Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generator (1) includes a microwave resonator (10). The microwave resonator (10) includes an outer conductor unit (11) that defines a resonant cavity (13), and an inner conductor unit (12) that is disposed within the outer conductor unit (11). The outer conductor unit (11) has an open end and a closed end. The inner conductor unit (12) has one end connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and one end extending toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11). The inner conductor unit (12) includes a conductor rod (121). The conductor rod (121) includes a fixed end that is connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and a free end that extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11). The inner conductor unit (12) further includes a first conductor plate (123) that is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121). The first conductor plate (123) is disposed at the free end. This effectively reduces the height of the resonant cavity (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic atomization, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] A non-combustion heating (Heat Not Burning, HNB) device is a composite device that combines a heating device with an aerosol generating substrate (processed plant leaf products). The external heating device heats the aerosol generating substrate to a high temperature up to a temperature at which the aerosol generating substrate can generate an aerosol but cannot reach combustion, so that, on the premise of non-combustion, the user-desired aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating substrate.

[0003] Currently, in the market, a microwave heating device is used as a device for heating an aerosol generation substrate. Generally, after the microwave is supplied from one end, it resonates in a resonator. The coaxial microwave heating cavity in the related art is generally restricted by the principle of λ / 4 wavelength, and generally the height of the cavity is 30 mm or more. Therefore, how to reduce the height of the cavity has become a technical problem to be tackled in the related industry.

[0004] Currently, the cavity of microwave heating is mainly designed based on a λ / 4 coaxial resonance cavity. In the related art, the method of adding a high-dielectric material into the cavity is used to realize the reduction of the height of the coaxial resonance cavity. However, in the case of this technical solution, although the selected high-dielectric material has a small dielectric loss (less than 0.001), generally it is located in a strong field region. Therefore, while heating the plant leaf medium by microwave, the high-dielectric material is inevitably heated. This brings several problems. First, the energy entering the cavity is absorbed by the high-dielectric material, so that the heating energy of the aerosol generating substrate decreases, and thus the heating rate of the aerosol generating substrate decreases. Second, although the high-dielectric material clearly heats up, since the high-dielectric material is in contact with the cavity, the cavity also clearly heats up, leading to a heat dissipation problem.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an improved aerosol generator that addresses the shortcomings of related technologies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical solution employed by this invention to solve the technical problems is as follows:

[0007] The present invention relates to an aerosol generator including a microwave resonator. The microwave resonator includes an external conductor unit that defines a resonant cavity and an internal conductor unit provided within the external conductor unit. The external conductor unit has an open end and a closed end. One end of the internal conductor unit is connected to the closed end of the external conductor unit, and the other end extends toward the open end of the external conductor unit.

[0008] The internal conductor unit includes a conductor rod. The conductor rod includes a fixed end connected to the sealed end of the external conductor unit and a free end extending toward the open end of the external conductor unit.

[0009] The internal conductor unit further includes a first conductor plate that makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod. The first conductor plate is provided at the free end.

[0010] Preferably, the first conductor plate is fixed to the end wall of the free end.

[0011] Preferably, the first conductor plate is integrally molded with the conductor rod.

[0012] Preferably, the first conductor plate is coaxial with the conductor rod.

[0013] Preferably, the first conductor plate and the conductor rod are made of a metallic material. Alternatively, a third conductive layer is provided on the surface of the first conductor plate, and a second conductive layer is provided on the surface of the conductor rod.

[0014] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes at least one annular second conductor plate. The at least one second conductor plate coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one second conductor plate is positioned below the first conductor plate at a distance along the axial direction of the conductor rod.

[0016] Preferably, the first conductor plate is disc-shaped.

[0017] Preferably, the diameter of the first conductor plate is larger than the diameter of the conductor rod.

[0018] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes a conductive probe device. The probe device makes ohmic contact with the first conductor plate.

[0019] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes a through-path that penetrates the conductor rod and the first conductor plate in the axial direction. One end of the probe device that is close to the first conductor plate is inserted into the through-path and makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod and the first conductor plate.

[0020] Preferably, the probe device includes a conductive, vertically elongated hollow probe and a temperature measuring module provided within the hollow probe.

[0021] One end of the hollow probe close to the first conductor plate is inserted into the first conductor plate and the conductor rod in sequence. And the outer wall surface of the hollow probe makes ohmic contact with the first conductor plate and / or the conductor rod.

[0022] Preferably, the shape of the end of the hollow probe separated from the conductor rod includes a planar shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a conical shape or a frustum shape.

[0023] Preferably, the hollow probe includes a conductive second side wall and a conductive second end wall.

[0024] One end of the second side wall separated from the first conductor plate extends in the direction of the second end wall and is connected to the second end wall.

[0025] Preferably, the maximum diameter of one end of the second side wall separated from the first conductor plate is larger than the diameter of the second end wall.

[0026] Preferably, the connection between one end of the second side wall separated from the first conductor plate and the second end wall is smooth.

[0027] Preferably, the hollow probe further includes a hollow path extending in the axial direction. The temperature measurement module is accommodated in the hollow path.

[0028] Preferably, the microwave resonator is a 1 / 4 wavelength coaxial resonator.

[0029] Preferably, the aerosol generator further includes a housing base for mounting an aerosol generation substrate. The housing base is provided in the resonance cavity and includes a housing portion for housing the aerosol generation substrate.

[0030] The bottom of the housing portion is in close contact with the ceiling portion of the first conductor plate.

[0031] The present invention further comprises an aerosol generator including a quarter-wavelength coaxial resonator. The coaxial resonator includes a resonant cavity and an internal conductor unit located within the resonant cavity.

[0032] The internal conductor unit includes a conductor rod adjacent to the short-circuit end of the coaxial resonator.

[0033] The internal conductor unit further includes a first conductor plate that makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod. The first conductor plate is provided on the top portion of the conductor rod.

[0034] Preferably, the first conductor plate is disc-shaped and is coaxially fixed to the top of the conductor rod.

[0035] Preferably, the first conductor plate is integrally molded with the conductor rod.

[0036] Preferably, the outer diameter of the first conductor plate is larger than the diameter of the conductor rod.

[0037] Preferably, the aerosol generator further includes a housing base that is attached to the open end of the coaxial resonator.

[0038] The containment base includes a containment section for containing an aerosol-generating substrate. The containment section is located within the resonant cavity of the coaxial resonator.

[0039] The internal conductor unit further includes a probe device adjacent to the open end. The probe device includes a conductive hollow probe. The hollow probe is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate. Furthermore, one end of the hollow probe is inserted into the housing and acts on the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0040] Preferably, one end of the hollow probe that is separated from the conductor rod extends into the housing, and the other end of the hollow probe that is close to the conductor rod is inserted into the first conductor plate and the conductor rod. Furthermore, the outer wall surface of the hollow probe is connected to the first conductor plate and the conductor rod.

[0041] Preferably, the shape of the end of the hollow probe that is separated from the conductor rod includes a planar shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a conical shape, or a frustoconical shape.

[0042] Preferably, the internal conductor unit further includes at least one annular second conductor plate. The at least one second conductor plate coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one second conductor plate is positioned below the first conductor plate at a distance along the axial direction of the conductor rod. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] The aerosol generating device of the present invention has the following beneficial effects. Specifically, by adding a first conductor plate structure to the ceiling of the internal conductor in the resonant cavity, the height of the resonant cavity can be effectively reduced. As a result, the energy required to heat the aerosol generating substrate, which is caused by related technologies, is reduced, thus avoiding side effects such as a decrease in the heating rate of the aerosol generating substrate and problems with heat dissipation.

[0045] The present invention will be further described below in combination with drawings and embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure when an aerosol generator and an aerosol-generating substrate are combined in some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generator in several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal cross-section of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2 when it is disassembled. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 4 in its disassembled state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of the probe device in the aerosol generator of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generator in several other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an aerosol generator in several further embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the resonant frequency when the aerosol generator of the present invention is not provided with the first conductor plate. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the resonant frequency when the aerosol generator of the present invention is equipped with the first conductive plate. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the resonant frequencies in the aerosol generator of the present invention, where the diameter of the first conductor plate is set to 10 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is set to 10.6 mm. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the resonant frequencies in the aerosol generator of the present invention, where the diameter of the first conductor plate is set to 8 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is set to 10.6 mm. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the resonant frequencies in the aerosol generator of the present invention, where the diameter of the first conductor plate is set to 10.4 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is set to 10.6 mm. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the microwave field distribution diagram of a hollow probe with a flat roof structure in the aerosol generator of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the microwave field distribution diagram of a hollow probe with a frustoconical ceiling structure in the aerosol generator of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] To ensure a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0048] Figures 1 to 6 show an aerosol generator 1 in Example 1 of the present invention. This aerosol generator 1 generates an aerosol by atomizing it through heating an aerosol generating substrate 40 using microwaves, which can then be inhaled by the user. In some examples, the aerosol generating substrate 40 is a solid aerosol generating substrate, such as a processed plant leaf product. As can be understood, in some other examples, the aerosol generating substrate 40 may be a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 1 may include a microwave resonator 10, a housing base 20, and a microwave supply device 30. In some embodiments, the microwave resonator 10 may be cylindrical and may include a resonant cavity 13 that continuously vibrates microwaves inside. The housing base 20 is used to mount the aerosol generating substrate 40 and is fixedly or detachably attached to the microwave resonator 10. This exposes the internal aerosol generating substrate 40 to the microwave field in the resonant cavity 13, where it is heated and atomized by the microwaves. The microwave supply device 30 is connected to the microwave resonator 10 and is used to supply microwaves generated by a microwave generator (not shown) into the resonant cavity 13. As can be understood, the microwave resonator 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may have other shapes such as a prismatic or elliptical shape.

[0050] In some embodiments, the microwave resonator 10 may be a quarter-wavelength coaxial resonator and may include a cylindrical outer conductor unit 11 for achieving electromagnetic shielding, an inner conductor unit 12 provided inside the outer conductor unit 11, and a medium (e.g., air) interposed between the outer wall surface of the inner conductor unit 12 and the inner wall surface of the outer conductor unit 11. The resonant cavity 13 is defined by the outer conductor unit 11 and the inner conductor unit 12.

[0051] The first end of the internal conductor unit 12 makes ohmic contact with the first end wall 112 of the external conductor unit 11 to form a short-circuit end A of the microwave resonator 10. The second end of the internal conductor unit 12 extends toward the first opening 110 of the external conductor unit 11 and forms an open end B of the microwave resonator 10 without making direct ohmic contact with the external conductor unit 11. The housing base 20 is attached to the open end B of the microwave resonator 10 (for example, by being fitted in a removable or non-removable manner) and connected to the second end of the internal conductor unit 12. In some embodiments, the axes of the internal conductor unit 12 and the axes of the external conductor unit 11 overlap or are parallel to each other, preferably overlapping each other.

[0052] In some embodiments, the external conductor unit 11 may include a conductive first side wall 111, a conductive first end wall 112, and a first opening 110. In some embodiments, the first side wall 111 may be cylindrical and include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end wall 112 closes the first end of the first side wall 111 to form a sealed end of the external conductor unit 11. The first opening 110 is formed at the second end of the first side wall 111 to form an open end of the external conductor unit 11 for fitting the housing base 20 inside. A radially penetrating supply hole 1110 may be provided in the first side wall 111 of the external conductor unit 11 near the first end wall 112 for mounting a microwave supply device 30.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 11 may be integrally manufactured from a conductive metallic material, and the material may be a conductive metal such as aluminum alloy, copper, gold, silver, or stainless steel. As can be understood, the outer conductor unit 11 is not limited to being integrally manufactured from a conductive material, but may also be realized by plating a first conductive layer on the inner wall surface of a non-conductive cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer may be a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, etc. Furthermore, as can be understood, the outer conductor unit 11 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be in other suitable shapes such as a rectangular tubular shape or an elliptical tubular shape.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, in some embodiments, the internal conductor unit 12 may include a conductor rod 121, a first conductor plate 123 located on the ceiling of the conductor rod 121, and a probe device 122 with one end fitted onto the conductor rod 121. The other end of the probe device 122 is inserted into the housing base 20 and acts on the aerosol generating substrate 40. The conductor rod 121 is connected to the external conductor unit 11 to form good ohmic contact with the external conductor unit 11. The first conductor plate 123 is used to further reduce the overall size of the aerosol generator 1 by increasing its self-inductance and capacitance. The probe device 122 forming good ohmic contact with the conductor rod 121 allows microwaves to be conducted to the probe device 122 via the conductor rod 121. In some embodiments, the probe device 122 has a special configuration in terms of shape and layout, etc., and is used to promote a more uniform distribution of the microwave field in the housing base 20. This results in a more uniform microwave heating effect on the aerosol-generating substrate 40 within the containment base 20, thereby improving the utilization rate of the aerosol-generating substrate 40.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the conductor rod 121 is cylindrical in shape, positioned within the outer conductor unit 11, and extends in the axial direction of the outer conductor unit 11. Preferably, the axis of the conductor rod 121 and the axis of the outer conductor unit 11 are aligned. Moreover, one end of the conductor rod 121 that is close to the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11 is fixedly connected to the inner wall surface of the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11, forming a fixed end of the conductor rod 121. The other end of the conductor rod 121 that is away from the first end wall 112 extends toward the first opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11, forming a free end of the conductor rod 121. This free end of the conductor rod 121 can be connected to the first conductor plate 123.

[0056] In some embodiments, the conductor rod 121 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, preferably an aluminum alloy or copper. In other embodiments, the conductor rod 121 may be formed by coating the outer wall surface of a cylindrical body made of a non-conductive material with a second conductive layer. This second conductive layer is, for example, a thin metal plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a copper plating layer. Also, as can be seen, in some embodiments, the conductor rod 121 is cylindrical, but of course, it may be in other shapes such as a prismatic shape, an elliptical shape, a stepped shape, or an irregular shape.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first conductor plate 123 is connected to one end of the conductor rod 121 that is separated from the first end wall 112. That is, it is connected to the top portion of the conductor rod 121. Furthermore, the first conductor plate 123 forms good ohmic contact with the conductor rod 121. The diameter of the first conductor plate 123 is larger than the diameter of the conductor rod 121. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the first conductor plate 123 is tightly and fixedly connected to the top portion of the conductor rod 121. The above connection method may be welding, bonding, screwing, or integral molding.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, preferably an aluminum alloy or copper. In some other embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 may be formed by coating a third conductive layer on an outer wall surface made of a non-conductive material. The third conductive layer is, for example, a thin metal plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a copper plating layer. Preferably, the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor rod 121 are made of the same type of material; that is, they are made of the same type of conductive material. Alternatively, the same type of non-conductive material is used, and a conductive layer of the same material is coated on them. That is, the forming materials of the third conductive layer and the second conductive layer are the same. In some embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 is disc-shaped. Specifically, the first conductor plate 123 is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter greater than its axial length. Of course, it may also be prismatic, elliptical, stepped, irregular, or other shapes. Specifically, in order to meet the requirement of reducing the cavity height, the shape and size of the first conductor plate 123 are confirmed by simulation.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, the internal conductor unit 12 further includes at least one second conductor plate 124 that makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod 121. The at least one second conductor plate 124 is located below the first conductor plate 123. Specifically, the at least one second conductor plate 124 is annular in shape and coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod 121.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, preferably an aluminum alloy or copper. In some other embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 may be formed by coating a sixth conductive layer on an outer wall surface made of a non-conductive material. The sixth conductive layer is, for example, a thin metal plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a copper plating layer. Preferably, the first conductor plate 123, the second conductor plate 124, and the conductor rod 121 are made of the same type of material; that is, they are made of the same type of conductive material. Alternatively, the same type of non-conductive material is used, and a sixth conductive layer of the same material is coated on them. In some embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 has an annular disc structure. However, it may, of course, have other shapes such as an annular prismatic structure, an annular oak-cylindrical structure, an annular stepped columnar structure, or an annular irregular columnar structure. Specifically, in order to meet the requirement of reducing the cavity height, the shape and size of the second conductor plate 124 are confirmed by simulation.

[0061] When there is one second conductor plate 124, it is positioned below the first conductor plate 123 with a gap between them. The outer diameters of the second conductor plate 124 and the first conductor plate 123 may or may not be the same. On the other hand, when there are multiple second conductor plates 124, the multiple second conductor plates 124 are positioned below the first conductor plate 123 and are arranged on the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod 121 at uniform intervals along the axial direction of the conductor rod 121. The distance between a second conductor plate 124 adjacent to the first conductor plate 123 and the first conductor plate 123 is equal to the distance between two adjacent second conductor plates 124. The outer diameters of the multiple second conductor plates 124 may or may not be the same. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the first conductor plate 123 and the outer diameters of the multiple second conductor plates 124 may be partially the same, completely the same, or completely different. The specific sizes of the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 can be determined through simulation and experimentation.

[0062] As can be understood, a frequency shift may occur during the process in which the aerosol generator 1 heats the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The greater the thickness of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124, the smaller the frequency shift. However, once the thickness of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 reaches a certain level, the frequency drop becomes relatively particularly small. Also, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124, has a significant effect on the frequency. The larger the diameter of the first conductor plate 123, or the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124, the lower the resonant frequency, which is advantageous for reducing the axial length of the external conductor unit 11. In engineering applications, to facilitate control of cost and size, it is preferable to attach the first conductor plate 123 only to the top of the conductor rod 121.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5, the internal conductor unit 12 further includes a through-path 1211 that penetrates the conductor rod 121 and the first conductor plate 123 in the axial direction. The through-path 1211 can be used for inserting and / or fitting the probe device 122. Specifically, the through-path 1211 is shaped like a right cylindrical column and is formed to penetrate axially along the central axis of the conductor rod 121 and the first conductor plate 123. In this embodiment, the probe device 122 is fitted onto the conductor rod 121 by inserting one end of the hollow probe 1221 of the probe device 122 that is close to the first conductor plate 123 into the through-path 1211.

[0064] It should be noted that if the conductor rod 121 or the first conductor plate 123 is manufactured by coating a non-conductive material with a third conductive layer, the third conductive layer must also be coated on the inner wall surface of the through-path 1211 at the corresponding position on the conductor rod 121 or the first conductor plate 123, so that the hollow probe 1221 forms good ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123, or with the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor rod 121. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, in some embodiments, the probe device 122 may include a conductive, elongated hollow probe 1221 and a temperature measuring module 1222 provided within the hollow probe 1221. The hollow probe 1221 is capable of ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123, or with the conductor rod 121 and the first conductor plate 123. In some other embodiments, one end of the hollow probe 1221 adjacent to the first conductor plate 123 is inserted into the through-path 1211 from the top of the first conductor plate 123, penetrates the first conductor plate 123, and is positioned in the through-path 1211 at a location corresponding to the conductor rod 121. This connects the corresponding outer surface of the hollow probe 1221 to the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor rod 121, forming good ohmic contact. The hollow probe 1221, the first conductor plate 123, and the conductor rod 121 are optionally arranged coaxially. In addition, a temperature sensing module 1222 is used to monitor the internal temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate 40 when the aerosol-generating substrate 40 is inserted into the hollow probe 1221.

[0065] It should be explained that the hollow probe 1221 must be conductive on its exterior and form good ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123. Furthermore, the higher the conductivity of the outer surface of the hollow probe 1221, the easier it is for microwaves to conduct, and the less likely the hollow probe 1221 is to self-heat due to microwave consumption caused by wall current loss.

[0066] Furthermore, the hollow probe 1221 has a hollow structure and includes a conductive second side wall 1223, a conductive second end wall 1224, and a second opening 1225. In some embodiments, the second side wall 1223 may be cylindrical. The second end wall 1224 closes one end of the second side wall 1223 that is separated from the first conductor plate 123, forming a sealed end of the hollow probe 1221. The second opening 1225 is formed at one end of the second side wall 1223 that is close to the first conductor plate 123, forming an open end of the hollow probe 1221. The second opening 1225 is used to insert the connection cable 1228 of the temperature measuring module 1222. The second side wall 1223, the second end wall 1224, and the second opening 1225 jointly form a hollow passage 1226 having an opening, and the temperature measuring module 1222 is housed in this hollow passage 1226.

[0067] One end of the hollow probe 1221 that is separated from the first conductor plate 123 extends toward the housing base 20 and is inserted into the housing base 20. In some embodiments, the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is the end of the one end that is separated from the first conductor plate 123. The shape of this end may be flat, spherical, ellipsoidal, conical, truncated cone, etc. Preferably, the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is truncated cone. In some embodiments, the end of the second side wall 1223 that is close to the second end wall 1224 extends toward the second end wall 1224 and is connected to the outer edge of the second end wall 1224. The second end wall 1224 has a planar structure and its diameter is smaller than the maximum diameter of the end of the second side wall 1223 that is close to the second end wall 1224. In some embodiments, the connection between the end of the second side wall 1223 adjacent to the second end wall 1224 and the second end wall 1224 is a smooth connection.

[0068] As can be understood, by streamlining the shape of the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221, it is possible to enhance the localized intensity of the microwave field and improve the atomization rate of the aerosol-generating substrate 40. In particular, the effect is optimal when the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 is frustoconical.

[0069] In some embodiments, the hollow probe 1221 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, preferably stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or copper. In other embodiments, the hollow probe 1221 may be made of a non-conductive material, but it is necessary to form it by coating the outer wall surface with a fourth conductive layer. This fourth conductive layer is, for example, a thin metal plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a copper plating layer. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the hollow probe 1221 may be circular, or of course, square, elliptical, triangular, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the temperature sensing module 1222 may be a temperature sensor, for example, a thermocouple for temperature measurement. In some embodiments, the temperature sensing module 1222 may include a temperature sensing probe 1227 and a connecting cable 1228 electrically connected to the temperature sensing probe 1227. The temperature sensing probe 1227 is provided in one end of the hollow probe 1221 that is separated from the first conductor plate 123. The temperature sensing probe 1227 is electrically connected to a control device (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1 via a connecting cable 1228 provided in the through-path 1211 and the hollow path 1226, so that the temperature inside the aerosol generating substrate 40 can be fed back to the control device.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the housing base 20 may include a housing section 21 and a fixing section 22 integrally connected to the housing section 21. The housing section 21 is used to house the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The fixing section 22 is used to close the first opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11 in the axial direction and to extend the housing section 21 into the inner conductor unit 12 and connect it to the inner conductor unit 12. In some embodiments, the housing base 20 may be made of a low dielectric loss heat-resistant material such as one or a combination of one of the following: plastic, ceramics, glass, aluminum oxide, zirconia, or silicon oxide. Among the plastic materials, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) are preferred, and among the ceramic materials, glass, quartz glass, aluminum oxide, and zirconia are preferred. Furthermore, the dielectric loss tangent of the material of the housing base 20 is preferably less than 0.1.

[0072] In some embodiments, the housing base 20 may include several elongated positioning ribs 23 and several elongated support ribs 25. The positioning ribs 23 are spaced apart and uniformly arranged circumferentially on the walls of the housing chamber 210 and / or the first through-hole 220. Each positioning rib 23 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the housing base 20. The support ribs 25 are spaced apart and distributed radially on the bottom surface of the housing chamber 210. The positioning ribs 23 can be used, firstly, to tighten the aerosol-generating substrate 40 inserted into the housing chamber 210 and / or the first through-hole 220, and secondly, to form one first air supply path extending longitudinally between each pair of adjacent positioning ribs 23. The support ribs 25 can be used, firstly, to support the aerosol-generating substrate 40, and secondly, to form several radial second air supply paths. The aforementioned second air supply paths are each in communication with the aforementioned first air supply paths. As a result, ambient air is drawn into the bottom of the aerosol-generating substrate 40 and then enters the aerosol-generating substrate 40 to transport the aerosol generated by microwave heating.

[0073] In some embodiments, the housing portion 21 may be cylindrical and have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11. The housing portion 21 may include an axial housing chamber 210, which is used to house the aerosol-generating substrate 40. The fixing portion 22 may be annular and coaxially connected to the housing portion 21. The fixing portion 22 coaxially fixes the housing portion 21 within the microwave resonator 10 by enabling coaxial closure of the first opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11. The fixing portion 22 includes an axial first through-hole 220 that connects the housing chamber 210 to the surrounding area. This allows the aerosol-generating substrate 40 to be inserted into the housing chamber 210 via the first through-hole 220.

[0074] In some embodiments, the housing 21 may be cylindrical and include a flat third bottom wall 211 and a cylindrical third side wall 212 provided around the periphery of the third bottom wall 211. The outer diameter of the third side wall 212 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11. In some embodiments, when the housing base 20 is assembled to the outer conductor unit 11, the third bottom wall 211 is in contact with the top of the first conductor plate 123.

[0075] In this embodiment, the housing section 21 further includes a second through-hole 26 provided in the third bottom wall 211. Specifically, the second through-hole 26 is formed to penetrate the third bottom wall 211 along its axial direction. Preferably, the second through-hole 26 is located in the center of the third bottom wall 211. As can be understood, the ceiling portion of the hollow probe 1221 of the probe device 122, which is the end separated from the first conductor plate 123, is inserted into the housing base 20 through the second through-hole 26. Furthermore, since the bottom end of the hollow probe 1221 is fitted into the internal conductor unit 12, the ceiling portion of the hollow probe 1221 may be suspended within the housing chamber 210 of the housing base 20.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the microwave supply device 30 may be a coaxial connector and can be connected to a microwave source (not shown) provided outside the outer conductor unit 11 to supply microwaves to the cavity.

[0077] Specifically, Figure 5 shows an aerosol generator 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the microwave supply device 30 may include an internal conductor 31, an external conductor 33, and a dielectric layer 32 interposed between the internal conductor 31 and the external conductor 33. When the microwave supply device 30 is attached to the microwave resonator 10, microwaves are supplied into the microwave resonator 10 by the internal conductor 31 making ohmic contact with the inner wall surface of the external conductor unit 11 and / or the outer surface of the conductor rod 121 of the internal conductor unit 12, and by the external conductor 33 making ohmic contact with the surface of the external conductor unit 11.

[0078] In this embodiment, the internal conductor 31 of the microwave supply device 30 is in the shape of a straight line. When the microwave supply device 30 is attached to the microwave resonator 10, the internal conductor 31 makes ohmic contact with the surface of the conductor rod 121 and is perpendicular to the axis of the conductor rod 121.

[0079] Figure 7 shows another aerosol generator 1 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This is almost the same structure as the aerosol generator 1 described above, but differs in that it uses a second microwave supply device 30a instead of the microwave supply device 30 of the aerosol generator 1 described above.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the second microwave supply device 30a may be a coaxial connector and may include a second internal conductor 31a, a second external conductor 33a, and a second dielectric layer 32a interposed between the second internal conductor 31a and the second external conductor 33a. When the second microwave supply device 30a is attached to the microwave resonator 10, microwaves are supplied into the microwave resonator 10 by the second internal conductor 31a making ohmic contact with the inner wall surface of the external conductor unit 11 and the second external conductor 33a making ohmic contact with the surface of the external conductor unit 11.

[0081] In this embodiment, the second internal conductor 31a of the second microwave supply device 30a is L-shaped and may include a first section 311a perpendicular to the axis of the microwave resonator 10 and a second section 312a parallel to the axis of the microwave resonator 10. Furthermore, the second section 312a makes ohmic contact with the first end wall 112 of the external conductor unit 11.

[0082] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the internal conductor 31 and / or the second internal conductor 31a may be made of a conductive material such as metal, preferably aluminum or copper. In some other embodiments, the internal conductor 31 and / or the second internal conductor 31a may be made of a non-conductive material, but it is necessary to form it by coating the outer wall surface with a fifth conductive layer. This fifth conductive layer is, for example, a thin metal plating layer such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, or a copper plating layer. In some embodiments, the internal conductor 31 and / or the second internal conductor 31a may also be a coupling ring. The outside of the coupling ring has a coaxial structure and is connected to a microwave source so that microwaves can be supplied to the cavity.

[0083] As can be understood, by combining the designs of the microwave resonator 10 and its resonant cavity 13 described above, the resonant frequency can be in the range of 2.4 to 2.5 GHz when the aerosol-generating substrate 40 is attached to the aerosol generator 1.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figures 9 to 15, experimental data are combined to specifically demonstrate the effects of the first conductive plate 123 and the hollow probe 1221 with a frustoconical ceiling in the aerosol generator 1.

[0085] It should be explained that for the following experimental data, the control variable method was used, with the presence or absence of the first conductor plate 123, the size of the first conductor plate 123, and the shape of the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 as independent variables. Furthermore, no other structural changes were made to the aerosol generator 1.

[0086] Figure 9 shows the resonant frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 3. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1 in the following respects. Specifically, the aerosol generator 1 in Example 3 did not have a first conductor plate 123 inside the external conductor unit 11. As shown in Figure 9, when the first conductor plate 123 was not provided, the resonant frequency of the aerosol generator 1 was 2.9375 GHz, and S11 was -3.77 dB. In this case, if the resonant frequency was to be reduced, it was necessary to increase the height of the resonant cavity 13.

[0087] Figure 10 shows the resonant frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1. As is clear from the drawing, by providing the first conductor plate 123 inside the outer conductor unit 11, the resonant frequency became 2.4375 GHz and S11 became -27.75 dB. In other words, a clear decrease in frequency was observed. In this case, it was possible to reduce the axial length of the outer conductor unit 11 or its resonant cavity 13 to 25 mm or less without any problems while ensuring that the resonant frequency was between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.

[0088] Figure 11 shows the resonant frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-1. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1 in the following respects. Specifically, in Example 1-1, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 was specified to 10 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11 was specified to 10.6 mm. As shown in Figure 11, in Example 1-1, the resonant frequency was 2.4375 GHz, and S11 was -27.75 dB.

[0089] Figure 12 shows the resonant frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-2. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-1 in the following respects. Specifically, in Example 1-2, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 was specified to 8 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11 was specified to 10.6 mm. As shown in Figure 12, in Example 1-2, the resonant frequency was 2.87 GHz, and S11 was -8.02 dB.

[0090] Figure 13 shows the resonant frequency of the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-3. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 in Example 1-1 in the following respects. Specifically, in Example 1-3, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 was specified to 10.4 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11 was specified to 10.6 mm. As shown in Figure 13, in Example 1-3, the resonant frequency was 2.16 GHz, and S11 was -13.01 dB.

[0091] In summary, by comparing the resonant frequency diagrams corresponding to Examples 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3, it became clear that the distance between the first conductor plate 123 and the inner wall surface of the first side wall 111 in the outer conductor unit 11 has a significant influence on the resonant frequency and supply frequency. From this, it can be interpreted that the smaller the distance between the first conductor plate 123 and the inner wall surface of the first side wall 111, the lower the resonant frequency.

[0092] Figure 14 shows the microwave field distribution diagram of the structure of the part of the probe device 122 located above the first conductor plate 123 in the aerosol generator 1 of Example 4. The aerosol generator 1 in this example differed from the aerosol generator 1 of Example 1 in the following respects. Specifically, the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 in the aerosol generator 1 of Example 4 had a flat roof structure. As shown in Figure 14, when the power of the microwave source was 1 watt and the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 had a flat roof structure, the strongest electric field of the microwave field was approximately 40385 V / m.

[0093] Figure 15 shows the microwave field distribution diagram of the structure of the part of the probe device 122 located above the first conductor plate 123 in the aerosol generator 1 of Example 1. In this example, the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 had a frustoconical structure. As shown in Figure 15, in this case as well, when the power of the microwave source was 1 watt, the strongest electric field of the microwave field was approximately 104,540 V / m. Furthermore, the microwave field was even more concentrated at the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221.

[0094] In summary, by comparing the microwave field distribution diagrams corresponding to Example 4 and Example 1, it became clear that the shape of the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221 has a strong influence on the microwave field distribution. From this, it can be interpreted that the sharper the ceiling of the hollow probe 1221, the greater the microwave field intensity and the faster the heating rate. Furthermore, it is possible to change the microwave field distribution.

[0095] To ensure clarity, the above technical features can be used in any combination without restriction.

[0096] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the rights of the present invention. Equivalent structural or equivalent flow modifications, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, made using the specifications and drawings of the present invention are all included within the scope of the rights of the present invention for the same reasons.

Claims

1. The microwave resonator (10) includes an outer conductor unit (11) that defines a resonant cavity (13) and an inner conductor unit (12) provided within the outer conductor unit (11), wherein the outer conductor unit (11) has an open end and a closed end, and the inner conductor unit (12) has one end connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and the other end extending toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11). The internal conductor unit (12) includes a conductor rod (121), the conductor rod (121) includes a fixed end connected to the sealed end of the external conductor unit (11) and a free end extending toward the open end of the external conductor unit (11), In an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating substrate (40) can be installed in the resonant cavity (13), The internal conductor unit (12) further includes a first conductor plate (123) that makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121), the first conductor plate (123) being columnar in shape with a diameter greater than its axial length and provided coaxially with the end wall of the free end, An aerosol generator characterized in that the resonant frequency when the aerosol generating substrate (40) is attached is in the range of 2.4 to 2.5 GHz.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conductor plate (123) is disc-shaped and integrally molded with the free end.

3. The first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121) are made of a metal material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a third conductive layer is provided on the surface of the first conductive plate (123) and a second conductive layer is provided on the surface of the conductive rod (121).

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the internal conductor unit (12) further includes at least one annular second conductor plate (124), the at least one second conductor plate (124) coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod (121) and is in ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121).

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one second conductor plate (124) is positioned below the first conductor plate (123) at a distance along the axial direction of the conductor rod (121).

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the first conductor plate (123) is larger than the diameter of the conductor rod (121).

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the internal conductor unit (12) further includes a conductive probe device (122), and the probe device (122) is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123).

8. The internal conductor unit (12) further includes a through-path (1211) that penetrates the conductor rod (121) and the first conductor plate (123) in the axial direction. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that one end of the probe device (122) that is close to the first conductor plate (123) is inserted into the through-path (1211) and makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121) and the first conductor plate (123).

9. The probe device (122) includes a conductive, vertically elongated hollow probe (1221) and a temperature measuring module (1222) provided inside the hollow probe (1221). The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that one end of the hollow probe (1221) that is close to the first conductor plate (123) is inserted sequentially into the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121), and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe (1221) is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123) and / or the conductor rod (121).

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the shape of the end portion of the hollow probe (1221) that is separated from the conductor rod (121) includes a planar shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a conical shape, or a frustoconical shape.

11. The hollow probe (1221) includes a conductive second side wall (1223) and a conductive second end wall (1224), One end of the second side wall (1223) that is separated from the first conductor plate (123) extends in the direction of the second end wall (1224) and is connected to the second end wall (1224). The maximum diameter of one end of the second side wall (1223) that is separated from the first conductor plate (123) is greater than the diameter of the second end wall (1224), and the second side wall (1223) and the second end wall (1224) are smoothly connected. The aerosol generating device according to feature 9.

12. The aerosol generator according to claim 11, characterized in that the hollow probe (1221) further includes a hollow path (1226) extending in the axial direction, and the temperature measuring module (1222) is housed in the hollow path (1226).

13. The microwave resonator (10) is a quarter-wavelength coaxial resonator, and the aerosol generator further includes a housing base (20) for mounting an aerosol generating substrate (40), the housing base (20) includes a housing section (21) provided within the resonant cavity (13) for housing the aerosol generating substrate (40), The bottom of the housing section (21) is in close contact with the top of the first conductor plate (123). The aerosol generating device according to feature 1.

14. The device includes a quarter-wavelength coaxial resonator, the coaxial resonator including a resonant cavity (13) and an internal conductor unit (12) located within the resonant cavity (13), The internal conductor unit (12) includes a conductor rod (121) whose bottom is close to the short-circuit end (A) of the coaxial resonator. In an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating substrate (40) can be installed in the resonant cavity (13), The internal conductor unit (12) further includes a first conductor plate (123) that makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121), the first conductor plate (123) being columnar in shape with a diameter greater than its axial length, and provided coaxially on the top of the conductor rod (121). An aerosol generator characterized in that the resonant frequency when the aerosol generating substrate (40) is attached is in the range of 2.4 to 2.5 GHz.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the first conductor plate (123) is disc-shaped and integrally molded with the top portion of the conductor rod (121), and the outer diameter of the first conductor plate (123) is larger than the diameter of the conductor rod (121).

16. The aerosol generator further includes a housing base (20) attached to the open end (B) of the coaxial resonator, The housing base (20) includes a housing section (21) for housing an aerosol-generating substrate (40), the housing section (21) is located within the resonant cavity (13) of the coaxial resonator. The aerosol generator according to claim 14, wherein the internal conductor unit (12) further includes a probe device (122) adjacent to the open end (B), the probe device (122) includes a conductive hollow probe (1221), the hollow probe (1221) is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123), and one end of the hollow probe (1221) is inserted into the housing (21) and acts on the aerosol generating substrate (40).

17. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that one end of the hollow probe (1221) that is separated from the conductor rod (121) extends into the housing (21), and the other end of the hollow probe (1221) that is close to the conductor rod (121) is inserted into the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121), and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe (1221) is connected to the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor rod (121).

18. The aerosol generator according to claim 16, characterized in that the shape of the end of the hollow probe (1221) that is separated from the conductor rod (121) includes a planar shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal shape, a conical shape, or a frustoconical shape.

19. The internal conductor unit (12) further includes at least one annular second conductor plate (124), the at least one second conductor plate (124) coaxially surrounding the outer circumferential wall of the conductor rod (121), The conductor rod (121) is positioned below the first conductor plate (123) at a distance along its axial direction, and The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that it makes ohmic contact with the conductor rod (121).

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