Aerosol generator and aerosol generation system

Abstract

This application provides an aerosol generator and aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generator having an opening and selectively accommodating one of a first type of consumable including a first susceptor or a second type of consumable including a second susceptor, the aerosol generator comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the opening than the second part, and when a first type of consumable is accommodated in the aerosol generator, the first part is located within the first part and avoids the second part, and when a second type of consumable is accommodated in the aerosol generator, a portion of which passes through the first part and extends into the second part; and an induction coil wound around the aerosol generator and arranged to heat the first type of consumable accommodated in the aerosol generator by inducing heat from the first susceptor, or heat the second type of consumable by inducing heat from the second susceptor. The above aerosol generator is advantageous for accommodating and heating different types of consumables at different locations in the aerosol generator and for heating different types of consumables at parts suitable for each.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross-reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 1, 2023, with an application number of 202310648804.1 and an application title of "Aerosol Generation Device and Aerosol Generation System", and all of its content is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The embodiments of this application relate to the technical field of generating aerosols by heating without combustion, and in particular, to aerosol generation devices and aerosol generation systems.

Background Art

[0003] Tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) generate tobacco leaf smoke by burning tobacco leaves during use. As an alternative to these products that burn tobacco leaves, attempts have been made to manufacture products that release compounds without combustion.

[0004] Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For example, the material can be tobacco leaves or other non-tobacco products, and these non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine. Known heating devices can only accommodate one specific type of tobacco leaf or non-tobacco leaf product, and generate a magnetic field by an induction coil to inductively heat a susceptor to heat the accommodated specific type of tobacco leaf or non-tobacco leaf product.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of this application is The present invention provides an aerosol generator comprising: a housing chamber having an opening and configured to selectively accommodate one of a first type of consumable including a first susceptor and a second type of consumable including a second susceptor through the opening, the housing chamber including a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the opening than the second part, and when the first type of consumable is housed in the housing chamber, it is located within the first part and avoids the second part, and when the second type of consumable is housed in the housing chamber, it passes through the first part and a portion extends into the second part; and an induction coil, at least a portion of which is wound around the housing chamber and configured to generate a changing magnetic field, thereby inducing heat in the first susceptor to heat the first type of consumable housed in the housing chamber, or inducing heat in the second susceptor to heat the second type of consumable.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first type of consumable includes an atomizer for atomizing a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, and the second type of consumable includes a solid aerosol generating product.

[0007] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes a circuit configured to control an induction coil to generate a variable magnetic field in a first mode when a first type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, and to control an induction coil to generate a variable magnetic field in a second mode when a second type of consumable is present in the containment chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a first type or second type of consumable housed in a containment chamber, and the circuit is configured to control an induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the detection unit is configured to determine the presence of a first type consumable or a second type consumable housed in the housing chamber by detecting a change in at least one electrical characteristic of the induction coil that occurs when a first type consumable or a second type consumable is housed in the housing chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an airflow sensor for detecting the airflow flowing into the containment chamber, and the circuit is configured to control an induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a first mode in response to the detection result of the airflow sensor, and the circuit stops responding to the detection result of the airflow sensor or stops the airflow sensor from detecting the airflow flowing into the containment chamber if a second type of consumable is present in the containment chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an input element operated by a user to generate an input signal, and the circuit is configured to control an induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a second mode in response to the input signal of the input element, and when a first type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit stops responding to the input signal of the input element, or the input element stops generating the input signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first communication port and a second communication port are provided at intervals on the inner bottom wall away from the opening of the containment chamber. The containment chamber communicates with the outside air via the first communication port so that outside air can enter the containment chamber during suction, and the containment chamber communicates with an airflow sensor via the second communication port so that the airflow sensor can detect the airflow flowing into the containment chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first contact step is defined between the first and second parts, configured to longitudinally support a first type of consumable housed in the first part.

[0015] In some embodiments, a second contact step is further defined within the containment chamber, which is located in a second portion and configured to vertically support a second type of consumable contained within the containment chamber.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes a proximal end and a distal end that are separated, the proximal end and the distal end having openings close to the proximal end, and an end element that is close to and defines the proximal end, the end element defining a groove located at the proximal end, and when the first type of consumable is contained in the containment chamber, at least a portion of it is located in the groove and is almost airtightly sealed to the end element, preventing external air from entering the containment chamber through them during suction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes a proximal end and a distal end that are separated from each other, the proximal end and the distal end having an opening close to the proximal end, an end element close to and defining the proximal end, and a first magnetic element located outside the containment chamber and configured to magnetically attract to the first type of consumable when the first type of consumable is contained in the containment chamber, thereby holding and combining a portion of the first type of consumable with the end element.

[0018] A further embodiment of this application includes a housing chamber configured to selectively house one of a first type of consumable including a first susceptor and a second type of consumable including a second susceptor; an induction coil, at least a portion of which is wound around the housing chamber and configured to generate a changing magnetic field, thereby inducing heat in the first type of consumable housed in the housing chamber, or inducing heat in the second type of consumable, thereby inducing heat in the second susceptor; an airflow sensor for detecting the airflow flowing into the housing chamber; an input element for being operated by a user to generate an input signal; and an airflow sensor The present invention provides an aerosol generator comprising a circuit configured to control an induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a first mode in response to a detection result, and to control an induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a second mode in response to an input signal from an input element, wherein when a first type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit does not respond to the input signal from the input element, or the input element stops generating an input signal, and when a second type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit does not respond to the detection result from the airflow sensor, or the airflow sensor stops detecting the airflow flowing into the containment chamber.

[0019] A further embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating system for atomizing a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, comprising: an atomizer including a main body portion provided with a second magnetic element and an elongated portion extending longitudinally from the main body portion; and an aerosol generating device including a housing chamber having an opening, wherein at least a portion of the atomizer can be removably housed in the housing chamber through the opening during use, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a housing having a separate proximal end and distal end, with the opening closer to the proximal end, the housing having a defined groove located at the proximal end, a first magnetic element provided inside the housing close to the groove, the first magnetic element located outside the housing chamber, and when at least a portion of the main body portion of the atomizer is housed in the groove, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other to hold the elongated portion inside the housing chamber.

[0020] The above aerosol generator is advantageous in that it accommodates and heats different types of consumables at different positions in the accommodation chamber and heats different types of consumables at sites suitable for each of them.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] One or more embodiments will be illustratively described by the figures in the corresponding drawings. However, these illustrative descriptions do not limit the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numbers in the drawings represent similar elements, and the figures in the drawings are not scale-limited unless otherwise specified.

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generator provided in one embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator in FIG. 1 from one perspective. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation product provided in one embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of an atomizer provided in one embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a schematic structural view of the atomizer in FIG. 4 from another perspective. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the atomizer in FIG. 4 from one perspective. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing that the aerosol generation product in FIG. 3 is received by the aerosol generator in FIG. 1 to form an aerosol generation system. [Figure 8] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system in FIG. 7 from one perspective. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing that the atomizer in FIG. 4 is received by the aerosol generator in FIG. 1 to form an aerosol generation system. [Figure 10] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system in FIG. 9 from one perspective. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generator of another embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] To facilitate understanding of this application, it will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating system for generating aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system may include two or more parts that are separable or interchangeable from one another, and when combined, they form a complete combined operating state of the aerosol generating system that can generate aerosols in response to user operation.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generator, which may be used and formed in selective combination with at least two different types of consumables. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator can be selectively combined with either a first type of consumable or a second type of consumable to constitute an aerosol generating system and generate aerosols.

[0026] In some implementations, the aerosol generator is configured to accommodate only one consumable at a time. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol generator can accommodate only one of a first type of consumable and one of a second type of consumable at a time, but cannot accommodate both simultaneously.

[0027] In some implementations, the aerosol generator may include a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a first type or second type of consumable inserted into and combined with the aerosol generator. Specifically, the detection unit can detect or identify the type of consumable combined with the aerosol generator, thereby optimizing the operation of the aerosol generator, particularly the output of heating or power, to correspond to or be compatible with the corresponding first type or second type of consumable. For example, if the detection unit detects that a first type of consumable has been inserted into and combined with the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator may be controlled to start operation in a first power output mode, and if the detection unit detects that a second type of consumable has been inserted into and combined with the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator may be controlled to start operation in a second power output mode.

[0028] In several specific selectable implementations, the detection unit may include a color sensor, and the type of consumable is determined by the color of the consumable combined with the detection aerosol generator.

[0029] For example, in yet another modified embodiment, the aerosol generator can determine the type of consumable by detecting the physical properties of the electronic elements in the consumable. These physical properties may include, for example, one or more of the resistance, inductance, voltage, capacitance, and magnetism of the electronic elements in the consumable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the detection element may include a detection function circuit, for example, the circuit module described below.

[0030] Alternatively, in yet another specific embodiment, the first type of consumable or the second type of consumable each comprises a different heating element, and the aerosol generator can determine the type of consumable by detecting the characteristics of the heating element in the consumable.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first type of consumable may include an atomizer that stores a liquid substrate in a liquid state and vaporizes at least one component of the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the liquid substrate may include glycerin, propylene glycol, etc., which can be heated and vaporized to generate an aerosol.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second type of consumable may include a solid aerosol generating product, which is heated to volatilize or release at least one component of the solid aerosol generating product, thereby forming an aerosol for inhalation. In some embodiments, the solid aerosol generating product may preferably use a tobacco leaf-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the substrate when heated, or it may be a non-tobacco leaf material suitable for generating smoke by electric heating after heating. In some specific embodiments, the aerosol generating product may preferably use a solid substrate, which may include one or more powders, granules, elongated fragments, strips or sheets of vanilla leaves, dried flowers, herbaceous plants capable of releasing fragrance, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, or expanded tobacco, or the solid substrate may contain additional tobacco leaf or non-tobacco leaf volatile flavor compounds that are released when the substrate is heated.

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 show schematic diagrams of an aerosol generator 200 according to one embodiment, in which the aerosol generator 200 is It includes a proximal end 2110 and a distal end 2120 that are separated in the longitudinal direction, and during use, the proximal end 2110 is the end for housing consumables such as an atomizer 100 or an aerosol generating product 300.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 is The aerosol generator 200 further includes a housing chamber 270 that extends longitudinally and is positioned adjacent to the proximal end 2110, and has an opening located longitudinally at the proximal end 2110, so that during use, consumables such as the atomizer 100 or aerosol generating product 300 can be housed in or removed from the housing chamber 270 through the opening. In addition, one or more ribs 273 are positioned at intervals around the circumferential direction of the housing chamber 270 at the opening of the housing chamber 270, and when the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the housing chamber 270, it is held in the housing chamber 270 by being held radially by the ribs 273.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 further includes an input element 201 operated by the user, a rechargeable battery cell 210, a circuit board 220, and a stand 240.

[0036] The user-operated input element 201 is used to form an input signal, which the aerosol generator then controls to heat the aerosol generating product 300 in response to the user's input signal. In some embodiments, the input element 201 is selected from a mechanical button, membrane switch, rotary encoder, dial, knob, capacitive touch button, resistive touch button, joystick, slider, trigger button, touchscreen, and magnetic switch.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rechargeable battery cell 210 is for power output and is located near the distal end 2120.

[0038] The circuit board 220 includes, for example, a PCB board or an FPC board, and integrates circuits to control the operation of the aerosol generator 200, particularly the circuits that control the power output of the battery cell 210. In Figures 1 and 2, the circuit board 220 is arranged extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 200.

[0039] The stand 240 extends longitudinally from the aerosol generator 200 and is positioned between the battery cell 210 and the circuit board 220, for at least partially housing and holding the battery cell 210. The circuit board 220 is fastened to the stand 240 by screw fasteners and is supported and held by the stand 240.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the input element 201 is electrically connected to the circuit board 220, so that the circuit can receive an input signal generated by the user operating the input element 201 and control the heating of the aerosol generating product 300.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, inside the aerosol generator 200, When the atomizer 100 is housed in the containment chamber 270, an airflow sensor 250 is further provided to detect the airflow generated when the user inhales the atomizer 100. The circuit board 220 controls the supply of power to the atomizer 100 based on the detection results of the airflow sensor 250, so that the atomizer 100 atomizes the liquid substrate and generates an aerosol.

[0042] In some implementations, the aerosol generator 200 induces heating of consumables by generating a changing magnetic field that passes through the containment chamber 270. Specifically, the consumables may have induction heating elements, and when the consumables are contained within the containment chamber 270, they can generate aerosols by passing through the changing magnetic field and generating heat. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 contains, A coil stand 230 surrounds and defines the containment chamber 270 and is positioned near the proximal end 2110, The system includes an induction coil 260 wound around a coil stand 230 and electrically connected to a circuit board 220 in an operable manner, which can generate a changing magnetic field within the housing chamber 270 when an alternating current provided by the circuit board 220 flows through the induction coil 260.

[0043] Specifically, the circuit of the circuit board 220 includes a capacitor, and the capacitor and the induction coil 260 constitute an LC resonant circuit. The circuit board 220 drives the LC resonant circuit at a specified frequency to cause oscillation, thereby forming an alternating current that flows through the induction coil 260, and the induction coil 260 further generates a variable magnetic field that can pass through the housing chamber 270. In some implementations, the frequency of the alternating current supplied to the induction coil 260 by the circuit on the circuit board 220 is between 80 kHz and 2000 kHz.

[0044] In some embodiments, the induction coil 260 has approximately 5 to 15 turns, and the induction coil 260 has an axial length of approximately 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first contact step portion 232 and a second contact step portion 231 are defined within the containment chamber 270 of the aerosol generator 200. The first contact step portion 232 is closer to the opening than the second contact step portion 231, and when the atomizer 100 is housed in the housing chamber 270, it comes into contact with the first contact step portion 232. The second contact step portion 231 is located at or defines the end of the containment chamber 270 away from the opening, and when the aerosol generating product 300 is contained within the containment chamber 270, it comes into contact with the second contact step portion 231 and stops.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 is The aerosol generator 200 further includes an air inlet 202 located on the outer surface of the housing so as to be positioned close to the proximal end 2110, in order to allow air to enter during suction.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first communication opening 233 and a second communication opening 234 are further arranged in the inner bottom wall of the storage chamber 270.

[0048] The first communication port 233 is in communication with the air inlet 202 via the air supply passage 205, allowing airflow to pass through. As a result, outside air entering from the air inlet 202 during suction enters the containment chamber 270 via the first communication port 233.

[0049] The second communication port 234 is in communication with the airflow sensor 250 via the detection passage 251, allowing airflow to pass through. As a result, during suction, the airflow sensor 250 can detect the airflow during the user's suction via the detection passage 251 and the second communication port 234, thereby determining the user's suction operation.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air supply passage 205 provides a flow path through which air enters the containment chamber 270 from the air inlet 202. Specifically, A first passage portion 203 extending from the air inlet 202 to the distal end 2120, It includes a second passage portion 204 that extends radially from the first passage portion 203 to the first communication opening 233 of the containment chamber 270. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the air supply passage 205 is defined by an inner housing member located inside the aerosol generator 200.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol generator 200 is An end element 2113 that is close to and defines the proximal end 2110 of the housing of the aerosol generator 200, The present invention further includes a groove 2111 located on the surface of the proximal end 2110 and defined by the end element 2113, and when at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is housed in the containment chamber 270, at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is housed or held in the groove 2111 defined by the end element 2113, and the atomizer 100 is in close contact with the end element 2113, so that the atomizer 100 is almost airtightly sealed to the aerosol generator 200 at the proximal end 2110, preventing outside air from entering the containment chamber 270 through them during suction, and preventing outside air from entering the containment chamber 270 without passing through the air inlet 202. The end element 2113 may be made of a rigid polymer plastic, or in another embodiment, it may be made of flexible silicone rubber or the like, which is advantageous in promoting an airtight seal with the atomizer 100.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the end element 2113 is assembled with other components of the aerosol generator 200 and together defines the housing of the aerosol generator 200. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the end element 2113 is integrally molded with the housing of the aerosol generator 200 or becomes part of the housing of the aerosol generator 200.

[0053] An engaging projection 2112 is further positioned on the inner wall of the groove 2111 defined by the end element 2113 for connection to the engaging groove 114 in the atomizer 100. When at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is housed in the housing chamber 270, the connection between the engaging projection 2112 and the engaging groove 114 prevents the atomizer 100 from loosening.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, inside the aerosol generator 200, A first magnetic element 280 is further positioned adjacent to the proximal end 2110, and a second magnetic element 13 is positioned on the atomizer 100. The atomizer 100 is housed in the containment chamber 270, and when it comes into contact with the proximal end 2110, the first magnetic element 280 and the second magnetic element 13 are magnetically attracted to each other, thereby stably housing the atomizer 100 within the containment chamber 270.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first magnetic element 280 is located outside the housing chamber 270 and is positioned close to the end face of the proximal end 2110. Therefore, when the first portion 121 of the second housing 12 of the atomizer 100 is housed in the housing chamber 270, the first magnetic element 280 and the second magnetic element 13 attract each other magnetically, causing the second portion 122 of the second housing 12 of the atomizer 100 to remain in contact with the end element 2113.

[0056] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first portion 121 of the second housing 12 of the atomizer 100 defines a longitudinally elongated or elongated portion that extends into the containment chamber 270, and this elongated portion is contained within the containment chamber 270 and heated and atomized. The first housing 11 and the second portion 122 of the second housing 12 form the main body portion exposed to the outside of the containment chamber 270. The second magnetic element 13 is positioned in the main body portion and is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element 280, thereby bringing the main body portion exposed to the outside of the containment chamber 270 into contact with or combining with the end element 2113.

[0057] Figures 3, 7, and 8 show schematic diagrams in which a solid aerosol generating product 300, used as a second type consumable in one embodiment, is housed in the housing chamber 270 of the aerosol generating device 200 to form an aerosol generating system. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment the aerosol generating product 300 includes a heating element 310. The heating element 310 may be a susceptor made of an inductive metal or alloy. Alternatively, the heating element 310 may be embedded in or surrounding the volatile component material of the aerosol generating product 300, thereby heating the volatile component material of the aerosol generating product 300 to generate an aerosol. When the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the containment chamber 270, the heating element 310 is located within the induction coil 260, and the heating element 310 can further generate heat by passing through the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 260, thereby heating the volatile component material of the aerosol generating product 300 and generating an aerosol.

[0058] In this embodiment, a portion of the aerosol generating product 300, such as the volatile component material portion, is housed and heated in the containment chamber 270, while the filter portion is located outside the aerosol generating device 200 and is inhaled by the user.

[0059] When the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the aerosol generating device 200, the circuit board 220 can respond to user operation on the input element 201 by driving the induction coil 260 according to a predetermined heating curve to generate a magnetic field and heat the heating element 310 in the aerosol generating product 300. Specifically, details of various modes and contents for heating the aerosol generating product 300 according to a predetermined heating curve are provided by the applicant in Chinese patent application CN112335940A, etc., and all of the above documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] As shown by arrow R3 in Figures 7 and 8, during suction, outside air enters the containment chamber 270 from the air inlet 202 via the air supply passage 205, passes through the aerosol generating product 300, and then exits carrying the aerosol before being drawn in by the user.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the aerosol generating product 300 is stopped by contacting the second contact step portion 231. When the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the housing chamber 270, it is held radially between the rib 273 and the second contact step portion 231, with a gap between it and the inner surface of the housing chamber 270, which is approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0062] Figures 4 to 6 show schematic diagrams of the atomizer 100 used as a second type consumable in one embodiment, and Figures 9 and 10 show schematic diagrams of the atomizer 100 being combined with the aerosol generator 200 to form an aerosol generation system. In this embodiment, the atomizer 100 is, Housing 10 includes a second housing 12 having a first end 110 and a second end 120 that are separated in the vertical direction, the first end 110 of the second housing 12 having an exhaust port 111 for expelling aerosols so that they can be drawn in by a user, and the second end 120 of the second housing 12 having an air inlet 123 for allowing air to enter during suction. Housing 10 includes a first housing 11 that is close to and defines the first end 110, and a second housing 12 that is close to and defines the second end 120.

[0063] The second housing 12 includes a first portion 121 and a second portion 122 arranged longitudinally. The first portion 121 extends into the first housing 11 and is tightened and sealed by interlocking with the first housing 11, while the second portion 122 is cylindrical and located outside the first housing 11. Furthermore, because the outer diameter of the first portion 121 of the second housing 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the second portion 122, the second housing 12 has a stepped portion between the first portion 121 and the second portion 122.

[0064] When the atomizer 100 is housed in the aerosol generator 200, the second portion 122 of the second housing 12 extends into the housing chamber 270, and the second end 120 of the second portion 122 abuts against the first contact step portion 232 of the housing chamber 270. Also, when the atomizer 100 is housed in the aerosol generator 200, the first portion 121 abuts against the inner bottom wall of the groove 2111.

[0065] The second magnetic element 13 is located in the first portion 121 of the second housing 12.

[0066] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the atomizer 100 further includes the following: An aerosol discharge pipe 112 is positioned within the first housing 11 so as to extend from the exhaust port 111 to the second end 120, and is used to discharge aerosols in the atomizer 100 to the exhaust port 111. A liquid storage chamber 113 is defined between the aerosol discharge pipe 112 and the first housing 11 and is used for storing a liquid substrate. An inner tube 14 is located within the second housing 12. The inner tube 14 extends from the first portion 121 to the second portion 122 of the second housing 12, at least partially enclosing and integrating with the aerosol discharge tube 112. A liquid extraction passage 15 is defined between the inner tube 14 and the second housing 12. The inner tube 14 further includes a through-hole 141 for passing the liquid substrate in the liquid extraction passage 15 into the inner tube 14. The atomizing assembly is located inside the inner tube 14. The atomizing assembly includes a liquid extraction element 30 and a heating element 40, and is used to draw in a liquid substrate through a through hole 141, heat it, atomize it, and generate an aerosol. Specifically, the liquid extraction element 30 communicates with the liquid extraction passage 15 through the through hole 141 and contains the liquid substrate. The heating element 40 is combined with the liquid extraction element 30 and generates heat by passing the changing magnetic field generated by the induction coil 260 through it, heating at least a portion of the liquid substrate in the liquid extraction element 30 to generate an aerosol.

[0067] In some embodiments, the liquid extraction element 30 is a capillary element or porous element having internal pores, which can draw in and transfer a liquid substrate by capillary action. In some embodiments, the liquid extraction element 30 may include a soft porous capillary element, such as fibrous cotton or nonwoven fabric, or a rigid porous element, such as porous ceramic, porous glass, or foamed metal. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, the heating element 40 may take the form of a heating trajectory, heating thin film, heating coating, heating mesh, or heating coil applied to the liquid extraction element 30. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, the heating element 40 is an induction heating element, for example, made of an inductive metal or alloy, which can generate heat when a changing magnetic field is transmitted through it. In some specific embodiments, the inductive metal or alloy may be, for example, nickel-iron alloy, nickel-aluminum alloy, S430 stainless steel, S420 stainless steel, etc. Furthermore, when the atomizer 100 is housed in or combined with the containment chamber 270, the heating element 40 has at least a portion of the induction coil 260 wound around it, or at least a portion of it is located within the magnetic field generated by the induction coil 260.

[0068] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, the liquid extraction element 30 has a hollow columnar shape, and the porous element 30 includes radially opposite outer and inner surfaces. As shown by arrow R1 in Figure 6, the outer surface of the liquid extraction element 30 is positioned as the liquid absorption surface and communicates with the liquid storage chamber 12 in a fluid-passable manner to suck up the liquid substrate. The inner surface of the liquid extraction element 30 is positioned as the atomizing surface, and the heating element 40 is combined with or positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the liquid extraction element 30 to heat the liquid substrate, generate an aerosol, and release it from the atomizing surface. Next, as shown by arrow R2 in Figure 6, during suction, the suction airflow is transmitted to the exhaust port 111 and sucked in.

[0069] Alternatively, in more variations, the liquid extraction element 30 may be arranged in a substantially sheet-like, plate-like, or block-like form, with opposite surfaces in the thickness direction serving as the liquid absorption surface and atomization surface, respectively. Alternatively, in more embodiments, the liquid extraction element 30 may have a wider range of shapes, such as arched, cup-shaped, grooved, or trapezoidal shapes. Alternatively, for example, the shape of an arched porous element with an internal passage, and arrangement details for the absorption of the liquid substrate and atomization of the liquid substrate by the porous element are provided by the applicant in Chinese Patent Application CN215684777U, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the atomizer 100 further includes a flexible sealing element 16. The flexible sealing element 16 is configured in the shape of a cap. The sealing element 16 encloses or covers the first portion 121 of the second housing 12. The sealing element 16 seals the first portion 121 of the second housing 12 by being positioned at least partially between the first portion 121 of the second housing 12 and the first housing 11. The sealing element 16 also seals the inner tube 14 and the aerosol discharge tube 11 by being positioned at least partially between them. The sealing element 16 is further provided with a relief hole 161 corresponding to the liquid draw-out passage 15, through which the liquid substrate in the liquid storage chamber 113 flows into the liquid draw-out passage 15 after passing through the relief hole 161.

[0071] As shown by arrow R3 in Figure 10, when a user inhales into the atomizer 100, the outside air entering from the air inlet 202 passes through the air supply passage 205 into the containment chamber 270, then enters the atomizer 100, and is discharged to the exhaust port 111 while carrying the aerosol. Also, as shown in Figure 10, when a user inhales into the atomizer 100, the airflow sensor 250 detects the airflow passing through the atomizer 100 due to the user's inhalation via the detection passage 251 and the second communication port 234.

[0072] In some embodiments, the circuit on the circuit board 220 controls the power supply based on the detection results of the airflow sensor 250 to supply an alternating current to the induction coil 260, thereby generating a changing magnetic field in the induction coil 260, which inductively heats the heating element 40 to generate an aerosol.

[0073] In some embodiments, the embodiment is based on a case in which the aerosol generator 200 generates a magnetic field that is altered by an induction coil 260, thereby inducing a magnetic field-permeable, heat-generating heating element 40 / heating element 310 in the consumable. In some embodiments, the circuit board 220 includes a detection unit. In some embodiments, the detection unit is configured to detect the presence of an atomizer 100 or aerosol generating product 300 inserted into and combined with the aerosol generator 200. Specifically, the detection unit can be used to detect or identify the type of consumable combined with the aerosol generator 200, thereby optimizing the operation of the aerosol generator 200, particularly the output of heating or power, to correspond to or be compatible with the corresponding first type or second type consumable.

[0074] Specifically, in some embodiments, based on the characteristics of the heating element 40 and the heating element 310 having different structures and / or lengths and / or dimensions and / or shapes and / or permeability and / or materials, the detection unit determines the type of consumable by detecting differences in electrical characteristics such as the equivalent inductance value, resonant frequency and / or quality factor Q value and / or resonant voltage and / or resonant current of the induction coil 260. Furthermore, for example, details of the specific electronic module configuration, component arrangement, principle and steps of the circuit in the circuit board 220 that detects the electrical characteristics such as the resonant frequency and / or quality factor Q value and / or resonant voltage and / or resonant current of the induction coil 260 are provided by the applicant in Chinese patent applications CN114601199A, CN112806618A, etc., and all of the above documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the circuit board 220 monitors that the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the containment chamber 270, it responds to an input signal generated by the user operating the input element 201 by supplying an alternating current to the induction coil 260 in a first power mode. This causes the induction coil 260 to generate a magnetic field, which inductively heats the aerosol generating product 300 in the heating element 310 within the aerosol generating product 300 according to a heating curve of a specified time. Details of various modes and details of heating the aerosol generating product 300 in the heating element 310 according to a heating curve of a specified time are provided by the applicant in Chinese patent application CN112335940A, etc., and all of the above documents are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the circuit board 220 monitors that the aerosol generating product 300 has been placed in the containment chamber 270, the circuit board 220 is only controlled to supply an alternating current to the induction coil 260 in response to the input signal generated by the input element 201, and the airflow sensor 250 is prevented from detecting airflow into the containment chamber 270 due to user suction.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the circuit board 220 monitors that the atomizer 100 is housed in the containment chamber 270, the airflow sensor 250 is permitted to detect airflow caused by user suction. Furthermore, when the airflow sensor 250 detects user suction, the circuit board 220 responds to the detection result of the airflow sensor 250 by supplying an alternating current to the induction coil 260 in a second power mode. This causes the induction coil 260 to generate a magnetic field, which inductively heats the heating element 40 within the atomizer 100. Details of this second power mode, for example, regarding the constant power supply mode and its contents for liquid substrate heating atomization, are provided by the applicant in Chinese Patent Application CN115067564A, and all of the above references are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, in another embodiment, power output may be supplied in a constant temperature heating mode.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the circuit board 220 monitors that the atomizer 100 is housed in the housing chamber 270, the circuit board 220 is only controlled to supply an alternating current to the induction coil 260 in response to the detection result of the airflow sensor 250, and the circuit board 220 is stopped from controlling to supply an alternating current to the induction coil 260 in response to an input signal generated by the user's operation of the input element 201.

[0078] In the above embodiment, when the atomizer 100 and the aerosol generating product 300 are each housed in the housing chamber 270, they are inserted at different depths. As a result, the heating elements 40 and 310, which have different structures within them, can be positioned in regions suitable for themselves and induce heat generation. Therefore, it is possible to apply to the atomizer 100 and the aerosol generating product 300 advantageously with a suitable magnetic field range, intensity, or distribution.

[0079] Alternatively, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generator 200a of another embodiment. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the aerosol generator 200a is A housing having a proximal end 2110a and a distal end 2120a that are separated in the vertical direction, A battery cell 210a and circuit board 220a near the distal end 2120a, and a stand 240a that supports and fixes the battery cell 210a and circuit board 220a, An input element 220a is electrically connected to the circuit board 220a and is operated by the user to generate an input signal. Near the proximal end 2110a, there is a containment chamber 270a for selectively housing one of the atomizer 100 and the aerosol generating product 300, The system includes an induction coil 260a, which is wound and positioned in the containment chamber 270a and electrically connected to a circuit board 220a in an operable manner, and to which an alternating current is supplied by the circuit board 220a to generate a changing magnetic field within the containment chamber 270a.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the containment chamber 270a has an opening near the proximal end 2110a that removably houses either the atomizer 100 or the aerosol generating product 300. The containment chamber 270a is It includes a first part 271a and a second part 272a arranged in order in the vertical direction, with the first part 271a being close to the opening. The inner diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 271a is larger than the inner diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the second portion 272a, a first abutment step portion 232a is defined between them, and the second abutment step portion 231a is located on the side away from the opening of the second portion 272a. When the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the containment chamber 270a, it extends from the opening and abuts against the second abutment step portion 231a to stop it. Also, when the atomizer 100 is housed in the containment chamber 270a, the atomizer 100 is housed only within the first portion 271a and abuts against the second abutment step portion 231a to stop it. In addition, one or more ribs 273a are arranged at circumferential intervals around the opening of the containment chamber 270a. When the aerosol generating product 300 is housed in the containment chamber 270a, the ribs 273a clamp or hold the aerosol generating product 300 in the radial direction.

[0081] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the aerosol generating product 300 almost matches at least a portion of the inner diameter of the second portion 272a of the containment chamber 270a, and is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 271a of the containment chamber 270a. Therefore, when the aerosol generating product 300 is contained within the containment chamber 270a, it contacts or abuts at least a portion of the inner surface of the second portion 272a, but does not contact the inner surface of the first portion 271a, and there is a gap between them.

[0082] As is clear, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the length of the first portion 271a of the containment chamber 270a is greater than the length of the second portion 272a. In some embodiments, the length of the first portion 271a is approximately 8 mm to 15 mm, and the length of the second portion 272a is approximately 3 mm to 6 mm. Also, the length and / or number of turns of the induction coil 260a wound around the first portion 271a is greater than the length and / or number of turns of the induction coil wound around the second portion 272a. The induction coil 260a wound around the second portion 272a has only 1 to 2 turns.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generator 200a is It further includes a groove 2111a located at the proximal end 2110a. When the atomizer 100 is housed in the containment chamber 270a through a partial opening, at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is housed in the groove 2111a and abuts against the inner bottom wall of the groove 2111a. Furthermore, the aerosol generator 200a includes, A first magnetic element 280 is further positioned to magnetically attract the second magnetic element 13 in the atomizer 100, thereby stably housing the atomizer 100 within the housing chamber 270a and bringing it into contact with the inner bottom wall of the groove 2111a.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generator 200a is A detection passage 251a communicates with the containment chamber 270a, and an airflow sensor 250a is used to detect the airflow flowing through the containment chamber 270a when a user is drawn in. The aerosol generator 200a further includes an air inlet 202a, which is located on the outer surface of the housing of the aerosol generator 200a, communicates with the containment chamber 270a via an air supply passage 205a, as shown by arrow R3 in Figure 11, and allows outside air to enter the containment chamber 270a when the user is inhaling air. In this embodiment, the air inlet 202a is located close to the side of the containment chamber 270a that is away from the opening in the vertical direction.

[0085] It should be noted that while the specification and drawings of this application illustrate preferred embodiments of this application, they are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may make improvements and modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to this application.

Claims

1. A housing chamber having an opening, configured to selectively accommodate one of a first type of consumable including a first susceptor and a second type of consumable including a second susceptor through the opening, comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the opening than the second part, and when the first type of consumable is housed in the housing chamber, it is located within the first part and avoids the second part, and when the second type of consumable is housed in the housing chamber, a portion of the housing chamber extends through the first part and into the second part, An aerosol generator comprising: an induction coil, at least a portion of which is wound and arranged in the containment chamber, configured to generate a changing magnetic field and induce heating of the first susceptor to heat a first type of consumable contained in the containment chamber, or induce heating of the second susceptor to heat a second type of consumable.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first type of consumable includes an atomizer for atomizing a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, and the second type of consumable includes a solid aerosol generating product.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a circuit configured to control the induction coil so as to generate a changing magnetic field in a first mode when a first type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, and so as to control the induction coil so as to generate a changing magnetic field in a second mode when a second type of consumable is present in the containment chamber.

4. The system further includes a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a first type or second type of consumable stored in the aforementioned storage chamber, The aerosol generator according to claim 3, characterized in that the circuit is configured to control the induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field based on the detection result of the detection unit.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection unit is configured to determine the presence of a first type consumable or a second type consumable housed in the housing chamber by detecting a change in at least one electrical characteristic of the induction coil that occurs when a first type consumable or a second type consumable is housed in the housing chamber.

6. The system further includes an airflow sensor for detecting the airflow through the aforementioned containment chamber, The circuit controls the induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in the first mode in response to the detection result of the airflow sensor, and The aerosol generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, when a second type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit is configured to stop responding to the detection result of the airflow sensor, or the airflow sensor stops detecting the airflow flowing through the containment chamber.

7. It further includes an input element that is operated by the user to generate an input signal, The circuit controls the induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a second mode in response to the input signal of the input element, and The aerosol generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, when a first type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit is configured to stop responding to the input signal of the input element, or the input element stops generating the input signal.

8. In the inner bottom wall of the aforementioned containment chamber, away from the aforementioned opening, are provided with a first communication opening and a second communication opening, which are spaced apart from each other. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the containment chamber communicates with the outside air through the first communication port so that outside air enters the containment chamber during suction, and the containment chamber communicates with the airflow sensor through the second communication port so that the airflow sensor can detect the airflow flowing through the containment chamber.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the inner diameter of the first portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second portion.

10. The aerosol generator according to claim 9, characterized in that a first contact step is defined between the first part and the second part, configured to vertically support a first type of consumable housed in the first part.

11. Inside the aforementioned containment chamber, The aerosol generator according to claim 10, further characterized in that a second contact step portion is defined, located in the second portion and configured to vertically support a second type of consumable housed in the housing chamber.

12. The proximal end and distal end are separated, and the opening is close to the proximal end and distal end, The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an end element near and defining the proximal end, wherein the end element defines a groove located at the proximal end, and when a first type of consumable is housed in the housing chamber, at least a portion of the end element is located in the groove and is almost airtightly sealed to the end element, preventing external air from entering the housing chamber through the gap between them during suction.

13. The proximal end and distal end are separated, and the opening is close to the proximal end and distal end, An end element that is close to and defines the proximal end, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a first magnetic element located outside the storage chamber, configured to magnetically attract to the first type of consumable when the first type of consumable is stored inside the storage chamber, thereby holding and combining a portion of the first type of consumable with the end element.

14. A storage chamber configured to selectively accommodate one of a first type of consumable including a first susceptor and a second type of consumable including a second susceptor, An induction coil is arranged, at least a portion of which is wound around the containment chamber, and is configured to generate a changing magnetic field, thereby inducing heat in the first susceptor to heat a first type of consumable contained in the containment chamber, or inducing heat in the second susceptor to heat a second type of consumable; An airflow sensor for detecting the airflow flowing through the aforementioned containment chamber, An input element that is operated by the user to generate an input signal, The system includes a circuit configured to control the induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a first mode in response to the detection result of the airflow sensor, and to control the induction coil to generate a changing magnetic field in a second mode in response to the input signal of the input element, An aerosol generator characterized in that, when a first type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit does not respond to the input signal of the input element, or the input element stops generating the input signal, and when a second type of consumable is present in the containment chamber, the circuit does not respond to the detection result of the airflow sensor, or the airflow sensor stops detecting the airflow to flow into the containment chamber.

15. This device is for atomizing a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, and includes an atomizer comprising a main body portion equipped with a second magnetic element, and an elongated portion extending vertically from the main body portion. an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device including a containment chamber having an opening, wherein at least a portion of the atomizer can be removably housed in the containment chamber through the opening during use, The aerosol generating device is It has a proximal end and a distal end that are separated, and includes a housing in which the opening is closer to the proximal end. An aerosol generating system characterized in that the housing has a groove defined at its proximal end, a first magnetic element is provided inside the housing near the groove, the first magnetic element is located outside the containment chamber, and when at least a portion of the main body of the atomizer is housed in the groove, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other to hold the elongated portion inside the containment chamber.

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