aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (1) includes a casing (10) having a storage chamber (100) formed at one end, a heating module (30) removably accommodated in the storage chamber (100), and an elastic mechanism (50) provided in the casing (10). The heating module (30) is formed with a heating chamber (310) for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate (9). The upper cover assembly (20) is formed with an insertion hole (210) for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate (9). The elastic mechanism (50) has a locked position and an unlocked position. When the elastic mechanism (50) is switched from the locked position to the unlocked position, the elastic mechanism (50) allows the heating module (30) to move toward the opening (101) of the storage chamber (100). At this time, the heating module (30) can be removed to clean the heating module (30) or to replace it with a new heating module (30).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of atomization, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A non-combustion / heating atomizer is an aerosol generator that generates an inhalable aerosol by heating the atomization material using a low-temperature non-combustion / heating method. Currently, non-combustion / heating atomizers typically heat the aerosol-forming substrate by inserting a heater such as a heating sheet into the aerosol-forming substrate. Then, by controlling the heating temperature, the components in the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilized, generating an aerosol that can be inhaled.

[0003] The aerosol-forming substrate tends to become sticky after heating, forming residue on the heater, which affects the heating effect the next time the heater is used, for example, by producing a burnt odor, etc. Therefore, after using the heater for a certain period of time, the heating module needs to be cleaned or replaced with a new one. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an improved aerosol generating device that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problem is as follows: an aerosol generating device is configured including a casing having a receiving chamber formed at one end, a heating module removably received in the receiving chamber, and an elastic mechanism provided in the casing. The heating module is formed with a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The upper cover assembly is formed with an insertion hole for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0006] The elastic mechanism has a locking position and an unlocking position, and when the elastic mechanism is switched from the locking position to the unlocking position, the elastic mechanism allows the heating module to move toward the opening of the storage chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heating module includes a heating tube within which the heating chamber is formed, and a heating element extending into the heating chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heating element is cylindrical.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating module includes a base, and the heating element is secured to the base and housed within the heating chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heating module has an electrical contact on a surface remote from the heating element that is electrically connected to the heating element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a resilient electrode disposed within the casing for contacting and conducting with the electrical contact.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes an upper cover assembly removably accommodated in the accommodation chamber, the upper cover assembly having an insertion hole for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] When the elastic mechanism is in the released position, the elastic mechanism allows the heating module and the upper cover assembly to move toward the opening of the storage chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, an upper end of the heating module extends into the insertion hole, and the upper cover assembly can press against the heating module to lock the heating module in position within the chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the insertion hole protrudes inward to form a positioning portion, and the outer edge of the upper end of the heating module protrudes outward to form a positioning flange, which is pressed against the positioning portion to allow the heating module to move.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a sliding member slidably disposed within the casing, and the elastic mechanism moves the sliding member to move the upper cover assembly and the heating module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sliding member and the upper cover assembly are connected by magnetic attraction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sliding member has a receiving hole formed therein, and the heating module is inserted into the receiving hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, a position restriction structure is provided within the sliding member to prevent the sliding member from slipping out of the casing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the position restriction structure is fixedly connected to the casing, and includes a position restriction rod slidably disposed within the sliding member, and a position restriction member extending laterally from the position restriction rod.

[0021] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a second magnetic attraction member provided on the position restriction member and used to attract the upper cover assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the resilient mechanism includes a first resilient assembly for moving the heating module and a second resilient assembly for locking or unlocking the first resilient assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first elastic assembly includes a push rod disposed in the casing so as to be vertically movable and a first elastic member connected to the push rod. The second elastic assembly includes a locking member disposed in the casing so as to be horizontally movable and a second elastic member connected to the locking member. When the elastic mechanism is in the locked position, the push rod and the locking member are engaged with each other.

[0024] In some embodiments, the push rod and the locking member are formed with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, respectively, that engage and cooperate with each other, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage or disengage with each other to lock or unlock the push rod.

[0025] In some embodiments, a push button is provided on the surface of the casing, and the push button can press the locking member to cause the locking member to unlock the push rod.

[0026] In some embodiments, the push rod includes a first rod section, a second rod section, and a third rod section connected in a longitudinal direction from top to bottom, and the second rod section has an outer cross-sectional size larger than the outer cross-sectional sizes of the first rod section and the third rod section.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first resilient member may be a spring that covers the third rod section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the heating module is removable, so that after using the aerosol generating device for a certain period of time, the heating module can be released by operating the elastic mechanism and then removed, allowing the heating module to be cleaned or replaced with a new one.

[0029] The present invention will be further described below in combination with the drawings and examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present invention when the dustproof cover is closed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 1 when the dustproof cover is opened and an aerosol-forming substrate is inserted. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating module of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the heating module of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the elastic mechanism of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line AA in a longitudinal cross section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line AA when the device has been unlocked and moved upward to the second position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a transverse cross section of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line BB in a longitudinal cross section. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line BB in a vertical cross section when the device has been unlocked and moved upward to the second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In order to make the technical features, objects and effects of the present invention more clearly understood, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] It should be understood that in describing the present invention, directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," "right," "ceiling," "bottom," "inside," and "outside" are based on the drawings or are customary orientations when using the products of the present invention, and are merely for the convenience of describing the technical solutions. They do not expressly or imply that the devices or components in question must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or be operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "longitudinal," "transverse," and similar expressions used in the present invention are merely for the convenience of description and do not represent the only embodiment.

[0033] It should be further explained that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as "attach," "couple," "connect," "fix," and "provide" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They may also refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They may also refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, an internal connection between two components, or an interactive relationship between two components. Furthermore, when one component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, the component may be "directly" or "indirectly" located on the other component, or there may be one or more intermediate components. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely for the convenience of describing the technical solution and should not be interpreted as expressing or implying relative importance or the number of technical features being pointed out. Therefore, when a feature is qualified as "first," "second," "third," etc., it may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. Those skilled in the art can interpret the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] 1 to 11 show an aerosol-generating device 1 according to several embodiments of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 1 bakes an aerosol-forming substrate 9 inserted therein at a low temperature, thereby releasing an aerosol extract from the aerosol-forming substrate 9 in a non-combustion state. The aerosol-generating device 1 may have a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate 9 may have a cylindrical shape and may include a solid substrate such as a plant leaf. As can be understood, in other embodiments, the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to an elliptical cylindrical shape and may have other shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular prism shape.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7 , the aerosol generating device 1 includes a cylindrical casing 10, an upper cover assembly 20 housed in the casing 10, a heating module 30, a battery 70, and a circuit board 80. The battery 70 may be provided in the lower part of the casing 10 and is used to supply energy to the heating module 30. Alternatively, the circuit board 80 may be provided in the center of the casing 10. An associated control circuit is disposed on the circuit board 80. The control circuit is electrically connected to the battery 70 and the heating module 30, respectively, and is used to control the supply of electricity from the battery 70 to the heating module 30. The casing 10 may further be provided with a switch 13 and a display 12. The switch 13, when operated by a user, activates the circuit board 80 and controls the supply of electricity from the battery 70 to the heating module 30. The display 12 can be used to display the status of the aerosol generating device 1 or to provide information to the user.

[0036] An accommodation chamber 100 is formed at the upper end of the casing 10. An opening 101 is provided in the ceiling of the accommodation chamber 100. The upper cover assembly 20 and the heating module 30 are both removably housed within the accommodation chamber 100. An insertion hole 210 is formed in the upper cover assembly 20 for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 9. A heating chamber 310 for accommodating and heating the aerosol-forming substrate 9 is formed within the heating module 30. The aerosol-forming substrate 9 can be inserted into the heating chamber 310 via the insertion hole 210. The heating module 30 generates heat when energized and then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate 9, thereby achieving baking heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 9. The heating method of the heating module 30 is not limited, and may be, for example, resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared radiation heating, or combined heating.

[0037] The upper cover assembly 20 is separably attached within the storage chamber 100 and is slidable back and forth between a first position and a second position. The upper cover assembly 20 includes an upper cover 21 that is slidably mounted in the storage chamber 100 vertically, and a dustproof cover 22 that is slidably mounted above the upper cover 21 horizontally. An insertion hole 210 is formed in the upper cover 21 so as to pass through it vertically. The shape and size of the insertion hole 210 may match the shape and size of the aerosol-forming substrate 9. When the upper cover assembly 20 is in the first position, the upper cover 21 is accommodated within the storage chamber 100. When the upper cover assembly 20 is in the second position, at least a portion of the upper cover 21 is exposed from the storage chamber 100. At this time, the upper cover assembly 20 can be removed from the storage chamber 100.

[0038] The dustproof cover 22 is used to cover or expose the insertion hole 210. When the aerosol generating device 1 does not need to be used, the dustproof cover 22 is pushed and moved to cover the insertion hole 210, thereby preventing dust from entering the insertion hole 210. When the aerosol generating device 1 needs to be used, the dustproof cover 22 is pushed and moved to expose the insertion hole 210, thereby allowing the aerosol-forming substrate 9 to be inserted through the insertion hole 210.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the heating module 30 is separably mounted in the accommodating chamber 100 and is reciprocally slidable between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the heating module 30 and the upper cover assembly 20 are separably provided. The upper end of the heating module 30 is extendable into the insertion hole 210. A positioning portion 211 may be further formed in the insertion hole 210. When the positioning portion 211 is fitted onto the upper end of the heating module 30, the upper cover assembly 20 can press down on the heating module 30 to lock it in position. The positioning portion 211 may be formed by extending inward from the inner wall surface of the insertion hole 210. In this embodiment, two positioning portions 211 are provided. The two positioning portions 211 are located on both sides of the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 210. In other embodiments, a plurality of positioning portions 211 may be provided. In some other embodiments, a single positioning portion 211 may be provided, and the positioning portion 211 may be annular. As can be understood, in other embodiments, the heating module 30 and the upper cover assembly 20 are not limited to being separably assembled, and for example, the heating module 30 and the upper cover assembly 20 may be integrally joined.

[0040] The heating module 30 may include a heating tube 31, a base 33 provided at the bottom of the heating tube 31, and a heating element 32 provided on the base 33. The heating tube 31 is tubular, and its inner wall surface defines a heating chamber 310 for accommodating the aerosol-forming substrate 9. The inner wall surface of the heating tube 31 may protrude inward to form an annular protrusion 315. When the aerosol-forming substrate 9 is accommodated in the heating chamber 310, the lower end surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 can abut against the upper end surface of the annular protrusion 315. A position restricting flange 313 that fits into the positioning portion 211 may be formed on the outer wall surface at the upper end of the heating tube 31. The position restricting flange 313 is pressed by the positioning portion 211 to allow the heating module 30 to move downward, and is pushed and moved by the sliding member 40 to allow the heating module 30 to move upward. In some embodiments, the position restricting flange 313 may be annular, and is formed by protruding radially outward from the outer wall surface of the upper end of the heating tube 31. The lower end surface of the positioning portion 211 can abut against the position restricting flange 313. Therefore, by pressing the upper cover assembly 20 downward, the heating module 30 can be moved downward in a direction away from the opening 101 of the accommodation chamber 100. In other embodiments, the positioning portion 211 may abut against the upper end surface of the heating tube 31. This eliminates the need to provide the position restricting flange 313 on the heating tube 31.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least two gas path ridges 311 may be formed protruding from the inner surface of the chamber wall of the heating chamber 310. Each gas path ridge 311 extends along the axial direction of the heating chamber 310. After the aerosol-forming substrate 9 is placed in the heating chamber 310, the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 can abut against at least one set of two gas path ridges 311. A gas path 312, through which gas can pass, is formed between the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 and the at least one set of two gas path ridges 311. Specifically, a gap is formed between the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 and the inner surface of the chamber wall of the heating chamber 310 between the at least one set of two gas path ridges 311, and this gap forms the gas path 312. This ensures smooth passage of airflow during inhalation. Preferably, a plurality of gas path ridges 311 are provided. The plurality of gas path ridges 311 may be distributed at uniform intervals along the circumferential direction of the heating chamber 310. In some embodiments, the number of gas path ridges 311 is 6 to 12. A gas path 312 is formed between the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 and each of two adjacent gas path ridges 311, thereby enabling the airflow to pass more smoothly during inhalation.

[0042] In some embodiments, the inner contours of the plurality of gas path ridges 311 in the same horizontal cross section are located on the same circumference. The heating chamber 310 has a first end and a second end that are axially opposed to each other. The first end has a chamber opening 3101 and is used for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 9. That is, the first end is an end adjacent to the upper cover assembly 20, and the second end is an end adjacent to the base 33. The diameter of the circle surrounded by the inner contours of the plurality of gas path ridges 311 in the same horizontal cross section may gradually decrease from the first end to the second end. This can provide a guiding effect when inserting the aerosol-forming substrate 9. In this embodiment, each gas path ridge 311 may include a first section ridge 3111 and a second section ridge 3112 that is connected to the lower end of the first section ridge 3111 in the axial direction. The first and second section protrusions 3111 and 3112 may have different slope angles, and the slope angle α of the first section protrusions 3111 may be equal to or greater than the slope angle β of the second section protrusions 3112. In some embodiments, the slope angle α of the first section protrusions 3111 may be 10 to 40 degrees, and the slope angle β of the second section protrusions 3112 may be 1 to 10 degrees. Increasing the slope angle of the first section protrusions 3111 located at the upper end may be advantageous for rapid introduction of the aerosol-forming substrate 9. In addition, decreasing the slope angle of the second section protrusions 3112 located at the lower end may achieve circumferential positioning of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 and form a gas path 312 through which gas passes. In other embodiments, each gas path protrusion 311 may be formed by sequentially connecting at least three section protrusions in the axial direction. The at least three segmental ridges may have different inclination angles of the slopes, and the inclination angle of the slopes of the segmental ridges located at the top may be equal to or greater than the inclination angle of the slopes of the segmental ridges located at the bottom.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4 , the base 33 can be fitted into the opening at the bottom of the heating pipe 31 and can be hook-connected to the heating pipe 31. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the base 33 may protrude outward to form at least one hook portion 332. The heating pipe 31 has at least one engaging groove 314 formed thereon corresponding to the at least one hook portion 332. The at least one hook portion 332 and the at least one engaging groove 314 engage with each other, thereby engaging and fixing the heating pipe 31 and the base 33 to each other. In this embodiment, two engaging grooves 314 may be provided, one on each side in the circumferential direction of the heating pipe 31. Correspondingly, two hook portions 332 are formed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the base 33, respectively, corresponding to the two engaging grooves 314. In other embodiments, the heating pipe 31 and the base 33 may be integrally molded.

[0044] The heating element 32 may be sheet-shaped or columnar. The lower end of the heating element 32 can be inserted and fixed in the base 33. The upper end of the heating element 32 is housed in the heating chamber 310 and can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 9 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 9. In this embodiment, the heating element 32 may be columnar and have a conical head portion 321. The conical head portion 321 can be advantageous for insertion into the aerosol-forming substrate 9. Furthermore, because the heating element 32 is columnar, after heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 9 is complete, the aerosol-forming substrate 9 can be manually rotated to separate the aerosol-forming substrate 9 from the adhesive portion of the heating element 32 after heating, and the aerosol-forming substrate 9 can then be removed.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, in some embodiments, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include at least two elastic electrodes 81 provided within the casing 10 and electrically connected to the circuit board 80. At least two electrical contacts 34 electrically connected to the heating element 32 may be provided on the bottom surface of the base 33, which is the surface of the base 33 opposite the heating chamber 310. The heating element 32 can be in contact with the at least two elastic electrodes 81 via the at least two electrical contacts 34 to establish electrical connection, or can be separated and disconnected. The aerosol generation device 1 may also include a plurality of electrical contacts 34 and elastic electrodes 81. The plurality of electrical contacts 34 and elastic electrodes 81 may also be used for electrical connection to electronic components, such as a temperature detection element, provided on the heating element 32.

[0046] 5, in some embodiments, the heating module 30 may further include a seal ring 35. The seal ring 35 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone. The seal ring 35 can be hermetically fitted around the outside of the heating element 32 and tightly sandwiched between the lower end surface of the annular protrusion 315 and the upper end surface of the base 33.

[0047] 3, 6, 9, 10, and 11, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include an elastic mechanism 50 provided within the casing 10, a holder assembly 60 provided within the casing 10, and a sliding member 40 slidably provided within the casing 10. The elastic mechanism 50 has a locked position and an unlocked position. When the elastic mechanism 50 is switched from the locked position to the unlocked position, the elastic mechanism 50 allows the upper cover assembly 20 and the heating module 30 to move upward toward the opening 101 of the storage chamber 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, the elastic mechanism 50 may include a first elastic assembly 51 and a second elastic assembly 52 that cooperate with each other. The first elastic assembly 51 is supported below the sliding member 40 and can move the sliding member 40 upward and can be pushed by the sliding member 40 to move downward. The first elastic assembly 51 may include a push rod 511 that is vertically movable within the casing 10 and a first elastic member 512 that is connected to the push rod 511. The second elastic assembly 52 is used to lock or unlock the first elastic assembly 51 and may include a lock member 521 that is horizontally movable within the casing 10 and a second elastic member 523 that is connected to the lock member 521. The push rod 511 and the lock member 521 may have a first engaging portion 5114 and a second engaging portion 5213 that engage with and cooperate with each other, respectively. The first engaging portion 5114 and the second engaging portion 5213 engage with or disengage from each other, thereby locking or unlocking the first elastic assembly 51. When the push rod 511 and the locking member 521 are engaged with each other, the upper end surface of the first engaging portion 5114 firmly contacts the lower end surface of the second engaging portion 5213 due to the elastic forces of the first elastic member 512 and the second elastic member 523, thereby locking the first elastic assembly 51. Furthermore, when the locking member 521 moves laterally inward due to the action of an external force, the second engaging portion 5213 moves laterally inward and disengages from the first engaging portion 5114, thereby unlocking the first elastic assembly 51. Then, the push rod 511 moves upward due to the elastic force of the first elastic member 512, moving the sliding member 40 and thereby moving the upper cover assembly 20 and the heating module 30.

[0049] Specifically, the first elastic assembly 51 and the second elastic assembly 52 can be mounted within a holder assembly 60. The holder assembly 60 may include a first holder 61 and a second holder 62 that are fittable and mountable to each other. The battery 70 and the circuit board 80 can both be accommodated between the first holder 61 and the second holder 62. A support member 66 for supporting the push rod 511 and the first elastic member 512 may be fixedly mounted within the holder assembly 60. The push rod 511 is slidably mounted in the vertical direction within the holder assembly 60 and may include a first rod section 5111, a second rod section 5112, and a third rod section 5113 that are connected in this order from top to bottom in the axial direction. The outer cross-sectional size of the second rod section 5112 is larger than the outer cross-sectional sizes of the first rod section 5111 and the third rod section 5113. The holder assembly 60 has a ceiling wall 63. The ceiling wall 63 is provided with a through-hole 64 for slidably inserting the first rod section 5111. The cross-sectional shape and size of the through-hole 64 may match the cross-sectional shape and size of the first rod section 5111. The first rod section 5111 passes through the through-hole 64 and abuts against the bottom wall of the sliding member 40, thereby allowing the sliding member 40 to move upward.

[0050] The third rod section 5113 may be cylindrical. The lower end of the third rod section 5113 is inserted into the support member 66 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The first elastic member 512 may be a columnar spring covering the third rod section 5113. The upper end of the first elastic member 512 can abut against the lower end surface of the second rod section 5112, and the lower end of the first elastic member 512 can abut against the upper end surface of the support member 66. The first elastic member 512 has a compressed state and a released state. When the elastic mechanism 50 is in the locked position, the first elastic member 512 is in the compressed state. When the elastic mechanism 50 is switched from the locked position to the released position, the length of the first elastic member 512 increases, generating an elastic restoring force that acts on the push rod 511 to move it upward. In other embodiments, the first elastic member 512 may have another structure capable of generating elastic deformation, such as a disc spring, an elastic piece, or a torsion spring. When elastic deformation occurs and an elastic restoring force is generated, the elastic restoring force acts on the push rod 511, causing it to move upward.

[0051] The first engagement portion 5114 can be formed on the second rod section 5112. The second rod section 5112 may be in the shape of a substantially rectangular prism. The side of the second rod section 5112 facing the locking member 521 may be recessed inward to form a slot 5115. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the second rod section 5112 and the locking member 521. The inner wall surface of the slot 5115 protrudes inward to form the first engagement portion 5114.

[0052] The casing 10 is provided with a push button 11 corresponding to the second elastic assembly 52. ​​The push button 11 and the display 12 can be installed on both sides of the casing 10. When the push button 11 is pressed by an external force, it moves the locking member 521 laterally inward. When the pressure is released, the locking member 521 and the push button 11 move laterally outward and return to their original positions due to the elastic force of the second elastic member 523. The locking member 521 may include a main body 5211 and a second engaging portion 5213 formed to extend outward from one side of the main body 5211. The main body 5211 may have a rectangular cylindrical shape. A mounting hole 5212 extending laterally inward is formed on the side of the main body 5211 facing the push button 11, and is used to mount the second elastic member 523. Furthermore, a first inclined guide surface 5116 and a second inclined guide surface 5214 may be further formed on the lower end surface of the first engagement portion 5114 and the upper end surface of the second engagement portion 5213, respectively. When the push rod 511 is pressed down, the first inclined guide surface 5116 and the second inclined guide surface 5214 cooperate with each other to move the locking member 521 laterally inward. This allows the first engagement portion 5114 to move downward to below the second engagement portion 5213 and become engageable with the second engagement portion 5213.

[0053] The second elastic assembly 52 may further include a mounting member 52 fixedly attached within the holder assembly 60. The mounting member 52 may be sheet-shaped and is used to regulate the position of the second elastic member 523. The second elastic member 523 may be a spring and may be installed within the mounting hole 5212. One end of the second elastic member 523 may abut against the bottom wall of the mounting hole 5212, and the other end may abut against the mounting member 52.

[0054] The sliding member 40 may have a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape. The sliding member 40 is slidably mounted within the casing 10 and is reciprocally slidable between a first position and a second position. The sliding member 40 may further have an accommodating hole 41 formed therethrough in the vertical direction. The heating module 30 is inserted into the accommodating hole 41. The sliding member 40 may further have a position restricting structure formed therein to restrict the maximum upward movement position of the sliding member 40 and prevent the sliding member 40 from coming off the casing 10. The position restricting structure may include a position restricting rod 65 fixedly connectable to the holder assembly 60 and provided within the sliding member 40 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and a position restricting member 45 extending laterally from the position restricting rod 65. The position restricting rod 65 may be formed to extend upward from a ceiling wall 63 of the holder assembly 60. The position restriction member 45 may be in the form of a substantially sheet that is provided laterally, or may be fixedly attached to the upper end side of the position restriction rod 65 .

[0055] The sliding member 40 is attached to the lower part of the upper cover 21 so as to be able to abut against it, and is connectable to the upper cover 21 by magnetic attraction. When the sliding member 40 and the upper cover assembly 20 are in the second position, only a portion of the upper cover assembly 20 is exposed to the outside of the accommodation chamber 100 of the casing 10. The upper cover assembly 20 is magnetically attracted to the sliding member 40 and does not jump out of the accommodation chamber 100. A first magnetically attracted member 23 connected to the sliding member 40 by magnetic attraction may be further provided within the upper cover 21. And / or a second magnetically attracted member 43 connected to the upper cover 21 by magnetic attraction may be further provided within the sliding member 40. The first magnetically attracted member 23 may be a magnet and may be embedded in the bottom of the upper cover 21. The second magnetically attracted member 43 may be a magnet and may be suspended within the sliding member 40. The second magnetically attractive member 43 may be fixedly attached to the lower side of the position restricting member 45. The position restricting member 45 may be made of a magnetic material that can be attracted by the second magnetically attractive member 43, and may be made of, for example, an iron material.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2, 7, 9, and 10, when the aerosol generator 1 is normally used, the elastic mechanism 50 is in the locked position, and the first engaging portion 5114 of the push rod 511 and the second engaging portion 5213 of the locking member 521 are engaged with each other. The upper cover assembly 20, the heating module 30, and the sliding member 40 are all in the first position, and the upper cover assembly 20 and the sliding member 40 are attracted to each other by magnetic force. The heating module 30 is located within the opening 101 of the accommodation chamber 100, and the electrical contact 34 at the bottom of the heating module 30 is joined to and electrically connected to the elastic electrode 81 provided in the casing 10. The upper end surface of the position restricting flange 313 at the outer edge of the heating tube 31 abuts against the lower end surface of the positioning portion 211 in the insertion hole 210. A gap may be formed between the lower end surface of the position restricting flange 313 and the upper end surface of the sliding member 40. In other embodiments, the lower end surface of the position regulating flange 313 may abut against the upper end surface of the sliding member 40. Also, the upper cover 21 may be completely housed within the accommodation chamber 100. The ceiling portion of the upper cover 21 may be located within the opening 101 of the accommodation chamber 100, or may be flush with the opening 101 of the accommodation chamber 100. Also, in other embodiments, the upper cover 21 may be partially exposed outside the opening 101 of the accommodation chamber 100. The dustproof cover 22 may be exposed outside the casing 10 to make it easier for the user to operate.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 , if the heating module 30 needs to be cleaned after using the aerosol generator 1 for a certain period of time, the push button 11 on the surface of the casing 10 is pressed inward to move the locking member 521 laterally inward, thereby disengaging the second engaging portion 5213 of the locking member 521 from the first engaging portion 5114 of the push rod 511. The push rod 511 then moves upward due to the elastic force of the first elastic member 512, moving the sliding member 40, the upper cover assembly 20, and the heating module 30 upward to the second position. At this time, the upper cover assembly 20 and the heating module 30 are both partially exposed outside the opening 101 of the storage chamber 100, so that the upper cover assembly 20 and the heating module 30 can be removed in sequence and cleaned or replaced with a new heating module 30. After cleaning is complete, the heating module 30 and the upper cover assembly 20 are inserted back into the storage chamber 100 in sequence. Then, the upper cover assembly 20 is pushed down to move the heating module 30 and the sliding member 40 downward again to the first position, and the push rod 511 is moved downward via the sliding member 40, thereby re-engaging the first engagement portion 5114 of the push rod 511 with the second engagement portion 5213 of the locking member 521.

[0058] As can be understood, the above technical features can be used in any combination without limitation.

[0059] The above examples merely illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, and although they have been described with relative specificity and detail, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical features and make slight modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all of these fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications and supplements made within the scope of the claims of the present invention shall fall within the scope covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. The device comprises a casing (10) having a storage chamber (100) formed at one end thereof, a heating module (30) removably accommodated in the storage chamber (100), and an elastic mechanism (50) provided on the casing (10), wherein the heating module (30) has a heating chamber (310) formed therein for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate (9); the elastic mechanism (50) has a locking position and an unlocking position, and when the elastic mechanism (50) is switched from the locking position to the unlocking position, the elastic mechanism (50) moves the heating module (30) toward the opening of the storage chamber (100); The device further includes an upper cover assembly (20) that is removably accommodated in the accommodation chamber (100), and the upper cover assembly (20) has an insertion hole (210) formed therein for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate (9); When the elastic mechanism (50) is switched from the lock position to the release position, the elastic mechanism (50) moves the heating module (30) and the upper cover assembly (20) toward the opening of the storage chamber (100); When installing the heating module (30), the heating module (30) and the upper cover assembly (20) are inserted into the storage chamber (100) in order, the upper cover assembly (20) is pressed down, the heating module (30) and the upper cover assembly (20) move in the direction of entering the storage chamber (100), and the elastic mechanism (50) is placed in the locked position.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating module (30) includes a heating tube (31) in which the heating chamber (310) is formed, and a heating element (32) extending into the heating chamber (310).

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the heating element (32) is cylindrical.

4. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the heating module includes a base (33), and the heating element (32) is fixed to the base (33) and housed within the heating chamber (310).

5. The aerosol generating device described in claim 2, characterized in that an electrical contact (34) electrically connected to the heating element (32) is provided on a surface of the heating module (30) away from the heating element (32).

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising an elastic electrode (81) provided within the casing (10) for contacting and conducting with the electrical contact (34).

7. The aerosol generating device described in claim 6, characterized in that the upper end of the heating module (30) extends into the insertion hole (210), and the upper cover assembly (20) presses the heating module (30) to move the heating module (30) in the direction of entering the storage chamber (100), thereby locking the heating module (30) in position within the storage chamber (100).

8. The aerosol generating device described in claim 7, characterized in that the inner wall surface of the insertion hole (210) protrudes inward to form a positioning portion (211), and the outer edge of the upper end of the heating module (30) protrudes outward to form a position control flange (313), and the position control flange (313) moves the heating module (30) by being pressed against the positioning portion (211).

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 7 further includes a sliding member (40) slidably mounted within the casing (10), and the elastic mechanism (50) moves the sliding member (40), thereby moving the upper cover assembly (20) and the heating module (30).

10. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member (40) and the upper cover assembly (20) are connected by magnetic attraction.

11. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the sliding member (40) has a receiving hole (41) formed therein, and the heating module (30) is inserted into the receiving hole (41).

12. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein a position restriction structure is provided within the sliding member (40) to prevent the sliding member (40) from coming off the casing (10).

13. The aerosol generating device described in claim 12, characterized in that the position control structure is fixedly connected to the casing (10), and the position control structure includes a position control rod (65) slidably arranged within the sliding member (40), and a position control member (45) extending laterally from the position control rod (65).

14. The aerosol generating device described in claim 13 further includes a second magnetic attraction member (43) provided on the position control member (45) and used to attract the upper cover assembly (20).

15. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the elastic mechanism (50) includes a first elastic assembly (51) for moving the heating module (30) and a second elastic assembly (52) for locking or unlocking the first elastic assembly (51).

16. The aerosol generating device described in claim 15, characterized in that the first elastic assembly (51) includes a push rod (511) that is vertically movably arranged within the casing (10) and a first elastic member (512) connected to the push rod (511), and the second elastic assembly (52) includes a locking member (521) that is horizontally movably arranged within the casing (10) and a second elastic member (523) connected to the locking member (521), and when the elastic mechanism (50) is in the locked position, the push rod (511) and the locking member (521) are engaged with each other.

17. The aerosol generating device described in claim 16, characterized in that the push rod (511) and the locking member (521) are respectively formed with a first engagement portion (5114) and a second engagement portion (5213) that engage and cooperate with each other, and the first engagement portion (5114) and the second engagement portion (5213) engage or disengage with each other to lock or unlock the push rod (511).

18. The aerosol generating device described in claim 16, characterized in that a push button (11) is provided on the surface of the casing (10), and the push button (11) can press the locking member (521) to cause the locking member (521) to unlock the push rod (511).

19. The aerosol generating device described in claim 16, characterized in that the push rod (511) includes a first rod section (5111), a second rod section (5112), and a third rod section (5113) connected vertically from top to bottom, and the external cross-sectional size of the second rod section (5112) is larger than the external cross-sectional sizes of the first rod section (5111) and the third rod section (5113).

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