Heat-generating assembly and aerosol generator

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat-generating assembly (100) and an aerosol generating device (1000). The heat-generating assembly (100) comprises an outer tube (20), a first electrode (110), a second electrode (110), and a temperature-measuring assembly (80). Both the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (110) are at least partially installed inside the outer tube (20), and the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (110) are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart, generating plasma between the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (110) when energized, and the temperature-measuring assembly (80) is connected to the outer tube (20) and is used to detect the temperature of the outer tube (20).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] <Cross-reference to Related Applications> The present application claims the priority and interests of Patent Application No. 202311160268.7 filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on September 8, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated into the present application by reference. The present application relates to the technical field of aerosol generating devices, in particular to a heat generating assembly and an aerosol generating device. [Background Art]

[0002] In the related art, an aerosol generating device is provided with an outer tube that can contact an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol generating device heats the aerosol-forming substrate by a plasma heating method, thereby enabling the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. In this regard, how to improve the heating effect of aerosol has become a technical problem that attracts attention. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0003] The present application provides a heat generating assembly and an aerosol generating device. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0004] A heat generating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application includes an outer tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a temperature measuring assembly. At least a part of the first electrode and at least a part of the second electrode are disposed in the outer tube; the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed opposite each other and spaced apart from each other, and generate plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode when energized; and the temperature measuring assembly is connected to the outer tube and used for detecting the temperature of the outer tube.

[0005] In the embodiment of the present invention, the heating assembly detects the temperature of the outer tube using a temperature-measuring assembly. Based on this, the heating assembly can control the heating temperature by adjusting the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes. This not only improves the heating effect of the heating assembly on the aerosol-forming substrate, but also simplifies and streamlines the installation process of the temperature-measuring assembly.

[0006] In some embodiments, the temperature measuring assembly includes a temperature sensing element and a conductive element connected to the temperature sensing element, wherein the temperature sensing element is mounted on an outer tube.

[0007] In some embodiments, the temperature-sensing element is installed on the outer or inner wall of the outer tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the temperature-sensing element includes a temperature-sensing film that is attached to the outer tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, the temperature-sensitive film is positioned to extend at least partially along the circumferential direction of the outer tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thermosensitive film is closed annular, annular with an opening, or U-shaped.

[0011] In some embodiments, the width range of the temperature-sensitive film along the axial direction of the outer tube is 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the resistance of the temperature-sensing part is greater than the resistance of the conductive part.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first electrode includes a discharge end face toward the second electrode, and the temperature-sensing portion is located on the side of the discharge end face away from the second electrode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the distance range between the temperature-sensing element and the plane where the discharge end face is located, along the axial direction of the outer tube, is 0 mm to 2 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the temperature coefficient of the thermosensitive film is 300 ppm / °C or higher.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a protective layer covering at least one of the temperature-sensing part and the conductive part.

[0017] In some embodiments, there are two conductive parts, which are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the outer tube.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating assembly comprises an inner tube at least partially installed within an outer tube, a first electrode at least partially installed within the inner tube, and at least a portion of a second electrode installed at one end of the inner tube, with the first and second electrodes facing each other and spaced apart.

[0019] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing element includes a temperature measuring probe or a thermocouple.

[0020] An aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application comprises the heat-generating assembly described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application are, in part, shown in the following description, in part, revealed in the following description, or as obtained through the implementation of the present application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be made clearer and easier to understand by describing the embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the heat-generating assembly shown in Figure 2, along the AA direction. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat generating assembly according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a temperature measuring assembly in the heat generating assembly of Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a temperature measuring assembly in the heat generating assembly of Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a temperature measuring assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged schematic structural diagram of part B in Figure 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a temperature measuring assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a combination of the temperature measuring assembly and a base in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a partial schematic structural diagram of a heat generating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the D-D direction of the heat generating assembly in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded schematic structural diagram of the heat generating assembly of Figure 11 of the present application. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the B-B direction of the heat generating assembly in Figure 11. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a partial schematic structural diagram of a heat generating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the C-C direction of the heat generating assembly in Figure 18. [Figure 21]Figure 21 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of section D in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conductive member according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat-generating assembly shown in Figure 16, along the EE direction. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a partially schematic diagram of a heating assembly according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat-generating assembly shown in Figure 25, along the FF direction. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly shown in Figure 26. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of section G in Figure 26. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat-generating assembly shown in Figure 29, along the HH direction. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heat-generating assembly shown in Figure 29. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below, and examples of such embodiments are shown in the drawings. Throughout all drawings, the same or similar numbers indicate the same or similar elements, or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and are for interpretation purposes only, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "vertical," "horizontal," "length," "width," "thickness," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" are the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are merely for the purpose of making the description of this application easier to understand and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element being referred to must necessarily have a specific orientation or must be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are merely for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or the number of technical features being shown. Thus, features limited by "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the aforementioned features. In the description of this application, unless specifically and clearly defined, "multiple" means two or more.

[0025] In this description, unless otherwise specifically defined and limited, the terms “attachment,” “connection,” and “connection” should be understood in a broad sense, for example, fixed connection, removable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or mutual communication; direct connection, indirect connection by an intermediate element, internal communication between two elements, or interaction relationship between two elements. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly defined and limited, the presence of a first feature "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between them via another feature without direct contact. Furthermore, the presence of a first feature "above," "above," and "on the top surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is greater than that of the second feature. The presence of a first feature "below," "below," and "on the bottom surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicating that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0027] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present application. To simplify the disclosure, components and installations in specific examples are described below. Naturally, these are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the present application. Furthermore, the present application may duplicate reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples, such duplication being for simplification and clarity and not in itself indicating relationships between the various embodiments and / or installations being considered. Furthermore, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will also be able to understand the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the present application provides a heat-generating assembly 100 and an aerosol generator 1000. The heat-generating assembly 100 is used in the aerosol generator 1000 to heat an aerosol-forming substrate 300 using plasma to form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1000 can be used in a variety of applications, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial production.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the heating assembly 100 according to the embodiment of the present application comprises an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, a second electrode 120, and a temperature sensing assembly 80. Both the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are at least partially installed inside the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are at least partially facing each other and spaced apart, generating plasma between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 when energized, and the temperature sensing assembly 80 is connected to the outer tube 20 and is used to detect the temperature of the outer tube 20.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present invention, the heating assembly 100 detects the temperature of the outer tube 20 using the temperature measuring assembly 80. Based on this, the heating assembly 100 can control the heating temperature of the heating assembly 100 by adjusting the voltage applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, thereby improving the heating effect of the heating assembly 100 on the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0031] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, and maintains overall electrical neutrality. Plasma can be generated by ionizing a gas under the action of an electric field. A large amount of heat can be generated during the plasma generation process, and the maximum temperature of the plasma generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can reach 2000°C, while the temperature range in a stable state may be 1000°C to 1600°C. Therefore, the heating assembly 100 can utilize the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and generate aerosols.

[0032] Specifically, the outer tube 20 is a hollow tube that covers the outside of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other inside the outer tube 20 and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The section between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 that faces each other and is separated from it may be a discharge region 130, in which the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge and form a plasma. The inner wall of the outer tube 20 covers the discharge region 130, and the outer wall of the outer tube 20 can be in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the outer tube 20 can be partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 along its axial direction. One end of the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 may be closed, protruding outward and forming a relatively sharp conical end 21. One end of the outer tube 20 opposite the conical end 21 along its axial direction has an opening 230, and the other end of the outer tube 20 with the opening 230 is an open end 22.

[0034] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can extend into the outer tube 20 from the opening 230, with the second electrode 120 extending at least partially to a conical end 21, and the portion of the first electrode 110 extending into the outer tube 20 being separated from the conical end 21 relative to the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 may be columnar and substantially coaxial with the outer tube 20, with one end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 facing at least a portion of the second electrode 120 and being a discharge end 111. The other end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be a conductive end 112 and may be partially exposed to the outside of the outer tube 20 from the opening 230.

[0035] It should be noted that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be connected to either DC power or AC power. When DC power is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 form plasma using the DC power, and when AC power is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 form plasma using the AC power.

[0036] The outer tube 20 can transfer heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 by infrared radiation and heat transfer. The outer tube 20 is affected by the high temperature of the plasma in the discharge region 130, causing its temperature to rise. Depending on the type of aerosol-forming substrate 300, stabilizing the temperature of the outer tube 20 between 200°C and 350°C provides a good heating and atomization effect. If the temperature of the outer tube 20 exceeds 350°C for an extended period, it is likely to cause gelation or carbonization of the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0037] The temperature sensing assembly 80 is connected to the outer tube 20 and can detect the temperature data of the outer tube 20 in real time. Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the temperature sensing assembly 80 is connected to a control center 400 and transmits the detected temperature data of the outer tube 20 to the control center 400. The control center 400 adjusts the heating temperature by controlling the voltage between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by adjusting the voltage or output power of the power supply 200 if the temperature is too high or too low.

[0038] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the temperature sensing assembly 80 includes a temperature sensing element 81 and a conductive element 82 connected to the temperature sensing element 81, with the temperature sensing element 81 mounted on the outer tube 20.

[0039] In this way, the temperature sensing element 81 is connected to the circuit via the conductive element 82, and the temperature of the outer tube 20 can be obtained by detecting the resistance value of the temperature sensing element 81 in the circuit.

[0040] Specifically, the temperature-sensing part 81 is a portion of the temperature-measuring assembly 80 whose resistance value changes significantly in accordance with the temperature change of the outer tube 20. The temperature-sensing part 81 is located between the axial ends of the outer tube 20 and may be in direct contact with the outer tube 20. The contact area between the outer tube 20 and the temperature-sensing part 81 is the target area in which the temperature-measuring assembly 80 detects temperature. The conductive part 82 may extend from the temperature-sensing part 81 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to the open end 22, and from the open end 22 may be connected to the temperature-measuring wire 83, and via the temperature-measuring wire 83 may be connected to the circuit of the control center 400. It should be noted that the conductive part 82 and the temperature-sensing part 81 may be different parts of a single-piece molded element, or they may be two different elements connected in contact.

[0041] The conductive part 82 may be electrically connected to the temperature sensing part 81 and the control center 400 as an electrode to form a conductive circuit. The conductive part 82 may also be in contact with the control center 400 via bonding leads or conductive elastic pieces. The control center 400 measures and calculates the change in the resistance value of the temperature sensing part 81 by detecting changes in voltage in the circuit, and further calculates the temperature of the measured target area.

[0042] The direction from the conical end 21 to the open end 22 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 is from top to bottom. The lower end of the conductive part 82 and the end face of the open end 22 maintain a constant distance from each other, and the distance range between the lower end of the conductive part 82 and the end face of the open end 22 is 0.3 mm to 3 mm. In this way, it is possible to avoid the conductive part 82 contacting and conducting with the high-voltage electrodes inside the outer tube 20, which would affect the discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and generate plasma.

[0043] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the temperature sensing element 81 is installed on the outer or inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0044] In this way, the temperature sensing element 81 can effectively detect the heating temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 by the outer tube 20, thereby enabling more accurate temperature control of the heat-generating assembly 100.

[0045] Specifically, the temperature-sensing element 81 may be attached to the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and fixedly installed relative to the outer tube 20. A portion of the outer tube 20 covered by the temperature-sensing element 81 may be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The temperature-sensing element 81 may be installed inside the outer tube 20 and connected to the surface of the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0046] The outer tube 20 may be made of an insulating material that can transmit infrared radiation, for example, it may be made of a material such as quartz, ceramic, or quartz glass.

[0047] In some embodiments, the wall thickness range of the outer tube 20 is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm (including the endpoint value). The outer diameter of the outer tube 20 is D, preferably 2.0 mm ≤ D ≤ 3.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the outer tube 20 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, etc., and the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm, 3 mm, etc. The outer tube 20 may be a quartz tube with an outer diameter of 2.0 mm and a wall thickness of 0.3 mm. Furthermore, for example, the outer tube 20 may be a quartz tube with an outer diameter of 3.0 mm and a wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

[0048] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, in some embodiments, the temperature-sensing part 81 includes a temperature-sensing film 84 attached to the outer tube 20.

[0049] In this way, the temperature-sensitive film 84 increases the contact area between the temperature-sensing part 81 and the outer tube 20, thereby making the change in the resistance value of the temperature-sensing part 81 in response to the temperature of the outer tube 20 more sensitive and accurate.

[0050] Specifically, the thermosensitive film 84 may be plated onto the outer or inner surface of the outer tube 20, and various patterns may be formed on the wall surface of the outer tube 20. For example, the thermosensitive film 84 may be annular, straight bar, fan-shaped, or wavy. The thermosensitive film 84 may be in close contact with the outer wall of the outer tube 20, and the temperature of the outer tube 20 may be transferred to the thermosensitive film 84 by a heat transfer method. As can be seen, increasing the contact area between the thermosensitive film 84 and the outer tube 20 increases the amount of heat absorbed by the thermosensitive film 84 from the outer tube 20 per unit volume, and further improves the sensitivity of the thermosensitive film 84 in detecting the temperature of the outer tube 20.

[0051] The temperature-sensitive film 84 may be made from a resistive material having conductive properties, for example, at least one of platinum, gold, silver, chromium, nickel, and an alloy material containing platinum, gold, silver, chromium, or nickel.

[0052] In some embodiments, the conductive portion 82 may be manufactured from the same material as the temperature-sensing film 84 and attached to the outer wall of the outer tube 20. The film layers of the conductive portion 82 and the temperature-sensing portion 81 may be integrally plated, as shown in Figure 6. The conductive portion 82 may be made of a different material from the temperature-sensing film 84, be a separate element, and be in contact with the temperature-sensing film 84. The conductive portion 82 may exhibit various shapes or irregular patterns, such as rectangles, cones, trapezoids, etc. Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 7, the conductive portion 82 exhibits a roughly trapezoidal shape, with its width in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20 gradually decreasing along the direction approaching the temperature-sensing portion 81. By appropriately increasing the width of the end of the conductive portion 82 away from the temperature-sensing film 84, the conductive portion 82 is less prone to defects such as warping or cracking at high temperatures, thereby making the connection between the temperature-sensing assembly 80 and the outer tube 20 more stable.

[0053] Referring again to Figures 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the temperature-sensitive film 84 is positioned to extend at least partially along the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20.

[0054] In this way, the average temperature in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20 can be easily measured by the temperature-sensitive film 84, and the accuracy of temperature measurement is improved.

[0055] Specifically, the thermosensitive film 84 may be plated on the outer tube 20 at a location 3 mm to 14 mm away from the apex of the conical end 21 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, and is bonded to the outer circumference of the outer tube 20, adhering tightly to the outer wall of the outer tube 20. The upper end of the conductive part 82 extends upward along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to the lower edge of the thermosensitive film 84 and is in contact with the thermosensitive film 84. The thermosensitive film 84 extends 2 mm to 8 mm along the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20, meaning that the circumference range of the thermosensitive film 84 along the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20 may be 2 mm to 8 mm. The outer circumference of the outer tube 20 is greater than or equal to the circumference of the thermosensitive film 84. There may be two conductive parts 82, each connected to both ends of the thermosensitive film 84 in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20. The conductive portion 82 may be connected to the temperature-sensitive film 84 between both ends of the temperature-sensitive film 84 in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20.

[0056] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the thermosensitive film 84 has a closed annular shape, an annular shape with an opening, or a U-shape.

[0057] Thus, the temperature-sensitive film 84 exhibits an annular pattern, allowing for the collection of the average temperature in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature measurement.

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the temperature-sensing film 84 is installed so as to surround the circumferential surface of the outer tube 20, forming a shielding portion around the circumferential surface of the outer tube 20, and the temperature-sensing film 84 exhibits a closed annular shape, with its circumference equal to the outer circumference of the outer tube 20. Two conductive parts 82 may be installed connected to the temperature-sensing film 84, and the two conductive parts 82 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20 and may extend downward along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. In this embodiment, the temperature-sensing film 84 may be divided into left and right semicircles with the connection portion between the two conductive parts 82 and the temperature-sensing film as the boundary. In the closed temperature-sensing circuit formed by the conductive parts 82 and the temperature-sensing film 84, the left and right semicircular temperature-sensing films 84, separated by the conductive parts 82 as the boundary, are connected in parallel.

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the temperature-sensitive film 84 is installed so as to surround the circumferential surface of the outer tube 20, and an annular shape with an opening is formed on the circumferential surface of the outer tube 20. The annular shape with an opening may be a semicircular annular shape, a two-thirds annular shape, a semi-elliptical annular shape, etc. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the temperature-sensitive film 84 may be "U" shaped or nearly "U" shaped. The temperature-sensitive film 84 does not cover the outer tube 20 at the annular opening, and its circumference is smaller than the outer circumference of the outer tube 20. The conductive part 82 and the temperature-sensitive film 84 form a single-wire series-connected temperature measuring circuit.

[0060] It should be explained that this application does not limit the shape of the thermosensitive film 84 to annular, and the thermosensitive film 84 may exhibit an annular shape, an elliptical annular shape, an annular shape formed by joining multiple arc segments, etc. The thermosensitive film 84 on the outer tube 20 may exhibit an irregular pattern formed by combining various patterns such as strips or blocks, or multiple shapes.

[0061] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, in some embodiments, the width f of the temperature-sensitive film 84 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm (including the endpoint value).

[0062] In this way, by rationally setting the width of the temperature-sensing film 84, the resistance of the temperature-sensing unit 81 and the area of ​​the temperature measurement target region can be adjusted, thereby improving the temperature measurement accuracy.

[0063] Specifically, the width of the thermosensitive film 84 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be uniform, for example, the width f of the thermosensitive film 84 may be 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.85 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, or 1.2 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the thermosensitive film 84 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be non-uniform, for example, the width f of the thermosensitive film 84 may be 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm, etc., and may vary between two endpoint values ​​within the above width range.

[0064] In some embodiments, the resistance of the temperature-sensing portion 81 is greater than the resistance of the conductive portion 82.

[0065] In this way, the ratio of the resistance value of the temperature sensing element 81 to the total resistance value of the temperature measuring assembly 80 becomes larger, and as a result, temperature changes in the temperature sensing element 81 are more accurately reflected as changes in resistance.

[0066] Specifically, in the conductive circuit where the temperature-sensing part 81 and the conductive part 82 are located, the resistance value of the temperature-sensing part 81 is large, and the electromotive force difference of the temperature-sensing part 81 is also relatively large. As described above, the control center 400 obtains the resistance change of the temperature-sensing part 81 by measuring the voltage. As can be understood, by having a resistance of the temperature-sensing part 81 that is greater than the resistance of the conductive part 82, the voltage change of the temperature-sensing part 81 can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature measurement. In some embodiments, the ratio of the resistance value of the temperature-sensing part 81 to the resistance value of the conductive part 82 is 2 or more.

[0067] By rationally setting the material, length, width, and conductor cross-sectional area of ​​the temperature-sensing part 81 and the conductive part 82 based on the factors influencing the change in conductor resistance, the resistance of the temperature-sensing part 81 can be made greater than the resistance of the conductive part 82. For example, referring to Figure 8, both the temperature-sensing part 81 and the conductive part 82 are temperature-measuring films, and the thickness of the temperature-sensing part 81 is smaller than the thickness of the conductive part 82.

[0068] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the first electrode 110 includes a discharge end face 1104 facing the second electrode 120, and the temperature sensing portion 81 is located on the side of the discharge end face 1104 away from the second electrode 120.

[0069] Thus, the temperature on the side of the discharge end face 1104 away from the second electrode 120 is lower than that of the center of the discharge region 130, satisfying the temperature measurement accuracy and delay requirements, and allowing the temperature sensing element 81 to be kept at a relatively low temperature, thereby improving the heat resistance reliability of the temperature measuring assembly 80.

[0070] Specifically, the discharge end face 1104 is the position on the first electrode 110 that is closest to the second electrode 120, facing the second electrode 120 and separated by a predetermined distance. The discharge region 130 is located between the discharge end face 1104 and the surface of the second electrode 120 facing the first electrode 110. The direction along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 from the conical end 21 to the open end 22 is from top to bottom. The second electrode 120 is located above the first electrode 110 and limits the upper boundary of the discharge region 130, while the discharge end face 1104 limits the lower boundary of the discharge region 130. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to high voltage power and discharge in the discharge region 130, i.e., the section above the discharge end face 1104, generating plasma, thereby concentrating heat in the section below the second electrode 120 and above the discharge end face 1104. The temperature-sensing element 81 is positioned below the discharge end face 1104, that is, on the side of the discharge end face 1104 away from the second electrode 120, thereby preventing the temperature of the temperature-sensing element 81 from rising excessively.

[0071] Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the distance i between the temperature sensing element 81 and the plane on which the discharge end face 1104 is located, along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, is in the range of 0 mm to 2 mm (including the endpoint value).

[0072] Thus, the temperature sensing element 81 is installed on a tube segment of the outer tube with an axial distance of 2 mm or less from the discharge end face 1104, and the temperature response of the temperature sensing element 81 and the discharge region 130 are almost synchronized, with little delay and relatively high temperature measurement accuracy.

[0073] Specifically, the temperature-sensing portion 81 is located on the side of the discharge end face 1104 away from the second electrode 120, and the distance i between the temperature-sensing portion 81 and the plane on which the discharge end face 1104 is located, along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, is 2 mm or less. The distance i between the temperature-sensing portion 81 and the plane on which the discharge end face 1104 is located may be considered as the distance in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 between the upper edge of the temperature-sensing portion 81 and the plane on which the apex of the discharge end face 1104 is located. Exemplarily, the distance i between the temperature-sensing portion 81 and the plane on which the discharge end face 1104 is located may be 0.1 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.15 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, or 2 mm.

[0074] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing element 81 may be located on the side of the discharge end face 1104 facing the second electrode 120, and the axial distance of the outer tube 20 from the plane on which the discharge end face 1104 is located is 2 mm or less.

[0075] In some embodiments, the temperature coefficient of the thermosensitive film 84 is 300 ppm / °C or higher.

[0076] In this way, by selecting and using a temperature-sensitive film 84 with a relatively large temperature coefficient, the temperature-measuring sensitivity of the temperature-sensing unit 81 can be improved. Specifically, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) indicates the relative change in resistance when the temperature changes by 1 degree Celsius, and its unit is ppm / °C (i.e., 10¹⁰°C). -6 The temperature coefficient of the thermosensitive film 84 is 300 ppm / °C or higher, and when the temperature changes by only 1 degree, the change in the resistance of the thermosensitive film 84 is 300 × 10⁻¹⁴. -6 The thermosensitive film 84 has TCR characteristics, and there may be a positive correlation between its resistance and temperature change, meaning the resistance of the thermosensitive film 84 may increase as the temperature rises, or there may be a negative correlation between its resistance and temperature change, meaning the resistance of the thermosensitive film 84 may decrease as the temperature rises. When the surface temperature of the outer tube 20 rises or changes, because the thermosensitive film 84 in the temperature measuring circuit has TCR characteristics, the electronic elements connected to the temperature measuring circuit receive a related signal, and this signal may be a signal that detects the voltage change across the temperature measuring circuit due to the change in resistance, thereby enabling the measurement and calculation of the surface temperature of the target area of ​​the outer tube 20 corresponding to the thermosensitive film 84.

[0077] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a protective layer 85 that covers at least one of the temperature-sensing part 81 and the conductive part 82.

[0078] In this way, the protective layer 85 covers the outer layer of the temperature sensing assembly 80, and during the process in which the temperature sensing assembly 80 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 together with the outer tube 20, wear of the temperature sensing assembly 80 is reduced and the temperature-sensing film 84 is protected.

[0079] Specifically, the protective layer 85 may be installed on the outer surface of the temperature sensing assembly 80 and adhered to the outer wall of the outer tube 20. The protective layer 85 may form a cylindrical shape surrounding the tube segment of the outer tube 20 to which the temperature sensing assembly 80 is attached, and may wrap around and cover a portion of the temperature sensing film 84 and the conductive part 82. The material of the protective layer 85 may contain SiO2 (silicon dioxide) and other doped oxides with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and the weight percentage of SiO2 may be 95% or more. The protective layer 85 may be a glaze layer manufactured by high-temperature sintering using methods such as dip coating or screen printing. The thickness of the protective layer 85 may be about one-third of the wall thickness of the outer tube 20. The glaze layer can improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the outer tube 20 and the temperature sensing assembly 80, as well as providing electrical insulation, making the surface less susceptible to corrosion from oil fumes and easier to clean.

[0080] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments, there are two conductive parts 82, and the two conductive parts 82 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20.

[0081] In this way, by forming a temperature-measuring circuit of a specific shape with the temperature-sensitive film 84 and the conductive part 82 and arranging them in a specific region, it becomes easier to improve the accuracy of the temperature-measuring circuit in characterizing the temperature of a specific region.

[0082] Specifically, one conductive part 82 extends upward from the pin of the temperature sensing wire 83 at its lower end along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to a point 3 mm to 14 mm away from the apex of the conical end 21, and is connected to the temperature sensing film 84. The temperature sensing film 84 extends 2 mm to 8 mm in a single wire or two parallel wires along the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20, is connected to the other conductive part 82, and then extends downward along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to the pin of another temperature sensing wire 83 at the lower end of the outer tube 20. The conductive part 82 extends downward along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to a point 0.3 mm to 3 mm away from the end face of the opening 230. The two conductive parts 82 can form a temperature sensing circuit with the temperature sensing film 84 in an annular parallel circuit or a U-shaped single-stage circuit. The two conductive parts 82 are installed at intervals on the outer surface of the outer tube 20, and the distance between the two conductive parts 82 along the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20 may be 2 mm to 8 mm.

[0083] In some embodiments, the upper end of the conductive portion 82 may extend above the discharge end face 1104.

[0084] The charged portion of the temperature measuring assembly 80 includes a conductive portion 82 and a temperature-sensing film 84, and is positioned as far away as possible from the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the conductive element connecting the first electrode 110 / second electrode 120 to the power supply 200 in order to reduce high-voltage crosstalk. Exemplarily, the straight-line distance between the conductive portion 82, the temperature measuring wire 83, the conductive member 30 connecting the second electrode 120, and the connecting wire 33 is greater than 0.5 mm.

[0085] The material of the conductive part 82 may be a metallic material having high conductivity, and specifically, it may include one or more of gold, silver, platinum, and copper.

[0086] Referring again to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 comprises an inner tube 10 which is at least partially installed inside the outer tube 20, a first electrode 110 which is at least partially installed inside the inner tube 10, and at least a portion of the second electrode 120 which is installed at one end of the inner tube 10, with the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 facing each other and spaced apart.

[0087] Thus, the inner tube 10 can provide insulating protection to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be mounted and their positions restricted via the inner tube 10, thereby facilitating coaxial and miniaturization of the heating assembly 100. Specifically, the outer tube 20 is fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10. The inner tube 10 is a through tube, with openings at both of its axial ends, and the openings penetrate the inner tube 10 axially. The second electrode 120 may be disc-shaped and is engaged with one end of the inner tube 10 to cover the opening at that end face. The first electrode 110 may be columnar and extends into the inner tube 10 from the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120, so that a portion of the first electrode 110 is covered by the inner tube 10. The end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 is directed toward the second electrode 120 and is spaced a certain distance away from the second electrode 120. The discharge region 130 may be a section in the inner tube 10 where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other and are spaced apart from each other.

[0088] One end of the inner tube 10, on which the second electrode 120 is provided, may extend into the outer tube 20, thereby allowing the second electrode 120 to partially contact the conical end 21. The end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120 may extend from the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 may be exposed from this end to the outside of the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. One end of the first electrode 110 extending to the outside of the inner tube 10 may be electrically connected to a connector 50, which is connected to a conductor 113 and, via the conductor 113, to a power supply 200.

[0089] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing unit 81 includes a temperature measuring probe or thermocouple. The temperature measuring probe or thermocouple may be used to detect the temperature of the outer tube or the inner tube.

[0090] In some embodiments, the thermocouple or temperature-measuring probe of the temperature-sensing unit 81 is installed so as to be in close contact with or close to the outer wall of the outer tube 20. In some embodiments, the thermocouple or temperature-measuring probe of the temperature-sensing unit 81 is installed between the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10, and is mainly in contact with the inner wall of the outer tube.

[0091] Referring to Figures 11 to 13, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a conductive member 30 connected to the second electrode 120, the conductive member 30 extending along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 and positioned at a distance from the temperature sensing assembly 80.

[0092] In this way, the conductive member 30 facilitates connection of the second electrode 120 to high voltage power, and by installing the conductive member 30 and the temperature measuring assembly 80 at a distance from each other, the insulating protection of the temperature measuring assembly 80 is enhanced and high-voltage crosstalk can be avoided.

[0093] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 for electrical connection with the power supply 200. The conductive member 30 extends along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10. Along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 partially faces the outer tube 20.

[0094] It should be explained that the tube segment corresponding to the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10 may be the portion located between the axial ends of the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10, and the tube segment corresponding to the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 may have approximately equal axial lengths, with their ends being approximately aligned. Furthermore, as can be understood, the conductive member 30 is used to electrically connect the second electrode 120 to the power supply 200, but the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are not necessarily two separate components; they may be made of the same material, or they may be integrally molded as a whole, with the portion facing the first electrode 110 used as an electrode, and the remaining portion used for electrical connection. In this application, describing the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 as two separate components does not limit them to integrated and separate types, but is for the purpose of better explaining and interpreting the present invention.

[0095] In the heat-generating assembly 100 according to the embodiment of the present application, the tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 partially faces the outer tube 20, thereby reducing the volume of the conductive member 30. This reduces the heat capacity of the conductive member 30, resulting in relatively less heat being accumulated in the conductive member 30. Furthermore, the amount of heat generated in the heat-generating assembly 100 that is directly radiated to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 increases, improving the heat utilization rate and potentially improving the heating rate and heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0096] As can be understood, the fact that the pipe segment in the inner pipe 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 partially faces the outer pipe 20 means that the pipe segment in the inner pipe 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has a portion of its outer wall surface facing the outer pipe 20, and the portion between this portion of the outer wall surface and the outer pipe 20 is not shielded by the conductive member 30. However, in the same pipe segment, the inner pipe 10 further has a portion of its outer wall surface facing the outer pipe 20, but this portion of the outer wall surface is shielded by the conductive member 30 and cannot directly face the outer pipe.

[0097] Specifically, referring to Figure 13, the inner tube 10 may be a hollow piping member and have openings at both ends. The inner tube 10 may be cylindrical overall and have a central axis 1011. The length of the inner tube 10 along the axial direction is much greater than the length along the radial direction. The walls of the inner tube 10 and the hollow space of the inner tube 10 are formed by surrounding the sides of the inner tube 10 only once around the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10.

[0098] Referring to Figure 12, at least a portion of the first electrode 110 is inserted from one end of the inner tube 10 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 into the hollow space in the center of the inner tube 10. As shown in Figure 12, the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 is indicated as P. The second electrode 120 is located at the other end of the inner tube 10 and is opposite to the portion of the first electrode 110 that is inserted into the inner tube 10 through the hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0099] One end of the first electrode 110, inserted into the inner tube 10, is spaced a certain distance from the second electrode 120. For the sake of explanation, in this application, the space between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is referred to as the discharge region 130. The discharge region 130 is covered by the inner tube 10 and may be located within the hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0100] Continuing to refer to Figure 12, and also referring to Figure 1, the first electrode 110 is connected to the power supply 200 and can conduct one pole of high-voltage power, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the power supply 200 via the conductive member 30 and can conduct the other pole of high-voltage power. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 conduct high-voltage power to generate a plasma arc by high-voltage discharge in the discharge region 130. At the center of the discharge region 130, the maximum temperature when generating the plasma arc can reach 2000°C or more, and the stable plasma temperature range may be 1000°C to 1600°C. The discharge region 130 is sealed and can be filled with an electrically neutral gas such as nitrogen gas or argon gas. The discharge region 130 may be in communication with atmospheric pressure, in which case the gas in the discharge region 130 is air.

[0101] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the outer tube 20 is fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10 and covers at least a portion of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 may also cover at least the discharge region 130 inside the inner tube 10. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 is sufficiently filled around the outside of the outer tube 20. The outer surface of the outer tube 20 may be in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Heat generated in the plasma arc within the discharge region 130 can be transferred to the outside of the outer tube 20 via the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20 by infrared radiation and heat transfer, thereby causing the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to absorb the heat and form an aerosol.

[0102] The inner tube 10 covers at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and one end of the inner tube 10, including the second end face 12, is inserted into the outer tube 20 from the open end 22, thereby bringing the second electrode 120, which is positioned on the second end face 12, into contact with the inner wall surface of the conical end 21. The second end 32 is connected to the second electrode 120 and approaches the conical end 21 as the inner tube 10 extends into the outer tube 20. The first end 31 can extend from the open end 22 to the outside of the outer tube 20.

[0103] The conductive member 30 is installed in the inner tube 10 and may extend from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end along the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The path of the conductive member 30 between the two ends of the inner tube 10 may be straight or curved. A portion of the outer wall of the inner tube 10 that is covered by the outer tube 20 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0104] The conductive member 30 is attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and is located between the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and may block a portion of the outer surface of the inner tube 10. The portion of the inner tube 10 blocked by the conductive member 30 cannot face the outer tube 20 or face the outer tube 20 directly. In the region where the conductive member 30 shields the inner tube 10, the heat of the plasma arc can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. The infrared radiation energy in this portion is significantly less than in the portion not shielded by the conductive member 30.

[0105] As can be understood, the conductive member 30 may be a metal member installed on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. In other embodiments, the conductive member 30 may further be a conductive film or conductive circuit coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10, and its shape, thickness, and position on the inner tube 10 may all be understood in the same way as in the above solution.

[0106] The pipe segment in the inner pipe 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has at least a portion of its outer wall that directly faces the inner wall of the outer pipe 20; that is, the pipe segment in the inner pipe 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has a portion of its outer wall that does not have any other shielding between it and the inner wall of the outer pipe 20.

[0107] Referring again to Figures 12 to 14, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a first end 31 and a second end 32 connected to the first end 31, the second end 32 being connected to the second electrode 120 and the first end 31 being used to electrically connect to the power supply 200.

[0108] The conductive member 30 may be positioned between the first end 31 and the second end 32 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end 31 is the end of the conductive member 30 that extends to the outer tube 20 and is closest to the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The second end 32 of the conductive member 30 may surround the second electrode 120 or otherwise contact the second electrode 120, be installed at one end of the inner tube 10, and be electrically connected to the second electrode 120.

[0109] Along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the direction from the second end 32 towards the first end 31 may be from top to bottom. The tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 may be the tube segment between the first end 31 and the second end 32.

[0110] For example, the second end portion 32 may be columnar in shape, coaxial with the inner tube 10, and wrapped around one end of the inner tube 10. The tube segment in the inner tube 10 covered by the second end portion 32 cannot face the outer tube 20.

[0111] Referring to Figures 12, 13, and 14, in some embodiments, the tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has an outer surface 1001 whose area facing the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of ​​the outer surface 1001.

[0112] Thus, because the area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 1001 facing the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 1001, the tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 is not shielded by the conductive member 30 at least partially, and is directly facing the outer tube 20. As a result, the heat of the plasma inside the inner tube 10 can be directly transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 in some of the tube segments.

[0113] Specifically, the inner tube 10 includes a first end face 11 and a second end face 12 facing the first end face 11. The first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 at the first end face 11, and the second end face 12 abuts against one side of the second electrode 120. The portion between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 may be all of the tube segments of the inner tube 10. The second end 32 is located on the second end face, and the first end 31 may be located between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12. The tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 is a portion of the tube segment between the second end 32 and the first end 31.

[0114] The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment corresponding to the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10 extends along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 from the second end face 12 toward the first end face to the location of the first end 31. As can be understood, the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment corresponding to the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10 may be the product of the length of the outer side of the second end face 12 and the distance in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 between the first end 31 and the second end 32.

[0115] The conductive member 30 may be attached to the inner tube 10. For example, the conductive member 30 may be formed on the inner tube 10 by a plating method, and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 may face the conductive member 30. The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 that faces the conductive member 30 is shielded by the conductive member 30 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 in the radial direction of the inner tube 10. The area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 1001 that faces the conductive member 30 is the area of ​​the region in which the conductive member 30 shields the inner tube 10 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20.

[0116] Continuing to refer to Figures 12, 13, and 14, in some embodiments, the tube segment corresponding to the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10 has an outer surface 1001, and the conductive member 30 partially covers the outer surface 1001.

[0117] Specifically, the conductive member 30 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 are in close contact. The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 is partially covered by the conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may extend along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10, extending from the first end face 11 to the second end face 12 to form a straight bar-shaped extension path. The extension path of the conductive member 30 on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 may be a curve projecting toward the outer tube 20 around the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The extension path of the conductive member 30 covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10.

[0118] Referring to Figures 11 and 14, in some embodiments, the inner tube 10 includes a first tube segment 101 and a second tube segment 102 connected to the first tube segment 101. The first electrode 110 is inserted at least partially into the first tube segment 101. The second electrode 120 is located at the end of the second tube segment 102 away from the first tube segment 101, facing and spaced apart from the first electrode 110. Between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, plasma is generated in a controlled manner at least within the second tube segment 102, and the outer surface of the first tube segment 101 partially faces the outer tube 20.

[0119] What needs to be explained is that in this application, dividing the inner tube 10 into a first tube segment 101 and a second tube segment 102 does not limit the inner tube 10 to being made up of two separate components, but rather, preferably, the inner tube 10 is a single-piece tube, a single-piece molded tube body. This is to better illustrate subsequent solutions and does not limit whether the inner tube 10 is a single piece or a segmented piece.

[0120] Specifically, the first pipe segment 101 may be a portion of the pipe segment along the axial direction of the inner pipe 10, from the first end 31 to the end of the first electrode 110 toward the second electrode 120. The second pipe segment 102 may be a portion of the pipe segment along the axial direction of the inner pipe 10, from the end of the first electrode 110 toward the second electrode 120 to the second end face 12.

[0121] The second electrode 120 is installed at one end of the second tube segment 102, which includes the second end face 12. Between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, plasma is generated in a controlled state within the second tube segment 102, and therefore the discharge region 130 is located in the second tube segment 102.

[0122] The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 in the second tube segment 102 and extends from the second tube segment 102 to the first tube segment 101, extending from the open end 22 to the outside of the outer tube 20. The path of the conductive member 30 extending from the second tube segment 102 to the first end face 11 covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101. The outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 that is not covered by the conductive member 30 faces the outer tube 20.

[0123] Referring to Figures 13 and 15, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is provided with a perforated portion 35, and some of the first pipe segments 101 are exposed through the perforated portion 35 and face the outer pipe 20.

[0124] Referring to Figure 11, the upper part of the heating assembly 100 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, and the upper part of the heating assembly 100 includes a discharge region 130. The lower part of the heating assembly 100 may be used for mounting and fixing. In related technologies, heat generated in the discharge region is easily transferred to the lower part of the heating assembly via a conductive member, resulting in the temperature of the lower part of the heating assembly becoming too high, leading to significant energy waste and a large accumulation of oil.

[0125] In this way, by providing the perforated portion 35 in the conductive member 30, it is possible to prevent heat from the conductive member 30 from being transferred from the discharge region 130 to the lower part of the heat-generating assembly 100. This prevents the temperature of the lower part of the heat-generating assembly 100 from becoming too high, improves the heat utilization rate of the heated aerosol-forming substrate 300, and reduces the accumulation of solidified material. The perforated portion 35 also helps to improve the radiation intensity of the plasma arc to the outside.

[0126] Referring to Figures 11 and 14, the heating assembly 100 heats the aerosol-forming substrate 300 by discharging between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to generate a plasma arc. At the center of the discharge region 130, the maximum temperature of the plasma arc can reach 2000°C, where the heat is more concentrated. As can be understood, the heat capacity of the heating assembly 100 should be reduced as much as possible so that heat does not accumulate easily in the discharge region 130 and heat can be rapidly transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300. At the same time, the heating assembly 100 should reduce heat transfer to areas other than the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0127] Referring to Figures 11 and 15, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is tubular and fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10, with a first end 31 and a second end 32 being the axial ends of the conductive member 30, respectively. The first end 31 is surrounded by the outer circumference of the first end face 11, and the second end 32 extends from the open end 22, with a portion located outside the outer tube 20. The perforated portion 35 is located between the first end 31 and the second end 32, and the outer surface of the inner tube 10 between the first end 31 and the second end 32 faces the outer tube 20 through the perforated portion 35.

[0128] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10 and may be columnar in the second tube segment 102, covering at least a portion of the second tube segment 102. The discharge region 130 is located in the second tube segment 102, and the heat from the discharge region 130 can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the second tube segment 102, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. The end face of the perforated portion 35 extending from the first electrode 110 to the second electrode 120 extends to the second end 32. The outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20 via the perforated portion 35. The heat generated in the discharge region 130 is not easily transferred downward via the perforated portion 35.

[0129] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be a metal tube coaxial with the inner tube 10, so that the center of the discharge region 130 is located approximately on the central axis 1011 of the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10, and the heat conduction is uniform.

[0130] The first end 31 and the second end 32 are connected by a conductive strip 34. The conductive strip 34 is bonded to the surface of the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and extends along the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end 31 and the second end 32 may form an annular shape, surrounding the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and covering the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0131] Referring to Figure 16, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 may be a wire with less rigidity than the metal tube. The conductive member 30 can be wrapped around the inner tube 10 in a tubular shape to cover the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102. By arranging each wire at a certain interval, a perforated section is formed.

[0132] In some embodiments, the shape of the perforated portion 35 includes, but is not limited to, round holes, elliptical holes, irregular holes, straight bars, curved bars, and the like. The perforated portions 35 on a single conductive member 30 may be the same shape or may be different shapes.

[0133] Referring to Figure 17, in some embodiments, there are multiple openwork sections 35. The multiple openwork sections 35 are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10.

[0134] In this way, the multiple perforations 35 further reduce the volume of the conductive member 30, lower its heat capacity, and accelerate the heating rate of the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0135] Specifically, the conductive member 30 can form a perforated portion 35 between the first end 31 and the second end 32. Multiple perforated portions 35 are formed by multiple conductive strips 34 spaced apart. The multiple conductive strips 34 may be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10 on the outer surface 1001 of the inner tube 10.

[0136] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, in some embodiments, the conductive strip 34 and the perforated portion 35 extend in parallel along the axial direction of the first tube segment 101 on the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 and are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101.

[0137] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 14 and 15, the openwork portion 35 can extend along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 from the first end 31 to the second end 32, thereby increasing the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 1001 facing the outer tube 20.

[0138] In some embodiments, the thickness range of the conductive member 30 is 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. In this way, the heat capacity can be reduced and the energy utilization efficiency during heat generation can be improved.

[0139] For example, the thickness range of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05mm to 0.19mm, 0.06mm to 0.18mm, 0.07mm to 0.17mm, 0.08mm to 0.16mm, 0.09mm to 0.15mm, 0.10mm to 0.14mm, 0.11mm to 0.13mm, 0.115mm to 0.125mm, etc. For instance, the thickness range of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05mm, 0.08mm, 0.10mm, 0.12mm, 0.15mm, 0.16mm, 0.2mm, etc.

[0140] Furthermore, the thickness of the conductive member 30 is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the thickness range of the conductive member 30 is 0.055 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, and 0.09 mm.

[0141] As can be understood, increasing the thickness of the conductive member 30 increases its volume accordingly, which in turn increases the amount of heat it can absorb and store, thereby increasing the heat capacity of the heat-generating assembly 100. When the thickness of the conductive member 30 is 0.2 mm or less, heat is less likely to accumulate, which facilitates the conductive member 30's transfer of heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol-forming substrate 300. When the thickness of the conductive member 30 is 0.05 mm or more, losses and failures are less likely to occur.

[0142] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is manufactured from an oxidation-resistant metal material, thereby preventing oxidation and failure of the conductive member 30 and extending its service life. Specifically, the material of the conductive member 30 is at least one of nickel-based alloys and iron-based alloys.

[0143] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a first conductive portion 301 corresponding to a first tube segment 101, the first conductive portion 301 is provided with a first perforated portion 351, and a portion of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the first perforated portion 351 and faces the outer tube 20, and the perforated portion 35 includes the first perforated portion 351.

[0144] As shown in Figure 11, the first perforated portion 351 cuts off the path by which some of the first conductive portion 301 transfers heat to a region away from the aerosol-forming substrate 300, thereby reducing wasted heat.

[0145] Specifically, the first openwork portion 351 may be formed by cutting the tube wall of the first conductive portion 301. The first openwork portion 351 may be in the shape of a strip. There may be one or more first openwork portions 351.

[0146] For example, referring to Figure 19, in some embodiments, the number of conductive strips 34 in the first tube segment 101 is one. One conductive strip forms one openwork section. The openwork section extends along the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101 from one side of the conductive strip 34 to the other side of the conductive strip 34.

[0147] Furthermore, referring to Figures 12 and 18, for example, in some embodiments, the number of conductive strips 34 in the first tube segment 101 is two, and the two conductive strips 34 may be positioned at both ends of the inner tube 10 of the same diameter, thereby forming two spaced-apart perforations 35. The outer wall of the inner tube 10 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20 through the perforations 35.

[0148] Referring again to Figure 18, in some embodiments, the first conductive portion 301 includes a plurality of first conductive strips 341 that extend along the axial direction of the first tube segment 101 and are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101. A first perforation 351 is formed between two adjacent first conductive strips 341.

[0149] In this way, by arranging multiple first conductive strips 341 at intervals, multiple first perforated portions 351 can be formed, thereby reducing downward heat transfer from the first conductive portion 301.

[0150] Specifically, the multiple first conductive strips 341 may extend from the first end 31 to the end faces facing the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The area of ​​the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 covered by each of the multiple first conductive strips 341 may be the same or different. The multiple first conductive strips 341 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101, thereby forming perforations 35 of equal size. The spacing between two adjacent first conductive strips 341 does not have to be equal.

[0151] The total area of ​​the multiple first conductive strips 341 covering the outer surface of the first tube segment 101 is smaller than the total area of ​​the outer surface of the first tube segment 101 facing the outer tube via the first perforated portion 351.

[0152] Referring to Figures 17 to 20, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to a first conductive portion 301, the second conductive portion 302 covering at least a portion of the second pipe segment 102.

[0153] In this way, the utilization rate of thermal radiation is improved by the second conductive portion 302 covering the plasma arc generated in the second tube segment 102.

[0154] Specifically, the second conductive portion 302 is connected to the second electrode 120 at the second end face 12 and extends from the second electrode 120 to the first tube segment 101. The second conductive portion 302 covers the second tube segment 102 and completely covers the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second conductive portion 302 is columnar and coaxial with the second tube segment 102.

[0156] As described above, the portion between one end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 and the second electrode 120 is the discharge region 130, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 conduct high voltage power to generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130. In the following description, the arc length of the plasma arc generated by the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, i.e., the discharge arc length, is denoted by L.

[0157] As can be understood, the discharge arc length is approximately equal to the axial distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the inner tube 10. The axial distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the inner tube 10 may be fixed, and therefore the discharge arc length may be a fixed value.

[0158] Referring to Figure 20, in some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 is 2 mm ≤ L ≤ 10 mm.

[0159] Thus, the discharge arc length is within the control range, resulting in a relatively good discharge effect between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, as well as a good temperature field distribution in the discharge arc length region.

[0160] Specifically, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 may be any length between 2 mm and 10 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may be in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm, 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm, 5.5 mm to 6 mm, etc. Exemplarily, the discharge arc length may be 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc. The discharge region 130 is located inside the inner tube 10, and the length of the inner tube 10 is clearly greater than the discharge arc length. The outer tube 20 is fitted outside the inner tube 10 and covers the entire discharge region 130. The outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, and the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 includes at least the end of the tube that covers the discharge region 130.

[0161] In some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 is 6 mm <L≦10mmである。

[0162] For example, the range of discharge arc lengths is 6mm to 9mm, 7mm to 8.5mm, 7.5mm to 8mm, etc. For instance, the discharge arc length may also be 6.1mm, 7.5mm, 8.6mm, 9.8mm, 10mm, etc.

[0163] In some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 is L = 8 mm.

[0164] The second conductive portion 302 covers the second tube segment 102, and the axial length of the second tube segment 102 is made greater than the discharge arc length L so that the length of the plasma arc does not exceed the length of the second conductive portion 302.

[0165] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, in some embodiments, the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end of the first electrode 110 toward the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10. In the following description, the overlap dimension between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 toward the second electrode 120 is denoted by n.

[0166] In this way, the risk of discharge between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 can be reduced.

[0167] What needs to be explained is that if we define the direction from the second end face to the first end face along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 as the top-down direction, then the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is the upper end of the first electrode 110, and the second conductive portion 302 is located above the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube. The fact that the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 can be understood as the position of the lower end of the second conductive portion 302 being lower than the position of the upper end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0168] As can be understood, and with reference to Figure 1, the second electrode 120 is connected to the power supply 200 via the conductive member 30. When current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 face each other and have opposite charging polarities, and therefore an electric field is generated between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110. The polarity of the second electrode 120 and the second conductive part 302 is the same, and if the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second conductive part 302 and the second electrode 120 are separated by a certain non-insulating distance, there is a risk of discharge.

[0169] The second conductive portion 302 is installed in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 so as to cover the end face of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. As the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120, the space between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is filled by the side wall of the inner tube 10, thereby enhancing insulation.

[0170] Continuing to refer to Figures 20 and 21, in some embodiments, the overlap dimension between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 toward the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is n ≥ 0.3 mm.

[0171] In this way, the end face of the second conductive portion 302 and the end face of the first electrode 110 do not face each other, which makes it difficult for a discharge phenomenon to occur between the second conductive portion 302 and the first electrode 110, thereby strengthening the insulating strength between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0172] Specifically, the overlap dimension between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be the distance between the position where the second conductive portion 302 is furthest from the second end face 12 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 and the position where the end face of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is projected onto the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0173] The overlap dimension n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm, etc. For example, the overlap dimension n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, etc.

[0174] Referring again to Figures 17 and 18, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to a first conductive portion 301, the second conductive portion 302 corresponding to a second tube segment 102, the second conductive portion 302 having a second perforation 352, some of the second tube segment 102 being exposed through the second perforation 352 and facing the outer tube 20, the perforation 35 including the second perforation 352.

[0175] In this way, the heat capacity of the conductive member 30 can be further reduced, and the time required for heating up and cooling down the heat-generating assembly 100 can be shortened.

[0176] Specifically, the second openwork portion 352 may be in the shape of a straight bar, a curved shape, a round hole, or the like. The number of second openwork portions 352 may be one, two, three, or more. The portion of the outer surface of the second tube segment 102 that is covered by the second conductive portion 302 is in close contact with the second conductive portion 302 and is shielded by the second conductive portion 302. The portion of the outer surface of the second tube segment 102 that is not covered by the second conductive portion 302 can face the inner wall of the outer tube 20 via the second openwork portion 352.

[0177] Referring to Figures 18 and 20, in some embodiments, the second conductive portion 302 extends along the axial direction of the second tubular segment 102 and includes a plurality of second conductive strips 342 spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the second tubular segment 102, with a second perforated portion 352 formed between two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0178] In this way, the thermal resistance when the high temperature of the arc at the center of the discharge region 130 is conducted to the outside can be further reduced, and the heating rate can be improved.

[0179] Specifically, the second conductive strip 342 and the second perforated portion 352 may be formed by cutting a metal tube. The second conductive strip 342 and the second perforated portion 352 may be arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the second tube segment 102. One end of the second conductive strip 342 may be connected to the second end 32 and may extend below the end face of the first electrode 110 toward the second electrode 120 from the second end face 12. The second conductive strip 342 may have a side surface parallel to the central axis of the inner tube. The second perforated portion 352 is formed with a gap between the adjacent sides of two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0180] The number of second conductive strips 342 may be two, three, four, five, or the like. Multiple second openwork portions 352 are formed by multiple second conductive strips 342. Correspondingly, the number of second openwork portions 352 is the same as the number of second conductive strips 342.

[0181] Continuing to refer to Figure 18, in some embodiments, a connecting ring 343 is formed at the connection between the first conductive portion 301 and the second conductive portion 302, and the connecting ring 343 covers the end of the first electrode 110 that is toward the second electrode 120 along the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10.

[0182] In this way, by providing the connecting ring 343, it is possible to reduce the local electric field strength and avoid discharge breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, as well as to strengthen the mechanical strength of the conductive member 30 and reduce the risk of deformation or failure of the conductive member 30.

[0183] Specifically, the connecting ring 343 may be part of the conductive member that covers the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120, which remains after cutting the perforated portion 35 into the tube wall of the conductive member 30.

[0184] According to the following formula, the relationship between sidewall area and electric field strength is that as the sidewall area decreases, the electric field strength increases, and as the sidewall area increases, the electric field strength decreases.

[0185] JPEG2026530206000002.jpg12170 Here, E is the electric field strength, U is the voltage applied to the two electrodes, d is the discharge distance, Q is the amount of charge carried by the electrodes, S is the discharge area, k is the electrostatic force constant, and is the dielectric constant of the medium between the two electrodes.

[0186] As can be understood, forming a perforated portion 35 in the conductive member 30 reduces the sidewall area and increases the electric field strength between the sidewalls, which in turn makes the area between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30 more susceptible to failure and affects the stability and safety of the heating assembly 100. By covering the discharge end of the first electrode 110 with the connecting ring 343, the local electric field formed around the discharge end of the first electrode 110 is reduced, thus avoiding failure between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30 in the electric field.

[0187] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, in some embodiments, the openwork portion 35 extends from the first pipe segment 101 to the end of the second pipe segment 102 away from the first pipe segment 101, and some of the second pipe segments 102 face the outer pipe 20 through the openwork portion 35.

[0188] As shown in Figures 11 and 1, the heat transfer path at the bottom of the conductive member 30 can be cut off to the greatest extent possible, thereby reducing heat conduction downwards and improving the thermal efficiency for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0189] Specifically, the openwork portion 35 may be formed by cutting the side wall of the tubular body of the conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 can form a second conductive ring 320 for connection to the second electrode 120, leaving a portion around the second electrode. At the end of the conductive member 30 closest to the first end face 11, a first conductive ring 310 for connection to the power supply 200 can be formed, leaving a portion of the conductive tube wall. The first conductive ring 310 can be exposed to the outside of the outer tube 20.

[0190] As shown in Figures 15 and 18, the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 are connected by a conductive strip 34. The number of conductive strips 34 connecting the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 may be one. A perforated portion 35 is formed between the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320, and the outer surfaces of the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102 face the outer tube 20 via the perforated portion 35.

[0191] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a connecting wire 33 connected to the first conductive ring 310, and the connecting wire 33 is electrically connected to the power supply 200. The rigidity of the connecting wire 33 may be less than the rigidity of the tube of the conductive member 30. The connecting wire 33 may extend along the radial direction of the inner tube 10. The connecting wire 33 may extend in the outer tube 20 away from the conductive end 112 of the first electrode 110.

[0192] Referring to Figure 15, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is at least partially cylindrical, and the conductive member 30 is fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10.

[0193] In this way, the assembly of the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 becomes easier, the structure is compact, and it helps to miniaturize the heating assembly 100.

[0194] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be cylindrical and coaxial with the inner tube 10. The inner tube 10 is fitted inside the conductive member 30.

[0195] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 21, the conductive member 30 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 are in close contact. The gap between the conductive member 30 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 is 0.1 mm or less. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130, which can reach a maximum temperature of 2000°C. A large amount of heat from the center of the discharge region 130 is conducted or radiated through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20 into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 around the outer tube 20. Because the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10, the heat conduction efficiency is further increased. In addition, by ensuring that the distance between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 is relatively close, or that the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the inner tube 10, it is possible to effectively prevent the conductive member 30 from contacting the inner wall of the outer tube 20, thereby avoiding an uneven temperature field distribution in the outer tube 20.

[0196] Referring to Figure 22, in some embodiments, the cylindrical portion of the conductive member 30 is manufactured by a winding method and fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10.

[0197] In this way, the tightness of the assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 can be improved, and the tight fit of the assembly is beneficial for heat conduction.

[0198] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by winding sheet metal. The sheet metal may be wound around the central axis 1011, and by winding the sheet metal around the inner tube only once, a cylindrical or annular conductive tube can be formed. The conductive tube has a slit in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the cross-section of the conductive member 30 along the radial direction of the inner tube 10 can be made "C" shaped, which makes it easy to adjust the diameter of the tube formed by winding, and further adjusts the tightness of the assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10.

[0199] Referring to Figure 16, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a conductive wire 330 surrounding the inner tube 10, with a perforated portion 35 formed therein, and the tube segment in the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 partially faces the outer tube 20 via the perforated portion 35.

[0200] In this way, the conductive wire 330 can reduce the heat capacity and improve the rate of heating and cooling.

[0201] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 surrounds the inner tube, dividing the outer surface 1001 of the tube segment corresponding to the conductive member 30 in the inner tube 10 into different blocks and forming a perforated section.

[0202] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 has its upper end connected to the second electrode 120 and its lower end located near the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 may extend from the open end 22 to the outside of the outer tube 20 and be connected to the power supply 200. The conductive member 30 may surround the inner tube 10 from the second end face 12 to the open end 22. The connection point between the conductive member 30 and the second electrode 120, and the position of the conductive member 30 extending from the open end 22, may be on the same side of the inner tube 10, or on opposite sides of the inner tube 10.

[0203] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by one conductive wire 330, two conductive wires 330, three or more conductive wires 330 surrounding the inner tube 10.

[0204] If there is only one conductive wire 330, that single conductive wire 330 surrounds the outside of the inner tube 10 for at least one turn. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 330 surrounds the outside of the discharge region 130 for two or more turns. The conductive wire 330 may extend in a substantially straight path between the second electrode 120 and the opening of the outer tube 20. Any portion of the inner tube 10 not covered by the conductive wire 330 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0205] Referring to Figures 16 and 23, in some embodiments, a solenoid 30a is formed surrounding the conductive wire 330, and a perforated portion 35 is formed by making the pitch of at least a portion of the solenoid 30a greater than 0.

[0206] In this way, by forming the conductive wire 330 as a solenoid 30a, assembly with the inner tube 10 becomes easier, and at the same time, by adjusting the pitch of the solenoid 30a, the heat capacity of the conductive member 30 can be reduced, the heat accumulated in the conductive member 30 can be reduced, and the heating rate can be improved.

[0207] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 can surround the inner tube 10 and extend from the second end face 12 to the first end face 11 to form a solenoid 30a. The pitch of the solenoid 30a may be the distance in the axial direction of the inner tube between the first and next turns of the conductive wire 330 around the inner tube.

[0208] As can be understood, the looser the winding of the conductive wire 330, the larger the pitch of the formed solenoid 30a becomes, the relatively smaller the heat capacity of the conductive coil body, the relatively larger the area of ​​the outer surface 1001 shielded by the conductive wire 330, and the faster the heating rate.

[0209] Continuing to refer to Figures 16 and 23, in some embodiments, along the axial direction of the solenoid 30a, the pitch of the central portion of the solenoid 30a is greater than the pitch of at least one end.

[0210] In this way, by using a non-uniform pitch, the heat capacity distribution of the conductive member and the temperature field of the heat-generating assembly 100 can be adjusted, thereby improving the heating rate and reducing heat conduction from the discharge region to members other than the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0211] Specifically, one end of the solenoid 30a is fixed to the outer circumference of the second electrode 120, and the other end of the solenoid 30a may be fixed between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 10, at a position where the axial distance from the first end face 11 exceeds 2 mm. The pitch at the center of both ends of the solenoid 30a may be greater than the pitch at both ends.

[0212] In some embodiments, the conductive wire 330 is connected to the second electrode 120 and the connection is stabilized by being tightly wound around the second end face 12. The pitch of the solenoid 30a formed on the outer circumference of the second electrode 120 is close to zero. Increasing the pitch of the solenoid 30a fitted to the tube segment below the discharge region 130 reduces the heat capacity of the conductive solenoid 30a, increases the radiating area of ​​the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20, and improves the heating rate.

[0213] Furthermore, the solenoid body may be tightly fitted or fitted into the tubular body of the inner tube 10.

[0214] Referring to Figure 24, in some embodiments, one end of the solenoid 30a fixed between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 10 may be exposed to the outside of the outer tube 20.

[0215] In some embodiments, the conductive wire 330 is formed in a mesh pattern, and the mesh pattern forms the openwork portion 35.

[0216] Thus, the conductive wire 330 can maintain a relatively stable structure by being formed in a mesh-like manner, and at the same time, because the perforated area of ​​the perforated portion 35 is relatively large, the heat capacity can be effectively reduced.

[0217] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be a mesh tube formed by winding multiple conductive wires 330 in a crisscross pattern. The mesh tube may be fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10 and tightly fitted to the tubular body of the inner tube 10. The conductive wires 330 may be arranged in a crisscross pattern to form a mesh and coated onto the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0218] In some embodiments, the wire constituting the solenoid 30a or the mesh tube is a round wire, a flat wire, or the like. The thickness range of the wire cross-section of the conductive member 30 is 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. Furthermore, the thickness range of the wire cross-section of the conductive member 30 is preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the thickness of the wire cross-section of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.1 mm.

[0219] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is a plating film coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The conductive member 30 is coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and may exhibit trajectories such as straight bar shape, cylindrical shape, or curved bar shape, and conducts a circuit along the corresponding trajectory.

[0220] In some embodiments, the positions of the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0221] In this way, the first end portion 31 can utilize the space of the heating assembly 100 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, thereby rationally arranging the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10, reducing the probability of discharge between the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110, and improving the reliability of the heating assembly 100 during normal use.

[0222] As mentioned above, referring to Figure 12, the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 is P. The position where the axial distance of the inner tube 10 between the portion of the first end 31 extending to the outside of the outer tube 20 and point P is shortest is denoted as Q. The conductive member 30 may be bent at point Q of the first end 31 and continue to extend along the radial direction of the inner tube or in substantially the same direction as the radial direction of the inner tube, away from the first electrode 110, and connected to the power supply 200.

[0223] The first end 31 is connected to the second end 32. The second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the second end 32, forming a circuit with the conductive member 30 and conducting one pole of the high-voltage power. P and Q are separated by a predetermined distance and are insulated by the inner tube 10. This prevents discharge between P and Q and subsequent discharge breakdown when the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110 conduct both poles of the high-voltage power, thereby ensuring the discharge reliability of the discharge region 130.

[0224] The inner tube 10 may be manufactured from a material with high dielectric strength, for example, from at least one of quartz and ceramic. Such materials can also transmit infrared radiation. Due to the high dielectric strength of the inner tube 10, the probability of the inner tube 10 being destroyed by the plasma arc can be reduced.

[0225] In some embodiments, the wall thickness range of the inner tube 10 is 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness range of the inner tube 10 may be 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm, etc. Furthermore, for example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may be 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1.0 mm. In this way, the inner tube 10 can not only meet a certain strength, prevent fracture due to stress, and prevent arc failure, but can also reduce heat capacity, which helps in miniaturizing the heat generation assembly 100.

[0226] In some embodiments, an appropriate heat capacity can not only improve the heating efficiency during the heating process but also maintain an appropriate cooling rate in the suction gap, preventing the aerosol-forming substrate 300 from being overheated.

[0227] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in some embodiments, the inner tube 10 includes a first end face 11 and a second end face 12 opposite the first end face 11, the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 at the first end face 11, and the first end 31 is located at least partially between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12.

[0228] In this way, by rationally arranging the inner tube 10, the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30, the inner tube 10 can isolate and protect the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110, thereby reducing the possibility of discharge breakdown between the first end 31 and the first end face 11.

[0229] Specifically, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 may be annular in shape. The centers of the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are intersected by the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The second electrode 120 may be positioned at the center of the second end face 12. The conductive end 112 can surround the center of the second end face 12 to form a second end 32, which is electrically connected to the second electrode 120. It should be noted that there may be multiple ways of connecting the second end 32 of the conductive member 30 to the second electrode 120, and the surrounding method can be further implemented by methods such as crimping or welding to facilitate assembly, improve connection reliability, and be understood.

[0230] The first electrode 110 can be inserted into the inner tube 10 from the center of the first end face 11, and one end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10 is directed toward the second electrode 120 and is spaced a predetermined distance from the first end face 11. Furthermore, one end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10 may be spaced the same distance from the first end 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0231] The inner tube 10 covers at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30 is attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, thereby allowing the inner tube 10 to form insulating protection between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30. One end of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 at the first end face 11 is spaced a predetermined distance from the first end 31 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and the inner tube 10 covers the section between a portion of the first electrode 110 and the first end 31.

[0232] The cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 10 includes, but is not limited to, circular, square, or elliptical shapes, and can also be adapted to match the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110.

[0233] Referring again to Figures 12 and 13, in some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is columnar overall. The first electrode 110 may be a hollow columnar or it may have a solid structure. The cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110 includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, polygonal, etc.

[0234] For example, the first electrode 110 has a solid cylindrical shape overall and is inserted into a hollow cylindrical inner tube 10, which helps to reduce the structural volume of the heating module. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the inner tube 10 and is coaxial with the inner tube 10.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 includes a discharge end 111 and a conductive end 112 connected to the discharge end 111. The discharge end 111 is located inside the inner tube 10, and the conductive end 112 extends from the first end face 11 to the outside of the inner tube 10. Thus, as can be understood, the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 may, in this embodiment, be the position of the conductive end 112 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0236] Specifically, the discharge end 111 can be kept vertically inserted into the hollow space of the inner tube 10 and faces the second electrode 120. The conductive end 112 extends outside the inner tube 10 and is connected to the power supply 200, and by conducting high-voltage power, plasma is generated between the discharge end 111 and the second electrode 120.

[0237] In the orientation shown in Figure 12, the direction from the second end face 12 to the first end face 11 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 may be from top to bottom. In the heating assembly 100, the second electrode 120, the second end 32 of the conductive member 30, the discharge end 111 of the first electrode 110, the first end 31 of the conductive member 30, and the conductive end 112 of the first electrode 110 are sequentially installed along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 from top to bottom. The first end face 11 is located below the first end 31, and the second end face 12 is in close contact with one side of the second electrode 120.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is columnar, and the diameter range of the first electrode 110 is 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110 is not limited to a circle, but may be a square, polygon, ellipse, etc., and the diameter of the first electrode 110 is the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-section of the first electrode 110.

[0239] In this way, it is possible to miniaturize the heat-generating assembly 100 and extend the burnout resistance life of the first electrode 110.

[0240] For example, the first electrode 110 may be a metal wire with a diameter of 0.4 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The diameter of the first electrode 110 may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. For example, the diameter range of the first electrode 110 may be 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, 0.6 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm to 0.8 mm, etc. Furthermore, for example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 may be 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1.0 mm.

[0241] As can be understood, a plasma arc is generated by a discharge between one end of the first electrode 110, which extends into the inner tube 10, and the second electrode 120, and therefore it is necessary to undergo high-temperature burnout of the plasma arc. If the diameter of the first electrode 110 is relatively large, the heat required to cause burnout will be even greater, and the burnout resistance life can be extended by appropriately increasing the diameter of the first electrode 110. At the same time, the diameter of the first electrode 110 is limited by the inner diameter of the inner tube 10, and in accordance with the need for miniaturization of the product, the diameter of the first electrode 110 does not exceed 1.0 mm.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is manufactured from a heat-resistant conductive material. Specifically, the first electrode 110 is manufactured using at least one of the following materials: nickel-based alloy, iron-based alloy, copper-based alloy, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten. By using the above heat-resistant conductive material, the durability of the first electrode 110 at the high temperatures generated in the plasma arc is improved. The material of the first electrode 110 and the material of the second electrode 120 may be the same or different.

[0243] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes an insulating member 40 connected to the inner tube 10, with at least a portion of the insulating member 40 located between the first end 31 and the first end face 11.

[0244] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 is fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10 and does not directly contact the inner tube 10, and at least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end 31 and the first end face 11.

[0245] In this way, the insulating member 40 enhances the insulating strength between the first end 31 and the first end face 11, further reducing the possibility of discharge breakdown between the first end 31 and the first end face 11, thereby improving the insulation and heat generation reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0246] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be fixedly connected to the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120. The insulating member 40 is fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10 and can insulate and separate the first end face 11 and the first end 31. The insulating member 40 may be a sleeve made of a soft insulating material, such as a sleeve made of rubber. The insulating member 40 may be a rubber sleeve that is crimped onto the inner tube 10. The insulating member 40 may be a sealing adhesive, sealing glass glaze, etc., sealed in the end of the inner tube 10 that is close to the first end face 11.

[0247] In some embodiments, the end of the inner tube 10 having the first end face 11 is inserted into the insulating member 40, and the first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating member 40.

[0248] In this way, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, and the insulating member 40 are sequentially fitted at the first end face 11, resulting in a compact structure that is easy to assemble and produce. Furthermore, the area of ​​the first electrode 110 located at the first end face 11 is covered by the insulating member 40, making it difficult for discharge to occur between point P of the first electrode 110 and point Q of the conductive member 30.

[0249] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be hollow and tubular, and the wall of the insulating member 40 is thicker than the wall of the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 can sequentially penetrate the first end face 11 of the inner tube 10 and the insulating member 40. The end of the inner tube 10 having the first end face 11 covers the first electrode 110 and is inserted into the insulating member 40 together with the first electrode 110. The first electrode 110 can penetrate and be exposed from the first end face 11, penetrate the insulating member 40 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and penetrate and be exposed to the outside of the insulating member 40 from the side opposite to the first end face 11 of the insulating member 40.

[0250] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, in some embodiments, the insulating member 40 includes a first insulating portion 41 and a second insulating portion 42 connected to the first insulating portion 41, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second insulating portion 42, the end of the inner tube 10 having a first end face 11 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41, and the first electrode 110 is inserted into the second insulating portion 42.

[0251] In this way, the insulating member 40 can cover and insulate the inner tube 10 and the first electrode 110 to different degrees, thereby improving structural stability, and the insulating protection of the first electrode 110 is enhanced by the second insulating part 42.

[0252] For example, referring to Figure 26, the first insulating part 41 and the second insulating part 42 are connected. The first insulating part 41 is hollow and cylindrical, and the second insulating part 42 is cubic and has a through hole 421 in the center. The central through hole 421 of the second insulating part 42 and the hollow portion of the first insulating part 41 may be continuous.

[0253] Referring to Figure 26, the inner tube 10 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41 while covering the first electrode 110, and the first electrode 110 extends from the first end face 11 to the outside of the inner tube 10 in the first insulating portion 41 and is inserted into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42.

[0254] Continuing to refer to Figures 25 and 26, in some embodiments, the insulating member 40 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 located at the first end face 11.

[0255] In this way, the insulating member 40 reduces the probability of discharge failure of the first electrode 110 at the first end face 11, and further shortens the distance between one end of the first electrode 110 extending from the inner tube 10 and the first end 31, thereby contributing to the miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0256] In related technologies, the first electrode and the conductive member are connected to both poles of an external power supply, and it is necessary to maintain a relatively large distance between the portion of the first electrode extending from the inner tube and the first end of the conductive member to prevent damage to the heating assembly due to discharge breakdown between the first electrode and the first end. In the embodiment of the present application, the insulating member 40 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 that extends to the outside of the inner tube 10, thereby making the distance between one end of the first electrode 110 extending from the inner tube 10 and the first end 31 relatively small.

[0257] Specifically, the second insulating portion 42 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 that extends from the first end face 11 to the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 is sequentially covered by the inner tube 10 and the first insulating portion 41 within the first insulating portion 41, and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed to the outside of the inner tube 10 is covered only by the second insulating portion 42.

[0258] As can be understood, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second insulating portion 42, and the thickness of the second insulating portion 42 is greater than that of the first insulating portion 41, thereby increasing the insulating strength of the second insulating portion 42. Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the second insulating portion 42 is relatively large, the insulating protection of the portion of the first electrode 110 that is exposed to the outside of the inner tube 10 can be enhanced.

[0259] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 is brought into contact with the first end face 11, which improves the compactness of the structure and enhances the insulating properties.

[0260] Referring again to Figures 25 and 26, in some embodiments the heating assembly 100 includes a connector 50 connected to the end of the first electrode 110 away from the second electrode 120, the connector 50 is used for electrical connection with a power supply 200, the connector 50 is located on the opposite side of the first end 31 of the insulating member 40, the insulating member 40 shields the connector 50 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0261] In this way, by connecting the first electrode 110 to the power supply 200 via the connector 50, the distance required to maintain insulation between the first electrode 110 and the first end 31 can be further reduced. This makes the structure of the heating assembly 100 more compact.

[0262] Specifically, the connector 50 and the end of the first electrode 110 that is away from the second electrode 120 are electrically connected. The connector 50 is disc-shaped and can cover the portion of the first electrode 110 that is exposed by penetrating from the outside of the second insulating portion 42. One end of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110 may extend into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42. The insulating member 40 is located at least partially between the connector 50 and the conductive member 30. The second insulating portion 42 can cover one side of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110.

[0263] Referring to Figures 26 and 27, in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is in contact with the second end face 12.

[0264] In this way, the second electrode 120 can be attached to one end of the inner tube 10 having the second end face 12, and the second end face 12 plays a role in fixing and positioning the second electrode 120.

[0265] Specifically, the second electrode 120 may cover all of the second end faces 12 and close one end of the inner tube 10 having the second end faces 12. The side of the second electrode 120 facing the first electrode 110 is in close contact with the second end face 12. The side of the second electrode 120 opposite to the second end face 12 faces the closed end of the outer tube 20.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is manufactured from a heat-resistant conductive material. By employing a heat-resistant conductive material, the burnout resistance life of the second electrode 120 can be extended, and the discharge reliability of the heat-generating assembly 100 can be further improved. Exemplary examples include at least one of nickel-based alloys, iron-based alloys, copper-based alloys, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten as the material for the second electrode 120.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 27 and FIG. 31, in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 comprises a mounting portion 121 and a protrusion 122 formed on the mounting portion 121. The protrusion 122 extends into the inner tube 10 and faces the first electrode 110 directly.

[0268] In this way, the protrusion 122 can induce the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to discharge in the inner tube 10, thereby facilitating the generation of plasma arc.

[0269] Specifically, the mounting portion 121 may be disc-shaped, and the diameter of the mounting portion 121 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube 10. The mounting portion 121 abuts against the second end surface 12, and the second end 32 of the conductive member 30 surrounds the second electrode 120, so that the second electrode 120 is fixedly installed at the end of the inner tube 10 having the second end surface 12.

[0270] The protrusion 122 is spherical or hemispherical, and may be formed on a side of the mounting portion 121 close to the second end surface 12. The width of the protrusion 122 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10, and the width gradually decreases as it approaches the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0271] As can be understood, since the radius of curvature of the outer circumference of the protrusion 122 is relatively large, charges in the conductive medium are likely to concentrate at the location with a large radius of curvature, generating a relatively large electric field strength, which facilitates the generation of plasma. The rate at which the width of the protrusion 122 changes along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is relatively gradual, thereby avoiding that the protrusion 122 becomes too sharp, leading to excessive concentration of charges and ablation.

[0272] Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 26, in some embodiments, the center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10.

[0273] In this way, the protrusion 122 can induce the arc to discharge at the center point of the first electrode 110, thereby improving the uniformity around the discharge temperature.

[0274] As described above, the first electrode 110 is coaxial with the inner tube 10. The discharge region 130 is a section where discharge occurs between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 to generate a plasma arc. The second electrode 120 induces discharge via a projection 122 directed toward the first electrode 110. The center of the projection 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and the center of the first electrode 110 is also located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, which further increases the probability that the center of the discharge region 130 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10.

[0275] In some embodiments, an end face of one end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 protrudes slightly, presents a relatively blunt arc shape, and has a smooth surface. The apex protruding from the end face of the first electrode 110 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and may face the projection 122 of the second electrode 120.

[0276] In some embodiments, one end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 has a flat end face, the center of the end face is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and faces directly toward the apex of the projection 122.

[0277] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 26 and 27, in some embodiments, the outer tube 20 includes a conical end 21, and the second electrode 120 is installed at one end of the inner tube 10 and abuts against the inner wall surface of the conical end 21.

[0278] One end of the outer tube 20 having the conical end 21 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. At the center of the second electrode 120, there is provided the projection 122 extending into the inner tube 10, the center of which is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 are substantially coaxial. The side of the mounting portion 121 opposite to the second end face 12 abuts against the inner wall surface of the conical end 21.

[0279] In this way, since the second electrode 120 abuts against the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10, automatic centering and alignment can be achieved, which facilitates assembly and contributes to uniform heat transfer to the periphery of the outer tube 20.

[0280] Referring again to Figure 26, the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 may be indicated by P, and the position of the first end 31 closest to point P may be indicated by Q.

[0281] In some embodiments, the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10, along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, is 2 mm or more.

[0282] In this way, arc failure from the first end 31 can be reduced, the axial distance between the position of the first electrode 110 extending from the inner tube 10 and the first end 31 can be shortened, the length of the heating assembly 100 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 can be shortened, and costs can be saved.

[0283] Exemplary, the PQ line segment points in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. As can be understood, the length of the PQ line segment is the minimum distance between the first end 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10. The length of the PQ line segment is 2 mm or more. The length of the PQ line segment may be 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, etc. The distance between any other position on the conductive member 30 and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed to the outside of the inner tube is all greater than the length of the PQ line segment.

[0284] What needs to be explained is that the line segment PQ pointing in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is not limited to them being parallel; they may be nearly parallel, or the angle between the line segment PQ and the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 may be 60° or less, or 30° or less.

[0285] In some embodiments, the shortest distance between the conductive member 30 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 is 2 mm or more.

[0286] As described above, by maintaining the distance between the conductive member 30 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10, it is possible to avoid failure of the heat-generating assembly 100 due to damage outside the discharge region 130.

[0287] Specifically, the second end 32 of the conductive member 30 is fixed to the first end face 11 of the inner tube 10 and extends from the second end face 12 to the first end face 11 on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The end of the conductive member 30 that approaches the second end face 12 and is closest to the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 is the first end 31. In other words, the distances between the conductive member 30 and the connecting wire 33 other than the first end 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 are all greater than the distance between the first end 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0288] Furthermore, the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 has a critical value of 2 mm. If the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 exceeds the critical value of 2 mm, when high voltage power is connected to the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, failure is likely to occur in the section of the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110 that is exposed to the outside of the inner tube 10.

[0289] Referring to Figures 27 and 28, in some embodiments the heating assembly 100 comprises an infrared radiation film 60 installed on the inner tube 10, the outer tube 20 and / or the conductive member 30.

[0290] In this way, the heating assembly 100 can enhance its ability to heat with infrared radiation, thereby further improving the utilization rate of plasma arc heat.

[0291] Specifically, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a coating applied to the inner or outer surface of the inner tube 10, outer tube 20, and / or conductive member 30. The coating material of the infrared radiation film 60 may be a material such as a metal oxide or silicon that can specifically absorb infrared radiation.

[0292] For example, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a thin film produced from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of iron-manganese-copper oxide, CrC, TiCN, diamond-like carbon thin film (DLC), black silicon (HBQ), cordierite, transition metal oxide spinel, rare earth oxide, ion co-doped perovskite, silicon carbide, zircon, boron nitride, etc. Illustratively, the infrared radiation film 60 is plated on the surfaces of the outer walls of the outer tube 20 and the conductive member 30, and on the surface of the outer wall of the inner tube 10 that is not covered by the conductive member 30.

[0293] Referring again to FIGS. 27 and 28, in some embodiments, both the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 form a heat insulating gap 1002 with the inner wall surface of the outer tube 20.

[0294] In this way, providing the heat insulating gap 1002 can increase the temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the center of the discharge region 130, prevent the outer tube 20 from becoming excessively hot for a long period of time, and further increase the radiation temperature at the center of the discharge region 130 and enhance the energy of infrared radiation.

[0295] Specifically, the high temperature of the plasma arc at the center of the discharge region 130 can exceed 2000°C, and the temperature when stabilized is 1000°C to 1600°C. The heat of the discharge region 130 is radiated in the form of infrared radiation through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0296] In some embodiments, the temperature measurement assembly 80 may be disposed in the heat insulating gap 1002 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. The temperature measurement assembly 80 may include a thermocouple or a temperature measurement probe, and the thermocouple and the temperature measurement probe may be located in a section below the discharge region 130.

[0297] By raising the temperature of the outer tube 20 to approximately 350°C, a better heating effect can be obtained for the aerosol-forming substrate 300. By providing an insulating gap 1002 between the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 and conductive member 30, and insulating the outer tube 20 from the discharge region 130 by a certain distance, heat is prevented from concentrating in the outer tube 20 and causing the outer tube 20 to become excessively hot for a long period of time. The outer tube 20 is insulatingly separated from the inner tube 10 and conductive member 30 by the insulating gap 1002, which increases the temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the discharge region 130. Under conditions where the temperature of the outer tube 20 does not exceed 350°C, the temperature of the discharge region 130 can be relatively increased, and the preheating time can be significantly shortened. The energy of infrared radiation is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature, and the higher the temperature at the center of the discharge region 130, the stronger the energy radiated to the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0298] In some embodiments, the width range of the thermal insulation gap 1002 is 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0299] In this way, it is possible to avoid the outer tube 20 becoming excessively hot over a long period of time, while maintaining the relatively compact and miniaturized structure of the heat-generating assembly 100.

[0300] For example, the width range of the thermal insulation gap 1002 is 0.05mm to 0.3mm, 0.06mm to 0.15mm, 0.15mm to 0.3mm, 0.07mm to 0.25mm, 0.1mm to 0.2mm, etc. For instance, the width of the thermal insulation gap 1002 is 0.05mm, 0.06mm, 0.08mm, 0.12mm, 0.16mm, 0.17mm, 0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.28mm, 0.3mm, etc. Specifically, the thermal insulation gap 1002 between the inner pipe 10 and the outer pipe 20 may be non-uniform. The outer wall portion of the inner pipe 10 is covered by a conductive member 30, and the thermal insulation gap 1002 in the portion of the inner pipe 10 covered by the conductive member 30 is smaller than the thermal insulation gap 1002 in the portion of the inner pipe 10 facing the outer pipe 20.

[0301] The uniform width of the insulating gap 1002 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 improves the coaxiality of the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10, thereby improving the temperature uniformity in the circumferential direction of the discharge region 130.

[0302] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes an elastic member 70 fitted to the outside of the end of the outer tube 20 away from the second electrode 120, and the inner tube 10 is inserted into the elastic member 70.

[0303] In this way, the elastic member 70 can fix or restrict the position of the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the mechanical shock resistance of the heating assembly 100, and the discharge heating center in the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 have a relatively high degree of coaxiality, which helps to improve the uniformity of the temperature field around the needle body. At the same time, the elastic member 70 can seal the open end 22, thereby reducing the leakage of odors associated with the discharge.

[0304] In some embodiments, the elastic member 70 is elastic. The elastic member 70 covers the outer tube 20, the conductive member 30, and the inner tube 10, and press-fits them together by interference fit. The elastic member 70 covers the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 and first end 31 extending from the open end 22. The elastic member 70 is spaced a certain distance from the arc, and in some embodiments, the upper end of the elastic member 70 is spaced 4 mm to 10 mm from the lower end of the discharge region 130, thereby preventing the elastic member 70 from melting due to heat. For example, the distance between the upper end of the elastic member 70 and the lower end of the discharge region 130 is 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm.

[0305] The elastic member 70 can be supported by an elastic material with a relatively high density. For example, a sleeve made of rubber material may be used as the elastic member 70.

[0306] Referring to Figure 29, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a base 90 to which the inner tube 10 is attached.

[0307] In this way, the base 90 can mount and fix the tubular element within the heating assembly 100, thereby improving structural stability.

[0308] Specifically, the portion of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The height range of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is 14 to 20 mm. For example, the height range of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is 14 mm to 18 mm, 15 mm to 19 mm, 16 mm to 17 mm, etc. Furthermore, for example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm.

[0309] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 30 and 31, the base 90 may include a first bracket 91, a second bracket 92, and a casing 93. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 are fitted together, and the casing 93 covers the outside of the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 are fitted to the outer diameter of the insulating member 40, and by fixing the insulating member 40 between the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92, the portion of the first electrode 110 that is covered by the insulating member 40 and exposed to the outside of the inner tube 10, and one end of the inner tube 10 including the first end face 11 are attached and fixed inside the base 90. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 are fitted to the outer diameter of the elastic member 70, thereby attaching and fixing inside the base 90 the end of the outer tube 20 that approaches the first end face 11, and one end of the conductive member 30 including the first end 31. A wire exit hole 903 is provided in the casing 93. Referring to Figure 1, the connecting wire 33 extends from the wire exit hole 903 to the outside of the base 90 and can be connected to the power supply 200, and the temperature sensing conductor 83 can be connected to the control center 400 via the wire exit hole 903.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 can be fitted together vertically.

[0311] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generating apparatus 1000 according to the present invention comprises a heat-generating assembly 100 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0312] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1000 may include a battery 210 and a transformer 220, the battery 210 and the transformer 220 constituting the power supply 200 of the aerosol generator 1000. Referring in conjunction with Figure 30, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to the two output terminals of the transformer 220, respectively, to conduct high-voltage AC power, forming a high-intensity electric field inside the inner tube 10, further generating plasma, and generating relatively high temperature and heat. The heating assembly 100 is connected to the lid 500, and the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, and heat is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs the heat and atomizes to form an aerosol.

[0313] In this specification, reference terms such as “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “exemplary embodiment,” “example,” “specific example,” or “several examples” mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described with reference to such embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0314] While embodiments of this application have been shown and described, various modifications, alterations, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, and the scope of this application is limited by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0315] 1000 Aerosol Generator 200 power supply 210 battery 220 transformer 300 Aerosol-forming substrates 400 Control Center 500 Lid 100 Heat-generating Assembly 10 Inner tube 1001 Outer surface 101 Pipe Segment 1 102 Second Pipe Segment 11 First end surface 12 Second end face 1011 Center axis 20 outer tube 21 Conical end 22 Open end 230 opening 110 1st electrode 1104 Discharge end face 111 Discharge end 112 Conductive terminal 113 Conductor 120 2nd electrode 121 Mounting part 122 Protrusion 130 Discharge area 30 Conductive material 31 First end 32 Second end 301 First conductive part 302 Second conductive part 33 Connecting wires 330 Conductive wire 34 Conductive strips 341 First conductive strip 342 Second conductive strip 310 First conductive ring 320 Second conductive ring 35. Openwork section 351 First openwork section 352 Second openwork section 40 Insulating material 41 First insulating section 42 Second insulating section 421 Through hole 50 connectors 60 Infrared radiation film 1002 Insulation gaps 70 Elastic members 80 Temperature measurement assembly 81 Temperature sensing part 82 Conductive part 83 Temperature measurement lead wire 84 Temperature sensitive membrane 85 Protective layer 90 base 91 First bracket 92 Second bracket 93 Casing 903 Wire extraction hole

Claims

1. A heat-generating assembly, Outer tube and, A first electrode and a second electrode, both of which are at least partially installed inside the outer tube, and which are positioned opposite each other with a gap between them, and which generate plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode when energized, A temperature measuring assembly connected to the outer tube for detecting the temperature of the outer tube, A heating assembly characterized by comprising:

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the temperature measuring assembly includes a temperature sensing element and a conductive element connected to the temperature sensing element, and the temperature sensing element is installed on the outer tube.

3. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the temperature sensing element is installed on the outer wall or inner wall of the outer tube.

4. The heating assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature-sensing part includes a temperature-sensing film attached to the outer tube.

5. The heating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the temperature-sensing film is installed so as to extend at least partially along the circumferential direction of the outer tube.

6. The heating assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the temperature-sensing film is closed annular, annular with an opening, or U-shaped.

7. The heating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the width range of the temperature-sensitive film along the axial direction of the outer tube is 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm.

8. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the resistance of the temperature sensing portion is greater than the resistance of the conductive portion.

9. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the first electrode includes a discharge end face toward the second electrode, and the temperature sensing portion is installed on the side of the discharge end face away from the second electrode.

10. The heating assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the distance range between the temperature sensing portion and the plane on which the discharge end face is located, along the axial direction of the outer tube, is 0 mm to 2 mm.

11. The heat-generating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the temperature coefficient of the temperature-sensitive film is 300 ppm / °C or more.

12. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the heating assembly comprises a protective layer covering at least one of the temperature-sensing portion and the conductive portion.

13. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the number of conductive parts is two, and the two conductive parts are installed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the outer tube.

14. The heating assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an inner tube at least partially installed within the outer tube, the first electrode at least partially installed within the inner tube, and at least a portion of the second electrode installed at one end of the inner tube, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart.

15. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the temperature sensing part includes a temperature measuring probe or a thermocouple.

16. An aerosol generating apparatus characterized by comprising the heat-generating assembly described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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