Heat-generating assembly, cleaning assembly, and aerosol generator

Abstract

A heating assembly (100), a cleaning assembly (600), and an aerosol generator (1000) are disclosed. The aerosol generator (1000) includes the heating assembly (100) and the cleaning assembly (600). The heating assembly (100) includes an outer tube (20) and a heating mechanism (1100) provided inside the outer tube (20). The cleaning assembly (600) includes a hollow member (610) and an electrode (620), the hollow member (610) being removably fitted outside the outer tube (20), and the electrode (620) being provided between the hollow member (610) and the outer tube (20), forming a gap between the electrode (620) and the outer wall (2001) of the outer tube (20), and configured to generate plasma in the gap (1300).

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] (Priority Information) The present application claims priority and interest from the application with application number 202311162649.9 and the patent application with application number 202311163631.0 filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on September 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, and in particular to a heat generating assembly, a cleaning assembly and an aerosol generating device. [[Background Art]]

[0003] In the related art, an aerosol generating device can generate aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate by heating. The aerosol generating device comprises an outer tube that can be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate. After aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating substrate, residues are likely to adhere to the outer tube, and these residues tend to reduce the heating efficiency for the aerosol generating substrate, causing adverse effects on aerosol generation. [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The present application provides a heat generating assembly, a cleaning assembly and an aerosol generating device. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] The heating assembly according to the embodiment of the present application includes an outer tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating spacer. The outer tube is in contact with the aerosol generating substrate, and at least a portion of both the first electrode and the second electrode is provided on the outer tube, with a gap between them, and the insulating spacer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, forming a gap between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and the insulating spacer, and when the first electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, plasma is generated in the gap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The heating assembly according to the embodiment of the present application generates plasma in the gap between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and the insulating spacer, and heats the aerosol generation substrate by utilizing the high temperature of the plasma generation process and the plasma itself, thereby shortening the preheating time and heating time required for aerosol generation.

[0007] In some embodiments, the insulating spacer is a pipe, at least a portion of the first electrode is inserted into the insulating spacer, and the second electrode is located outside the insulating spacer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the insulating spacer includes a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, the closed end being located inside the outer tube, and the first electrode being inserted into the insulating spacer from the open end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second electrode is a pipe, which is fitted outside the insulating spacer, and the upper end face of at least one of the first and second electrodes is lower than the upper end face of the insulating spacer.

[0010] In some embodiments, a perforated portion is formed in the second electrode, and a portion of the insulating spacer faces the outer tube through the perforated portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the thickness range of the insulating spacer is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second electrode is attached to an insulating spacer, or the second electrode is attached to the inner wall of the outer tube.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes an infrared radiation film, which is provided on at least one of an insulating spacer, an outer tube, a first electrode, and a second electrode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the insulating spacer includes a first insulating spacer and a second insulating spacer, the first insulating spacer covering the first electrode and the second insulating spacer covering the second electrode, and the first and second electrodes are arranged in parallel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a sealing member which is sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube and forms a first sealed space with the outer tube, the first sealed space contains a working gas, and at least a portion of the first electrode and / or second electrode is located within the first sealed space.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating assembly includes a base, the base having a second sealed space, the portion of the first electrode located outside the first sealed space, and / or one end having an opening in the outer tube located inside the second sealed space.

[0017] A cleaning assembly according to an embodiment of the present application includes a hollow member and an electrode. The hollow member is removably fitted to the outside of the outer tube of an aerosol generator, and the electrode is provided inside the hollow member and configured to form a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, generating plasma within the gap.

[0018] An aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present application includes a heating assembly and a cleaning assembly. The heating assembly includes an outer tube and a heating mechanism provided inside the outer tube, and the cleaning assembly includes a hollow member and an electrode, the hollow member being removably fitted to the outside of the outer tube, and the electrode being provided between the hollow member and the outer tube, forming a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and configured to generate plasma in the gap.

[0019] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention uses plasma generated between the hollow member and the outer tube by electrodes to heat and remove aerosol residue adhering to the outer tube, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating assembly for the aerosol generating substrate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the heating mechanism includes a first electrode and a second electrode, both of which are provided at least partially inside an outer tube, and the first electrode and the second electrode are provided opposite each other with a gap between them, and when the first electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode, plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, wherein the third electrode is provided between a hollow member and an outer tube, and the fourth electrode is provided at least partially inside the outer tube, and when the third electrode is electrically connected to the fourth electrode, plasma is generated in the gap.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode and the second electrode are configured as the same electrode. In some embodiments, when the first electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, the third electrode is electrically isolated from the fourth electrode, and when the third electrode is electrically conductive with the fourth electrode, the first electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode.

[0023] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a power supply, and a second electrode is electrically connected to a first power supply terminal of the power supply, and a third electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply terminal of the power supply when the hollow member is fitted outside the outer tube, and a first electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply terminal of the power supply when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube.

[0024] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises an electrical connection assembly, the electrical connection assembly comprises a first connector, a second connector and a third connector, the first connector is electrically connected to a first electrode, the second connector is electrically connected to a second power supply terminal, the third connector is disposed on a hollow member and electrically connected to a third electrode, when the hollow member is fitted outside an outer tube, the second connector is in contact with the third connector, and when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the second connector is in contact with the first connector.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrical connection assembly comprises an insulating member and an elastic member, the insulating member is connected to the third connector, the elastic member is connected to the first connector, in the process of fitting the hollow member into the outer tube, the insulating member pushes the first connector to move relative to the second connector to separate the first connector and the second connector, and deforms the elastic member; in the process of separating the hollow member from the outer tube, the elastic member recovers from deformation and pushes the first connector to contact the second connector.

[0026] In some embodiments, the third electrode is a pipe and is disposed on an inner wall of the hollow member.

[0027] In some embodiments, the heat generating assembly comprises an inner tube, at least a part of the inner tube is disposed in the outer tube, at least a part of the first electrode is disposed on the inner tube, and at least a part of the second electrode is disposed at one end of the inner tube.

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner tube comprises a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube at the first end surface, and the second electrode abuts against the second end surface.

[0029] In some embodiments, said electrode is a third electrode, when the first electrode is electrically conducted with the second electrode, the third electrode is electrically disconnected from the second electrode, and when the third electrode is electrically conducted with the second electrode, the first electrode is electrically disconnected from the second electrode.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application are partially shown in the following description, partially become apparent from the following description, or are understood through the practice of the present application.

[0031] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easier to understand from the description of embodiments with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a part of the structure of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the heat-generating assembly. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged section A in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a part of the structure of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a part of the structure of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is a bottom view of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] This is a bottom view of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] This is a bottom view of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] This is a bottom view of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of a heating assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly along the BB direction. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of the combination of the heating assembly and the cleaning assembly according to the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generator according to yet another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating assembly according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrical connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an electrical connection assembly according to the embodiment of the present application. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0033] Aerosol generator 1000, aerosol generating substrate 300, control center 400, PCBA board 410, control circuit 420, lid 500; Heating assembly 100, heating mechanism 1100, inner tube 10a, first end face 11, second end face 12, insulating spacer 10b, closed end 13, open end 14, first insulating spacer 151, second insulating spacer 152, outer tube 20, outer wall 2001, tapered end 21, open end 22, sealing member 23, first sealed space 201, first electrode 110, second electrode 120, projection 12 2. Discharge area 130, adiabatic gap 1002, gap 1300, first gap 1101, second gap 1202, base 90, central hole 1201, gap 1300, solenoid 30a, electrical connection wire 33, perforated section 35, infrared radiation film 60, first gap 1101, second gap 1202, first space 2010, second space 2020, base 90, second sealed space 902; Power supply 200, first power supply terminal 211, second power supply terminal 212, battery 210, transformer 220, first secondary side 221, second secondary side 222; Cleaning assembly 600, hollow member 610, side wall 611, hollow space 612, electrode 620, third electrode 630, fourth electrode 640, cleaning gap 603, electrical connection assembly 650, first connector 651, second connector 652, third connector 653, insulating member 654, elastic member 655, spring 6551. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below, but examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, and the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings consistently 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 illustrative purposes only, and should not be understood as limiting the application.

[0035] In the description of this application, directions 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 directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are used solely to facilitate or simplify the description of this application. It should be understood that these terms do not necessarily indicate or imply that the shown device or component has a specific direction, or a specific directional structure and operation, and therefore should not be interpreted as limiting this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features 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 otherwise clearly and specifically limited, "multiple" means two or more.

[0036] In this description, unless otherwise specifically defined and limited, the terms “attachment,” “connection,” and “connection” should be understood broadly, for example, and may include fixed connections, detachable connections, integral connections, mechanical connections, electrical connections, or even communication connections; they may be direct connections, indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two members or an interaction relationship between two members. A person skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application depending on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise specifically provided 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 by other features 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 indicate 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 indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0038] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to realize different configurations of the Application. For the sake of brevity of the disclosure, the components and setups of specific examples are described below. Naturally, these are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the Application. Furthermore, the Application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples, and this repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate relationships between the various embodiments and / or setups discussed. Also, the Application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0039] Embodiment 1 As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heating assembly 100 according to the embodiment of the present application includes an insulating spacer 10b, an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, and a second electrode 120. The outer tube 20 is in contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300. Both the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are provided at least partially inside the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are provided with a gap between them.

[0040] The insulating spacer 10b is provided between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and a gap 1300 is formed between the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 and at least a portion of the insulating spacer 10b. When the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, it is controlled so that plasma is generated within the gap 1300.

[0041] The heating assembly 100 according to the embodiment of the present application generates plasma in the gap 1300 between the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 and the insulating spacer 10b, and heats the aerosol generating substrate 300 by utilizing the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma itself, thereby shortening the preheating time and heating time required for aerosol generation.

[0042] Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by dielectric barrier discharge. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a high-voltage discharge between two electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric barrier layer. The insulating dielectric is a material with very low conductivity. Because an insulating dielectric is present between the two electrodes, the structure of a DBD device is similar to that of a capacitor, and it can conduct alternating current but hardly conducts direct current. Dielectric barrier discharge has uniform and stable characteristics, and the discharge process is almost silent.

[0043] When a high-voltage alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, electrons between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are accelerated by the strong electric field and gain sufficient energy, overcoming the energy barrier in the dielectric, causing an electron tunneling phenomenon to occur and forming a plasma.

[0044] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are separated by an insulating spacer 10b. Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b, and between the second electrode 120 and the insulating spacer 10b.

[0045] In some embodiments, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b, and at the same time, a second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating spacer 10b, and the gap 1300 includes the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202.

[0046] In some embodiments, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b. The second electrode 120 is in close contact with the insulating spacer 10b and can cover a portion of the surface of the insulating spacer 10b facing the outer tube 20, and the gap 1300 is the first gap 1101.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is in close contact with the insulating spacer 10b and can cover at least a portion of the insulating spacer 10b. A second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating spacer 10b, and the gap 1300 is the second gap 1202.

[0048] The width range of the first gap 1101 or the second gap 1202 may be 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm (the range includes the endpoint value, and similar expressions of numerical ranges below can be understood in the same way).

[0049] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, while maintaining overall electrical neutrality. Under the action of an electric field, a gas can be ionized to generate plasma. A large amount of heat is generated during the plasma generation process, and the temperature of the plasma in operation can reach 1400°C to 2000°C.

[0050] The heating assembly 100 according to the embodiment of the present application heats the aerosol generating substrate 300 by utilizing the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma. The heat of the plasma generated between the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b, and between the second electrode 120 and the insulating spacer 10b, is transferred to or radiated to the aerosol generating substrate 300 via the outer tube 20, thereby causing the aerosol generating substrate 300 to absorb the heat and generate an aerosol.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other, and a first gap 1101, an insulating spacer 10b, and a second gap 1202 are provided in order between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. An alternating current may be applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and plasma is generated in the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202. The heat of the plasma is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 in the form of thermal conduction or infrared radiation via the second electrode 120, the insulating spacer 10b, and the outer tube 20.

[0052] In some embodiments, a working gas can be filled between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The working gas is mainly present in the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202. The working gas may be air, nitrogen gas, argon gas, carbon dioxide, or the like.

[0053] The first electrode 110 may be made of a metal and / or alloy material with excellent conductivity. Different materials can be selected for the first electrode 110 depending on the working gas. For example, the first electrode 110 can be manufactured using at least one of the following materials: copper alloy, nickel and nickel-based alloy, stainless steel, zirconium, hafnium and tungsten.

[0054] For example, the material of the first electrode 110 is tungsten. Because tungsten has a high melting point and can withstand high temperatures, forming the first electrode 110 from tungsten makes it easy to generate an arc. However, because tungsten has low oxidation resistance, when using the first electrode 110 made of tungsten, it is necessary to fill it with a working gas that does not easily undergo oxidation reactions, such as nitrogen gas, argon gas, or carbon dioxide, and it is not possible to use a working gas containing oxygen gas, such as air.

[0055] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are configured to receive alternating current. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may each be connected to the opposite poles of a power supply 200. The power supply 200 may include a battery 210, a control circuit 420, and a transformer 220. The transformer 220 may be used for inverter boosting. The DC current from the battery 210 is converted to a high-voltage alternating current through the control circuit 420 and the transformer 220. The frequency of the alternating current may be 10 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0056] The frequency of the alternating current is 10 kHz to 1 MHz, which is sufficient to reach the voltage and power parameters required for dielectric barrier discharge and heat the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, in some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b is a pipe, at least a portion of the first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 is located outside the insulating spacer 10b.

[0058] In this way, the insulating spacer 10b shields the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to form a dielectric barrier discharge structure, thereby generating plasma.

[0059] Specifically, the insulating spacer 10b may be a hollow pipe, and may be called an inner tube in relation to the outer tube 20. The first electrode 110 may be columnar and coaxial with the insulating spacer 10b. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 is provided on the tube wall of the insulating spacer 10b, thereby separating the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by the tube wall of the insulating spacer 10b. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are each connected to one pole of a high-voltage alternating current, and an alternating electric field can be formed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. Under the action of the alternating electric field, electrons in the working gas gain sufficient energy to overcome the energy barrier of the insulating spacer 10b, causing the working gas to be ionized and generate plasma.

[0060] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be configured such that their ends are close together along the axial direction of the insulating spacer 10b and their lengths are approximately equal. Along the radial direction of the insulating spacer 10b, the first electrode 110 may leave a certain gap from the insulating spacer 10b or may be in close contact with the inner wall of the insulating spacer 10b. The second electrode 120 may leave a certain gap from the insulating spacer 10b or may be in close contact with the outer wall of the insulating spacer 10b. For example, the second electrode 120 may be plated onto the outer wall of the insulating spacer 10b.

[0061] The outer tube 20 may be fitted outside the second electrode 120 and may cover the insulating spacer 10b. Both the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may extend outside the outer tube 20 and be connected to the power supply 200.

[0062] The insulating spacer 10b may be made of a material with high insulating strength, such as quartz, glass, or ceramic. Alternatively, the insulating spacer 10b may be a quartz tube.

[0063] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, in some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b includes a closed end 13 and an open end 14 facing the closed end 13, the closed end 13 being located inside the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 being inserted into the insulating spacer 10b from the open end 14.

[0064] In this way, the closed end 13 can separate the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 so as to avoid the generation of an arc due to discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0065] Specifically, the closed end 13 and the open end 14 may be the axial ends of the insulating spacer 10b. The central axis of the insulating spacer 10b may pass through the center of the opening of the open end 14, so that the first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating spacer 10b from the open end 14 and is coaxial with the insulating spacer 10b. The closed end 13 of the insulating spacer 10b is inserted into the outer tube 20 and is located at one of the closed ends of the outer tube 20.

[0066] The outer tube 20 may be a hollow tube with one end closed and the other open. The open end of the outer tube 20 may be an open end 22, and the closed end may form a tapered end 21. The open end 22 and the closed end 13 may be opposite ends of the outer tube 20 in the axial direction. The apex of the tapered end 21 may be located on the central axis of the outer tube 20 and may protrude outside the outer tube 20. The closed end 13 of the insulating spacer 10b may be located on the tapered end 21 and may protrude slightly toward the apex of the tapered end 21. The shape of the closed end 13 may be tapered to match the tapered end 21.

[0067] The outer diameter range of the tubular insulating spacer 10b is 1 mm to 1.5 mm, and the wall thickness range is 0.2 mm to 1 mm. For example, the outer diameter range of the insulating spacer 10b may be 1 mm to 1.5 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm, 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm, 1.25 mm to 1.35 mm, etc. Also, for example, the outer diameter of the insulating spacer 10b may be 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, or 1.5 mm. The wall thickness range of the insulating spacer 10b may be 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.55 mm, etc. For example, the wall thickness of the insulating spacer 10b may be 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.6 mm. The inner diameter of the insulating spacer 10b, that is, the difference between the outer diameter and wall thickness of the insulating spacer 10b, is slightly larger than the diameter of the first electrode 110, or equal to the diameter of the first electrode 110.

[0068] The diameter range of the first electrode 110 is 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. For example, the diameter range of the first electrode 110 may be 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm, etc. Also, for example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 may be 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, or 0.8 mm.

[0069] As shown again in Figures 2 and 5, in some embodiments the second electrode 120 is a pipe, the second electrode 120 is fitted outside the insulating spacer 10b, and the upper end face of at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is lower than the upper end face of the insulating spacer 10b.

[0070] In this way, the first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 are fitted together in order to form a needle-shaped heating structure, which results in a compact structure and is advantageous for miniaturizing the device.

[0071] Specifically, the second electrode 120 may be coaxial with the insulating spacer 10b so as to cover the outer wall of the insulating spacer 10b. Along the axial direction of the insulating spacer 10b, the second electrode 120 may extend from the closed end 13 to the open end 14 of the insulating spacer 10b. At the open end 14 of the insulating spacer 10b, a portion of the second electrode 120 may be exposed outside the outer tube 20.

[0072] In this application, the direction from the closed end of the outer tube 20 toward the open end of the outer tube 20 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 is defined as the top-down direction.

[0073] The second electrode 120 is fitted outside the insulating spacer 10b, and the insulating spacer 10b is fitted outside the first electrode 110, so that the insulating spacer 10b is positioned between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and can isolate them. The first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 may all be inserted into the outer tube 20, and the end faces of the first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 are such that the end face closest to the tapered end 21 in the outer tube 20 is the upper end face. Either one of the upper surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is lower than the upper surface of the insulating spacer 10b, or both of the upper surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are lower than the upper surface of the insulating spacer 10b, thereby shielding the space between the upper surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 with the insulating spacer 10b (avoiding the generation of a plasma arc between the upper surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120), and as a result, dielectric barrier discharge occurs.

[0074] The second electrode 120 may be made of a material with high conductivity, such as a metallic material such as stainless steel, nickel, or nickel alloy.

[0075] The outer tube 20 covers the outer surface of the second electrode 120. A certain gap may be maintained between the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and the outer surface of the second electrode 120. The inner wall of the outer tube 20 may be in contact with the outer surface of the second electrode 120.

[0076] Exemplary, the first electrode 110, insulating spacer 10b, second electrode 120, and outer tube 20 are fitted together in sequence to form a needle-shaped heating assembly 100. The first electrode 110, insulating spacer 10b, second electrode 120, and outer tube 20 may be substantially coaxial. The needle-shaped heating assembly 100 may be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 from the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20 along the axial direction of the heating assembly 100. The outer wall of the outer tube 20 is in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0077] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 has a central hole 1201 that penetrates both ends of the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the second electrode 120, and the insulating spacer 10b is provided that penetrates the central hole 1201.

[0078] Specifically, the second electrode 120 may be a through-tube coaxial with the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b. The insulating spacer 10b is inserted into the second electrode 120 from a central hole 1201 at one end of the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the second electrode 120, and extends outside the second electrode 120 from a central hole 1201 at the other end. The closed end 13 and open end of the insulating spacer 10b may be exposed outside the second electrode 120 from central holes 1201 at both ends of the second electrode 120, respectively.

[0079] In some embodiments, the outer diameter range of the through-tube of the second electrode 120 is 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and the wall thickness range is 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0080] For example, the outer diameter range of the second electrode 120 may be 1.0 mm to 1.9 mm, 1.1 mm to 1.8 mm, 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm, 1.3 mm to 1.6 mm, 1.4 mm to 1.5 mm, etc., and the wall thickness range of the second electrode 120 may be 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.06 mm to 0.28 mm, 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm, 0.08 mm to 0.24 mm, 0.12 mm to 0.20 mm, 0.14 mm to 0.16 mm, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the outer diameter of the second electrode 120 may be 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.7 mm, or 2.0 mm, and the wall thickness of the second electrode 120 may be 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.21 mm, 0.25 mm, or 0.3 mm. The inner diameter of the second electrode 120, that is, the difference between the outer diameter and wall thickness of the second electrode 120, is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insulating spacer 10b, or equal to the outer diameter of the insulating spacer 10b.

[0082] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, in some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b may be a hollow pipe and is fitted outside the first electrode 110. One end of the insulating spacer 10b inserted into the outer tube 20 is closed, and the second electrode 120 is fitted outside the insulating spacer 10b. The first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 have substantially the same central axis, and their radii may increase sequentially. The inner diameter of the insulating spacer 10b is slightly larger than the diameter of the first electrode 110, and the inner diameter of the second electrode 120 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insulating spacer 10b. As a result, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b, and a second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating spacer 10b.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b may be a plate, and the first electrode 110 is provided on one side of the insulating spacer 10b. The surface of the insulating spacer 10b facing the first electrode 110 maintains a certain distance from the first electrode 110, forming a first gap 1101. The second electrode 120 is provided on the opposite side from the first electrode 110. The surface of the insulating spacer 10b facing the second electrode 120 maintains a certain distance from the second electrode 120, forming a second gap 1202.

[0084] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9, in some embodiments, a perforated portion 35 is formed on the second electrode 120, and a portion of the insulating spacer 10b faces the outer tube 20 through the perforated portion 35.

[0085] In this way, the second electrode 120 can adjust the plasma distribution through the perforated portion 35 and further adjust the temperature field of the heating assembly 100.

[0086] Specifically, the second electrode 120 can form a perforated portion 35 by means of slots or a helical structure. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the second electrode 120 is a tube, and the perforated portion 35 is formed by cutting the wall of the tube. As another example, as shown in Figure 9, the second electrode 120 is a wire that extends by being wound along the axial direction of the insulating spacer 10b, forming a solenoid 30a, and the pitch d of at least a portion of the solenoid 30a is greater than 0, thereby forming the perforated portion 35.

[0087] Furthermore, since plasma is mainly generated in the region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other, the temperature is high and heat is concentrated in this region. The direction from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 may be from top to bottom, and the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 from the tapered end 21. The region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other may be the tapered end 21 that is close to the outer tube 20 in order to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300. The perforated portion 35 may be mainly distributed in the space below the region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other, thereby reducing the downward transfer of heat and improving the heat utilization rate when heating the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0088] In some embodiments, the perforated portion 35 may be distributed in the region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other. Plasma is not generated between the position where the perforated portion 35 of the second electrode 120 is located and the first electrode 110, and plasma is generated at the position facing the first electrode 110 after the second electrode 120 has been perforated. Therefore, different perforated portions 35 can be designed as needed, and further different plasma and temperature distributions can be designed.

[0089] For example, as shown again in Figure 9, if the pitch at both the upper and lower ends of the solenoid 30a is smaller than the pitch d of the intermediate portion, the area of ​​the perforated portion 35 in the intermediate portion is larger, heat is released more easily, and the temperature of the intermediate portion is lower.

[0090] In some embodiments, the thickness range of the insulating spacer 10b is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0091] In this way, the insulating spacer 10b prevents the generation of a discharge arc between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and also has a certain level of support strength and impact resistance.

[0092] Specifically, the insulating spacer 10b may be a pipe, and the wall thickness range of the pipe is 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. The insulating spacer 10b may also be a plate, and the wall thickness range of the plate is 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the wall thickness range of the insulating spacer 10b may be 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm, etc. Also, for example, the wall thickness of the insulating spacer 10b may be 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.6 mm.

[0093] As shown again in Figures 8 and 10, in some embodiments the insulating spacer 10b may be a plate. The insulating spacer 10b is inserted into the outer tube 20, with one end close to the tapered end 21, extending from the tapered end 21 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, and a portion of the other end exposed to the outside of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22. The insulating spacer 10b divides the inside of the outer tube 20 into a first space 2010 and a second space 2020. At least a portion of the first electrode 110 is located in the first space 2010, and at least a portion of the second electrode 120 is located in the second space 2020.

[0094] The first electrode 110 may be columnar and is provided penetrating the first space 2010. The second electrode 120 may also be columnar and is provided penetrating the second space 2020. Both the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be metal wires.

[0095] The first electrode and / or the second electrode may be in the form of a long plate. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may both be metal plate electrodes, and are provided penetrating the first space 2010 and the second space 2020, respectively. The plate-shaped first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be substantially parallel.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10, an insulating spacer 10b is fitted into the outer tube 20, and the formed first space 2010 and second space 2020 are relatively sealed within the outer tube 20. The radial width of the insulating spacer 10b in the outer tube 20 is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer tube 20, so that the insulating spacer 10b abuts against two opposing sides of the inner wall of the outer tube 20 along the radial direction of the outer tube 20. The insulating spacer 10b extends along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the tapered end 21 and the other end extending outside the outer tube 20 from the open end 22.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 11, the radial width of the insulating spacer 10b of the outer tube 20 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer tube 20, and at least one side of the insulating spacer 10b abuts against the inner wall of the outer tube 20 along the radial direction of the outer tube 20. The insulating spacer 10b divides the inside of the outer tube 20 into a first space 2010 and a second space 2020 that communicate with each other.

[0098] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, both sides of the insulating spacer 10b along the radial direction of the outer tube 20 maintain a constant distance from the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and the insulating spacer 10b is suspended inside the outer tube 20. The insulating spacer 10b divides the inside of the outer tube 20 into a first space 2010 and a second space 2020 that communicate with each other.

[0099] In some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b may be tubular and cover the outer surface of at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0100] As shown in Figure 13, in some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b includes a first insulating spacer 151 and a second insulating spacer 152, the first insulating spacer 151 covering the first electrode 110 and the second insulating spacer 152 covering the second electrode 120, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are arranged in parallel.

[0101] In this way, gaps 1300 are formed between the first electrode 110 and the first insulating spacer 151, and between the second electrode 120 and the second insulating spacer 152, and the plasma is generated within these gaps 1300 and releases heat.

[0102] Specifically, the first insulating spacer 151 and the second insulating spacer 152 may be made of a flexible insulating material with low rigidity. For example, the first insulating spacer 151 may be formed by covering the first electrode 110 with rubber, insulating tape, etc., and the second insulating spacer 152 may be formed by covering the second electrode 120 with rubber, insulating tape, etc.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may both be columnar in shape. For example, two metal wires arranged parallel to each other inside the outer tube 20 may be the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may also be plate-shaped, and their broad surfaces may face each other. For example, two metal plates arranged parallel to each other inside the outer tube may be the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. One of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be columnar, and the other may be plate-shaped.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first insulating spacer 151 covers the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120 is provided in parallel with the first electrode 110 and forms a gap 1300 between it and the first insulating spacer 151, and the outer surface of the second electrode 120 is not covered by an insulating element.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second insulating spacer 152 covers the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 is provided in parallel with the second electrode 120 and forms a gap 1300 between it and the second insulating spacer 152, and the outer surface of the first electrode 110 does not need to be covered with an insulating element.

[0106] As shown in Figure 15, in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is attached to the insulating spacer 10b.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is attached to the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0108] In this way, the positional constraints of the second electrode 120 are clearly defined, the assembly is compact, and it is easy to install.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 may be a thin-walled pipe fitted outside the insulating spacer 10b, and the outer tube 20 fitted outside the second electrode 120. The tube wall of the second electrode 120 may be in close contact with the outer surface of the insulating spacer 10b, or in close contact with the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 may be a metal film, a semiconductor film, or a coating layer. The second electrode 120 may be plated or coated onto the insulating spacer 10b to cover the surface of the insulating spacer 10b facing the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 may also be plated or coated onto the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can control the temperature of the outer tube 20 by adjusting the plasma output.

[0112] As shown again in Figure 6, in some embodiments the heating assembly 100 includes an infrared radiation film 60, which is provided on at least one of the insulating spacer 10b, the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110, and the second electrode 120.

[0113] This improves the heating capability of the heating assembly 100 by infrared radiation.

[0114] Specifically, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a coating layer attached to the insulating spacer 10b, the inner or outer wall surface of the outer tube 20, and / or the surface of the second electrode 120 that is away from the insulating spacer 10b. 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 rays.

[0115] For example, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a thin film made of one or more materials from among iron-manganese-copper oxide, CrC, TiCN, diamond-like carbon (DLC), black silicon (HBQ), cordierite, transition metal oxide spinel, rare earth oxides, ion-co-doped perovskite, silicon carbide, zircon, and boron nitride. By using different materials, infrared radiation films 60 that absorb radiation in different wavelength bands can be manufactured.

[0116] In some embodiments, the infrared radiation film 60 is plated onto the surface of the second electrode 120 facing the outer tube 20.

[0117] In some embodiments, the infrared radiation film 60 is applied to the surface of the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0118] As shown again in Figures 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the heights of the ends of the first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 facing the same side along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 increase sequentially.

[0119] This allows the positions where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to the power supply 200 to be shifted, thereby increasing the insulation strength of the space where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to the power supply 200.

[0120] Specifically, the direction from the closed tapered end 21 to the open end 22 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be from top to bottom. The first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating spacer 10b may be inserted from the opening at the lower end of the outer tube 20 until they abut against the inner wall of the tapered end 21. The height of the ends of the first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 that are close to the open end 22 increases sequentially. The lower end surface of the insulating spacer 10b is located between the lower end surface of the first electrode 110 and the lower end surface of the second electrode 120, which can increase the insulating strength. The second electrode 120 does not have to extend from the outer tube 20, while the insulating spacer 10b and the first electrode 110 extend from the outer tube 20 through the open end 22. The lower end surface of the outer tube 20 may be located above the lower end surface of the second electrode 120 to facilitate wiring of the second electrode 120 to the outside.

[0121] In some embodiments, the outer diameter range of the outer tube 20 is 1.5 mm to 2.6 mm, and the wall thickness range is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0122] For example, the outer diameter range of the outer tube 20 may be 1.5mm to 2.6mm, 1.6mm to 2.5mm, 1.7mm to 2.4mm, 1.8mm to 2.2mm, 2.0mm to 2.15mm, etc. The wall thickness range of the outer tube 20 may be 0.3mm to 0.5mm, 0.32mm to 0.48mm, 0.36mm to 0.45mm, 0.39mm to 0.43mm, etc.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.15 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.6 mm, etc. The wall thickness of the outer tube 20 may be 0.31 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.33 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.41 mm, 0.44 mm, 0.5 mm, etc.

[0124] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the dimensions by which the first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 extend outside the outer tube 20 are progressively reduced.

[0125] This facilitates the wiring of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to the power supply 200 and prevents dielectric breakdown caused by overlapping wiring of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0126] Specifically, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 both extend from the open end 22 and are connected to the power supply 200 via the electrical connection line 33. The first electrode 110, the insulating spacer 10b, and the second electrode 120 all partially extend outside the outer tube 20 through the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, and the lower end surface of the insulating spacer 10b is located between the lower end surface of the first electrode 110 and the lower end surface of the second electrode 120. The dimensions of the end of the first electrode 110 exposed outside the outer tube 20 are greater than the dimensions of the exposed end of the insulating spacer 10b, and both are greater than the dimensions of the exposed ends of the second electrode 120.

[0127] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a sealing member 23 which is sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and forms a first sealed space 201 with the outer tube 20, the first sealed space contains the working gas, and at least a portion of the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 is located within the first sealed space 201.

[0128] This prevents the leakage of harmful gases generated by the discharge and also blocks the unpleasant odor caused by the discharge.

[0129] Specifically, the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the outer tube 20 heats the aerosol generating substrate 300. The first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating spacer 10b are inserted at least partially into the outer tube 20, generating plasma inside the outer tube 20. The tapered end 21 and the sealing member 23 seal the inside of the outer tube 20, forming a first sealed space 201. Since the plasma is generated in the sealed first sealed space 201, leakage of off-odors due to discharge is reduced, the working gas filling passage and exhaust gas discharge passage are isolated from the aerosol suction passage (not shown), and the suction of harmful gases generated by the discharge can be avoided.

[0130] For example, adhesive is applied to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, between the second electrode 120 and the outer tube 20, between the insulating spacer 10b and the outer tube 20, and between the first electrode 110 and the insulating spacer 10b to form a sealing member 23.

[0131] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a base 90. A second sealed space 902 is formed in the base 90, and the portion of the first electrode 110 located outside the first sealed space 201, and one end of the outer tube 20 having an opening, are located within the second sealed space 902.

[0132] Since harmful gases such as ozone may be generated between the first electrode 110 and conductive elements such as wires within the base 90, the second sealed space 902 can further prevent leakage of harmful gases generated by the discharge.

[0133] Specifically, the heating assembly 100 is mounted on the base 90. The open end 22 of the outer tube 20, i.e., the end of the outer tube 20 having an opening, may be inserted into the base 90. The first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating spacer 10b may be partially inserted into the base 90, extending from the opening of the open end 22. The base 90 is mounted in a sealed manner between the wall of the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating spacer 10b.

[0134] For example, the inside of the base 90 may be sealed with adhesive.

[0135] Furthermore, when the working gas is air, a side reaction occurs during the plasma generation process in which oxygen gas is ionized and ozone is generated. Since plasma is generated between the insulating spacer 10b and the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 inside the outer tube 20, ozone leakage can be prevented by applying an ozone-absorbing substance to the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and the insulating spacer 10b. Inside the base 90, ozone may be generated between the first electrode 110 and conductive elements such as conductors inside the base 90, so an ozone-absorbing substance can be applied to the inner wall of the base 90 and the elements inside the base 90.

[0136] In some embodiments, the working gas is nitrogen gas, argon gas, carbon dioxide, etc., and the base 90 is sealed to the outer tube 20 to prevent leakage of the working gas.

[0137] As shown in Figure 3, the aerosol generator 1000 according to the present invention includes a heat-generating assembly 100 according to any of the above embodiments.

[0138] Specifically, the aerosol generator 1000 may include a battery 210, a PCBA board 410, a control circuit 420, a transformer 220, a heat-generating assembly 100, and a cover 500, etc.

[0139] In one embodiment, the battery 210 and the transformer 220 can constitute the power supply 200 for the heating assembly 100. The PCBA board and the control circuit can constitute the control center, which adjusts the power output from the external power supply to the first and second electrodes, and further adjusts the heating power of the heating assembly.

[0140] As shown in Figure 1, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are each connected to one pole of the transformer 220, and by applying a high-voltage alternating current, a high-intensity alternating electric field is formed in the outer tube 20, further generating plasma and producing high temperature and heat. The heating assembly 100 is connected to the lid 500, and the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the heat from the plasma is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 via the inner tube 10a and the outer tube 20. The aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat and atomizes to generate an aerosol.

[0141] As shown in Figures 3 and 16, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 1000 includes a cleaning assembly 600. The cleaning assembly 600 is used to generate plasma and remove impurities remaining after the aerosol generating substrate 300 has absorbed heat and generated an aerosol.

[0142] Embodiment 2: As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1000 according to the embodiment of the present application includes a heating assembly 100 and a cleaning assembly 600. The heating assembly 100 includes an outer tube 20 and a heating mechanism 1100 provided inside the outer tube 20. The cleaning assembly 600 includes a hollow member 610 and an electrode 620, the hollow member 610 being removably fitted outside the outer tube 20, and the electrode 620 being provided between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, forming a gap with the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, and configured to generate plasma in the gap.

[0143] For the sake of explanation, the gap formed by the electrode 620 provided between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, is the cleaning gap 603.

[0144] The aerosol generator 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention uses plasma generated between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 by the electrode 620 to heat and remove aerosol residue adhering to the outer tube 20, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating assembly 100 for the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0145] Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer tube 20 may be a hollow tube, with one end open, and the open end being an open end 22. The heating mechanism 1100 may be inserted into the outer tube 20 through the opening, so that the outer tube 20 covers at least a portion of the heating mechanism 1100. The outer tube 20 may be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 and in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300. The end of the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 may be closed. The closed end of the outer tube 20 can protrude sharply outward to form a tapered end 21. The cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20 includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, etc.

[0146] The heating mechanism 1100 may be a heating mechanism that uses plasma heating, resistance heating, and / or electromagnetic induction heating. At least a portion of the heating mechanism 1100 is located inside the outer tube 20. The heat generated in the heating mechanism 1100 is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 via the outer tube 20. The aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs a sufficient amount of heat and atomizes it outside the outer tube 20 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1000 is used for food, drug inhalation aids, etc.

[0147] The outer tube 20 may be made of a material such as quartz, quartz glass, or ceramic, which allows the outer tube 20 to transmit infrared rays, improves the heating efficiency for the aerosol generating substrate 300, and provides insulating protection to the heating mechanism 1100.

[0148] In the process of the heating assembly 100 heating the aerosol generating substrate 300, the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 300 can reach a temperature at which it atomizes and generates an aerosol without exceeding the ignition point of the aerosol generating substrate 300. Therefore, in the process of the aerosol generating device 1000 generating an aerosol, the aerosol generating substrate 300 does not need to burn.

[0149] When the aerosol generator 1000 is generating aerosols, the aerosol generating substrate 300 is heated by the outer tube 20 to generate aerosols, and the generated aerosols may be discharged outside the aerosol generator 1000 via an aerosol suction channel (not shown). When the aerosol generator 1000 finishes generating aerosols, it is necessary to stop heating the heat-generating assembly 100 and allow it to cool. During the cooling process of the heat-generating assembly 100, any aerosols that are not completely discharged outside the aerosol generator 1000 may remain and adhere to the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. Residues adhering to the outer tube 20 tend to reduce the heating efficiency of the outer tube 20 over the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0150] When the aerosol generator 1000 is in a cleaning state, the heating assembly 100 may be partially inserted into the cleaning assembly 600, as shown in Figure 16. Along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, the direction from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 may be from top to bottom. The hollow member 610 may cover the outer circumference of the outer tube 20 from top to bottom. In other words, the heating assembly 100 is inserted into the hollow member 610 of the cleaning assembly 600 from bottom to top.

[0151] In some embodiments, the hollow member 610 may be part of the aerosol generator 1000 and serve as support reinforcement, mounting and fixing, a lid, or a remover (a mechanism for removing the aerosol generating substrate 300). For example, the hollow member 610 may be integrally configured with the lid 500, or integrally configured with the cleaning assembly 600, or integrally configured with the remover. The cleaning assembly 600 may be an accessory or external device of the aerosol generator 1000 and is assembled to the aerosol generator 1000 when cleaning is required.

[0152] At least a portion of the outer tube 20 is housed in the hollow of the hollow member 610. The hollow member 610 may be columnar, and its cross-sectional shape may include, but is not limited to, a circular, approximately circular, elliptical, or quadrilateral shape, and can be matched to the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20. The depth of the hollow portion within the hollow member 610 can be matched to the length to which the outer tube 20 is inserted into the hollow member 610.

[0153] The hollow member 610 is fitted to the outside of the outer tube 20, and a certain distance is maintained between the inner surface of the hollow member 610 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. In other words, the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 are not in direct contact. In some embodiments, the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 can be in direct contact, allowing gas to enter between them.

[0154] The aerosol-generating substrate 300 may be coated on the outside of the outer tube 20, and the residue formed during aerosol generation is cooled and deposited on the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. The residue may be a highly adhesive organic material. The heat-generating assembly 100 is inserted into the cleaning assembly 600, and the residue may remain in other locations in the cleaning gap 603.

[0155] In some related technologies, cleaning heat-generating assemblies using physical cleaning methods can easily damage core elements of the heat-generating assembly, such as the outer tube, and it is difficult to achieve a thorough cleaning effect.

[0156] As shown again in Figure 1, in the embodiment of the present application, the electrode 620 is provided on the surface of the hollow member 610 facing the outer tube 20. At least a cleaning gap 603 is provided between the electrode 620 and the outer wall of the outer tube 20. When a voltage of a certain intensity is applied to the electrode 620 and the other electrode facing the electrode 620, the electrode 620 can discharge within the cleaning gap 603 and generate plasma. In some other embodiments, the electrode 620 may be provided on a surface other than the inner surface of the hollow member 610, that is, at least one insulating layer may be interposed between the electrode 620 and the outer tube 20. The other electrode mentioned above may be a heating electrode in the heating assembly 100, or it may be another electrode added inside the outer tube 20.

[0157] The cleaning assembly 600 can process residues using plasma generated in the cleaning gap 603, decomposing them into small molecules such as volatile organic compounds, hydroxides, and water vapor. The decomposition products of these small molecules can volatilize as gases. In this way, the cleaning assembly 600 can remove aerosol residues adhering to the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating substrate 300 when the heating assembly 100 is reused, which is advantageous for aerosol generation. At the same time, by using plasma to clean the outer tube 20, the cleaning assembly 600 is less likely to cause damage to the elements, heats up quickly, can reach over 500°C rapidly, has a high cleaning effect, and has a small heat capacity, resulting in a fast cooling rate, preventing the impact on the power supply and control center functions due to excessive heating of the equipment, making it easy to control the cleaning temperature, and having little impact on the reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0158] As shown in Figures 2 and 18, in some embodiments, the heating mechanism 1100 includes a first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120, both of which are provided at least partially inside the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are provided opposite each other with a gap between them, and when the first electrode 110 is electrically conductive with respect to the second electrode 120, plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0159] In this way, the heating mechanism 1100 can release a large amount of heat to the outside through the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma itself, thereby heating the aerosol generation substrate 300.

[0160] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, while maintaining overall electrical neutrality. Under the action of an electric field, a gas can be ionized to generate plasma. During the plasma generation process, a large amount of heat is generated, and the plasma can reach a temperature of 1000°C or higher in a stable state. The aerosol generator 1000 according to the embodiment of this application can generate aerosols by heating an aerosol generation substrate 300 using the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma. The generated aerosols can be drawn in through a suction port.

[0161] The heating mechanism 1100 may include an inner tube 10a. The inner tube 10a may be a hollow tube. The first electrode 110 may be columnar, with a portion inserted into the inner tube 10a. The second electrode 120 may be a hollow tube, fitted outside the inner tube 10a. The inner tube 10a can be made of a material with high insulating strength, such as quartz or ceramic. At least a portion of the inner tube 10a is located between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and to provide insulating protection, the inner tube 10a may be an insulating spacer 10b. The outer tube 20 is fitted outside the second electrode 120 and the inner tube 10a.

[0162] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 18, the space between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is not shielded by other objects. The space between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, spaced apart and facing each other, is a discharge region 130, where plasma is generated, causing the temperature at the center of the discharge region 130 to be higher than other parts of the heating assembly 100. When a voltage of a constant magnitude and frequency is applied, discharge breakdown occurs between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, generating plasma through arc discharge. The generation of the discharge arc may be accompanied by a hissing sound. In this embodiment, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be connected to a direct current or to an alternating current. When a direct current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate plasma using the direct current. When an alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate plasma using the alternating current. When a voltage of a certain magnitude and frequency is applied, plasma may be generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by glow discharge. The glow discharge process may be accompanied by a glow of a specific color.

[0163] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, in the space where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other, at least a portion of the insulating spacer 10b forms a gap 1300 with the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120, and plasma is generated in the gap 1300. In this embodiment, plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by dielectric barrier discharge. In this embodiment, a high-voltage alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0164] As shown in Figures 1 and 17, in some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 600 includes a third electrode 630 and a fourth electrode 640, wherein the third electrode 630 is the electrode 620. The third electrode 630 is provided between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, and at least a portion of the fourth electrode 640 is provided inside the outer tube 20. When the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 640, plasma is generated in the cleaning gap 603.

[0165] In this way, at least a portion of the space between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 is shielded by the outer tube 20, and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 generate plasma in the cleaning gap 603 by dielectric barrier discharge, thereby allowing the cleaning assembly 600 to use the plasma to clean the outer tube 20.

[0166] Specifically, the third electrode 630 may be provided between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20. One side of the third electrode 630 faces the hollow member 610, and the opposite side faces the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. A cleaning gap 603 is formed between the side of the third electrode 630 facing the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20.

[0167] A portion of the hollow member 610 may surround the central axis of the outer tube 20 to form a side wall 611 and a hollow space 612. The third electrode 630 may be fixedly attached to the side wall 611. The side of the third electrode 630 facing the hollow member 610 may be attached to the hollow member 610, or it may be provided at a certain distance from the hollow member 610. The third electrode 630 may be a pipe, a plate, or a conductive film or conductive circuit applied to the inner surface of the hollow member 610.

[0168] The fourth electrode 640 may be tubular in shape, fitted to the outside of the inner tube 10a, and inserted into the inside of the outer tube 20. The fourth electrode 640 may be configured such that a portion of one end inserted into the outer tube 20 abuts against the tapered end 21, and extends along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22. In this embodiment, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 may be two electrodes provided inside the outer tube 20.

[0169] The fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630 face each other in at least part. For example, the portion of the fourth electrode 640 extending along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 faces the portion of the third electrode 630 that is attached to the side wall 611. The third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are each connected to the opposite poles of the power supply 200, thereby enabling a discharge between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 to generate plasma.

[0170] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 is provided at a certain distance from the wall of the outer tube 20, thereby forming an insulating gap 1002 between the fourth electrode 640 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The third electrode 630 may be attached to the inner surface of the hollow member 610. Between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, a cleaning gap 603, the outer tube 20, and the insulating gap 1002 are provided in that order. The insulating gap 1002 can reduce the risk of overheating of the outer tube 20 in the heat-generating assembly 100.

[0171] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 is attached to the inner surface of the outer tube 20 and faces the third electrode 630, with the wall of the outer tube 20 and a cleaning gap 603 interposed between them.

[0172] One end of the fourth electrode 640 that abuts against the tapered end 21 may be closed. The shape of the fourth electrode 640 may match the shape of the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and one end of the fourth electrode 640 that abuts against the tapered end 21 may protrude toward the inner wall of the outer tube 20 to match the end shape of the outer tube 20. The third electrode 630 may be partially provided in the hollow member 610 at a position opposite the tapered end 21, thereby allowing the plasma generated between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 to remove residue from the upper part of the outer tube 20.

[0173] Furthermore, at least one of the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 is shielded and covered by the outer tube 20. Plasma is generated between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 by dielectric barrier discharge. As described above, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are configured to have a high-voltage alternating current applied to them. In the plasma generation process by dielectric barrier discharge, electrons between the two electrodes are accelerated by a strong electric field to gain sufficient energy, overcome the energy barrier in the dielectric, and an electron tunneling phenomenon occurs, generating plasma.

[0174] In some embodiments, the air in the cleaning gap 603 can be used as a working gas to ionize and generate plasma. Alternatively, the cleaning gap 603 can be filled with nitrogen gas, argon gas, carbon dioxide, etc., to serve as the working gas.

[0175] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 are configured as the same electrode.

[0176] In this way, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 become the same electrode, which simplifies the internal structure of the heating assembly 100, simplifies the circuit wiring of the aerosol generator 1000, and further reduces costs.

[0177] Specifically, both the second electrode 120 and the fourth electrode 640 can discharge and generate plasma when a high voltage is applied to them facing the other electrodes. The second electrode 120 and the fourth electrode 640 may both be discharge elements provided on the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 generates plasma to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300 and generate an aerosol, and the fourth electrode 640 generates plasma to remove residue after aerosol generation, and it is not necessary to generate plasma during use. Therefore, one electrode may be provided inside the outer tube 20, and this electrode faces the first electrode 110 inside the outer tube 20 and the third electrode 630 outside the outer tube 20. This electrode functions as the second electrode 120 when electrically connected to the first electrode 110 and as the fourth electrode 640 when electrically connected to the third electrode 630.

[0178] In some embodiments, when the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, the third electrode 630 is electrically disconnected from the fourth electrode 640, and when the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 640, the first electrode 110 is electrically disconnected from the second electrode 120.

[0179] In this way, by staggering the operating stages of the cleaning assembly 600 and the heating assembly 100, the possibility that the cleaning process of the cleaning assembly 600 may adversely affect the heating process of the heating assembly 100 can be reduced.

[0180] Specifically, the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120 (fourth electrode 640), and the third electrode 630 may be connected to the same power supply 200. As can be understood from the above explanation, when the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge within the outer tube 20 to generate plasma and release a large amount of heat, and the aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat outside the outer tube 20 to generate an aerosol. When the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 640, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 discharge outside the outer tube 20 to generate plasma and cauterize the residue after aerosol generation.

[0181] When the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, the cleaning assembly 600 can maintain a sufficient distance from the heating assembly 100, and the heating assembly 100 is not inserted into the hollow member 610.

[0182] When the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 640, the heating assembly 100 is inserted into the cleaning assembly 600, and at least a portion of the outer tube 20 faces the third electrode 630.

[0183] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 1000 includes a power supply 200, the second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 211 of the power supply 200, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212 of the power supply 200 when the hollow member 610 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212 of the power supply 200 when the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20.

[0184] In this way, the same set of power supplies 200 can selectively supply power to one set of electrodes, either the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, or the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 (fourth electrode 640), depending on the usage state of the cleaning assembly 600. As a result, in the aerosol generator 1000, in the aerosol generation state, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120 and the third electrode 630 is electrically disconnected from the fourth electrode 640. In the cleaning state, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 640 and the first electrode 110 is electrically disconnected from the second electrode 120.

[0185] Specifically, the power supply 200 may include a battery 210, and the battery 210 may be a single battery or a battery pack. The first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212 can each form a high potential and a low potential terminal. The second electrode 120 and the first power supply terminal 211, the third electrode 630 and the second power supply terminal 212, and the first electrode 110 and the second power supply terminal 212 are all connected by wiring and can conduct circuits.

[0186] When the hollow member 610 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, the aerosol generator 1000 is in a cleaning state, and the cleaning assembly 600 uses plasma to clean the heat-generating assembly 100. The second electrode 120, i.e., the fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630, are connected to the first and second power supply terminals 211 and 212, respectively, which have different potentials, forming a potential difference between the fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630, and further generating plasma in the cleaning gap 603 due to the action of the electric field. In this case, the first electrode 110 is electrically isolated from the second electrode 120, and almost no plasma is generated in the heat-generating assembly 100.

[0187] When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the aerosol generator 1000 is in an aerosol generation state, and the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are connected to the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212, respectively, which have different potentials. A potential difference is generated between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, which generates plasma in the heating mechanism 1100 due to the action of the electric field, heating the aerosol generation substrate 300 and generating aerosols. In this case, the third electrode 630 is electrically isolated from the fourth electrode 640, and almost no plasma is generated in the cleaning assembly 600.

[0188] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 1000 further includes a control center 400, which is connected to the heating assembly 100 and the power supply 200, and can control the heating temperature of the heating assembly 100 by adjusting the output power of the power supply 200.

[0189] As shown in Figures 1, 19, and 20, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 1000 includes an electrical connection assembly 650, which includes a first connector 651, a second connector 652, and a third connector 653, the first connector 651 being connected to a first electrode 110, the second connector 652 being electrically connected to a second power supply terminal 212, and the third connector 653 being provided on a hollow member 610 and electrically connected to a third electrode 630. When the hollow member 610 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, the second connector 652 is in contact with the third connector 653, and when the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the second connector 652 is in contact with the first connector 651.

[0190] In this way, the electrical connection assembly 650 controls the electrical connection between the second electrode 120 and either the first electrode 110 or the third electrode 630, and further controls whether the aerosol generator 1000 is in an aerosol generation state or a cleaning state.

[0191] Specifically, at least a portion of the electrical connection assembly 650 is fitted inside the hollow member 610. The first connector 651, the second connector 652, and the third connector 653 may all be fitted into the hollow member 610, or only the third connector 653 may be fitted into the hollow member 610. A portion of the electrical connection assembly 650 may be exposed from the surface of the hollow member 610.

[0192] When the hollow member 610 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, as shown in Figures 20 and 1, the second connector 652 contacts the third connector 653, the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212, and the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the third connector 653, thereby electrically connecting the third electrode 630 to the second power supply terminal 212. When the fourth electrode 640 is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 211, when the hollow member 610 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 640, the first electrode 110 is electrically disconnected from the second electrode 120 (fourth electrode 640), and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 discharge in the cleaning gap 603 to generate plasma and clean the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. In this case, the aerosol generator 1000 is in a cleaning state.

[0193] When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, as shown in Figures 19 and 1, the second connector 652 contacts the first connector 651, the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212, and the first connector 651 is electrically connected to the first electrode 110, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode 110 to the second power supply terminal 212. When the second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 211, if the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically conductive with the second electrode 120, and the third electrode 630 is electrically isolated from the fourth electrode 640 (second electrode 120). The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are spaced apart in the inner tube 10a, generating plasma, releasing heat, atomizing the aerosol generating substrate 300, and generating aerosols. In this case, the aerosol generator 1000 is in a state where it is generating aerosols.

[0194] As shown again in Figures 1, 19 and 20, in some embodiments the electrical connection assembly 650 includes an insulating member 654 and an elastic member 655, the insulating member 654 being connected to a third connector 653 and the elastic member 655 being connected to a first connector 651, and in the process of the hollow member 610 being fitted into the outer tube 20, the insulating member 654 pushes the first connector 651 and moves it toward the second connector 652, separating the first connector 651 and the second connector 652, and deforms the elastic member 655, and in the process of the hollow member 610 being separated from the outer tube 20, the elastic member 655 recovers from its deformation and pushes the first connector 651 and brings it into contact with the second connector 652.

[0195] Thus, a simple mechanical structure enables control over the conduction and interruption of two sets of electrodes, resulting in low cost and high practicality.

[0196] Specifically, the insulating member 654 includes, but is not limited to, quartz blocks, ceramic blocks, rubber blocks, etc. The elastic member 655 may be a spring 6551, an elastic rope, elastic rubber, etc. Taking the example that the elastic member 655 is a spring 6551, one end of the spring 6551 may be fixed to one side of the first connector 651 and the other end may be fixed to the cleaning device. The first connector 651, the second connector 652, and the third connector 653 may all be made of a metal material with good conductivity.

[0197] In one embodiment, as the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 gradually separate, the spring 6551 gradually extends, pushing up the first connector 651 and bringing the first connector 651 and the second connector 652 closer together. When the hollow member 610 is completely separated from the outer tube 20, as shown in Figure 19, the elastic support force due to the extension of the spring 6551 is sufficient to support the first connector 651 and the second connector 652 so that they can maintain surface contact, thereby forming an electrical connection, and furthermore, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212, and the first electrode 110 is electrically conductive with the second electrode 120.

[0198] In response to this, as the hollow member 610 is fitted into the outer tube 20, the insulating member 654 is positioned between the first connector 651 and the third connector 653. When the second connector 652 is pushed and the spring 6551 is pressed, the spring 6551 is compressed and shortened, causing the first connector 651 to gradually detach from the second connector 652, and the third connector 653 to gradually move in conjunction with the movement of the insulating member 654 until it comes into contact with the second connector 652. When the hollow member 610 is fully fitted in a predetermined position outside the outer tube 20, as shown in Figure 20, the third connector 653 contacts the second connector 652, and the first connector 651 is completely disconnected from the second connector 652. As a result, the second power supply terminal connected to the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the third electrode 630 connected to the third connector 653, the first electrode 110 is electrically disconnected from the second electrode 120, and the third electrode 630 is electrically conductive with the fourth electrode 640 (second electrode 120).

[0199] The structure in which the first connector 651 is pushed up via the insulating member 654 is merely one way in which the aerosol generator 1000 according to the present invention controls the electrical connection of the electrodes. The method for achieving electrical connection and control is not limited to the embodiments shown above, and further includes, for example, magnetic attraction control that controls the conduction and interruption of the circuit using a method such as magnetic attraction.

[0200] As shown again in Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the power supply 200 includes a transformer 220, the first secondary side 221 of the transformer 220 forms a first power supply end 211, and the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220 forms a second power supply end 212.

[0201] In this way, the power supply 200 can provide high-voltage alternating current to the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, the third electrode 630, and the fourth electrode 640 by utilizing a battery 210 that has low power and volume.

[0202] In transformer 220, the power supply side is the primary side, and the non-power supply side, or the high-voltage side of a step-up transformer, or the low-voltage side of a pressure-reducing transformer, is the secondary side. If the number of coil turns in the lines corresponding to different secondary sides are different, then their terminal voltages will also be different. Therefore, transformer 220 can provide the corresponding voltages to different lines.

[0203] Specifically, the transformer 220 according to the embodiment of the present application can apply a high-voltage alternating current between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 using a step-up transformer. The voltage required for plasma generation by glow discharge or dielectric barrier discharge is typically 10 3 ~10 4 This is an order. In response to the requirement to miniaturize the aerosol generator 1000, there is a limit to the output voltage of the battery 210 that can be used with the power supply 200. Therefore, a step-up transformer can be used to apply a high voltage to the electrodes.

[0204] As described above, the second electrode 120 (fourth electrode 640) is electrically connected to the first secondary side 221 of the transformer 220. When the hollow member 610 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220, and when a high-voltage alternating current is applied to the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, an alternating electric field with a large electric field strength is formed in the cleaning gap 603. When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220, and an alternating electric field with a large electric field strength is formed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0205] As shown in Figures 1 and 17, in some embodiments, the third electrode 630 is a pipe and is provided on the inner wall of the hollow member 610.

[0206] Thus, the third electrode 630 is a pipe and is provided on the inner wall of the hollow member 610, which makes it easy to install and restrict the position of the third electrode 630.

[0207] Specifically, the hollow space 612 of the hollow member 610 may be formed so that the hollow member 610 surrounds the central axis of the outer tube 20. The hollow member 610 also has two ends, one closed and the other open, in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The side walls 611 of the hollow member 610 may surround the outer tube 20 and extend along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. Part of the heating assembly 100 is inserted into the hollow space 612 through the opening of the hollow member 610, and part of it is exposed to the outside of the hollow member 610 through the opening of the hollow member 610.

[0208] For example, the third electrode 630 may be a hollow tube with a thin wall that adheres closely to the inner wall surface of the hollow member 610. The third electrode 630 is fitted outside the outer tube 20, is coaxial with the outer tube 20, and has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer tube 20. The cross-sectional shapes of the third electrode 630 and the outer tube 20 include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, square, polygonal, etc., and the inner diameter of the third electrode 630 may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the third electrode 630, and the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle tangent to the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20.

[0209] The direction from the closed end of the hollow member 610 to the open end of the hollow member 610 may be from top to bottom. The axial direction of the third electrode 630 may be substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The upper end of the third electrode 630 can abut the deepest point in the axial direction of the third electrode 630 in the hollow space 612.

[0210] In some embodiments, the third electrode 630 may have openings at both ends along its axial direction, and the third electrode 630 is attached to the side wall 611 and faces the portion of the fourth electrode 640 that extends axially along the outer tube 20. Along the radial direction of the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 may resemble a pair of parallel plate electrodes. A cleaning gap 603 is provided in the space between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, and plasma is generated in the cleaning gap 603.

[0211] In some embodiments, the upper end of the third electrode 630 can be closed and in close contact with the inner wall surface of the outer tube 20 of the hollow member 610, facing the tapered end 21. The closed upper end of the third electrode 630 (not shown) may be provided facing the fourth electrode 640 via the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20. The cleaning gap 603 further includes a gap formed between the outer wall 2001 of the tapered end 21 and the upper end of the third electrode 630.

[0212] The third electrode 630 may be made of a metallic or alloy material with good conductivity. For example, the third electrode 630 can be manufactured using at least one of the following materials: copper alloy, nickel and nickel-based alloy, stainless steel, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten.

[0213] As shown in Figure 18, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes an inner tube 10a, the inner tube 10a being inserted into the outer tube 20 in at least a portion, the first electrode 110 being inserted into the inner tube 10a in at least a portion, and the second electrode 120 being provided at at least a portion at one end of the inner tube 10a.

[0214] In this manner, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other in the inner tube 10a, generating a plasma arc in the inner tube 10a and improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating substrate 300 through arc discharge.

[0215] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner tube 10a is a through tube having openings at both ends along its axial direction, and the openings penetrate the inner tube 10a axially. The inner tube 10a is inserted into the outer tube 20, with one end close to the tapered end 21. The second electrode 120 may be a pipe, with one end closed and provided at the end of the inner tube 10a that is close to the tapered end 21. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the inner tube 10a, and the second electrode 120 may be fitted outside the inner tube 10a. Thus, the first electrode 110, inner tube 10a, second electrode 120, and outer tube 20 are fitted in order to constitute the heating assembly 100. In some embodiments, the first electrode 110, inner tube 10a, second electrode 120, and outer tube 20 may be substantially coaxial.

[0216] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are provided at predetermined distances from each other in the inner tube 10a, with portions located at the ends of the inner tube 10a. The space in the inner tube 10a where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are spaced apart is the discharge region 130, and the plasma is generated within the discharge region 130. The distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, that is, the axial length range of the discharge region 130, may be 4 mm to 10 mm. For example, the axial length range of the discharge region 130 may be 4 mm to 10 mm, 5 mm to 8 mm, 6 mm to 7 mm, 5.5 mm to 6 mm, etc. Also, for example, the axial length of the discharge region 130 may be 4.1 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc.

[0217] As shown in Figure 18, in some embodiments, the inner tube 10a 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 10a at the first end face 11 and the second electrode 120 is in contact with the second end face 12.

[0218] Thus, the assembly of the heating mechanism 1100 is clear and simple, which is advantageous for the production of the heating assembly 100.

[0219] Specifically, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 may be the end faces at both ends of the inner tube 10a in the axial direction. The inner tube 10a is inserted into the outer tube 20, and one end having the second end face 12 may be close to the tapered end 21, and a part of the other end having the first end face 11 may be exposed to the outside of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22. The inner tube 10a is a through tube, and its through hole can pass through the centers of the first end face 11 and the second end face 12.

[0220] The portion of the second electrode 120 that contacts the second end face 12 may be disc-shaped and attached to the second end face 12. A portion of the second electrode 120 may be inserted into the inner tube 10a from the center of the second end face 12 to form a projection 122. The first electrode 110 may be inserted into the inner tube 10a from the central opening of the first end face 11, and one end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10a faces the second electrode 120 and is provided at a predetermined distance from the first end face 11. In this embodiment, the distance between the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 and the first end face 11 is approximately equal to the distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be the arcuate surface of a slightly protruding projection 122, and is facing the projection 122, thereby contributing to the generation of a plasma arc by utilizing the principle of tip discharge.

[0221] The wiring connecting the second electrode 120 and the first power supply terminal 211 is routed out from between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12, thereby offsetting it from the routing of the wiring connecting the first electrode 110 and the second power supply terminal 212. As described above, the inner tube 10a can provide insulating protection between the wiring connecting the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212.

[0222] In some embodiments, the insulating spacer 10b may be a plate and is attached to at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0223] In some embodiments, electrode 620 is a third electrode 630, and when the first electrode 110 is electrically conductive with the second electrode 120, the third electrode 630 is electrically disconnected from the second electrode 120, and when the third electrode 630 is electrically conductive with the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 is electrically disconnected from the second electrode 120.

[0224] Thus, when the heating assembly 100 generates plasma to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300, the cleaning assembly 600 is electrically shut off, and when the cleaning assembly 600 generates plasma to clean the outer tube 20, the heating assembly 100 is electrically shut off, thereby preventing the aerosol generation and cleaning processes of the aerosol generator 1000 from interfering with each other.

[0225] When the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, the cleaning assembly 600 can maintain a sufficient distance from the heating assembly 100, the heating assembly 100 is not inserted into the hollow member 610, and the third electrode 630 is electrically isolated from the second electrode 120. When the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge within the outer tube 20 to generate plasma and release a large amount of heat, and the aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat outside the outer tube 20 to generate an aerosol.

[0226] The heating assembly 100 is inserted into the cleaning assembly 600, and the outer tube 20 forms a cleaning gap 603 with at least a portion facing the third electrode 630, and the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120. When the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 discharge into the cleaning gap 603 between the third electrode 630 and the outer wall 2001 to generate plasma, which cauterizes the residue after aerosol generation.

[0227] As described above, the electrical connection assembly 650 can control the second electrode 120 to be electrically connected to one of the first electrode 110 and the third electrode 630, and can also control one of the cleaning assembly and the heating assembly to generate plasma. In one embodiment, the second connector 652 is in contact with the first connector 651 and controlled to electrically conduct with the first electrode 110, in which case the second electrode 120 is electrically isolated from the third electrode 630. The second connector 652 is in contact with the third connector 653 and controlled to electrically conduct with the third electrode 630, in which case the first electrode 110 is electrically isolated from the second electrode 120.

[0228] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16, the heating assembly 100 further includes a base 90 for mounting and securing the heating assembly 100.

[0229] As shown in Figures 1 and 17, in some embodiments, the width of the cleaning gap 603 is 0.1 mm to 1 mm (including the endpoint value).

[0230] In this way, by rationally setting the width of the cleaning gap 603 between the third electrode 630 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, the efficiency of plasma generation in the gap can be improved, and the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

[0231] Specifically, the shortest distance along the radial direction of the outer tube 20 between the side of the third electrode 630 facing the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20 can be considered as the width of the cleaning gap 603. The width of the cleaning gap 603 at different positions may be uneven. In some embodiments, the third electrode 630 is a cylindrical tube fitted outside the outer tube 20 and is coaxial with the outer tube 20, and the outer tube 20 is cylindrical, in which case the width of the cleaning gap 603 is substantially uniform in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20.

[0232] For example, the width of the cleaning gap 603 may be 0.1mm to 1mm, 0.2mm to 0.9mm, 0.3mm to 0.8mm, 0.4mm to 0.7mm, 0.5mm to 0.6mm, etc. Also, for example, the width of the cleaning gap 603 may be 0.1mm, 0.11mm, 0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.4mm, 0.65mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, etc.

[0233] To summarize, as shown again in Figures 1 and 17, the cleaning assembly 600 according to the embodiment of the present application includes a hollow member 610 and an electrode 620. The hollow member 610 is removably fitted to the outside of the outer tube 20 of the aerosol generator 1000, and the electrode 620 is provided inside the hollow member 610 and is configured to form a gap with the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, generating plasma in the gap. The gap formed between the electrode 620 and the outer wall 2001 is the cleaning gap 603.

[0234] The cleaning assembly 600 has at least two electrodes 620, one of which may be provided on the hollow member 610 and the other on the outer tube 20. At least the outer tube 20 and a cleaning gap 603 are provided between the two electrodes 620. By applying a voltage of a certain intensity to the two electrodes 620, the two electrodes 620 can generate plasma in the cleaning gap 603 by dielectric barrier discharge. The cleaning assembly 600 can use the plasma to process residues and decompose them into small molecules such as volatile organic compounds, hydroxides, and water vapor. The decomposition products of these small molecules can volatilize as gases.

[0235] Thus, the cleaning assembly 600 can remove aerosol residue adhering to the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating substrate 300 when the heating assembly 100 is reused, which is advantageous for aerosol generation. At the same time, the cleaning assembly 600 uses plasma to clean the outer tube 20, which is less likely to cause damage to the element, has a high cleaning effect, allows for easy control of the cleaning temperature, and has little impact on the reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0236] In this specification, any reference to terms such as “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “exemplary example,” “example,” “specific example,” or “several examples” means that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in relation to such embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, a general expression for the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features, structures, materials, or properties can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0237] Although embodiments of the present application are shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An outer tube for contact with the aerosol generating substrate, A first electrode and a second electrode, wherein at least a portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided inside the outer tube, and the first electrode and the second electrode are provided with a gap between them. A heating assembly characterized by including an insulating spacer, the insulating spacer being provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, a gap being formed between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and at least a part of the insulating spacer, and when the first electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, plasma is generated in the gap.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating spacer is a pipe, at least a portion of the first electrode is inserted into the insulating spacer, and the second electrode is located outside the insulating spacer.

3. The heating assembly according to claim 2, wherein the insulating spacer includes a closed end and an open end opposite to the closed end, the closed end is located inside the outer tube, and the first electrode is inserted into the insulating spacer from the open end.

4. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the second electrode is a pipe, the second electrode is fitted outside the insulating spacer, and the upper end surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is lower than the upper end surface of the insulating spacer.

5. The heating assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that a perforated portion is formed in the second electrode, and a part of the insulating spacer faces the outer tube through the perforated portion.

6. The heating assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the thickness range of the insulating spacer is 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

7. The heating assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the second electrode is attached to the insulating spacer, or the second electrode is attached to the inner wall of the outer tube.

8. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly includes an infrared radiation film, and the infrared radiation film is provided on at least one of the insulating spacer, the outer tube, the first electrode, and the second electrode.

9. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the insulating spacer includes a first insulating spacer and a second insulating spacer, the first insulating spacer covers the first electrode, the second insulating spacer covers the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are provided in parallel.

10. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly includes a sealing member, the sealing member is sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube and forms a first sealed space with the outer tube, the first sealed space contains a working gas, and at least a portion of the first electrode and / or the second electrode is located within the first sealed space.

11. The heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein the heating assembly includes a base, the base having a second sealed space, and the portion of the first electrode located outside the first sealed space, and / or one end of the outer tube having an opening, is located inside the second sealed space.

12. A hollow member is detachably fitted to the outside of the outer tube of the aerosol generator, A cleaning assembly characterized by including an electrode provided within the hollow member, which forms a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube and generates plasma within the gap.

13. An outer tube and a heating assembly including a heating mechanism provided inside the outer tube, A cleaning assembly comprising a hollow member and an electrode, wherein the cleaning assembly includes a hollow member and an electrode, the hollow member being removably fitted to the outside of the outer tube, the electrode being provided between the hollow member and the outer tube and forming a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and the electrode being configured to generate plasma within the gap.

14. The aerosol generator according to claim 13, characterized in that the heating mechanism includes a first electrode and a second electrode, at least a portion of each of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided inside the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are provided facing each other with a gap between them, and when the first electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

15. The aerosol generator according to claim 14, wherein the cleaning assembly includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, the electrode being the third electrode, and the fourth electrode being at least partially provided inside the outer tube, and when the third electrode is electrically connected to the fourth electrode, plasma is generated in the gap.

16. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the fourth electrode and the second electrode are configured as the same electrode.

17. The aerosol generator according to claim 15, characterized in that when the first electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, the third electrode is electrically isolated from the fourth electrode, and when the third electrode is electrically conductive with the fourth electrode, the first electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode.

18. The aerosol generator according to claim 17, wherein the aerosol generator includes a power supply, the second electrode is electrically connected to a first power supply terminal of the power supply, the third electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply terminal of the power supply when the hollow member is fitted outside the outer tube, and the first electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply terminal of the power supply when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube.

19. The aerosol generator includes an electrical connection assembly, the electrical connection assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector, the first connector being connected to the first electrode, the second connector being electrically connected to the second power supply terminal, and the third connector being provided in the hollow member and electrically connected to the third electrode. The aerosol generator according to claim 18, wherein when the hollow member is fitted outside the outer tube, the second connector contacts the third connector, and when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the second connector contacts the first connector.

20. The aerosol generator according to claim 19, wherein the electrical connection assembly includes an insulating member and an elastic member, the insulating member being connected to the third connector and the elastic member being connected to the first connector, and in the process of the hollow member being fitted into the outer tube, the insulating member pushes the first connector and moves it toward the second connector to separate the first connector and the second connector, and deforms the elastic member, and in the process of the hollow member being separated from the outer tube, the elastic member recovers from the deformation and pushes the first connector and brings it into contact with the second connector.

21. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the third electrode is a pipe and is provided on the inner wall of the hollow member.

22. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the heating assembly includes an inner tube, the inner tube is provided in at least a portion thereof within the outer tube, the first electrode is provided in at least a portion thereof within the inner tube, and the second electrode is provided in at least a portion thereof at one end of the inner tube.

23. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the inner tube includes a first end face and a second end face opposite the first end face, the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube at the first end face, and the second electrode is in contact with the second end face.

24. The aerosol generator according to claim 23, characterized in that the electrode is a third electrode, and when the first electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, the third electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode, and when the third electrode is electrically conductive with the second electrode, the first electrode is electrically isolated from the second electrode.

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