near the support wall 252, connecting the airflow detection device 241 and the housing pipe 112. Furthermore, the filtration structure 30 installed on the support wall 252 covers the vent hole 2514, filtering the air that passes through the vent hole 2514 and enters the airflow detection device 241, protecting the airflow detection device 241 and improving the accuracy of the airflow detection device 241's detection of the suction state.

[0105] In some embodiments, the filtration structure 30 is annular in shape. The inner diameter of the filtration structure 30 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the bottom of the heating structure and to match the outer diameter of the intake end 1121, thereby forming a buffer cavity 1020 that communicates with the housing tube 112. The buffer cavity 1020 prevents the lower end of the housing tube 112 from being excessively pressed against the filtration structure 30, thereby preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the filtration structure 30, which would reduce the porosity of the filtration structure 30 and increase airflow resistance. The filtration structure 30 includes filter cotton. In other embodiments, the filtration structure 30 may be shaped like a crescent or a square. The inner diameter of the filtration structure 30 may be the same as the diameter of the bottom of the heating structure. The filtration structure 30 may include a porous filtration structure such as filter fibers.

[0106] While the above-described embodiments specifically and in detail illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that they should not be construed as limitations on the claims of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to freely combine the above-described technical features and make minor modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made within the same scope as the claims of the present invention should be included within the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. It is a heat-generating structure, It includes a heating element (11) that generates infrared rays when energized, and a tube (12) through which the infrared rays pass. A heating structure characterized in that at least a portion of the heating element (11) is housed within the tube (12), and at least a gap is formed between the heating element (11) and the inner wall of the tube (12), and the angle (a) formed by the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11) and the longitudinal central axis of the tube (12) is 5° or less.

2. The heating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11) and the longitudinal central axis of the tube (12) is 0.5 mm or less.

3. The heating structure further includes a support member (13) in which at least a portion is located inside the tube (12), The heating element (11) includes a heating portion (21) and an electrode portion (22), The tube (12) includes a closed end and an open end, one end of the electrode portion (22) is connected to the heating portion (21), and the other end protrudes from the open end. The heating structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a portion of the electrode portion (22) is located inside the tube (12) and is positioned by the support member (13), and the support member (13) is positioned radially and / or axially by the tube (12).

4. The heating structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the pipe (12) is installed coaxially with the support member (13), or the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the pipe (12) and the longitudinal central axis of the support member (13) is less than or equal to a pre-installed distance.

5. The tube (12) includes a apex structure (20) and a tube body connected in the axial direction, the apex structure (20) constituting the closed end, and the open end of the tube (12) is located at the end of the tube body away from the apex structure (20). The heating element (11) has a first end facing the apex structure (20) in the axial direction and a second end facing the open end, the first end is in contact with and fitted to the inner wall of the apex structure (20), and the portion of the heating element (11) other than the first end is installed at a distance from the inner wall of the pipe body, as described in claim 3.

6. The heating element (11) has a helical structure and includes a helical segment and a apex (110) installed at one end of the helical segment, wherein the apex (110) is located within the apex structure (20) and is in contact with and fitted to the inner wall of the apex structure (20), as described in claim 5.

7. The heating structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the top end (110) of the heating element (11) is annular, and both opposing sides of the annular top end (110) abut the inner wall surface of the pointed structure (20).

8. The heating structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the radial dimension of the top end (110) of the heating element (11) gradually decreases in the direction away from the open end of the tube (12), and the top end (110) abuts against the highest point of the pointed structure (20).

9. The tube (12) includes a apex structure (20) and a tube body connected in the axial direction, the apex structure (20) constituting the closed end, and the open end of the tube (12) is located at the end of the tube body away from the apex structure (20). The heating element (11) has a first end facing the apex structure (20) in the axial direction and a second end facing the open end, the first end is installed at a distance from the inner wall of the apex structure (20), and the heating element (11) is installed at a distance from the inner wall of the pipe body, as described in claim 3.

10. The heating element (21) includes a main body (213) and a first connecting part (211) and a second connecting part (212) connected to the main body (213), the first connecting part (211) and the second connecting part (212) being connected to the end of the main body (213) facing the open end, The heating structure according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the electrode portion (22) includes a first electrode (221) and a second electrode (222), the first electrode (221) being connected to the first connection portion (211), and the second electrode (222) being connected to the second connection portion (212).

11. The heating structure according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connection portion (211) and the second connection portion (212) are each installed on both sides of the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11), and the portions facing the electrode portion (22) are parallel to each other.

12. The heating structure according to claim 11, characterized in that the width of the gap (w) between the opposing surfaces of the first connecting portion (211) and the second connecting portion (212) is 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

13. The heating structure according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connecting portion (211) and the second connecting portion (212) are each installed on both sides of the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11), and at least one of the first connecting portion (211) and the second connecting portion (212) includes a curved portion that curves away from the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11).

14. The heating structure according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connecting portion (211) and the second connecting portion (212) are each installed on both sides of the axis of the heating element (11) and are installed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11).

15. The heating structure according to claim 10, wherein the main body portion (213) is a spiral segment, the first connecting portion (211) and the second connecting portion (212) are linear segments connected to one end of the spiral segment, and at least a portion of the linear segment adjacent to the spiral segment is curved.

16. The heating element (11) includes a connected heating portion (21) and an electrode portion (22), and the heating portion (21) includes a heating substrate (214) and an infrared radiation layer (215) covering the heating substrate (214), as described in claim 1 or 2.

17. The heating structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the angle formed by the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11) and the longitudinal central axis of the tube (12) is 2° or less.

18. The heating structure according to claim 3, characterized in that a positioning groove (3) is formed in the support member (13), and the electrode portion (22) is fitted into the positioning groove (3) and fixed.

19. The heating structure according to claim 18, characterized in that a position limiting portion is further installed between the support member (13) and the heating element (11), and the position limiting portion is in close contact with the upper surface of the support member (13), or engaged in the positioning groove (3), or covering the top of the positioning groove (3).

20. The heating structure according to claim 19, characterized in that the position limiting portion is a welding point formed between the heating element (11) and the electrode portion (22).

21. The heating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular body (12) is provided with a reinforcing structure at least in the lower part (121) near the bottom end.

22. The heating structure according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body (12) includes an outer tubular body (123) and an inner tubular body (124), the inner tubular body (124) being installed inside the outer tubular body (123), and the heating element (11) being installed inside the inner tubular body (124).

23. The heating structure according to claim 1, further comprising a TCR temperature detection element (140), wherein the TCR temperature detection element (140) is installed inside the tube (12) and is installed at a distance from the heating element (11).

24. The heating structure according to claim 1, wherein the tube (12) includes an infrared-transmitting wall surface that comes into contact with an aerosol-forming substrate (4), and further includes a projection structure (161), wherein the projection structure (161) is installed on at least a portion of the wall surface of the tube (12) to reduce the contact area between the wall surface and the aerosol-forming substrate (4), and the projection structure (161) has infrared-transmitting properties.

25. The heating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube (12) includes an open end and a closed end facing the open end, the heating element (11) is inserted into the tube (12) via the open end, and a reflective structure for reflecting infrared rays is formed at the closed end.

26. A heating structure comprising a heating element (11) that generates infrared rays when energized, and a tube (12) through which the infrared rays pass, A heating structure characterized in that at least a portion of the heating element (11) is housed within the tube (12), and at least a gap is formed between the heating element (11) and the inner wall of the tube (12), and the distance between the longitudinal central axis of the heating element (11) and the longitudinal central axis of the tube (12) is 0.5 mm or less.

27. An aerosol generator characterized by including the heat-generating structure described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. The aerosol generating device further includes an extractor (10) and a filtration structure (30), The extractor (10) includes a containment tube (112) for containing at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate (4), the containment tube (112) having an insertion port (111) for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate (4), and an intake end (1121) facing the insertion port (111), the heating structure being detachably connected to the extractor (10) and defining an intake passage (110) that communicates with the containment tube (112) together with the extractor (10), The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the filtration structure (30) is detachably installed in the intake passage (110) and engages with the intake end (1121) to filter the airflow between the intake passage (110) and the containment tube (112).

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