Heating assembly and aerosol generating device

Abstract

A heating assembly includes an inner tube, an outer tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductive member. The outer tube is sleeved on the inner tube. The first electrode is at least partially disposed inside the inner tube. The second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval. A plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of International application No. PCT / CN2024 / 114767, filed on Aug. 27, 2024, which claims the priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311164609.8, filed on Sep. 8, 2023 and Chinese Patent Application No. 202322452355.1, filed on Sep. 8, 2023. The entire disclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of aerosol generating devices, including to a heating assembly and an aerosol generating device.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the related technology, a plasma heating assembly includes an inner tube and two electrodes. At least one electrode may be mounted on the inner tube. An external power supply can supply power to the electrodes, causing electric discharge between the two electrodes to generate plasma and produce heat, which in turn heats an aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, how to effectively use the heat produced in the process of generating the plasma to improve the efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate has become a to-be-resolved technical problem.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides a heating assembly and an aerosol generating device.

[0005] According to examples of this disclosure, the heating assembly includes an inner tube, an outer tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductive member, where

[0006] the outer tube is sleeved on the inner tube;

[0007] the first electrode is at least partially disposed inside the inner tube;

[0008] the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized; and

[0009] the conductive member is connected to the second electrode and is configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply, the conductive member extends from one end of the inner tube to the other end of the inner tube in an axial direction of the inner tube, and a tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube partially faces the outer tube.

[0010] In the heating assembly provided in the examples of this disclosure, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube partially faces the outer tube, which reduces the volume of the conductive member, thereby reducing the heat capacity of the conductive member and reducing heat stored in the conductive member. In addition, the heat generated by the heating assembly may be directly radiated through the inner tube and the outer tube to an aerosol generating substrate, which improves utilization of the heat, thereby improving efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate.

[0011] In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube has the outer circumferential surface, and an area, corresponding to the conductive member, on the outer circumferential surface is smaller than the area of the outer circumferential surface.

[0012] In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube has the outer circumferential surface, and the conductive member covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface.

[0013] In an aspect, the inner tube includes a first tube segment and a second tube segment connected to the first tube segment, where the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the first tube segment, the second electrode is disposed at the end, far away from the first tube segment, of the second tube segment, the second electrode is controlled, when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized, to generate plasma in at least the second tube segment, and the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment partially faces the outer tube.

[0014] In an aspect, the conductive member is provided with a hollowed-out portion, and a portion of the first tube segment is exposed through the hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube. In an aspect, a plurality of hollowed-out portions are provided, and the plurality of hollowed-out portions are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner tube.

[0015] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a first conductive portion corresponding to the first tube segment, where the first conductive portion is provided with a first hollowed-out portion, a portion of the first tube segment is exposed through the first hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube, and the hollowed-out portions include the first hollowed-out portion.

[0016] In an aspect, the first conductive portion includes a plurality of first conductive strips, where the plurality of first conductive strips extend in an axial direction of the first tube segment, the plurality of first conductive strips are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the first tube segment, and the first hollowed-out portion is formed between two adjacent first conductive strips.

[0017] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion, where the second conductive portion covers at least a portion of the second tube segment.

[0018] In an aspect, in an axial direction of the inner tube, the second conductive portion overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode.

[0019] In an aspect, in an axial direction of the inner tube, the overlap size between the second conductive portion and the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0020] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion, where the second conductive portion corresponds to the second tube segment, the second conductive portion is provided with a second hollowed-out portion, a portion of the second tube segment is exposed through the second hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube, and the hollowed-out portion includes the second hollowed-out portion.

[0021] In an aspect, the second conductive portion includes a plurality of second conductive strips, where the plurality of second conductive strips extend in an axial direction of the second tube segment, the plurality of second conductive strips are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the second tube segment, and the second hollowed-out portion is formed between two adjacent second conductive strips.

[0022] In an aspect, a connecting ring is formed at a junction between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, and the connecting ring covers, in the axial direction of the inner tube, the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode.

[0023] In an aspect, the hollowed-out portion extends from the first tube segment to the end portion of the second tube segment far away from the first tube segment, and a portion of the second tube segment faces the outer tube through the hollowed-out portion.

[0024] In an aspect, the conductive member is at least partially cylindrical, and the conductive member is sleeved on the inner tube.

[0025] In an aspect, the cylindrical portion of the conductive member is sleeved on the inner tube in a winding manner.

[0026] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a conductive wire, where the conductive wire is wound around the inner tube and forms a hollowed-out portion, and the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube is partially faces the outer tube through the hollowed-out portion.

[0027] In an aspect, the conductive wire is wound to form a helical coil, and at least some of pitches of the helical coil are greater than 0, thereby forming the hollowed-out portion. In an aspect, in an axial direction of the helical coil, the pitch of the middle portion of the helical coil is greater than the pitch of at least one end.

[0028] In an aspect, the conductive wire forms a mesh, and openings of the mesh form the hollowed-out portion.

[0029] In an aspect, the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the inner tube, the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized; and the conductive member includes a first end portion and a second end portion connected to the first end portion, where the second end portion is connected to the second electrode, the first end portion is spaced apart from a position where the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube in the axial direction of the inner tube.

[0030] In an aspect, the inner tube includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, where the first electrode is exposed from the first end surface of the inner tube, and the first end portion is at least partially located between the first end surface and the second end surface.

[0031] In an aspect, a portion of the conductive member extends out of the outer tube through the end portion of the outer tube.

[0032] In an aspect, a heat insulating gap is formed between the conductive member and the inner wall surface of the outer tube.

[0033] In an aspect, the outer tube includes a first hollow segment and a second hollow segment that are connected in an axial direction of the outer tube, where the first hollow segment is formed with an opening, the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment, and both the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed in the outer tube.

[0034] In an aspect, the wall thickness of at least a portion of first hollow segment is greater than or equal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment; and / or the inner contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment.

[0035] In an aspect, the first hollow segment includes a first portion and a second portion, where the second portion is connected to the first portion and the second hollow segment, the first portion is formed with an opening, and the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion.

[0036] In an aspect, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion, and a stepped surface is formed at a junction between the first portion and the second portion.

[0037] In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion is greater than or equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment.

[0038] In an aspect, the first portion is formed with a wire outlet groove, and the wire outlet groove penetrates through the first portion in the lateral direction of the first portion.

[0039] In an aspect, the wire outlet groove penetrates through the end surface of the first portion.

[0040] In an aspect, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or the wall thickness of the second hollow segment ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0041] In an aspect, the heating assembly includes an inner tube at least partially disposed in an outer tube, where the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and the second electrode is disposed at one end of the inner tube.

[0042] In an aspect, the heating assembly includes an insulating member at least partially disposed in the first hollow segment, where the insulating member is connected to the inner wall of the first hollow segment and the outer wall of the inner tube, to limit lateral movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

[0043] An aerosol generating device according to examples of this disclosure includes the heating assembly according to any one of the foregoing examples.

[0044] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned by practice of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The foregoing and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and comprehensible in the description of the examples made with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 1 in the A-A direction;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating assembly in FIG. 1 of this disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example of this disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 1 in the B-B direction;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to an example of this disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to another example of this disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional of a heating assembly in FIG. 9 in the C-C direction;

[0057] FIG. 12 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. 11;

[0058] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to an example of this disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional diagram of a heating assembly in FIG. 7 in the E-E direction;

[0060] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a partial heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 16 in the F-F direction;

[0063] FIG. 18 is a schematic enlarged view of a partial cross-section of the heating assembly in FIG. 17;

[0064] FIG. 19 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a portion G in FIG. 17;

[0065] FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 20 in the H-H direction;

[0067] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating assembly in FIG. 20;

[0068] FIG. 23 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to another example of this disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 24 is a schematic top view of the heating assembly in FIG. 23;

[0070] FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 24 in the I-I direction;

[0071] FIG. 26 is a schematic structural diagram of an outer tube according to an example of this disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer tube in FIG. 26 in the K-K direction;

[0073] FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an outer tube according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 29 is a schematic structural diagram of an outer tube according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the outer tube in FIG. 29 from another perspective;

[0076] FIG. 31 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 31 in the M-M direction;

[0078] FIG. 33 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly including the outer tube in FIG. 28;

[0079] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 33 in the M-M direction; and

[0080] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating assembly in FIG. 31.DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0081] 1000: aerosol generating device; 200: power supply; 210: battery; 220: transformer; 300: aerosol generating substrate; 400: control center; and 500: cover;

[0082] 100: heating assembly; 10: inner tube; 1001: outer circumferential surface; 101: first tube segment; 102: second tube segment; 11: first end surface; 12: second end surface; 1011: central axis; 20: outer tube; 21: tapered end portion; 22: open end; 230: opening; 231: first hollow segment; 232: second hollow segment; 2311: first portion; 2312: second portion; 233: stepped surface; 240: wire outlet groove; 110: first electrode; 111: discharge portion; 112: conductive portion; 113: lead; 120: second electrode; 121: mounting portion; 122: protrusion; 130: discharge region; 30: conductive member; 31: first end portion; 32: second end portion; 301: first conductive portion; 302: second conductive portion; 33: connecting wire; 330: conductive wire; 34: conductive strip; 341: first conductive strip; 342: second conductive strip; 310: first conductive ring; 320: second conductive ring; 35: hollowed-out portion; 351: first hollowed-out portion; 352: second hollowed-out portion; 40: insulating member; 41: first insulating portion; 42: second insulating portion; 421: through hole; 50: connector; 60: infrared radiation film; 1002: heat insulating gap; 70: elastic member; 71: connecting member; 80: temperature measuring assembly; 84: temperature sensing film; 81: temperature sensing portion; 83: temperature measuring lead; 90: base; 91: first bracket; 92: second bracket; 93: housing; 903: wire outlet hole; 930: mounting space.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The following describes examples of this disclosure in detail. Examples of the examples are shown in the accompanying drawings, and same or similar numbers throughout the accompanying drawings represent same or similar elements or elements having same or similar functions. The following examples described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary, and are merely used for explaining this disclosure, but should not be understood as limitations to this disclosure.

[0084] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that orientation or position relations indicated by the terms such as “center”, “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside”, “clockwise”, and “anticlockwise” are based on orientation or position relations shown in the accompanying drawings, and are merely used for ease and brevity of the description of this disclosure, rather than indicating or implying that the mentioned device or element needs to have a particular orientation or needs to be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, such terms should not be interpreted as limiting this disclosure. In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or to implicitly indicate the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined by “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more, unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0085] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms such as “mount”, “connect”, and “link” should be understood in a generalized manner, for example, may be understood as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integration; or may be understood as a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a mutual communication; or may be understood as a direct connection, an indirect connection via a medium, an internal communication between two elements, or a mutual relationship between two elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art may understand specific meanings of the foregoing terms in this disclosure according to specific situations.

[0086] In this disclosure, unless expressly specified or defined otherwise, the expression of the first feature being “above” or “below” the second feature may include the case that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, and may also include the case that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are contacted via another feature therebetween. Furthermore, the first feature being “over”, “above”, or “on” the second feature includes the case that the first feature is directly or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. The first feature being “below”, “under”, or “beneath” the second feature includes the case that the first feature is directly or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature. The following disclosure provides many different examples for implementing different structures of this disclosure. To simplify disclosure of this disclosure, components and settings of particular examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, in this disclosure, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples. The repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not indicate a relationship between the discussed various examples and / or settings. In addition, this disclosure provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but the person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of disclosure of other processes and / or use of other materials.Example I

[0087] Refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. A heating assembly 100 according to the example of this disclosure includes an inner tube 10, an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, a second electrode 120, and a conductive member 30. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the inner tube 10. The second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and is disposed opposite to the first electrode 110 at an interval. Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 when the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are energized.

[0088] The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 and is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 200. The conductive member 30 extends from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10 in an axial direction of the inner tube 10. In the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20.

[0089] It should be noted that the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be a portion of the inner tube 10 located between two axial end portions of the conductive member 30. The axial length of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be approximately equal to the axial length of the conductive member 30, and the end portions of the tube segment are roughly aligned with the end portions of the conductive member. In addition, it may be further understood that, to electrically connect the second electrode 120 to the power supply 200, the conductive member 30 is required for the connection. However, the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are not necessarily two separate parts. The two parts may be made of the same material, or may be integrally formed into a whole, where a portion facing the first electrode 110 is used as an electrode and the remaining portion is used for electrical connection. In this disclosure, the description of the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 as separate parts is not intended to define the second electrode and the conductive member as an integral or separated structure, but rather to facilitate better explanation and clarification.

[0090] In the heating assembly 100 provided in the example of this disclosure, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20, which reduces the volume of the conductive member 30, thereby reducing the heat capacity of the heat conductive member 30 and reducing heat stored in the conductive member 30. In addition, a large amount of the heat generated by the heating assembly 100 may be directly radiated through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to an aerosol generating substrate 300, thereby improving heat utilization and further improving a heating speed and efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0091] It may be understood that, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20, which means that the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 has the partial outer wall surface facing the outer tube 20, and the partial outer wall surface faces the outer tube 20 without being shielded by the conductive member 30. The same tube segment of the inner tube 10 has another partial outer wall surface facing the outer tube 20, and the partial outer wall surface is shielded by the conductive member 30 and cannot directly face the outer tube.

[0092] For details, refer to FIG. 3. The inner tube 10 may be a hollow tube with openings at both ends. The entire inner tube 10 may be cylindrical and has a central axis 1011. The axial length of the inner tube 10 is far greater than the radial length. The side of the inner tube 10 encircles the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 to form the wall of the inner tube 10 and hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0093] Refer to FIG. 2. At least a portion of the first electrode 110 is inserted into the hollow space in the center of the inner tube 10 from one end of the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is denoted as P. The second electrode 120 is disposed at the other end of the inner tube 10, and is opposite, through the hollow space of the inner tube 10, to the portion of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10.

[0094] The end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10 is spaced apart from the second electrode 120 by a particular distance. For ease of description, in this disclosure, an interval between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is referred to as a discharge region 130. The discharge region 130 may be enclosed by the inner tube 10 and is located in the hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0095] Refer to FIG. 2 again. With reference to FIG. 4, the first electrode 110 may be connected to the power supply 200 to serve as one pole for conducting high-voltage electricity; and the second electrode 120 may be connected to the power supply 200 through the conductive member 30 to serve as the other pole for conducting the high-voltage electricity. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 conduct the high-voltage electricity, and produce high-voltage discharge in the discharge region 130 to generate a plasma arc. In the center of the discharge region 130, the maximum temperature of the plasma arc during generation may be above 2000° C., and a stable plasma temperature range may be 1000° C. to 1600° C. The discharge region 130 may be closed and filled with electrically neutral gas such as nitrogen and argon. Alternatively, the discharge region 130 may be communication with the atmospheric pressure. In this case, the gas in the discharge region 130 is air.

[0096] It should be noted that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be connected to direct current, or may be connected to alternating current. In a case that direct current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate plasma by means of the direct current. In a case that alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate plasma by means of the alternating current.

[0097] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10 and encloses at least a portion of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 may cover at least the discharge region 130 in the inner tube 10. The aerosol generating substrate 300 fills the outer circumference of the outer tube 20. The outer surface of the outer tube 20 may be in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300. The heat generated by the plasma arc in the discharge region 130 can be transferred to the outside of the outer tube 20 through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20 in a heat transfer manner such as infrared radiation, and the aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat to generate an aerosol.

[0098] The outer tube 20 may be a hollow tube with a closed end and an open end. A tapered end portion 21 may be formed at the closed end of the outer tube 20, and the open end is an open end 22. The open end 22 forms an annular cross-section, and the cross-sectional area of the open end 22 may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the tapered end portion 21.

[0099] The inner tube 10 encloses at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and the end of the inner tube 10 that has a second end surface 12 is inserted into the outer tube 20 from the open end 22, to enable the second electrode 120 disposed on the second end surface 12 to abut against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21. A second end portion 32 is connected to the second electrode 120, extends into the outer tube 20 with the inner tube 10, and is close to the tapered end portion 21. A first end portion 31 may extend out of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22.

[0100] In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 is made of at least one material such as quartz and ceramic, so that the outer tube 20 can provide insulation protection and can allow infrared radiation to pass through. In this way, the infrared radiation generated by discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is transmitted to the outside of the outer tube 20 to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0101] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the outer tube 20 ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm (including endpoint values). The outer diameter of the outer tube 20 is denoted as D, and preferably, 2.0 mm≤D≤3.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the outer tube 20 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, or 0.5 mm, and the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm, or 3 mm. The outer tube 20 may be a quartz tube with the outer diameter of 2.0 mm and the wall thickness of 0.3 mm. For another example, the outer tube 20 may be a quartz tube with the outer diameter of 3.0 mm and the wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

[0102] The conductive member 30 may be disposed on the inner tube 10, and extends from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The path along which the conductive member 30 extends between the two ends of the inner tube 10 may be a straight line, or may be a curve. The outer wall of the partial inner tube 10 enclosed by the outer tube 20 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0103] The conductive member 30 may be attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, is located between the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and shields a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 10. The partial inner tube 10 shielded by the conductive member 30 cannot face or cannot directly face the outer tube 20. In a region of the inner tube 10 shielded by the conductive member 30, the heat of the plasma arc may be transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. Infrared radiant energy in this region is much less than that in a region not shielded by the conductive member 30.

[0104] It may be understood that the conductive member 30 may be a metal piece disposed on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. In another embodiment, the conductive member 30 may alternatively be a conductive film or a conductive circuit coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10, and the shape, the thickness, an arrangement position on the inner tube 10, and the like of the conductive member may be equivalently understood in line with the foregoing solutions.

[0105] At least a portion of the outer wall of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 directly faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20. In other words, no shield member exists between a portion of the outer wall of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0106] Refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 again. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a first end portion 31 and a second end portion 32 connected to the first end portion 31. The second end portion 32 is connected to the second electrode 120, and the first end portion 31 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply 200.

[0107] The conductive member 30 may be arranged between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end portion 31 is the end of the conductive member 30 that extends out of the outer tube 20 and that is closest to the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 may surround the second electrode 120, or be in contact with the second electrode 120 in another manner, is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10, and is electrically connected to the second electrode 120.

[0108] In the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a direction pointing from the second end portion 32 to the first end portion 31 may be an up-down direction. The tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be a tube segment between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32.

[0109] For example, the second end portion 32 may be cylindrical, is coaxial with the inner tube 10, and encloses one end of the inner tube 10. The tube segment, enclosed by the second end portion 32, of the inner tube 10 cannot face the outer tube 20.

[0110] Refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5. In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 has the outer circumferential surface 1001, and the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 (e.g., with opening on the outer circumferential surface).

[0111] In this way, the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of the outer circumferential surface 1001, so that at least a portion of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 is not shielded by the conductive member 30 and directly faces the outer tube 30. Therefore, the heat from the plasma within the inner tube 10 can be directly transferred, in the portion of the tube segment, through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0112] Specifically, the inner tube 10 includes a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12 opposite to the first end surface 11. The first electrode 110 is exposed from the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10, and the second end surface 12 abuts against one side surface of the second electrode 120. An entire tube segment of the inner tube 10 may be between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12. The second end portion 32 is disposed on the second end surface, and the first end portion 31 may be located between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12. The tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 is a portion of the tube segment between the second end portion 32 and the first end portion 31.

[0113] The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 extends from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and reaches a position of the first end portion 31. It may be understood that the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be a product obtained by multiplying the length of the outer side of the second end surface 12 by a distance between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0114] The conductive member 30 may be attached to the inner tube 10. For example, the conductive member 30 is formed on the inner tube 10 in a film coating manner, and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 is opposite to the conductive member 30. The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 opposite to the conductive member 30 is shielded by the conductive member 30 between the inner tube and the outer tube 20 in the radial direction of the inner tube 10. The area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is the area of a region of the inner tube 10 shielded by the conductive member 30 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20.

[0115] Refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 again. In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 has an outer circumferential surface 1001, and the conductive member 30 partially covers the outer circumferential surface 1001.

[0116] Specifically, the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 is partially covered by the conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may extend on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, extend from the first end surface 11 to the second end surface 12, and form a straight strip-shaped extension path. Alternatively, the extension path of the conductive member 30 on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 may be a curve that encircles the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and that protrudes toward the outer tube 20. The extension path of the conductive member 30 covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10.

[0117] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. In an aspect, the inner tube 10 includes a first tube segment 101 and a second tube segment 102 connected to the first tube segment 101. The first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the first tube segment 101. The second electrode 120 is disposed at the end of the second tube segment 102 away from the first tube segment 101 and is disposed opposite to the first electrode 110 at an interval. The second electrode is controlled to generate plasma at least within the second tube segment 102 when the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are energized, and the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 partially faces the outer tube 20.

[0118] It should be noted that in this disclosure, the description of division of the inner tube 10 into the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102 does not mean that the inner tube 10 is formed by combining two separate parts. Preferably, the inner tube 10 is an integral tube and is an integrally formed tube body. This division is provided merely for the purpose of better describing subsequent solutions, and does not constitute a limitation to whether the inner tube 10 is integral or split.

[0119] Specifically, the first tube segment 101 may be a partial tube segment extending, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, from the first end portion 31 to the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second tube segment 102 may be a partial tube segment extending, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, from the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 to the second end surface 11.

[0120] The second electrode 120 is disposed at the end, including the second end surface 12, of the second tube segment 102. The second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are controlled to generate plasma within the second tube segment 102. Therefore, the discharge region 130 is located in the second tube segment 102.

[0121] The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 at the second tube segment 102, extends from the second tube segment 102 to the first tube segment 101, and extends out of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22. A path along which the conductive member 30 extends from the second tube segment 102 to the first end surface 11 covers the outer circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube segment 101. The outer circumferential surface, uncovered by the conductive member 30, of the first tube segment 101 faces the outer tube 20.

[0122] Refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 is provided with a hollowed-out portion 35, and a portion of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the hollowed-out portion 35 and faces the outer tube 20.

[0123] With reference to FIG. 1, the upper portion of the heating assembly 100 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the upper portion of the heating assembly 100 includes the discharge region 130. The lower portion of the heating assembly 100 may be used for mounting and fixation. In the related technology, the heat generated in the discharge region 12 is easily transferred to the lower portion of the heating assembly through the conductive member, resulting in excessively high temperature of the lower portion of the heating assembly and significant energy waste. In addition, a large amount of liquid is easily accumulated.

[0124] In this way, the conductive member 30 is provided with the hollowed-out portion 35, which can prevent the heat of the conductive member 30 from being transferred from the discharge region 130 to the lower portion of the heating assembly 100, thereby avoiding excessively high temperature of the lower portion of the heating assembly 100, improving utilization of the heat for heating the aerosol generating substrate 300, and reducing deposition of condensates. The hollowed-out portion 35 further helps enhance the intensity of external radiation of the plasma arc.

[0125] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The heating assembly 100 generates a plasma arc through discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300. In the center of the discharge region 130, the maximum temperature of the plasma arc can reach 2000° C., and the heat is relatively concentrated. It may be understood that the heat capacity of the heating assembly 100 should be reduced as much as possible, so that the discharge region 130 is less likely to accumulate heat, and the heat can be quickly transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300. In addition, the heating assembly 100 is configured to reduce heat transfer to portions other than the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0126] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is tubular and is sleeved on the inner tube 10, and the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 are respectively two axial end portions of the conductive member 30. The first end portion 31 surrounds the outer circumference of the first end surface 11, and the second end portion 32 extends out of the open end 22 and is partially located outside the outer tube 20. The hollowed-out portion 35 is located between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32, and the outer surface of the inner tube 10 between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 is exposed through the hollowed-out portion 35 and faces the outer tube 20.

[0127] Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is sleeved on the inner tube 10, may be in a cylindrical shape at the second tube segment 102, and covers at least a portion of the second tube segment 102. The discharge region 130 is located at the second tube segment 102, and heat from the discharge region 130 may be transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 through the second tube segment 102, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. The hollowed-out portion 35 extends from the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 to the second end portion 32. The outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the hollowed-out portion 35 and faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The heat generated in the discharge region 130 is not readily transferred downward through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0128] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be a metal tube coaxial with the inner tube 10, so that the center of the discharge region 130 is approximately located on the central axis 1011 of the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10, to achieve uniform thermal conduction.

[0129] The first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 are connected through a conductive strip 34. The conductive strip 34 is adhered to the outer wall surface of the inner tube 10 and extends in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 may be annular, encircle the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and encloses the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0130] Refer to FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 may be a wire with lower stiffness than a metal tube. The conductive member 30 may be wound around the inner tube 10 to form a tube shape (e.g., a loop or loops), and encloses the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102. Wires are arranged at intervals to form hollowed-out portions.

[0131] In some embodiments, the shape of the hollowed-out portion 35 includes, but is not limited to, a round-hole shape, an oval-hole shape, an irregular-hole shape, a straight-edged strip shape, a curved-edged strip shape, and the like. The hollowed-out portions 35 on one conductive member 30 may be in the same shape, or may be in different shapes.

[0132] Refer to FIG. 8. In an aspect, a plurality of hollowed-out portions 35 are provided. The plurality of hollowed-out portions 35 are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner tube 10.

[0133] In this way, the plurality of hollowed-out portions 35 may further reduce the volume of the conductive member 30, lower the heat capacity, and accelerate the heating of the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0134] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may have the hollowed-out portions 35 between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32. The plurality of conductive strips 34 are spaced apart to form the plurality of hollowed-out portions 35. The plurality of conductive strips 34 may be distributed at intervals on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10.

[0135] Refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the conductive strips 34 and the hollowed-out portions 35 extend side by side on the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 in an axial direction of the first tube segment 101, and are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101.

[0136] Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In an aspect, the hollowed-out portions 35 may extend from the first end portion 31 to the second end portion 32 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 facing the outer tube 20 is larger.

[0137] In an aspect, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. This can lower the heat capacity and improve energy utilization efficiency during heating.

[0138] For example, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 may range from 0.05 mm to 0.19 mm, from 0.06 mm to 0.18 mm, from 0.07 mm to 0.17 mm, from 0.08 mm to 0.16 mm, from 0.09 mm to 0.15 mm, from 0.10 mm to 0.14 mm, from 0.11 mm to 0.13 mm, or from 0.115 mm to 0.125 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.16 mm, or 0.2 mm.

[0139] Further, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 preferably ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is 0.055 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.09 mm.

[0140] It may be understood that as the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 increases, the volume increases correspondingly, and more heat can be absorbed and stored, resulting in high heat capacity of the heating assembly 100. The wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is less than or equal to 0.2 mm, so that the conductive member is less likely to store heat. This helps the conductive member 30 transfer the heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol generating substrate 300. The wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm, which reduces the likelihood of wear and failure.

[0141] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is made of an oxidation-resistant metal material, which can prevent the conductive member 30 from oxidizing and failing, and improve the service life of the conductive member. Specifically, the conductive member 30 is made of at least one of nickel-based alloys and iron-based alloys.

[0142] Refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a first conductive portion 301 corresponding to the first tube segment 101. The first conductive portion 301 is provided with a first hollowed-out portion 351, a portion of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the first hollowed-out portion 351 and faces the outer tube 20, and the hollowed-out portions 35 include the first hollowed-out portion 351.

[0143] In this way, with reference to FIG. 1, the first hollowed-out portion 351 interrupts a heat transfer path through which a portion of the first conductive portion 301 transfers heat to a region away from the aerosol generating substrate 300, thereby reducing heat loss.

[0144] Specifically, the first hollowed-out portion 351 may be formed by cutting the tube wall of the first conductive portion 301. The first hollowed-out portion 351 may be in a strip shape. One or more first hollowed-out portions 351 may be provided.

[0145] Refer to FIG. 10. For example, in some embodiments, one conductive strip 34 of the first tube segment 101 is provided. One conductive strip forms one hollowed-out portion. The hollowed-out portion extends, in the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101, from one side of the conductive strip 34 to the other side of the conductive strip 34.

[0146] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9. For another example, in some embodiments, two conductive strips 34 of the first tube segment 101 are provided. The two conductive strips 34 may be distributed at two ends of the same diameter of the inner tube 10 and spaced apart to form two hollowed-out portions 35. The outer wall of the inner tube 10 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portions 35.

[0147] Refer to FIG. 9 again. In an aspect, the first conductive portion 301 includes a plurality of first conductive strips 341. The plurality of first conductive strips 341 extend in the axial direction of the first tube segment 101, and the plurality of first conductive strips 341 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101. The first hollowed-out portion 351 is formed between two adjacent first conductive strips 341.

[0148] In this way, the plurality of first conductive strips 341 may be spaced apart to form the plurality of first hollowed-out portions 351, to reduce downward heat transfer of the first conductive portion 301.

[0149] Specifically, the plurality of first conductive strips 341 may extend from the first end portion 31 to the end surface of the first electrode 110 opposite to the second electrode 120. The areas of the outer circumferential surfaces, covered by the plurality of first conductive strips 341, of the first tube segment 101 may be the same, or may be different. The plurality of first conductive strips 341 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101, to form hollowed-out portions 35 of equal size. Alternatively, intervals between every two adjacent first conductive strips 341 may be unequal.

[0150] The total area of the outer circumferential surfaces, covered by the plurality of first conductive strips 341, of the first tube segment 101 is smaller than the total area of the outer circumferential surfaces, exposed through the first hollowed-out portions 351 and facing the outer tube, of the first tube segment 101.

[0151] Refer to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to the first conductive portion 301. The second conductive portion 302 encloses at least a portion of the second tube segment 102.

[0152] In this way, the second conductive portion 302 covers a region in which the plasma arc is generated in the second tube segment 102, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the radiated heat.

[0153] Specifically, the second conductive portion 302 is connected to the second electrode 120 at the second end surface 12, and extends from the second electrode 120 to the first tube segment 101. The second conductive portion 302 encloses the second tube segment 102, and completely covers the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second conductive portion 302 is cylindrical and is coaxial with the second tube segment 102.

[0155] As described above, the discharge region 130 is located between the end, extending into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 conduct high-voltage electricity to generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130. In the following description, L denotes the arc length of the plasma arc generated by the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, namely, the discharge arc length.

[0156] It may be understood that the discharge arc length is approximately equal to a distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 may be fixed. Therefore, the discharge arc length may be a fixed value.

[0157] Refer to FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 satisfies 2 mm≤L≤10 mm.

[0158] In this way, the discharge arc length falls within a controlled range, thereby ensuring that discharge performance of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and a temperature field distribution in a region of the discharge arc length are favorable.

[0159] Specifically, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 may be any length not less than 2 mm and not greater than 10 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may range from 3 mm to 10 mm, from 4 mm to 8 mm, from 5 mm to 7 mm, or from 5.5 mm to 6 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may be the length such as 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm. The discharge region 130 is located in the inner tube 10, and the length of the inner tube 10 is apparently greater than the discharge arc length. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10 and covers the entire discharge region 130. The outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 includes at least a tube body end portion covering the discharge region 130.

[0160] In some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 satisfies 6 mm<L≤10 mm.

[0161] For example, the discharge arc length ranges from 6 mm to 9 mm, from 7 mm to 8.5 mm, or from 7.5 mm to 8 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may be 6.1 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.6 mm, 9.8 mm, or 10 mm.

[0162] In an aspect, the discharge arc length L between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 is 8 mm.

[0163] The second conductive portion 302 covers the second tube segment 102 and extends in an axial direction of the second tube segment 102 by the length greater than the discharge arc length L, so that the length of the plasma arc does not exceed the length of the second conductive portion 302.

[0164] Refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In an aspect, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. In the following description, n denotes the overlap size between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0165] In this way, the risk of discharge between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion, of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 can be reduced.

[0166] It should be noted that it is specified that a direction pointing from the second end surface to the first end surface in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is the up-down direction. Therefore, the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is an upper end of the first electrode 110, and the second conductive portion 302 is located above the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube. That, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be understood as that a position of the lower end of the second conductive portion 302 is lower than a position of the upper end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0167] It may be understood that with reference to FIG. 4, the second electrode 120 is connected to the power supply 200 through the conductive member 30. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are opposite to each other and have opposite polarities. Therefore, an electric field is generated between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110. The polarity of the second electrode 120 is the same as that of the second conductive portion 302. When the second conductive portion 302 is spaced a non-insulated distance from the end of the first electrode facing the second electrode 120, discharge may occur.

[0168] The second conductive portion 302 is configured to cover, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120, so that the space between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is filled by the side wall of the inner tube 10, to enhance the dielectric strength.

[0169] Refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In an aspect, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the overlap size between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 satisfies n≥0.3 mm.

[0170] In this way, the end surface of the second conductive portion 302 is not opposite to the end surface of the first electrode 110, thereby reducing the likelihood of discharge between the second conductive portion 302 and the first electrode 110 and enhancing the dielectric strength between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0171] Specifically, the overlap size between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be defined as a distance, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, between the farthest point of the second conductive portion 302 from the second end surface 12 and a projection of the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 on the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0172] The overlap size n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may range from 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, from 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, or from 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the overlap size n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.55 mm.

[0173] Refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 again. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to the first conductive portion 301. The second conductive portion 302 corresponds to the second tube segment 102, the second conductive portion 302 is provided with a second hollowed-out portion 352, a portion of the second tube segment 102 is exposed through the second hollowed-out portion 352 and faces the outer tube 20, and the hollowed-out portions 35 include the second hollowed-out portion 352.

[0174] This can further lower the heat capacity of the conductive member 30, and shorten time required for heating or cooling the heating assembly 100.

[0175] Specifically, the second hollowed-out portion 352 may be in a straight-strip shape, a curved line shape, a round-hole shape, or the like. One, two, three, or more second hollowed-out portions 352 may be provided. The portion, covered by the second conductive portion 302, of the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102 is in a close fit with the second conductive portion 302 and is covered by the second conductive portion 302. The portion, uncovered by the second conductive portion 302, of the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102 may be exposed through the second hollowed-out portion 352 and faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0176] Refer to FIG. 9 and FIG. 11. In an aspect, the second conductive portion 302 includes a plurality of second conductive strips 342. The plurality of second conductive strips 342 extend in an axial direction of the second tube segment 102, the plurality of second conductive strips 342 are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the second tube segment 102, and the second hollowed-out portion 352 is formed between two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0177] In this way, the thermal resistance to outward heat conduction from the high-temperature arc in the center of the discharge region 130 can be further lowered, thereby increasing the heating rate.

[0178] Specifically, the second conductive strips 342 and the second hollowed-out portions 352 may be formed by cutting a metal tube body. In the circumferential direction of the second tube segment 102, the second conductive strips 342 and the second hollowed-out portions 352 may be sequentially arranged. The second conductive strip 342 may have one end connected to the second end portion 32, and extend from the second end surface 12 to a position below the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second conductive strip 342 may have a side edge parallel to the central axis of the inner tube. The second hollowed-out portion 352 is formed at a position between the adjacent side edges of two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0179] Two, three, four, or five second conductive strips 342 are provided. The plurality of second conductive strips 342 form a plurality of second hollowed-out portions 352. Correspondingly, the number of second hollowed-out portions 352 is equal to the number of second conductive strips 342.

[0180] Refer to FIG. 9 again. In an aspect, a connecting ring 343 is formed at the junction between the first conductive portion 301 and the second conductive portion 302, and the connecting ring 343 covers, in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10, the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0181] In this way, by disposing the connecting ring 343, the local electric field intensity can be reduced to avoid discharge breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30. In addition, the mechanical strength of the conductive member 30 can be enhanced, thereby lowering the risk of deformation and failure of the conductive member 30.

[0182] Specifically, the connecting ring 343 may be a partial conductive member that covers the circumference of the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 and that is retained when the hollowed-out portion 35 is formed by cutting the tube wall of the conductive member 30.

[0183] According to the following formula, a relationship between the area of the side wall and the electric field intensity is that the field intensity increases as the area of the side wall decreases; and the field intensity decreases as the area of the side wall increases.E=Ud=Q⁢4⁢π⁢kε⁢Swhere E denotes the electric field intensity, U denotes voltage applied between the two electrodes, d denotes a discharge distance, Q denotes charge carried by the electrode, S denotes the discharge area, k denotes an electrostatic constant, and ε denotes a dielectric constant of a medium between the two electrodes.

[0185] It may be understood that the conductive member 30 forms the hollowed-out portion 35, and the area of the side wall is reduced, resulting in increased electric field intensity between the side walls. Consequently, breakdown is more likely to occur between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, affecting the stability and safety of the heating assembly 100. The connecting ring 343 covers the discharging end of the first electrode 110, to reduce the intensity of a local electric field formed on the circumference of the discharging end of the first electrode 110, thereby avoiding breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30.

[0186] Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In an aspect, the hollowed-out portion 35 extends from the first tube segment 101 to the end portion of the second tube segment 102 away from the first tube segment 101, and a portion of the second tube segment 102 faces the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0187] In this way, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, a heat transfer path at the lower portion of the conductive member 30 may be interrupted to the greatest extent, thereby reducing downward heat transfer and improving efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0188] Specifically, the hollowed-out portion 35 may be formed by cutting the side wall of the tube body of the conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may retain a portion on the circumference of the second electrode, to form a second conductive ring 320, which is configured to be connected to the second electrode 120. A partial conductive tube wall of the end portion, closest to the first end surface 11, of the conductive member 30 may be retained to form a first conductive ring 310, which is configured to be connected to the power supply 200. The first conductive ring 310 may be exposed on the outside of the outer tube 20.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 are connected to each other through a conductive strip 34. The number of conductive strips 34 configured for connecting the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 may be one. A hollowed-out portion 35 is formed between the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102 face the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a connecting wire 33 connected to the first conductive ring 310, and the connecting wire 33 is electrically connected to the power supply 200. The connecting wire 33 may have lower stiffness than the tube body of the conductive member 30. The connecting wire 33 may extend in the radial direction of the inner tube 10. Alternatively, the connecting wire 33 may extend on the outer tube 20 in a direction away from the conductive portion 112 of the first electrode 110.

[0191] Refer to FIG. 6. In an aspect, at least a portion of the conductive member 30 is cylindrical, and the conductive member 30 is sleeved on the inner tube 10.

[0192] In this way, the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 are easily assembled to form a compact structure, thereby facilitating miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0193] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be cylindrical and is coaxial with the inner tube 10. The inner tube 10 is nested in the conductive member 30.

[0194] Refer to FIG. 12, in an aspect, the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The size of a gap between the conductive member 30 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 is less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130, and the maximum temperature of the plasma arc may reach 2000° C. A large amount of heat from the center of the discharge region 130 is conducted or radiated, through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20, to the aerosol generating substrate 300 on the circumference of the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 is in a close fit with the outer wall of the inner tube 10, resulting in high heat conduction efficiency. In addition, it is ensured that the distance between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 is short, or the conductive member 30 is in a close fit with the inner tube 10, which can effectively prevent the conductive member 30 from being in contact with the inner wall of the outer tube 20, thereby avoiding non-uniform temperature field distribution of the outer tube 20.

[0195] Refer to FIG. 13. In an aspect, a cylindrical portion of the conductive member 30 is made in a winding manner and is sleeved on the inner tube 10.

[0196] This can improve tightness of assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10, which facilitates heat conduction.

[0197] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by winding sheet metal. The sheet metal may be wound around the central axis 1011, and the wound sheet metal encircles the inner tube, to form a cylindrical or annular conductive tube body. The conductive tube body may have a gap in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the cross-section of the conductive member 30 in the radial direction of the inner tube 10 is in a “C” shape. This facilitates adjustment of the diameter of the tube body formed by winding, thereby facilitating adjustment of tightness of assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10.

[0198] Refer to FIG. 7. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a conductive wire 330. The conductive wire 330 is wound around the inner tube 10 and is formed with a hollowed-out portion 35, and the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0199] In this way, the heat capacity can be reduced through the conductive wire 330, thereby accelerating the heating and cooling.

[0200] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 surrounds the inner tube, to divide the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 into different blocks, so as to form the hollowed-out portions.

[0201] In some embodiments, the upper end of the conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120, and the lower end is located near the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 may extend out of the outer tube 20 through the open end 22, and is connected to the power supply 200. Alternatively, the conductive member 30 may be wound around the inner tube 10 from the second end surface 12 to the open end 22. A connection point between the conductive member 30 and the second electrode 120 and a position at which the conductive member 30 extends out of the open end 22 may be on the same side of the inner tube 10, or may be on opposite sides of the inner tube 10.

[0202] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by winding one conductive wire 330, two conductive wires 330, three conductive wires 330, or more conductive wires around the inner tube 10.

[0203] In a case that one conductive wire 330 is provided, one conductive wire 330 is wound around the inner tube 10 for at least one turn. In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 is wound around the discharge region 130 for at least two turns. Alternatively, the conductive wire 330 may extend between the second electrode 120 and the opening of the outer tube 20 along an approximately straight path. All portions, uncovered by the conductive wire 330, of the inner tube 10 face the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0204] Refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 14. In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 is wound to form a helical coil 30a, and at least some of pitches of the helical coil 30a are greater than 0, thereby forming the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0205] In this way, the conductive wire 330 forms the helical coil 30a, which facilitates assembly of the conductive wire with the inner tube 10. In addition, the heat capacity of the conductive member 30 may be lowered by adjusting the pitch of the helical coil 30a, thereby reducing heat stored in the conductive member 30 and increasing the heating rate.

[0206] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 may be wound around the inner tube 10 and extend from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11, to form the helical coil 30a. The pitch of the helical coil 30a may refer to a distance between two consecutive turns of the conductive wire 330 wound around the inner tube in the axial direction of the inner tube.

[0207] It may be understood that as the conductive wire 330 is wound more loosely, the pitch of the formed helical coil 30a increases. Consequently, the heat capacity of a conductive helical structure is reduced, and the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 covered by the conductive wire 330 increases, leading to a higher heating rate.

[0208] Refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 14 again. In an aspect, in the axial direction of the helical coil 30a, the pitch of the middle portion of the helical coil 30a is greater than the pitch of at least one end.

[0209] In this way, heat capacity distribution of the conductive member and a temperature field of the heating assembly 100 may be adjusted through the unequal pitches, thereby increasing the heating rate and reducing heat conduction from the discharge region to components other than the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0210] Specifically, one end of the helical coil 30a is fixed to the outer circumference of the second electrode 120, and the other end of the helical coil 30a may be fixed to a position between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 10, with an axial distance from the first end surface 11 greater than 2 mm. The pitch of a helical coil 30a in the middle portion between two ends may be greater than the pitch at each end.

[0211] In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 is connected to the second electrode 120, and is closely wound on the circumference of the second end surface 12 to stabilize the connection. The pitch of the helical coil 30a formed on the outer circumference of the second electrode 120 is close to 0. The pitch of the helical coil 30a sleeved on the tube segment below the discharge region 130 is increased, thereby lowering the heat capacity of the conductive helical coil 30a, increasing the radiation area of the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20, and increasing the heating rate.

[0212] Further, the helical tube body may be in a close fit with or nested on the tube body of the inner tube 10.

[0213] Refer to FIG. 15. In some embodiments, one end, fixed between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 10, of the helical coil 30a may be exposed outside the outer tube 20.

[0214] In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 forms a mesh, and openings of the mesh form the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0215] In this way, the mesh formed by the conductive wire 330 can maintain a stable structure. In addition, the hollowed-out area of the hollowed-out portions 35 is large, which can effectively lower the heat capacity.

[0216] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be a mesh tube formed by winding a plurality of conductive wires 330 in an interlaced manner. The mesh tube may be sleeved on the inner tube 10 and is in a close fit with the tube body of the inner tube 10. Alternatively, the conductive wires 330 may be arranged in an interlaced manner to form a mesh and coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0217] In an aspect, a wire material forming the helical coil 30a or the mesh tube is a circular wire, a flat-ribbon wire, or the like. The thickness of the cross-section of the wire material of the conductive member 30 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. Further, the thickness of the cross-section of the wire material of the conductive member 30 preferably ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the thickness of the cross-section of the wire material of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.1 mm.

[0218] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is a coating applied to the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The conductive member 30 is coated on the outer wall 10 of the inner tube, may form a path in a straight-strip shape, a cylindrical shape, a curved shape, or another shape, and conducts electricity along the corresponding path.

[0219] In an aspect, the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0220] In this way, the first end portion 31 may utilize space of the heating assembly 100 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the spacing between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is properly set. Consequently, the probability of discharge between the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110 is lowered, and the reliability of normal operation of the heating assembly 100 is enhanced.

[0221] As described above, with reference to FIG. 2, the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is denoted as P. A position, closest to the point P in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, on the portion of the first end portion 31 extending out of the outer tube 20 is denoted as Q. The conductive member 30 may be bent at the position Q on the first end portion 31, continues to extend in the radial direction of the inner tube or a direction substantially the same as the radial direction of the inner tube, away from the first electrode 110, and is connected to the power supply 200.

[0222] The first end portion 31 is connected to the second end portion 32. The second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the second end portion 32 to form a conductive path with the conductive member 30 and to serve as one pole for conducting high-voltage electricity. A predetermined distance is maintained between P and Q, which are insulated through the inner tube 10. This avoids discharge or even discharge breakdown between P and Q in a case that the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110 serve as two poles for conducting the high-voltage electricity, thereby ensuring the discharge reliability of the discharge region 130.

[0223] The inner tube 10 may be made of a high dielectric strength material. For example, the inner tube 10 is made of at least one material of quartz and ceramic. This type of material is also capable of transmitting infrared radiation. The inner tube 10 has high dielectric strength, which may lower the probability of plasma arc breakdown of the inner tube 10. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, or from 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm. For another example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may be 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1.0 mm. In this way, the inner tube 10 can have certain strength, thereby avoiding stress-induced fracture and arc breakdown. Furthermore, this can lower the heat capacity and facilitate miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0224] In some embodiments, proper heat capacity not only can enhance the heating efficiency during heating, but also can maintain a proper cooling rate during intervals between puffs, thereby avoiding excessive heating of the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0225] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In an aspect, the inner tube 10 includes a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12 opposite to the first end surface 11. The first electrode 110 is exposed from the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10, and the first end portion 31 is at least partially located between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12.

[0226] In this way, by properly arranging the inner tube 10, the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30, the inner tube 10 can isolate and protect the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110, thereby reducing the likelihood of discharge breakdown between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11.

[0227] Specifically, the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 may be annular. The central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 passes through the center of each of the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12. The second electrode 120 may be disposed in the center of the second end surface 12. The conductive portion 112 may encircle the center of the second end surface 12 to form the second end portion 32, and the second end portion 32 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120. It should be noted that the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 may be connected to the second electrode 120 in a plurality of manners. The encircling manner facilitates assembly and enhances connection reliability. It may be understood that the connection may alternatively be implemented in a manner such as crimping or welding.

[0228] The first electrode 110 may be inserted into the inner tube 10 from the center of the first end surface 11. The end, inserted into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 faces the second electrode 120, and is spaced a predetermined distance from the first end surface 11. Alternatively, the end, inserted into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 may be spaced the same distance from the first end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0229] The inner tube 10 encloses at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30 is attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, so that the inner tube 10 can provide insulation protection between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30. A predetermined distance is maintained between the end, exposing the inner tube 10 at the first end surface 11, of the first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and the inner tube 10 covers a portion of a region between the partial first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31.

[0230] The shape of the cross-section of the inner tube 10 includes, but is not limited to, a circle, a square, an ellipse, and the like, and may further be matched with the shape of the cross-section of the first electrode 110.

[0231] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 again. In an aspect, the entire first electrode 110 is in a cylindrical shape. The first electrode 110 may be in a hollow cylinder shape, or may be in a solid cylinder shape. The shape of the cross-section of the first electrode 110 includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, a square, a polygon, and the like.

[0232] For example, the entire first electrode 110 is in a solid cylinder shape and is inserted into the inner tube 10 in a hollow cylinder shape, which facilitates miniaturization of the structural volume of a heating assembly. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the inner tube 10 and is coaxial with the inner tube 10.

[0233] In an aspect, the first electrode 110 includes a discharge portion 111 and a conductive portion 112 connected to the discharge portion 111. The discharge portion 111 is located in the inner tube 10, and the conductive portion 112 extends out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11. Therefore, it may be understood that in this embodiment, the foregoing portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 may be a portion of the conductive portion 112 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0234] Specifically, the discharge portion 111 may be vertically inserted into the hollow space of the inner tube 10 and is opposite to the second electrode 120. The conductive portion 112 extends out of the inner tube 10, is connected to the power supply 200, and conducts high-voltage electricity to generate plasma between the discharge portion 111 and the second electrode 120.

[0235] In the orientation shown in FIG. 2, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a direction pointing from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11 may be an up-down direction. In the heating assembly 100, the second electrode 120, the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30, the discharge portion 111 of the first electrode 110, the first end portion 31 of the conductive member 30, and the conductive portion 112 of the first electrode 110 are sequentially arranged from top to bottom in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end surface 11 is located below the first end portion 31, and the second end surface 12 is in a close fit with one side surface of the second electrode 120.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is in a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the first electrode 110 ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. It should be noted that the shape of the cross-section of the first electrode 110 herein is not limited to a circle, and may be a square, a polygon, an ellipse, or the like. The diameter of the first electrode 110 is the diameter of a circumscribed circle of the cross-section of the first electrode 110.

[0237] This facilitates miniaturization of the heating assembly 100 and improves the burn resistance lifespan of the first electrode 110.

[0238] For example, the first electrode 110 may be a metal wire having a diameter of not less than 0.4 mm and not greater than 1.0 mm. The diameter of the first electrode 110 may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. For example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 may range from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, from 0.6 mm to 0.7 mm, or from 0.75 mm to 0.8 mm. For another example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 may be 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1.0 mm.

[0239] It may be understood that, discharge occurs between the end, inserted into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to generate the plasma arc. Therefore, the first electrode and the second electrode need to withstand high-temperature burning of the plasma arc. When the diameter of the first electrode 110 is relatively large, a greater amount of heat is required to cause burning. Appropriately increasing the diameter of the first electrode 110 can enhance the burn resistance lifespan of the first electrode. In addition, the diameter of the first electrode 110 is limited by the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. For product miniaturization needs, the diameter of the first electrode 110 does not exceed 1.0 mm.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is made of a heat-resistant conductive material. Specifically, the first electrode 110 is made of at least one material of nickel-based alloys, iron-based alloys, copper-based alloys, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten. Use of the foregoing heat-resistant conductive material enables the first electrode 110 to have better durability at the high temperature generated by the plasma arc. A material of the first electrode 110 and a material of the second electrode 120 may be the same or may be different.

[0241] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an insulating member 40 connected to the inner tube 10. At least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11.

[0242] In an aspect, the insulating member 40 is sleeved on the inner tube 10 and is not in direct contact with the inner tube 10. At least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11.

[0243] In this way, the insulating member 40 enhances the dielectric strength between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11, thereby further reducing the likelihood of discharge breakdown between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11 and improving the insulation performance and heating reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0244] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be fixedly connected to the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120. The insulating member 40 may be sleeved on the inner tube 10 to isolate the first end surface 11 from the first end portion 31. The insulating member 40 may be a sleeve made of a soft insulating material, such as a sleeve made of rubber. The insulating member 40 may be a rubber sleeve that is in an interference fit with the inner tube 10. Alternatively, the insulating member 40 may be an encapsulating adhesive, encapsulating glass frit, or the like disposed at the end of the inner tube 10 close to the first end surface 11.

[0245] In an aspect, the end portion, having the first end surface 11, of the inner tube 10 is inserted into the insulating member 40, and the first electrode 110 passes through the insulating member 40.

[0246] In this way, at the first end surface 11, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, and the insulating member 40 are nested in sequence, to form a compact structure, which facilitates assembly and production. In addition, the portion of the first electrode 110 located at the first end surface 11 is encapsulated by the insulating member 40, thereby reducing the likelihood of discharge between the point P of the first electrode 110 and the point Q of the conductive member 30.

[0247] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be in a hollow tube shape, and the tube wall of the insulating member 40 is thicker than the wall of the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 may pass through the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10 and the insulating member 40 in sequence. The end portion, having the first end surface 11, of the inner tube 10 encloses the first electrode 110, and is inserted into the insulating member 40 together with the first electrode 110. The first electrode 110 may extend from the first end surface 11, pass through the insulating member 40 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and exit from the side of the insulating member 40 facing away from the first end surface 11 to the outside of the insulating member 40.

[0248] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the insulating member 40 includes a first insulating portion 41 and a second insulating portion 42 connected to the first insulating portion 41. The cross-sectional area of the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second insulating portion 42. The end portion, having the first end surface 11, of the inner tube 10 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41, and the first electrode 110 passes through the second insulating portion 42.

[0249] In this way, the insulating member 40 may form different degrees of coverage and electrical isolation between the inner tube 10 and the first electrode 110, thereby improving the structural stability and strengthening insulation protection for the first electrode 110 through the second insulating portion 42.

[0250] Refer to FIG. 17. For example, the first insulating portion 41 is connected to the second insulating portion 42. The first insulating portion 41 is in a hollow cylinder shape, and the second insulating portion 42 is in a cubic shape and has a through hole 421 in the center. The through hole 421 in the center of the second insulating portion 42 and the hollow portion of the first insulating portion 41 may be continuous.

[0251] Refer to FIG. 17. The inner tube 10 enclosing the first electrode 110 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41. The first electrode 110 extends out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11 in the first insulating portion 41 and is inserted into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42.

[0252] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 again. In an aspect, the insulating member 40 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 located at the first end surface 11.

[0253] In this way, the insulating member 40 reduces the probability of discharge breakdown at the first end surface 11 of the first electrode 110, and can further shorten a distance between the end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31, which facilitates miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0254] In the related technology, the first electrode and the conductive member are respectively connected to two poles of the external power supply, and a large distance needs to be maintained between the portion of the first electrode extending out of the inner tube and the first end portion of the conductive member, to avoid discharge breakdown between the first electrode and the first end portion and prevent damage to the heating assembly. The insulating member 40 provided in the implementations of this disclosure covers the portion of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10, resulting in a small distance between the end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31.

[0255] Specifically, the second insulating portion 42 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11. The first electrode 110 is enclosed by the inner tube 10 and the first insulating portion 41 in sequence in the first insulating portion 41, and the portion, exposed outside the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 is enclosed only by the second insulating portion 42.

[0256] It may be understood that the cross-sectional area of the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second insulating portion 42, and the thickness of the second insulating portion 42 is greater than the thickness of the first insulating portion 41, so that the dielectric strength of the second insulating portion 42 is higher. The second insulating portion 42 has the larger cross-sectional area, which enhances the insulation protection for the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0257] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 abuts against the first end surface 11, to enhance structural compactness and improve insulation performance.

[0258] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 again. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes a connector 50 which is connected to the end of the first electrode 110 away from the second electrode 120. The connector 50 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply 200, the connector 50 is located on the side of the insulating member 40 facing away from the first end portion 31, and the insulating member 40 covers the connector 50 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0259] In this way, by connecting the first electrode 110 to the power supply 200 through the connector 50, the distance required to maintain insulation between the first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31 can be further shortened. Therefore, the heating assembly 100 has a more compact structure.

[0260] Specifically, the connector 50 is electrically connected to the end of the first electrode 110 away from the second electrode 120. The connector 50 may be in a disk shape and covers the portion of the first electrode 110 protruding from the second insulating portion 42. The end of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110 may extend into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42. The insulating member 40 is at least partially located between the connector 50 and the conductive member 30. The second insulating portion 42 may cover the side of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110.

[0261] Refer to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. In an aspect, the second electrode 120 abuts against the second end surface 12.

[0262] In this way, the second electrode 120 may be mounted at the end, having the second end surface 12, of the inner tube 10, and the second end surface 12 fixes and limits the second electrode 120.

[0263] Specifically, the second electrode 120 may cover the entire second end surface 12 to close the end, having the second end surface 12, of the inner tube 10. The side of the second electrode 120 facing the first electrode 110 is in a close fit with the second end surface 12. The side of the second electrode 120 facing away from the second end surface 12 faces the closed end of the outer tube 20.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is made of a heat-resistant conductive material. Use of the heat-resistant conductive material can improve the burn resistance lifespan of the second electrode 120, thereby improving the discharge reliability of the heating assembly 100. For example, the second electrode 120 is made of at least one of nickel-based alloys, iron-based alloys, copper-based alloys, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten.

[0265] Refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 22. In an aspect, the second electrode 120 includes a mounting portion 121 and a protrusion 122 formed on the mounting portion 121. The protrusion 122 extends into the inner tube 10 and directly faces the first electrode 110.

[0266] In this way, the protrusion 122 can guide discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 within the inner tube 10, thereby facilitating generation of the plasma arc.

[0267] Specifically, the mounting portion 121 may be in a disk shape, and the diameter of the mounting portion 121 may be slightly greater than the outer diameter of the inner tube 10. The mounting portion 121 abuts against the second end surface 12, and the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 is wound around the second electrode 120, so that the second electrode 120 is fixedly disposed at the end portion, having the second end surface 12, of the inner tube 10.

[0268] The protrusion 122 may be spherical or hemispherical and is formed on the side of the mounting portion 121 abutting against the second end surface 12. The width of the protrusion 122 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10, and the width gradually decreases as the protrusion extends toward the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0269] It may be understood that the protrusion 122 has a relatively large curvature radius on the outer circumference, which allows charges in the conductive medium to concentrate at the position with the large curvature radius, thereby generating a high electric field intensity that is conductive to the generation of plasma. The width of the protrusion 122 varies gradually in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, to prevent the protrusion 122 from becoming excessively sharp, which may cause charge concentration and may result in ablation.

[0270] Refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10.

[0271] In this way, the protrusion 122 can guide the arc to discharge at the central point of the first electrode 110, thereby improving circumferential uniformity of the discharge temperature.

[0272] As described above, the first electrode 110 is coaxial with the inner tube 10. The discharge region 130 is a region where the plasma arc is generated by the discharge between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110. The second electrode 120 guides discharge through the protrusion 122 facing the first electrode 110. The center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and the center of the first electrode 110 is also located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. Therefore, the probability that the center of the discharge region 130 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is higher.

[0273] In some embodiments, the end surface of the end, extending into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 slightly protrudes, to form a blunt arc shape with a smooth surface. The apex of the protrusion on the end surface of the first electrode 110 may be located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and is opposite to the protrusion 122 of the second electrode 120.

[0274] In some embodiments, the end, extending into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 has a flat end surface, and the center of the end surface is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and directly faces the apex of the protrusion 122.

[0275] Refer to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 again. In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 includes a tapered end portion 21. The second electrode 120 is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and abuts against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21.

[0276] The end, having the tapered end portion 21, of the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300. A protrusion 122 is formed in the center of the second electrode 120, the protrusion 122 extends into the inner tube 10, and the center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 is approximately coaxial with the inner tube 10. The side of the mounting portion 121 facing away from the second end surface 12 abuts against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21.

[0277] In this way, the second electrode 120 abuts against the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10, which can achieve automatic centering and alignment, thereby making assembly convenient and facilitating the uniform transfer of heat to the circumference of the outer tube 20.

[0278] Refer to FIG. 17 again. A position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 may be denoted as P, and a position of the first end portion 31 that is closest to the point P may be denoted as Q.

[0279] In an aspect, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0280] This can reduce the risk of arc breakdown at the first end portion 31. In addition, this can shorten the axial distance between the position where the first electrode 110 extends out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31, thereby reducing the length of the heating assembly 100 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 and lowering costs.

[0281] For example, a connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q is in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. It may be understood that the length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q is equal to the minimum value of the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10. The length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q is not less than 2 mm. The length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q may be 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. Distances between other positions on the conductive member 30 and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube are greater than the length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q.

[0282] It should be noted that the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q being in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is not intended to limit the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q being parallel to the central axis of the inner tube 10. The connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q may be approximately parallel to the central axis of the inner tube, or an included angle between the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q and the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is less than or equal to 60°, or less than or equal to 30°.

[0283] In an aspect, the minimum distance between the conductive member 30 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0284] As described above, maintaining the distance between the conductive member 30 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 can prevent breakdown from occurring outside the discharge region 130, thereby avoiding failure of the heating assembly 100.

[0285] Specifically, the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 is fixed to the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10, and extends on the outer wall of the inner tube10 from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11. The conductive member 30 is close to the second end surface 12, and the end portion closest to the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is the first end portion 31. In other words, distances between the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 and portions of the conductive member 30 and the connecting wire 33 other than the first end portion 31 are greater than a distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0286] Further, the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is set to have a critical value of 2 mm.

[0287] The distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 exceeds the critical value of 2 mm. When high voltage is applied between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, breakdown tends to occur in the region between the first end portion 31 and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0288] Refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an infrared radiation film 60. The infrared radiation film 60 is disposed on the inner tube 10, the outer tube 20, and / or the conductive member 30.

[0289] In this way, the capability of the heating assembly 100 to heat through infrared radiation may be enhanced, thereby further improving the utilization of the heat generated by the plasma arc.

[0290] Specifically, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a coating adhered to the inner wall or the outer wall surface of the inner tube 10, the outer tube 20, and / or the conductive member 30. The infrared radiation film 60 may be made of a material that can specifically absorb infrared radiation, such as a metal oxide or silicone.

[0291] For example, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a film made of one or more of the following materials: iron-manganese-copper oxide, CrC, TiCN, diamond-like carbon (DLC), black silicone (HBQ), cordierite, spinel-type transition metal oxides, rare-earth oxides, ion-co-doped perovskites, silicon carbide, zircon, boron nitride, and the like. For example, the infrared radiation film 60 is applied to the outer wall surfaces of the outer tube 20 and the conductive member 30, as well as the surface, uncovered by the conductive member 30, of the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0292] Refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 again. In an aspect, a heat insulating gap 1002 is formed between each of the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 and the inner wall surface of the outer tube 20.

[0293] In this way, by arranging the heat insulating gaps 1002, a temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the center of the discharge region 130 can be increased, to prevent prolonged overheating of the outer tube 20, thereby increasing the radiation temperature in the center of the discharge region 130, and increasing energy of infrared radiation.

[0294] Specifically, the high temperature of the plasma arc in the center of the discharge region 130 may exceed 2000° C., and the stable temperature is 1000° C. to 1600° C. The heat from the discharge region 130 is radiated in the form of infrared radiation through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0295] The outer tube 20, at the temperature of approximately 350° C., may achieve a good heating effect on the aerosol generating substrate 300. The heat insulating gap 1002 is disposed between the outer tube 20 and each of the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30, to isolate the outer tube 20 from the discharge region 130 at a distance. This prevents heat from concentrating in the outer tube 20, thereby avoiding prolonged overheating of the outer tube 20. By isolating the outer tube 20 from the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 through the heat insulating gaps 1002, the temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the discharge region 130 is increased. Under a condition that the temperature of the outer tube 20 does not exceed 350° C., the temperature of the discharge region 130 can be relatively increased, which can greatly shorten pre-heating duration. The energy of infrared radiation is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature. Therefore, a higher temperature in the center of the discharge region 130 results in greater energy being radiated toward the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0296] In some embodiments, the width of the heat insulating gap 1002 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0297] This can avoid prolonged overheating of the outer tube 20, and maintain a compact and miniaturized structure of the heating assembly 100.

[0298] For example, the width of the heat insulating gap 1002 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, from 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm, from 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, from 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. For example, the width of the heat insulating gap 1002 is 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.16 mm, 0.17 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.28 mm, or 0.3 mm. Specifically, the heat insulating gaps 1002 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 may be unequal. The outer wall of the inner tube 10 is partially covered by the conductive member 30, and the heat insulating gap 1002 at the portion of the inner tube 10 covered by the conductive member 30 is smaller than that at the portion of the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20.

[0299] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an elastic member 70. The elastic member 70 is sleeved on the end portion of the outer tube 20 far away from the second electrode 120, and the inner tube 10 passes through the elastic member 70.

[0300] In this way, the elastic member 70 may fix and limit the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the mechanical impact resistance of the heating assembly 100. In addition, it ensures that the discharge heating center in the inner tube 10 maintains a high degree of coaxiality with the outer tube 20, which contributes to improving the uniformity of the temperature field on the circumference of the tube body. In addition, the elastic member 70 can seal the open end 22, thereby mitigating the escape of discharge odors.

[0301] In some embodiments, the elastic member 70 has elasticity. The elastic member 70 encloses the outer tube 20, the conductive member 30, and the inner tube 10, and performs interference fit compression assembly on the outer tube 20, the conductive member 30, and the inner tube 10. The elastic member 70 covers the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31 that extend out from the open end 22. The elastic member 70 maintains a particular distance from the arc. In an aspect, the upper end of the elastic member 70 is at a distance of 4 mm to 10 mm from the lower end of the discharge region 130, to prevent the elastic member 70 from being heated and fused. For example, a distance between the upper end of the elastic member 70 and the lower end of the discharge region 130 is 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm.

[0302] The elastic member 70 may be made of a dense elastic material for support. For example, the elastic member 70 may be a sleeve made of rubber. Refer to FIG. 20 to FIG. 22. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes a temperature measuring assembly 80 connected to the outer tube 20. The temperature measuring assembly 80 is configured to detect the temperature of the outer tube 20.

[0303] In this way, the temperature of the outer tube 20 is detected through the temperature measuring assembly 80, so that the heating temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 300 can be precisely controlled.

[0304] Specifically, for different types of aerosol generating substrates 300, a good heating and atomization effect can be achieved when the temperature of the outer tube 20 is maintained between 200° C. and 350° C. The aerosol generating substrate 300 may prone to charring and carbonization if the temperature of the outer tube 20 exceeds 350° C. for an extended period of time. The temperature measuring assembly 80 is disposed on the outer wall of the outer tube 20, and may detect the temperature of the outer surface of the outer tube 20 in contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0305] With reference to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the temperature measuring assembly 80 is connected to a control center 400. The temperature measuring assembly 80 transmits detected temperature data to the control center 400. When the temperature is excessively high or insufficient, voltage or output power of the power supply 200 is adjusted, to control voltage between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, so as to adjust the heating temperature.

[0306] Refer to FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 again. In an aspect, the temperature measuring assembly 80 is a temperature sensing film 84 disposed on the tube wall of the outer tube 20. The temperature sensing film 84 may be adhered to the outer wall surface of the outer tube 20, to form a predetermined temperature measurement pattern. The temperature sensing film 84 may be disposed at the same height as the center of the discharge region 130 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, and extends circumferentially around the central axis 1011 of the outer tube 20. The predetermined temperature measurement pattern may be an annulus that is coaxial with the outer tube 20 and extends in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20. Preferably, an axial position of the temperature sensing film 84 on the outer tube 20 is lower than that of the discharge region 130, which is more beneficial to feedback of the real temperature.

[0307] In some embodiments, the temperature measuring assembly 80 includes a temperature measuring probe disposed on the outer wall of the outer tube 20. An axial position of the temperature measuring probe on the outer tube 20 is lower than that of the discharge region 130.

[0308] In some embodiments, the heating element includes a temperature sensing portion 81 and a temperature measuring lead 83 connected to the temperature sensing portion 81. The temperature sensing portion 81 is disposed on the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are both disposed at intervals from the temperature measuring lead 83. The temperature sensing portion 81 may be a temperature sensing film 84 adhered to the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and encircling the center of the discharge region 130. It should be noted that the temperature measuring lead 83 maintains particular insulation distances from the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, to avoid inaccurate temperature measurement caused by high-voltage cross-talk.

[0309] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing portion 81 is a thermocouple or a temperature measuring resistor disposed inside the outer tube 20.

[0310] With reference to FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may include a base 90. The inner tube 10 is mounted on the base 90.

[0311] In this way, the base 90 can mount and fix the tubular element in the heating assembly 100, thereby improving structural stability.

[0312] Specifically, the portion of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300. The height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 mm to 20 mm. For example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 mm to 18 mm, from 15 mm to 19 mm, or from 16 mm to 17 mm. For another example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, or 20 mm.

[0313] Refer to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22. In an embodiment, the base 90 may include a first bracket 91, a second bracket 92, and a housing 93. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 are interlocked, and the housing 93 covers the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 fit with the outer diameter of the insulating member 40, to fixedly mount the insulating member 40 between the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92, so that the portion, exposed outside the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 that is enclosed by the insulating member 40 and the end of the inner tube 10 that includes the first end surface 11 are mounted and fixed in the base 90. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 fit with the outer diameter of the elastic member 70, so that the end of the outer tube 20 close to the first end surface 11 and the end of the conductive member 30 that includes the first end portion 31 are mounted and fixed in the base 90. The housing 93 is provided with a wire outlet hole 903. With reference to FIG. 4, the connecting wire 33 may extend out of the base 90 from the wire outlet hole 903 to connect the power supply 200, and the temperature measuring lead 83 may be connected to the control center 400 through the wire outlet hole 903.Example II

[0314] Refer to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25. In an aspect, the outer tube 20 includes a first hollow segment 231 and a second hollow segment 232 that are connected in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The first hollow segment 231 is formed with an opening 230, and the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. At least a portion of each of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is disposed in the outer tube 20.

[0315] In the heating assembly 100 provided in this example of this disclosure, by increasing the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231, the strength of the outer tube 20 can be enhanced, thereby reducing the possibility of defects such as fractures caused by lateral force on the outer tube 20, and improving the structural reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0316] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, and maintains electrically neutral as a whole. Under the action of an electric field, plasma can be generated by gas ionization. A large amount of heat can be generated during generation of plasma. The plasma generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can reach the temperature of 1000° C.-1600° C. under stable conditions. Therefore, the heating assembly 100 can utilize the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0317] Refer to FIG. 25. Specifically, the outer tube 20 is a hollow tube body that covers the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to each other and are separated by a predetermined distance inside the outer tube 20. Inside the outer tube 20, the region between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 that are opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other may be the discharge region 130, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge in the discharge region 130 to form plasma. The inner wall of the outer tube 20 surrounds the discharge region 130, and the outer wall of the outer tube 20 is in contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300. In this way, the outer tube 20 can utilize the heat from the plasma to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0318] The outer tube 20 can transfer the heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol generating substrate 300 in a heat transfer manner such as infrared radiation. The outer tube 20 may be made of an insulating material that allows infrared radiation to pass through. For example, the outer tube 20 is made of a material such as quartz, ceramic, or quartz glass.

[0319] Refer to FIG. 23 and FIG. 25. The outer tube 20 may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 in the axial direction of the outer tube. It may mean that the second hollow segment 232 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300. The discharge region 130 is located in the second hollow segment 232, to achieve good efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate 300. The first hollow segment 231 may be configured for mounting and limiting. The end, having the opening 230, of the first hollow segment 231 is the open end 22, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may extend into the outer tube 20 from the opening 230 of the open end 22.

[0320] The end of the second hollow segment 232 away from the first hollow segment 231 may be closed and protrude outward to form the tapered end portion 21. A direction pointing from the tapered end portion 21 of the outer tube 20 to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be the up-down direction. A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction in the radial direction of the outer tube 20 is a lateral direction. The first hollow segment 231 may be a lower end tube segment of the outer tube 20, and the second hollow segment 232 may be an upper end tube segment of the outer tube 20.

[0321] In the related technology, the outer tube has the uniform tube diameter, and the lower end of the outer tube is mounted in the base. During insertion and removal of the aerosol generating substrate 300, due to the action of lateral force, the lower end of the outer tube is subjected to significant compressive stress, while the portion of the upper end of the outer tube exposed from the base is subjected to lower compressive stress. This significant stress difference inside the tube wall can easily lead to fracture of the outer tube.

[0322] In the examples of this disclosure, the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. It may be understood that a portion of a tube segment of the first hollow segment 231 is laterally enlarged compared with the second hollow segment 232, to enhance the mechanical strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20, so that overall internal stress of the outer tube 20 is uniform. Therefore, the outer tube is less likely to crack, bend, or even break under lateral force. Compared with the solution in which the thickness of the tube wall is directly increased, the outer tube 20 of this disclosure has lower heat capacity, which reduces downward transferred heat and is more beneficial to efficient utilization of the heat. Further, it is beneficial to accurate control of the heating temperature. In a case that plasma is above 1000° C., the low heat capacity can greatly reduce the risk of charring of the aerosol generating substrate 300. In addition, the diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is increased to optimize an insulation design between the two electrodes. Because the internal space of the first hollow segment 231 is sufficiently large, the insulating structure can be disposed more flexibly, and the insulation safety is also improved.

[0323] It should be noted that in this disclosure, the description of division of the outer tube 20 into the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 does not mean that the outer tube 20 is formed by combining two separate parts. Preferably, the outer tube 20 is an integral tube, namely, an integrally formed tube body. This division herein is provided merely for the purpose of better describing technical solutions, and does not constitute a limitation to whether the outer tube 20 is integral or split.

[0324] The outer contour shape of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a polygon, or the like, and the inner contour shape of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may also be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a polygon, or the like. The inner and outer contours of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may be in the same shape, or may be in different shapes. The first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are connected, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first hollow segment and the second hollow segment may be the same or different. The shapes of the outer contours and the inner contours of the cross-sections of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are not limited in this disclosure.

[0325] Refer to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25 again. In an aspect, the wall thickness of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than or equal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232. In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232.

[0326] In this way, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than or equal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, or the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. Either configuration can further enhance the resistance of the first hollow segment 231 to lateral force, thereby making the outer tube 20 less prone to fracture.

[0327] Specifically, the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may be two segments with different cross-sectional areas on the outer tube 20. The first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are coaxial with the outer tube 20. The inner contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. It may mean that the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the second hollow segment 232.

[0328] For example, the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may be hollow tube bodies formed by extending around the central axis in a full circle, and the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are in cylindrical shapes with different diameters. In this embodiment, the inner contour and outer contour shapes of the cross-section of each of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are both circular. The outer contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232, and the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer diameter of the tube segment of the second hollow segment 232.

[0329] The inner contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232, and the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner diameter of the second hollow segment 232. In this embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may be uniform and equal, that is, a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is equal to a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232.

[0330] An example in which the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are in cylindrical shapes is used again. The wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 may be greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232, a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232, and the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 may still be greater than the inner diameter of the second hollow segment 232.

[0331] As described above, plasma is generated by discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, resulting in high temperature in the center inside the outer tube 20. The inner and outer contour areas of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 are increased. Generally, a distance between the tube wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the center is increased, which increases a distance between the lower end of the outer tube 20 and a high-temperature region, thereby reducing the temperature of the lower end of the heating assembly 100 and reducing residual impurities formed by aerosol condensation at the lower end of the heating assembly 100.

[0332] Refer to FIG. 26. In an aspect, the first hollow segment 231 includes a first portion 2311 and a second portion 2312. The second portion 2312 is connected to the first portion 2311 and the second hollow segment 232, the first portion 2311 is formed with an opening 230, and the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312.

[0333] In this way, the lower end of the outer tube 20 may be further laterally enlarged, thereby enhancing the resistance of the lower end of the outer tube 20 to the lateral force, further adjusting the stress distribution of the outer tube 20 under the action of the lateral force, and reducing the probability of occurrence of a fracture defect.

[0334] As described above, the outer tube 20 is preferably an integral tube. The first portion 2311, the second portion 2312, and the second hollow segment 232 are coaxial. For example, the outer tube 20 is a circular tube. For different tube segments, the larger outer diameter of the tube segment indicates the larger outer contour area of the cross-section. For different tube segments, the larger inner diameter of the tube segment indicates the larger inner contour area of the cross-section. For example, the outer diameters of the second hollow segment 232, the second portion 2312, and the first portion 2311 progressively increase, and the outer contour areas of the cross-sections of the second hollow segment 232, the second portion 2312, and the first portion 2311 also progressively increase. For another example, the inner diameters of the first portion 2311, the second portion 2312, and the second hollow segment 232 progressively decrease, and the inner contour areas of the cross-sections of the first portion 2311, the second portion 2312, and the second hollow segment 232 also progressively decrease. In some embodiments, the inner diameter may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape, and the outer diameter may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape.

[0335] Refer to FIG. 27. Specifically, the first portion 2311 is formed with the opening 230 that is located at the lowermost end of the outer tube 20. The inner contour of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 may be the same as the inner circumferential contour of the opening 230. The second portion 2312 is connected downward to the first portion 2311 and is connected upward to the second hollow segment 232.

[0336] The inner contour area of the cross-section decreases from the first portion 2311 to the junction between the first portion and the second portion 2312. It may mean that the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20 decreases, that is, the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 decreases. It may be understood that a rapid change in the contour area between different tube segments leads to a large inclination angle between the transition surface on the corresponding tube wall and the axial direction of the outer tube 20. At the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 may suddenly decrease, and an included angle of greater than 60° and less than or equal to 90° is formed between the transition surface on the inner wall of the corresponding outer tube 20 and the axial direction of the outer tube 20.

[0337] It should be noted that the description of division of the first hollow segment 231 into the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312 is provided merely for the purpose of better describing the technical solutions, and neither constitutes a limitation to whether the first hollow segment 231 is integral or split nor constitutes a limitation to the number of tube segments with different tube diameters on the first hollow segment 231. The first hollow segment 231 may have two tube segments of which the cross-sections have different inner and outer contour areas, namely, one first portion 2311 and one second portion 2312. Alternatively, the first hollow segment 231 may have more than two tube segments of which the cross-sections have different inner and outer contour areas, such as a third portion and a fourth portion that have cross-sections with inner and outer contour areas different from those of the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312.

[0338] Refer to FIG. 27 again. In an aspect, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and a stepped surface 233 is formed at the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312.

[0339] In this way, the first hollow segment 231 may be limited through the stepped surface 233, to facilitate mounting and fixation of the outer tube 20.

[0340] Specifically, from the first portion 2311 to the second portion 2312, at the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may suddenly decrease, to form the stepped surface 233 on the outer wall of the corresponding outer tube 20. The included angle of greater than 60° and less than or equal to 90° is formed between the stepped surface 233 and the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The stepped surface 233 may be approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The width of the stepped surface 233 may be approximately equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the first portion 2311 and the outer diameter of the second portion 2312.

[0341] The stepped surface 233 formed between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312 may abut against another element in the heating assembly 100, to limit axial movement of the outer tube 20. The stepped surface 233 engages with the tube wall of the first portion 2311, to interlock with another element in the heating assembly 100, thereby limiting radial movement of the outer tube 20 to some extent.

[0342] In some embodiments, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and the wall thickness of the first portion 2311 is equal to the wall thickness of the second portion 2312. In this embodiment, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is also greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. The uniform wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 can further reduce the temperature of the first hollow segment 231, thereby reducing aerosol condensation at the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0343] Refer to FIG. 28. In some embodiments, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and the first hollow segment 231 has an increased wall thickness in a localized region. For example, the wall thickness of the second portion 2312 may be greater than the wall thickness of the first portion 2311. In this embodiment, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is still greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. The increased wall thickness of the localized region of the first hollow segment 231 can further enhance the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0344] In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is greater than or equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232.

[0345] Because the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is greater than or equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232, and the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the tube body increases from the upper end of the outer tube 20 to the lower end of the outer tube 20, thereby enhancing the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0346] Refer to FIG. 27. In some embodiments, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 is smaller than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and meanwhile, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is smaller than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311. The internal space of the outer tube 20 may be gradually contracted from the opening 230 to the tapered end portion 21 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20.

[0347] At the junction between the second portion 2312 and the second hollow segment 232, the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 may gradually decrease, to form a transition surface that is slightly inclined toward the axial direction of the outer tube 20 on the inner wall of the corresponding outer tube 20. In this embodiment, alternatively, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 may be smaller than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and meanwhile, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is smaller than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311. An outer circumferential dimension of the outer tube 20 may be larger at the opening 230 of the lower end and smaller at the second hollow segment 232 of which the upper end is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0348] In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 is equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. The outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 may be smaller than or equal to the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. Refer to FIG. 28. For example, the inner diameter of the second hollow segment 232 is equal to the inner diameter of the second portion 2312, and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second portion 2312.

[0349] Refer to FIG. 29 and FIG. 9. In an aspect, the first portion 2311 is formed with a wire outlet groove 240, and the wire outlet groove 240 penetrates through the first portion 2311 in a lateral direction of the first portion 2311. The wire outlet groove 240 may be configured to lead out the connecting wire 33 connected to the second electrode 120 and the power supply 200.

[0350] In this way, the connecting wire 33 may extend out from the side of the outer tube 20 through the wire outlet groove 240 and is connected to the power supply 200, thereby enhancing the dielectric strength between the connecting wire 33 and the first electrode 110.

[0351] Specifically, the wire outlet groove 240 may penetrate through the first portion 2311 in the radial direction of the first portion 2311. In other words, the wire outlet groove 240 may be a through hole disposed on two opposite sides in a radial direction of the first portion 2311. The wire outlet groove 240 may be formed by cutting the tube wall of the first portion 2311 and completely penetrates through the tube wall, so that the connecting wire 33 can pass through the tube wall of the first portion 2311. Alternatively, the wire outlet groove 240 may be disposed at two opposite positions on the side wall of the first portion 2311 in different radial directions of the first portion 2311. The contour shape of the wire outlet groove 240 may be a square, a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, or the like, or may be a combined shape of any polygon and a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0352] The second electrode 120 is disposed in the second hollow segment 232, and may be located at the upper end of the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 may be connected to the external power supply 200 through the conductive member 30 and the connecting wire 33. The connecting wire 33 may be connected to the conductive member 30 at the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, passes through the wire outlet groove 240 and the side wall of the first portion 2311, extends out of the heating assembly 100, and is connected to one pole of the power supply 200. The first electrode 110 extends out of the open end 22 from the second hollow segment 232, continues to extend in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, and is connected to the other pole of the power supply 200 through a lead 113. A position of the wire outlet groove 240 is higher than the opening 230 of the open end 22, so that a distance between a position at which the connecting wire 33 extends out of the wire outlet groove 240 and a wire outlet position of the lead 113 of the first electrode 110 is increased, thereby enhancing the dielectric strength of the lower end of the heating assembly 100.

[0353] Refer to FIG. 30. In an aspect, the wire outlet groove 240 penetrates through the end surface of the first portion 2311. In this way, the connecting wire 33 of the second electrode 120 may be mounted to the wire outlet groove 240 from the opening 230 of the first portion 2311, which facilitates assembly. In addition, this facilitates formation of the wire outlet groove 240 on the side wall of the outer tube 20.

[0354] Specifically, the wire outlet groove 240 may penetrate through upper and lower end surfaces of the first portion 2311 in a radial direction of the first portion 2311. In other words, two wire outlet grooves 240 are disposed at two opposite positions in a radial direction of the first portion 2311. In addition, the upper ends of the wire outlet grooves 240 may be flush with the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, and the lower ends of the wire outlet grooves 240 are flush with the lower end surface of the first portion 2311 and communicate with the opening 230. The length of the first portion 2311 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be approximately equal to the height of the wire outlet groove 240 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. In this way, the connecting wire 33 may pass through the side edge of the first portion 2311 at any height.

[0355] In an aspect, the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 ranges from 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm. The outer diameter may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the first hollow segment 231 or the second hollow segment 232. The inner diameter may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the first hollow segment 231 or the second hollow segment 232.

[0356] Specifically, the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 may range from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, or the like. The inner diameter of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner diameter of the second portion 2312, and the inner diameter of the second portion 2312 may be greater than or equal to that of the second hollow segment. For example, the inner diameter of the first portion 2311 may range from 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm, from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, or from 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm. For another example, the inner diameter of the first portion 2311 may be 3.1 mm, 3.8 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.3 mm, 5.2 mm, or 6.0 mm. The outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 may range from 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm, from 2.1 mm to 2.3 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.25 mm, or the like. For example, the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 may be 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.35 mm, or 2.4 mm. The inner diameter of the second portion 2312 may range from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, or the like, and is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 2311.

[0357] Refer to FIG. 25, FIG. 27, and FIG. 28 again. In an aspect, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232 ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0358] In this way, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, which can further enhance the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0359] Specifically, the second hollow segment 232 encloses the discharge region 130 and is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the wall thickness needs to be approximately uniform, so that distribution of a temperature field on the circumference of the second hollow segment 232 is uniform. The wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is unequal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, and the wall thickness at the junction of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may gradually decrease from the first hollow segment 231 to the second hollow segment 232. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the second portion 2312 is greater than the wall thickness of the first portion 2311, and the wall thickness of the first portion 2311 is greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232.

[0360] For example, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 may range from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, or from 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm. For another example, the wall thickness of the first portion 2311 of the first hollow segment 231 may be 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, or 0.8 mm. The wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232 may be 0.3 mm, 0.31 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, or the like.

[0361] Refer to FIG. 25 and FIG. 32. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an inner tube 10 at least partially disposed in an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110 is at least partially disposed in the inner tube 10, and a second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10.

[0362] In this way, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to each other in the inner tube 10, and generate a plasma arc in the inner tube 10. Through arc discharge, the efficiency of heating an aerosol generating substrate 300 can be improved.

[0363] Specifically, the inner tube 10 is a through tube with openings at both ends in an axial direction of the through tube, and the openings penetrate through the inner tube 10 in the axial direction. The second electrode 120 may in a disk shape and interlock with one end of the inner tube 10 to cover an opening of the end surface. In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 may further partially extend into the inner tube 10 and directly face the first electrode 110. The first electrode 110 may be in a cylindrical shape, and extends into the inner tube 10 from the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120, so that a portion of the first electrode 110 is covered by the inner tube 10. The end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 faces the second electrode 120, and is spaced a particular distance from the second electrode 120. The discharge region 130 may be a region in the inner tube 10 where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to and spaced apart from each other.

[0364] The end of the inner tube 10 provided with the second electrode 120 may extend into the outer tube 20, so that the second electrode 120 may partially abut against the tapered end portion 21. The end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120 may extend out from the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 may be exposed outside the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 from this end. The end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 may be electrically connected to a connector 50. The connector 50 is connected to the lead 113 and is connected to a power supply 200 through the lead 113.

[0365] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 further includes a conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may be a through tube that is sleeved on the inner tube 10. One end of the conductive member 30 extends into a second hollow segment 232 of the outer tube 20, is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, extends to a first portion 2311 in an axial direction of the inner tube 10, and is electrically connected to a connecting wire 33, thereby enabling the power supply 200 to be connected to the second electrode 120. The conductive member 30 may be attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The connecting wire 33 may be attached to the inner wall of the first portion 2311, and match with a stepped surface 233 in a direction in which the connecting wire extends within the first portion 2311.

[0366] It should be noted that the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are not necessarily two separate parts, and the two may be made of the same material, or may be integrally formed into a whole. A portion opposite to the first electrode 110 serves as an electrode, and the remaining portion is configured for electrical connection.

[0367] The first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 may be nested in sequence, and the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 may be approximately coaxial, to improve the uniformity of the temperature field on the circumference of the heating assembly 100.

[0368] Refer to FIG. 32 to FIG. 34 again. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an insulating member 40 at least partially disposed in the first hollow segment 231. The insulating member 40 is connected to the inner wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10, to limit lateral movement of the inner tube 10 relative to the outer tube 20.

[0369] In this way, the insulating member 40 can ensure a tight fit between the first hollow segment 231 and the lower end of the inner tube 10 in the first hollow segment 231, which maintains synchronization of forced movement between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20, thereby solving the problem that the inner tube 10 is prone to bending and fracturing due to unsynchronized offset between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. In addition, this further enhances assembly convenience of the heating assembly 100.

[0370] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be partially disposed in the first portion 2311, and the upper end surface of the insulating member abuts against the inner wall surface of the first hollow segment 231 opposite to the stepped surface 233. The insulating member 40 may cover the tube segment of the inner tube 10 lower than the stepped surface 233, the end portion of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10, and the connector 50 electrically connected to the first electrode 110. The connecting wire 33 is insulated from the first electrode 110 through the insulating member 40 inside the first hollow segment 231.

[0371] The insulating member 40 may be made of a soft insulating material. For example, the insulating member 40 is made of rubber. The insulating member 40 may be fixed between the inner wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 in an adhesive bonding or fusion manner, and is in an interference fit with the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10. In this way, the insulating member 40 can integrate the elements, such as the inner tube 10, the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30, in the outer tube 20 into a whole.

[0372] Refer to FIG. 31 to FIG. 35. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes a base 90. The first hollow segment 231 is mounted on the base 90.

[0373] In this way, the heating assembly 100 may be mounted and fixed through the base 90, thereby improving the structural stability. In this example, the second hollow segment 232 is completely located outside the base 90.

[0374] Specifically, the base 90 includes a first bracket 91 and a second bracket 92 detachably connected to the first bracket 91. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 may interlock with each other up and down to define mounting space 930. The outer tube 20 is mounted in the second bracket 92 and is partially disposed in the mounting space 930. The outer tube 20 may be inserted into the second bracket 92 from top to bottom, and the lower end of the outer tube 20 partially extends into the mounting space 930.

[0375] Of course, in an aspect, the second hollow segment 232 may be mounted on the base 90.

[0376] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a connecting member 71. The connecting member 71 is connected to the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and the base 90, to limit movement of the outer tube 20 relative to the base 90 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The connecting wire 33 can be connected to the power supply 200 through the connecting member 71, with a reserved allowance for movement. The connecting member 71 may be a gel-like material or a tubular elastomer injected between the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and the base 90. The connecting member 71 encloses the tube segment of the outer tube 20 extending into the mounting space 930, to fix the outer tube 20 to the second bracket 92.

[0377] Refer to FIG. 32. The first hollow segment 231 may be completely accommodated in the mounting space 930, the stepped surface 233 formed at the junction between the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 is bonded to the connecting member 71, and the insulating member 40 is connected to the inner wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the base 90. In this way, the outer tube 20 is mounted on the base 90. The height at which the second hollow segment 232 is exposed on the side of the second bracket 92 facing away from the mounting space 930 may range from 0.3 mm to 5 mm, so that the heating assembly 100 can be highly miniaturized.

[0378] Refer to FIG. 34. The first hollow segment 231 may include a first portion 2311 that is accommodated in the mounting space 930, and a second portion 2312 that is partially exposed on the second bracket 92. The height at which the first hollow segment 231 is exposed on the side of the second bracket 92 facing away from the mounting space 930 may range from 0.3 mm to 5 mm.

[0379] The upper end of the second portion 2312 may extend to a position below the end surface where the aerosol generating substrate 300 is located, without being inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0380] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 is partially disposed between the outer tube 20 and the base 90, maintains a particular movement gap with the base 90, and does not directly bear force from the base 90, so that the insulating member 40 and an element enclosed and fixed by the insulating member 40 can swing within a range without being limited by the base 90.

[0381] Refer to FIG. 31 and FIG. 35. In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 further includes a temperature measuring assembly 80 connected to the outer tube 20. The temperature measuring assembly 80 is configured to detect the temperature of the outer tube 20. With reference to FIG. 4, the temperature measuring assembly 80 may be connected to a control center 400, so that the temperature measuring assembly 80 may transmit detected temperature data to the control center 400. The control center 400 adjusts voltage or output power of the power supply 200 when the temperature is excessively high or insufficient, to control voltage between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, so as to adjust the heating temperature.

[0382] Refer to FIG. 4 again. An aerosol generating device 1000 provided in examples of this disclosure includes the heating assembly 100 according to any one of the foregoing examples.

[0383] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include components such as a battery 210, a transformer 220, a control center 400, and a cover 500. The battery 210 and the transformer 220 may form the power supply 200 of the heating assembly 100. With reference to FIG. 32, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are respectively connected to two output terminals of the transformer 220, conduct high-voltage alternating current, and generate a high-intensity electric field in the inner tube 10, thereby generating plasma and producing high temperature and heat. The heat is transferred to an aerosol generating substrate 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. The aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat and is atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating assembly 100 is connected to a cover 500, the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, the heat is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20, and the aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat and is atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0384] Refer to FIG. 34 again. The heating assembly 100 may be fixed to the aerosol generating device 1000 through the base 90. The base 90 may be integrated with a housing of the aerosol generating device 1000. The second hollow segment 232 of the outer tube 20 is higher than the housing of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the lower end of the first hollow segment 231 partially extends into the mounting space 930 of the base 90, and is fixed to the housing of the aerosol generating device 1000 with the base 90. During use of the aerosol generating device 1000, the outer tube 20 is susceptible to lateral force. The first hollow segment 231 is laterally expanded to enhance the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20. In addition, the outer tube 20 and elements inside the outer tube 20 are modularly fixed through the insulating member 40, to maintain consistency of forced movement, thereby improving the resistance of the outer tube 20 to the lateral force, and reducing the possibility of fracture of the outer tube 20 under the lateral force.

[0385] In the description of this specification, the descriptions made with reference to the terms “one example”, “an aspect”, “an exemplar implementation”, “an example”, “a specific example”, or “some examples” mean that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described with reference to the implementations or examples are included in at least one implementation or example of this disclosure. In this specification, exemplary descriptions of the foregoing terms do not necessarily refer to the same implementation or example. In addition, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in a proper manner in any one or more of the implementations or examples. Although the implementations of this disclosure have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art may understand that various changes, modifications, replacements, and variations may be made to these implementations without departing from the principle and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is subject to the claims and equivalents thereof.

Examples

example i

[0087]Refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. A heating assembly 100 according to the example of this disclosure includes an inner tube 10, an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, a second electrode 120, and a conductive member 30. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the inner tube 10. The second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and is disposed opposite to the first electrode 110 at an interval. Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 when the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are energized.

[0088]The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 and is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 200. The conductive member 30 extends from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10 in an axial direction of the inner tube 10. In the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a ...

example ii

[0314]Refer to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25. In an aspect, the outer tube 20 includes a first hollow segment 231 and a second hollow segment 232 that are connected in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The first hollow segment 231 is formed with an opening 230, and the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. At least a portion of each of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is disposed in the outer tube 20.

[0315]In the heating assembly 100 provided in this example of this disclosure, by increasing the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231, the strength of the outer tube 20 can be enhanced, thereby reducing the possibility of defects such as fractures caused by lateral force on the outer tube 20, and improving the structural reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0316]Plasma is a form of ma...

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of International application No. PCT / CN2024 / 114767, filed on Aug. 27, 2024, which claims the priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311164609.8, filed on Sep. 8, 2023 and Chinese Patent Application No. 202322452355.1, filed on Sep. 8, 2023. The entire disclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of aerosol generating devices, including to a heating assembly and an aerosol generating device.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the related technology, a plasma heating assembly includes an inner tube and two electrodes. At least one electrode may be mounted on the inner tube. An external power supply can supply power to the electrodes, causing electric discharge between the two electrodes to generate plasma and produce heat, which in turn heats an aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, how to effectively use the heat produced in the process of generating the plasma to improve the efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate has become a to-be-resolved technical problem.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides a heating assembly and an aerosol generating device.

[0005] According to examples of this disclosure, the heating assembly includes an inner tube, an outer tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductive member, where

[0006] the outer tube is sleeved on the inner tube;

[0007] the first electrode is at least partially disposed inside the inner tube;

[0008] the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized; and

[0009] the conductive member is connected to the second electrode and is configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply, the conductive member extends from one end of the inner tube to the other end of the inner tube in an axial direction of the inner tube, and a tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube partially faces the outer tube.

[0010] In the heating assembly provided in the examples of this disclosure, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube partially faces the outer tube, which reduces the volume of the conductive member, thereby reducing the heat capacity of the conductive member and reducing heat stored in the conductive member. In addition, the heat generated by the heating assembly may be directly radiated through the inner tube and the outer tube to an aerosol generating substrate, which improves utilization of the heat, thereby improving efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate.

[0011] In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube has the outer circumferential surface, and an area, corresponding to the conductive member, on the outer circumferential surface is smaller than the area of the outer circumferential surface.

[0012] In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube has the outer circumferential surface, and the conductive member covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface.

[0013] In an aspect, the inner tube includes a first tube segment and a second tube segment connected to the first tube segment, where the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the first tube segment, the second electrode is disposed at the end, far away from the first tube segment, of the second tube segment, the second electrode is controlled, when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized, to generate plasma in at least the second tube segment, and the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment partially faces the outer tube.

[0014] In an aspect, the conductive member is provided with a hollowed-out portion, and a portion of the first tube segment is exposed through the hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube. In an aspect, a plurality of hollowed-out portions are provided, and the plurality of hollowed-out portions are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner tube.

[0015] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a first conductive portion corresponding to the first tube segment, where the first conductive portion is provided with a first hollowed-out portion, a portion of the first tube segment is exposed through the first hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube, and the hollowed-out portions include the first hollowed-out portion.

[0016] In an aspect, the first conductive portion includes a plurality of first conductive strips, where the plurality of first conductive strips extend in an axial direction of the first tube segment, the plurality of first conductive strips are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the first tube segment, and the first hollowed-out portion is formed between two adjacent first conductive strips.

[0017] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion, where the second conductive portion covers at least a portion of the second tube segment.

[0018] In an aspect, in an axial direction of the inner tube, the second conductive portion overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode.

[0019] In an aspect, in an axial direction of the inner tube, the overlap size between the second conductive portion and the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0020] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion, where the second conductive portion corresponds to the second tube segment, the second conductive portion is provided with a second hollowed-out portion, a portion of the second tube segment is exposed through the second hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube, and the hollowed-out portion includes the second hollowed-out portion.

[0021] In an aspect, the second conductive portion includes a plurality of second conductive strips, where the plurality of second conductive strips extend in an axial direction of the second tube segment, the plurality of second conductive strips are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the second tube segment, and the second hollowed-out portion is formed between two adjacent second conductive strips.

[0022] In an aspect, a connecting ring is formed at a junction between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, and the connecting ring covers, in the axial direction of the inner tube, the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode.

[0023] In an aspect, the hollowed-out portion extends from the first tube segment to the end portion of the second tube segment far away from the first tube segment, and a portion of the second tube segment faces the outer tube through the hollowed-out portion.

[0024] In an aspect, the conductive member is at least partially cylindrical, and the conductive member is sleeved on the inner tube.

[0025] In an aspect, the cylindrical portion of the conductive member is sleeved on the inner tube in a winding manner.

[0026] In an aspect, the conductive member includes a conductive wire, where the conductive wire is wound around the inner tube and forms a hollowed-out portion, and the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube is partially faces the outer tube through the hollowed-out portion.

[0027] In an aspect, the conductive wire is wound to form a helical coil, and at least some of pitches of the helical coil are greater than 0, thereby forming the hollowed-out portion. In an aspect, in an axial direction of the helical coil, the pitch of the middle portion of the helical coil is greater than the pitch of at least one end.

[0028] In an aspect, the conductive wire forms a mesh, and openings of the mesh form the hollowed-out portion.

[0029] In an aspect, the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the inner tube, the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized; and the conductive member includes a first end portion and a second end portion connected to the first end portion, where the second end portion is connected to the second electrode, the first end portion is spaced apart from a position where the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube in the axial direction of the inner tube.

[0030] In an aspect, the inner tube includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, where the first electrode is exposed from the first end surface of the inner tube, and the first end portion is at least partially located between the first end surface and the second end surface.

[0031] In an aspect, a portion of the conductive member extends out of the outer tube through the end portion of the outer tube.

[0032] In an aspect, a heat insulating gap is formed between the conductive member and the inner wall surface of the outer tube.

[0033] In an aspect, the outer tube includes a first hollow segment and a second hollow segment that are connected in an axial direction of the outer tube, where the first hollow segment is formed with an opening, the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment, and both the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed in the outer tube.

[0034] In an aspect, the wall thickness of at least a portion of first hollow segment is greater than or equal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment; and / or the inner contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment.

[0035] In an aspect, the first hollow segment includes a first portion and a second portion, where the second portion is connected to the first portion and the second hollow segment, the first portion is formed with an opening, and the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion.

[0036] In an aspect, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion, and a stepped surface is formed at a junction between the first portion and the second portion.

[0037] In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion is greater than or equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment.

[0038] In an aspect, the first portion is formed with a wire outlet groove, and the wire outlet groove penetrates through the first portion in the lateral direction of the first portion.

[0039] In an aspect, the wire outlet groove penetrates through the end surface of the first portion.

[0040] In an aspect, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or the wall thickness of the second hollow segment ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0041] In an aspect, the heating assembly includes an inner tube at least partially disposed in an outer tube, where the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and the second electrode is disposed at one end of the inner tube.

[0042] In an aspect, the heating assembly includes an insulating member at least partially disposed in the first hollow segment, where the insulating member is connected to the inner wall of the first hollow segment and the outer wall of the inner tube, to limit lateral movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

[0043] An aerosol generating device according to examples of this disclosure includes the heating assembly according to any one of the foregoing examples.

[0044] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned by practice of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The foregoing and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and comprehensible in the description of the examples made with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 1 in the A-A direction;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating assembly in FIG. 1 of this disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an example of this disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 1 in the B-B direction;

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to an example of this disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to another example of this disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional of a heating assembly in FIG. 9 in the C-C direction;

[0057] FIG. 12 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. 11;

[0058] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to an example of this disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional diagram of a heating assembly in FIG. 7 in the E-E direction;

[0060] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a partial heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 16 in the F-F direction;

[0063] FIG. 18 is a schematic enlarged view of a partial cross-section of the heating assembly in FIG. 17;

[0064] FIG. 19 is a schematic partial enlarged view of a portion G in FIG. 17;

[0065] FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 20 in the H-H direction;

[0067] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating assembly in FIG. 20;

[0068] FIG. 23 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to another example of this disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 24 is a schematic top view of the heating assembly in FIG. 23;

[0070] FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 24 in the I-I direction;

[0071] FIG. 26 is a schematic structural diagram of an outer tube according to an example of this disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer tube in FIG. 26 in the K-K direction;

[0073] FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an outer tube according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 29 is a schematic structural diagram of an outer tube according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the outer tube in FIG. 29 from another perspective;

[0076] FIG. 31 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly according to an example of this disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 31 in the M-M direction;

[0078] FIG. 33 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating assembly including the outer tube in FIG. 28;

[0079] FIG. 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating assembly in FIG. 33 in the M-M direction; and

[0080] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the heating assembly in FIG. 31.DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0081] 1000: aerosol generating device; 200: power supply; 210: battery; 220: transformer; 300: aerosol generating substrate; 400: control center; and 500: cover;

[0082] 100: heating assembly; 10: inner tube; 1001: outer circumferential surface; 101: first tube segment; 102: second tube segment; 11: first end surface; 12: second end surface; 1011: central axis; 20: outer tube; 21: tapered end portion; 22: open end; 230: opening; 231: first hollow segment; 232: second hollow segment; 2311: first portion; 2312: second portion; 233: stepped surface; 240: wire outlet groove; 110: first electrode; 111: discharge portion; 112: conductive portion; 113: lead; 120: second electrode; 121: mounting portion; 122: protrusion; 130: discharge region; 30: conductive member; 31: first end portion; 32: second end portion; 301: first conductive portion; 302: second conductive portion; 33: connecting wire; 330: conductive wire; 34: conductive strip; 341: first conductive strip; 342: second conductive strip; 310: first conductive ring; 320: second conductive ring; 35: hollowed-out portion; 351: first hollowed-out portion; 352: second hollowed-out portion; 40: insulating member; 41: first insulating portion; 42: second insulating portion; 421: through hole; 50: connector; 60: infrared radiation film; 1002: heat insulating gap; 70: elastic member; 71: connecting member; 80: temperature measuring assembly; 84: temperature sensing film; 81: temperature sensing portion; 83: temperature measuring lead; 90: base; 91: first bracket; 92: second bracket; 93: housing; 903: wire outlet hole; 930: mounting space.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The following describes examples of this disclosure in detail. Examples of the examples are shown in the accompanying drawings, and same or similar numbers throughout the accompanying drawings represent same or similar elements or elements having same or similar functions. The following examples described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary, and are merely used for explaining this disclosure, but should not be understood as limitations to this disclosure.

[0084] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that orientation or position relations indicated by the terms such as “center”, “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside”, “clockwise”, and “anticlockwise” are based on orientation or position relations shown in the accompanying drawings, and are merely used for ease and brevity of the description of this disclosure, rather than indicating or implying that the mentioned device or element needs to have a particular orientation or needs to be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, such terms should not be interpreted as limiting this disclosure. In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or to implicitly indicate the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined by “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more, unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0085] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms such as “mount”, “connect”, and “link” should be understood in a generalized manner, for example, may be understood as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integration; or may be understood as a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a mutual communication; or may be understood as a direct connection, an indirect connection via a medium, an internal communication between two elements, or a mutual relationship between two elements. Those of ordinary skill in the art may understand specific meanings of the foregoing terms in this disclosure according to specific situations.

[0086] In this disclosure, unless expressly specified or defined otherwise, the expression of the first feature being “above” or “below” the second feature may include the case that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, and may also include the case that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are contacted via another feature therebetween. Furthermore, the first feature being “over”, “above”, or “on” the second feature includes the case that the first feature is directly or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. The first feature being “below”, “under”, or “beneath” the second feature includes the case that the first feature is directly or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature. The following disclosure provides many different examples for implementing different structures of this disclosure. To simplify disclosure of this disclosure, components and settings of particular examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, in this disclosure, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples. The repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not indicate a relationship between the discussed various examples and / or settings. In addition, this disclosure provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but the person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware of disclosure of other processes and / or use of other materials.Example I

[0087] Refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. A heating assembly 100 according to the example of this disclosure includes an inner tube 10, an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, a second electrode 120, and a conductive member 30. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the inner tube 10. The second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and is disposed opposite to the first electrode 110 at an interval. Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 when the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are energized.

[0088] The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 and is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 200. The conductive member 30 extends from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10 in an axial direction of the inner tube 10. In the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20.

[0089] It should be noted that the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be a portion of the inner tube 10 located between two axial end portions of the conductive member 30. The axial length of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be approximately equal to the axial length of the conductive member 30, and the end portions of the tube segment are roughly aligned with the end portions of the conductive member. In addition, it may be further understood that, to electrically connect the second electrode 120 to the power supply 200, the conductive member 30 is required for the connection. However, the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are not necessarily two separate parts. The two parts may be made of the same material, or may be integrally formed into a whole, where a portion facing the first electrode 110 is used as an electrode and the remaining portion is used for electrical connection. In this disclosure, the description of the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 as separate parts is not intended to define the second electrode and the conductive member as an integral or separated structure, but rather to facilitate better explanation and clarification.

[0090] In the heating assembly 100 provided in the example of this disclosure, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20, which reduces the volume of the conductive member 30, thereby reducing the heat capacity of the heat conductive member 30 and reducing heat stored in the conductive member 30. In addition, a large amount of the heat generated by the heating assembly 100 may be directly radiated through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to an aerosol generating substrate 300, thereby improving heat utilization and further improving a heating speed and efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0091] It may be understood that, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20, which means that the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 has the partial outer wall surface facing the outer tube 20, and the partial outer wall surface faces the outer tube 20 without being shielded by the conductive member 30. The same tube segment of the inner tube 10 has another partial outer wall surface facing the outer tube 20, and the partial outer wall surface is shielded by the conductive member 30 and cannot directly face the outer tube.

[0092] For details, refer to FIG. 3. The inner tube 10 may be a hollow tube with openings at both ends. The entire inner tube 10 may be cylindrical and has a central axis 1011. The axial length of the inner tube 10 is far greater than the radial length. The side of the inner tube 10 encircles the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 to form the wall of the inner tube 10 and hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0093] Refer to FIG. 2. At least a portion of the first electrode 110 is inserted into the hollow space in the center of the inner tube 10 from one end of the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is denoted as P. The second electrode 120 is disposed at the other end of the inner tube 10, and is opposite, through the hollow space of the inner tube 10, to the portion of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10.

[0094] The end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10 is spaced apart from the second electrode 120 by a particular distance. For ease of description, in this disclosure, an interval between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is referred to as a discharge region 130. The discharge region 130 may be enclosed by the inner tube 10 and is located in the hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0095] Refer to FIG. 2 again. With reference to FIG. 4, the first electrode 110 may be connected to the power supply 200 to serve as one pole for conducting high-voltage electricity; and the second electrode 120 may be connected to the power supply 200 through the conductive member 30 to serve as the other pole for conducting the high-voltage electricity. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 conduct the high-voltage electricity, and produce high-voltage discharge in the discharge region 130 to generate a plasma arc. In the center of the discharge region 130, the maximum temperature of the plasma arc during generation may be above 2000° C., and a stable plasma temperature range may be 1000° C. to 1600° C. The discharge region 130 may be closed and filled with electrically neutral gas such as nitrogen and argon. Alternatively, the discharge region 130 may be communication with the atmospheric pressure. In this case, the gas in the discharge region 130 is air.

[0096] It should be noted that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be connected to direct current, or may be connected to alternating current. In a case that direct current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate plasma by means of the direct current. In a case that alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate plasma by means of the alternating current.

[0097] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10 and encloses at least a portion of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 may cover at least the discharge region 130 in the inner tube 10. The aerosol generating substrate 300 fills the outer circumference of the outer tube 20. The outer surface of the outer tube 20 may be in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300. The heat generated by the plasma arc in the discharge region 130 can be transferred to the outside of the outer tube 20 through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20 in a heat transfer manner such as infrared radiation, and the aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat to generate an aerosol.

[0098] The outer tube 20 may be a hollow tube with a closed end and an open end. A tapered end portion 21 may be formed at the closed end of the outer tube 20, and the open end is an open end 22. The open end 22 forms an annular cross-section, and the cross-sectional area of the open end 22 may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the tapered end portion 21.

[0099] The inner tube 10 encloses at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and the end of the inner tube 10 that has a second end surface 12 is inserted into the outer tube 20 from the open end 22, to enable the second electrode 120 disposed on the second end surface 12 to abut against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21. A second end portion 32 is connected to the second electrode 120, extends into the outer tube 20 with the inner tube 10, and is close to the tapered end portion 21. A first end portion 31 may extend out of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22.

[0100] In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 is made of at least one material such as quartz and ceramic, so that the outer tube 20 can provide insulation protection and can allow infrared radiation to pass through. In this way, the infrared radiation generated by discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is transmitted to the outside of the outer tube 20 to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0101] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the outer tube 20 ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm (including endpoint values). The outer diameter of the outer tube 20 is denoted as D, and preferably, 2.0 mm≤D≤3.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the outer tube 20 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, or 0.5 mm, and the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm, or 3 mm. The outer tube 20 may be a quartz tube with the outer diameter of 2.0 mm and the wall thickness of 0.3 mm. For another example, the outer tube 20 may be a quartz tube with the outer diameter of 3.0 mm and the wall thickness of 0.4 mm.

[0102] The conductive member 30 may be disposed on the inner tube 10, and extends from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The path along which the conductive member 30 extends between the two ends of the inner tube 10 may be a straight line, or may be a curve. The outer wall of the partial inner tube 10 enclosed by the outer tube 20 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0103] The conductive member 30 may be attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, is located between the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and shields a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 10. The partial inner tube 10 shielded by the conductive member 30 cannot face or cannot directly face the outer tube 20. In a region of the inner tube 10 shielded by the conductive member 30, the heat of the plasma arc may be transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. Infrared radiant energy in this region is much less than that in a region not shielded by the conductive member 30.

[0104] It may be understood that the conductive member 30 may be a metal piece disposed on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. In another embodiment, the conductive member 30 may alternatively be a conductive film or a conductive circuit coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10, and the shape, the thickness, an arrangement position on the inner tube 10, and the like of the conductive member may be equivalently understood in line with the foregoing solutions.

[0105] At least a portion of the outer wall of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 directly faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20. In other words, no shield member exists between a portion of the outer wall of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0106] Refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 again. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a first end portion 31 and a second end portion 32 connected to the first end portion 31. The second end portion 32 is connected to the second electrode 120, and the first end portion 31 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply 200.

[0107] The conductive member 30 may be arranged between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end portion 31 is the end of the conductive member 30 that extends out of the outer tube 20 and that is closest to the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 may surround the second electrode 120, or be in contact with the second electrode 120 in another manner, is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10, and is electrically connected to the second electrode 120.

[0108] In the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a direction pointing from the second end portion 32 to the first end portion 31 may be an up-down direction. The tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be a tube segment between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32.

[0109] For example, the second end portion 32 may be cylindrical, is coaxial with the inner tube 10, and encloses one end of the inner tube 10. The tube segment, enclosed by the second end portion 32, of the inner tube 10 cannot face the outer tube 20.

[0110] Refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5. In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 has the outer circumferential surface 1001, and the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 (e.g., with opening on the outer circumferential surface).

[0111] In this way, the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of the outer circumferential surface 1001, so that at least a portion of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 is not shielded by the conductive member 30 and directly faces the outer tube 30. Therefore, the heat from the plasma within the inner tube 10 can be directly transferred, in the portion of the tube segment, through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0112] Specifically, the inner tube 10 includes a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12 opposite to the first end surface 11. The first electrode 110 is exposed from the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10, and the second end surface 12 abuts against one side surface of the second electrode 120. An entire tube segment of the inner tube 10 may be between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12. The second end portion 32 is disposed on the second end surface, and the first end portion 31 may be located between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12. The tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 is a portion of the tube segment between the second end portion 32 and the first end portion 31.

[0113] The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 extends from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and reaches a position of the first end portion 31. It may be understood that the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 may be a product obtained by multiplying the length of the outer side of the second end surface 12 by a distance between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0114] The conductive member 30 may be attached to the inner tube 10. For example, the conductive member 30 is formed on the inner tube 10 in a film coating manner, and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 is opposite to the conductive member 30. The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 opposite to the conductive member 30 is shielded by the conductive member 30 between the inner tube and the outer tube 20 in the radial direction of the inner tube 10. The area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is the area of a region of the inner tube 10 shielded by the conductive member 30 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20.

[0115] Refer to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 again. In an aspect, the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 has an outer circumferential surface 1001, and the conductive member 30 partially covers the outer circumferential surface 1001.

[0116] Specifically, the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 is partially covered by the conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may extend on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, extend from the first end surface 11 to the second end surface 12, and form a straight strip-shaped extension path. Alternatively, the extension path of the conductive member 30 on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 may be a curve that encircles the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and that protrudes toward the outer tube 20. The extension path of the conductive member 30 covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10.

[0117] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. In an aspect, the inner tube 10 includes a first tube segment 101 and a second tube segment 102 connected to the first tube segment 101. The first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the first tube segment 101. The second electrode 120 is disposed at the end of the second tube segment 102 away from the first tube segment 101 and is disposed opposite to the first electrode 110 at an interval. The second electrode is controlled to generate plasma at least within the second tube segment 102 when the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are energized, and the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 partially faces the outer tube 20.

[0118] It should be noted that in this disclosure, the description of division of the inner tube 10 into the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102 does not mean that the inner tube 10 is formed by combining two separate parts. Preferably, the inner tube 10 is an integral tube and is an integrally formed tube body. This division is provided merely for the purpose of better describing subsequent solutions, and does not constitute a limitation to whether the inner tube 10 is integral or split.

[0119] Specifically, the first tube segment 101 may be a partial tube segment extending, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, from the first end portion 31 to the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second tube segment 102 may be a partial tube segment extending, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, from the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 to the second end surface 11.

[0120] The second electrode 120 is disposed at the end, including the second end surface 12, of the second tube segment 102. The second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are controlled to generate plasma within the second tube segment 102. Therefore, the discharge region 130 is located in the second tube segment 102.

[0121] The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 at the second tube segment 102, extends from the second tube segment 102 to the first tube segment 101, and extends out of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22. A path along which the conductive member 30 extends from the second tube segment 102 to the first end surface 11 covers the outer circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube segment 101. The outer circumferential surface, uncovered by the conductive member 30, of the first tube segment 101 faces the outer tube 20.

[0122] Refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 is provided with a hollowed-out portion 35, and a portion of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the hollowed-out portion 35 and faces the outer tube 20.

[0123] With reference to FIG. 1, the upper portion of the heating assembly 100 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the upper portion of the heating assembly 100 includes the discharge region 130. The lower portion of the heating assembly 100 may be used for mounting and fixation. In the related technology, the heat generated in the discharge region 12 is easily transferred to the lower portion of the heating assembly through the conductive member, resulting in excessively high temperature of the lower portion of the heating assembly and significant energy waste. In addition, a large amount of liquid is easily accumulated.

[0124] In this way, the conductive member 30 is provided with the hollowed-out portion 35, which can prevent the heat of the conductive member 30 from being transferred from the discharge region 130 to the lower portion of the heating assembly 100, thereby avoiding excessively high temperature of the lower portion of the heating assembly 100, improving utilization of the heat for heating the aerosol generating substrate 300, and reducing deposition of condensates. The hollowed-out portion 35 further helps enhance the intensity of external radiation of the plasma arc.

[0125] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The heating assembly 100 generates a plasma arc through discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300. In the center of the discharge region 130, the maximum temperature of the plasma arc can reach 2000° C., and the heat is relatively concentrated. It may be understood that the heat capacity of the heating assembly 100 should be reduced as much as possible, so that the discharge region 130 is less likely to accumulate heat, and the heat can be quickly transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300. In addition, the heating assembly 100 is configured to reduce heat transfer to portions other than the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0126] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is tubular and is sleeved on the inner tube 10, and the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 are respectively two axial end portions of the conductive member 30. The first end portion 31 surrounds the outer circumference of the first end surface 11, and the second end portion 32 extends out of the open end 22 and is partially located outside the outer tube 20. The hollowed-out portion 35 is located between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32, and the outer surface of the inner tube 10 between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 is exposed through the hollowed-out portion 35 and faces the outer tube 20.

[0127] Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is sleeved on the inner tube 10, may be in a cylindrical shape at the second tube segment 102, and covers at least a portion of the second tube segment 102. The discharge region 130 is located at the second tube segment 102, and heat from the discharge region 130 may be transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 through the second tube segment 102, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. The hollowed-out portion 35 extends from the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 to the second end portion 32. The outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the hollowed-out portion 35 and faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The heat generated in the discharge region 130 is not readily transferred downward through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0128] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be a metal tube coaxial with the inner tube 10, so that the center of the discharge region 130 is approximately located on the central axis 1011 of the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10, to achieve uniform thermal conduction.

[0129] The first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 are connected through a conductive strip 34. The conductive strip 34 is adhered to the outer wall surface of the inner tube 10 and extends in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32 may be annular, encircle the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and encloses the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0130] Refer to FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 may be a wire with lower stiffness than a metal tube. The conductive member 30 may be wound around the inner tube 10 to form a tube shape (e.g., a loop or loops), and encloses the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102. Wires are arranged at intervals to form hollowed-out portions.

[0131] In some embodiments, the shape of the hollowed-out portion 35 includes, but is not limited to, a round-hole shape, an oval-hole shape, an irregular-hole shape, a straight-edged strip shape, a curved-edged strip shape, and the like. The hollowed-out portions 35 on one conductive member 30 may be in the same shape, or may be in different shapes.

[0132] Refer to FIG. 8. In an aspect, a plurality of hollowed-out portions 35 are provided. The plurality of hollowed-out portions 35 are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner tube 10.

[0133] In this way, the plurality of hollowed-out portions 35 may further reduce the volume of the conductive member 30, lower the heat capacity, and accelerate the heating of the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0134] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may have the hollowed-out portions 35 between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32. The plurality of conductive strips 34 are spaced apart to form the plurality of hollowed-out portions 35. The plurality of conductive strips 34 may be distributed at intervals on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10.

[0135] Refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the conductive strips 34 and the hollowed-out portions 35 extend side by side on the outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment 101 in an axial direction of the first tube segment 101, and are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101.

[0136] Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In an aspect, the hollowed-out portions 35 may extend from the first end portion 31 to the second end portion 32 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 facing the outer tube 20 is larger.

[0137] In an aspect, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. This can lower the heat capacity and improve energy utilization efficiency during heating.

[0138] For example, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 may range from 0.05 mm to 0.19 mm, from 0.06 mm to 0.18 mm, from 0.07 mm to 0.17 mm, from 0.08 mm to 0.16 mm, from 0.09 mm to 0.15 mm, from 0.10 mm to 0.14 mm, from 0.11 mm to 0.13 mm, or from 0.115 mm to 0.125 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.10 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.16 mm, or 0.2 mm.

[0139] Further, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 preferably ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is 0.055 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.09 mm.

[0140] It may be understood that as the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 increases, the volume increases correspondingly, and more heat can be absorbed and stored, resulting in high heat capacity of the heating assembly 100. The wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is less than or equal to 0.2 mm, so that the conductive member is less likely to store heat. This helps the conductive member 30 transfer the heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol generating substrate 300. The wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm, which reduces the likelihood of wear and failure.

[0141] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is made of an oxidation-resistant metal material, which can prevent the conductive member 30 from oxidizing and failing, and improve the service life of the conductive member. Specifically, the conductive member 30 is made of at least one of nickel-based alloys and iron-based alloys.

[0142] Refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a first conductive portion 301 corresponding to the first tube segment 101. The first conductive portion 301 is provided with a first hollowed-out portion 351, a portion of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the first hollowed-out portion 351 and faces the outer tube 20, and the hollowed-out portions 35 include the first hollowed-out portion 351.

[0143] In this way, with reference to FIG. 1, the first hollowed-out portion 351 interrupts a heat transfer path through which a portion of the first conductive portion 301 transfers heat to a region away from the aerosol generating substrate 300, thereby reducing heat loss.

[0144] Specifically, the first hollowed-out portion 351 may be formed by cutting the tube wall of the first conductive portion 301. The first hollowed-out portion 351 may be in a strip shape. One or more first hollowed-out portions 351 may be provided.

[0145] Refer to FIG. 10. For example, in some embodiments, one conductive strip 34 of the first tube segment 101 is provided. One conductive strip forms one hollowed-out portion. The hollowed-out portion extends, in the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101, from one side of the conductive strip 34 to the other side of the conductive strip 34.

[0146] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9. For another example, in some embodiments, two conductive strips 34 of the first tube segment 101 are provided. The two conductive strips 34 may be distributed at two ends of the same diameter of the inner tube 10 and spaced apart to form two hollowed-out portions 35. The outer wall of the inner tube 10 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portions 35.

[0147] Refer to FIG. 9 again. In an aspect, the first conductive portion 301 includes a plurality of first conductive strips 341. The plurality of first conductive strips 341 extend in the axial direction of the first tube segment 101, and the plurality of first conductive strips 341 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101. The first hollowed-out portion 351 is formed between two adjacent first conductive strips 341.

[0148] In this way, the plurality of first conductive strips 341 may be spaced apart to form the plurality of first hollowed-out portions 351, to reduce downward heat transfer of the first conductive portion 301.

[0149] Specifically, the plurality of first conductive strips 341 may extend from the first end portion 31 to the end surface of the first electrode 110 opposite to the second electrode 120. The areas of the outer circumferential surfaces, covered by the plurality of first conductive strips 341, of the first tube segment 101 may be the same, or may be different. The plurality of first conductive strips 341 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first tube segment 101, to form hollowed-out portions 35 of equal size. Alternatively, intervals between every two adjacent first conductive strips 341 may be unequal.

[0150] The total area of the outer circumferential surfaces, covered by the plurality of first conductive strips 341, of the first tube segment 101 is smaller than the total area of the outer circumferential surfaces, exposed through the first hollowed-out portions 351 and facing the outer tube, of the first tube segment 101.

[0151] Refer to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to the first conductive portion 301. The second conductive portion 302 encloses at least a portion of the second tube segment 102.

[0152] In this way, the second conductive portion 302 covers a region in which the plasma arc is generated in the second tube segment 102, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the radiated heat.

[0153] Specifically, the second conductive portion 302 is connected to the second electrode 120 at the second end surface 12, and extends from the second electrode 120 to the first tube segment 101. The second conductive portion 302 encloses the second tube segment 102, and completely covers the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second conductive portion 302 is cylindrical and is coaxial with the second tube segment 102.

[0155] As described above, the discharge region 130 is located between the end, extending into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 conduct high-voltage electricity to generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130. In the following description, L denotes the arc length of the plasma arc generated by the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, namely, the discharge arc length.

[0156] It may be understood that the discharge arc length is approximately equal to a distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 may be fixed. Therefore, the discharge arc length may be a fixed value.

[0157] Refer to FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 satisfies 2 mm≤L≤10 mm.

[0158] In this way, the discharge arc length falls within a controlled range, thereby ensuring that discharge performance of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and a temperature field distribution in a region of the discharge arc length are favorable.

[0159] Specifically, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 may be any length not less than 2 mm and not greater than 10 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may range from 3 mm to 10 mm, from 4 mm to 8 mm, from 5 mm to 7 mm, or from 5.5 mm to 6 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may be the length such as 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm. The discharge region 130 is located in the inner tube 10, and the length of the inner tube 10 is apparently greater than the discharge arc length. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10 and covers the entire discharge region 130. The outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 includes at least a tube body end portion covering the discharge region 130.

[0160] In some embodiments, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 satisfies 6 mm<L≤10 mm.

[0161] For example, the discharge arc length ranges from 6 mm to 9 mm, from 7 mm to 8.5 mm, or from 7.5 mm to 8 mm. For example, the discharge arc length may be 6.1 mm, 7.5 mm, 8.6 mm, 9.8 mm, or 10 mm.

[0162] In an aspect, the discharge arc length L between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 is 8 mm.

[0163] The second conductive portion 302 covers the second tube segment 102 and extends in an axial direction of the second tube segment 102 by the length greater than the discharge arc length L, so that the length of the plasma arc does not exceed the length of the second conductive portion 302.

[0164] Refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In an aspect, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. In the following description, n denotes the overlap size between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0165] In this way, the risk of discharge between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion, of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 can be reduced.

[0166] It should be noted that it is specified that a direction pointing from the second end surface to the first end surface in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is the up-down direction. Therefore, the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is an upper end of the first electrode 110, and the second conductive portion 302 is located above the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube. That, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be understood as that a position of the lower end of the second conductive portion 302 is lower than a position of the upper end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0167] It may be understood that with reference to FIG. 4, the second electrode 120 is connected to the power supply 200 through the conductive member 30. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are opposite to each other and have opposite polarities. Therefore, an electric field is generated between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110. The polarity of the second electrode 120 is the same as that of the second conductive portion 302. When the second conductive portion 302 is spaced a non-insulated distance from the end of the first electrode facing the second electrode 120, discharge may occur.

[0168] The second conductive portion 302 is configured to cover, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120, so that the space between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is filled by the side wall of the inner tube 10, to enhance the dielectric strength.

[0169] Refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. In an aspect, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the overlap size between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 satisfies n≥0.3 mm.

[0170] In this way, the end surface of the second conductive portion 302 is not opposite to the end surface of the first electrode 110, thereby reducing the likelihood of discharge between the second conductive portion 302 and the first electrode 110 and enhancing the dielectric strength between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0171] Specifically, the overlap size between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be defined as a distance, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, between the farthest point of the second conductive portion 302 from the second end surface 12 and a projection of the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 on the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0172] The overlap size n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may range from 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, from 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, or from 0.5 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the overlap size n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 may be 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.55 mm.

[0173] Refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 again. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to the first conductive portion 301. The second conductive portion 302 corresponds to the second tube segment 102, the second conductive portion 302 is provided with a second hollowed-out portion 352, a portion of the second tube segment 102 is exposed through the second hollowed-out portion 352 and faces the outer tube 20, and the hollowed-out portions 35 include the second hollowed-out portion 352.

[0174] This can further lower the heat capacity of the conductive member 30, and shorten time required for heating or cooling the heating assembly 100.

[0175] Specifically, the second hollowed-out portion 352 may be in a straight-strip shape, a curved line shape, a round-hole shape, or the like. One, two, three, or more second hollowed-out portions 352 may be provided. The portion, covered by the second conductive portion 302, of the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102 is in a close fit with the second conductive portion 302 and is covered by the second conductive portion 302. The portion, uncovered by the second conductive portion 302, of the outer circumferential surface of the second tube segment 102 may be exposed through the second hollowed-out portion 352 and faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0176] Refer to FIG. 9 and FIG. 11. In an aspect, the second conductive portion 302 includes a plurality of second conductive strips 342. The plurality of second conductive strips 342 extend in an axial direction of the second tube segment 102, the plurality of second conductive strips 342 are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the second tube segment 102, and the second hollowed-out portion 352 is formed between two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0177] In this way, the thermal resistance to outward heat conduction from the high-temperature arc in the center of the discharge region 130 can be further lowered, thereby increasing the heating rate.

[0178] Specifically, the second conductive strips 342 and the second hollowed-out portions 352 may be formed by cutting a metal tube body. In the circumferential direction of the second tube segment 102, the second conductive strips 342 and the second hollowed-out portions 352 may be sequentially arranged. The second conductive strip 342 may have one end connected to the second end portion 32, and extend from the second end surface 12 to a position below the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second conductive strip 342 may have a side edge parallel to the central axis of the inner tube. The second hollowed-out portion 352 is formed at a position between the adjacent side edges of two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0179] Two, three, four, or five second conductive strips 342 are provided. The plurality of second conductive strips 342 form a plurality of second hollowed-out portions 352. Correspondingly, the number of second hollowed-out portions 352 is equal to the number of second conductive strips 342.

[0180] Refer to FIG. 9 again. In an aspect, a connecting ring 343 is formed at the junction between the first conductive portion 301 and the second conductive portion 302, and the connecting ring 343 covers, in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 10, the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0181] In this way, by disposing the connecting ring 343, the local electric field intensity can be reduced to avoid discharge breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30. In addition, the mechanical strength of the conductive member 30 can be enhanced, thereby lowering the risk of deformation and failure of the conductive member 30.

[0182] Specifically, the connecting ring 343 may be a partial conductive member that covers the circumference of the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 and that is retained when the hollowed-out portion 35 is formed by cutting the tube wall of the conductive member 30.

[0183] According to the following formula, a relationship between the area of the side wall and the electric field intensity is that the field intensity increases as the area of the side wall decreases; and the field intensity decreases as the area of the side wall increases.E=Ud=Q⁢4⁢π⁢kε⁢Swhere E denotes the electric field intensity, U denotes voltage applied between the two electrodes, d denotes a discharge distance, Q denotes charge carried by the electrode, S denotes the discharge area, k denotes an electrostatic constant, and ε denotes a dielectric constant of a medium between the two electrodes.

[0185] It may be understood that the conductive member 30 forms the hollowed-out portion 35, and the area of the side wall is reduced, resulting in increased electric field intensity between the side walls. Consequently, breakdown is more likely to occur between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, affecting the stability and safety of the heating assembly 100. The connecting ring 343 covers the discharging end of the first electrode 110, to reduce the intensity of a local electric field formed on the circumference of the discharging end of the first electrode 110, thereby avoiding breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30.

[0186] Refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In an aspect, the hollowed-out portion 35 extends from the first tube segment 101 to the end portion of the second tube segment 102 away from the first tube segment 101, and a portion of the second tube segment 102 faces the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0187] In this way, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, a heat transfer path at the lower portion of the conductive member 30 may be interrupted to the greatest extent, thereby reducing downward heat transfer and improving efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0188] Specifically, the hollowed-out portion 35 may be formed by cutting the side wall of the tube body of the conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may retain a portion on the circumference of the second electrode, to form a second conductive ring 320, which is configured to be connected to the second electrode 120. A partial conductive tube wall of the end portion, closest to the first end surface 11, of the conductive member 30 may be retained to form a first conductive ring 310, which is configured to be connected to the power supply 200. The first conductive ring 310 may be exposed on the outside of the outer tube 20.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 are connected to each other through a conductive strip 34. The number of conductive strips 34 configured for connecting the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 may be one. A hollowed-out portion 35 is formed between the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102 face the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a connecting wire 33 connected to the first conductive ring 310, and the connecting wire 33 is electrically connected to the power supply 200. The connecting wire 33 may have lower stiffness than the tube body of the conductive member 30. The connecting wire 33 may extend in the radial direction of the inner tube 10. Alternatively, the connecting wire 33 may extend on the outer tube 20 in a direction away from the conductive portion 112 of the first electrode 110.

[0191] Refer to FIG. 6. In an aspect, at least a portion of the conductive member 30 is cylindrical, and the conductive member 30 is sleeved on the inner tube 10.

[0192] In this way, the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 are easily assembled to form a compact structure, thereby facilitating miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0193] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be cylindrical and is coaxial with the inner tube 10. The inner tube 10 is nested in the conductive member 30.

[0194] Refer to FIG. 12, in an aspect, the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The size of a gap between the conductive member 30 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 is less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130, and the maximum temperature of the plasma arc may reach 2000° C. A large amount of heat from the center of the discharge region 130 is conducted or radiated, through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20, to the aerosol generating substrate 300 on the circumference of the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 is in a close fit with the outer wall of the inner tube 10, resulting in high heat conduction efficiency. In addition, it is ensured that the distance between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 is short, or the conductive member 30 is in a close fit with the inner tube 10, which can effectively prevent the conductive member 30 from being in contact with the inner wall of the outer tube 20, thereby avoiding non-uniform temperature field distribution of the outer tube 20.

[0195] Refer to FIG. 13. In an aspect, a cylindrical portion of the conductive member 30 is made in a winding manner and is sleeved on the inner tube 10.

[0196] This can improve tightness of assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10, which facilitates heat conduction.

[0197] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by winding sheet metal. The sheet metal may be wound around the central axis 1011, and the wound sheet metal encircles the inner tube, to form a cylindrical or annular conductive tube body. The conductive tube body may have a gap in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the cross-section of the conductive member 30 in the radial direction of the inner tube 10 is in a “C” shape. This facilitates adjustment of the diameter of the tube body formed by winding, thereby facilitating adjustment of tightness of assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10.

[0198] Refer to FIG. 7. In an aspect, the conductive member 30 includes a conductive wire 330. The conductive wire 330 is wound around the inner tube 10 and is formed with a hollowed-out portion 35, and the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 partially faces the outer tube 20 through the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0199] In this way, the heat capacity can be reduced through the conductive wire 330, thereby accelerating the heating and cooling.

[0200] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 surrounds the inner tube, to divide the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member 30, of the inner tube 10 into different blocks, so as to form the hollowed-out portions.

[0201] In some embodiments, the upper end of the conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120, and the lower end is located near the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 may extend out of the outer tube 20 through the open end 22, and is connected to the power supply 200. Alternatively, the conductive member 30 may be wound around the inner tube 10 from the second end surface 12 to the open end 22. A connection point between the conductive member 30 and the second electrode 120 and a position at which the conductive member 30 extends out of the open end 22 may be on the same side of the inner tube 10, or may be on opposite sides of the inner tube 10.

[0202] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by winding one conductive wire 330, two conductive wires 330, three conductive wires 330, or more conductive wires around the inner tube 10.

[0203] In a case that one conductive wire 330 is provided, one conductive wire 330 is wound around the inner tube 10 for at least one turn. In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 is wound around the discharge region 130 for at least two turns. Alternatively, the conductive wire 330 may extend between the second electrode 120 and the opening of the outer tube 20 along an approximately straight path. All portions, uncovered by the conductive wire 330, of the inner tube 10 face the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0204] Refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 14. In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 is wound to form a helical coil 30a, and at least some of pitches of the helical coil 30a are greater than 0, thereby forming the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0205] In this way, the conductive wire 330 forms the helical coil 30a, which facilitates assembly of the conductive wire with the inner tube 10. In addition, the heat capacity of the conductive member 30 may be lowered by adjusting the pitch of the helical coil 30a, thereby reducing heat stored in the conductive member 30 and increasing the heating rate.

[0206] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 may be wound around the inner tube 10 and extend from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11, to form the helical coil 30a. The pitch of the helical coil 30a may refer to a distance between two consecutive turns of the conductive wire 330 wound around the inner tube in the axial direction of the inner tube.

[0207] It may be understood that as the conductive wire 330 is wound more loosely, the pitch of the formed helical coil 30a increases. Consequently, the heat capacity of a conductive helical structure is reduced, and the area of the outer circumferential surface 1001 covered by the conductive wire 330 increases, leading to a higher heating rate.

[0208] Refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 14 again. In an aspect, in the axial direction of the helical coil 30a, the pitch of the middle portion of the helical coil 30a is greater than the pitch of at least one end.

[0209] In this way, heat capacity distribution of the conductive member and a temperature field of the heating assembly 100 may be adjusted through the unequal pitches, thereby increasing the heating rate and reducing heat conduction from the discharge region to components other than the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0210] Specifically, one end of the helical coil 30a is fixed to the outer circumference of the second electrode 120, and the other end of the helical coil 30a may be fixed to a position between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 10, with an axial distance from the first end surface 11 greater than 2 mm. The pitch of a helical coil 30a in the middle portion between two ends may be greater than the pitch at each end.

[0211] In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 is connected to the second electrode 120, and is closely wound on the circumference of the second end surface 12 to stabilize the connection. The pitch of the helical coil 30a formed on the outer circumference of the second electrode 120 is close to 0. The pitch of the helical coil 30a sleeved on the tube segment below the discharge region 130 is increased, thereby lowering the heat capacity of the conductive helical coil 30a, increasing the radiation area of the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20, and increasing the heating rate.

[0212] Further, the helical tube body may be in a close fit with or nested on the tube body of the inner tube 10.

[0213] Refer to FIG. 15. In some embodiments, one end, fixed between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 10, of the helical coil 30a may be exposed outside the outer tube 20.

[0214] In an aspect, the conductive wire 330 forms a mesh, and openings of the mesh form the hollowed-out portion 35.

[0215] In this way, the mesh formed by the conductive wire 330 can maintain a stable structure. In addition, the hollowed-out area of the hollowed-out portions 35 is large, which can effectively lower the heat capacity.

[0216] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be a mesh tube formed by winding a plurality of conductive wires 330 in an interlaced manner. The mesh tube may be sleeved on the inner tube 10 and is in a close fit with the tube body of the inner tube 10. Alternatively, the conductive wires 330 may be arranged in an interlaced manner to form a mesh and coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0217] In an aspect, a wire material forming the helical coil 30a or the mesh tube is a circular wire, a flat-ribbon wire, or the like. The thickness of the cross-section of the wire material of the conductive member 30 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. Further, the thickness of the cross-section of the wire material of the conductive member 30 preferably ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the thickness of the cross-section of the wire material of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.1 mm.

[0218] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is a coating applied to the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The conductive member 30 is coated on the outer wall 10 of the inner tube, may form a path in a straight-strip shape, a cylindrical shape, a curved shape, or another shape, and conducts electricity along the corresponding path.

[0219] In an aspect, the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0220] In this way, the first end portion 31 may utilize space of the heating assembly 100 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the spacing between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is properly set. Consequently, the probability of discharge between the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110 is lowered, and the reliability of normal operation of the heating assembly 100 is enhanced.

[0221] As described above, with reference to FIG. 2, the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is denoted as P. A position, closest to the point P in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, on the portion of the first end portion 31 extending out of the outer tube 20 is denoted as Q. The conductive member 30 may be bent at the position Q on the first end portion 31, continues to extend in the radial direction of the inner tube or a direction substantially the same as the radial direction of the inner tube, away from the first electrode 110, and is connected to the power supply 200.

[0222] The first end portion 31 is connected to the second end portion 32. The second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the second end portion 32 to form a conductive path with the conductive member 30 and to serve as one pole for conducting high-voltage electricity. A predetermined distance is maintained between P and Q, which are insulated through the inner tube 10. This avoids discharge or even discharge breakdown between P and Q in a case that the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110 serve as two poles for conducting the high-voltage electricity, thereby ensuring the discharge reliability of the discharge region 130.

[0223] The inner tube 10 may be made of a high dielectric strength material. For example, the inner tube 10 is made of at least one material of quartz and ceramic. This type of material is also capable of transmitting infrared radiation. The inner tube 10 has high dielectric strength, which may lower the probability of plasma arc breakdown of the inner tube 10. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, or from 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm. For another example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 may be 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1.0 mm. In this way, the inner tube 10 can have certain strength, thereby avoiding stress-induced fracture and arc breakdown. Furthermore, this can lower the heat capacity and facilitate miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0224] In some embodiments, proper heat capacity not only can enhance the heating efficiency during heating, but also can maintain a proper cooling rate during intervals between puffs, thereby avoiding excessive heating of the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0225] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In an aspect, the inner tube 10 includes a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12 opposite to the first end surface 11. The first electrode 110 is exposed from the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10, and the first end portion 31 is at least partially located between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12.

[0226] In this way, by properly arranging the inner tube 10, the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30, the inner tube 10 can isolate and protect the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110, thereby reducing the likelihood of discharge breakdown between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11.

[0227] Specifically, the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 may be annular. The central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 passes through the center of each of the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12. The second electrode 120 may be disposed in the center of the second end surface 12. The conductive portion 112 may encircle the center of the second end surface 12 to form the second end portion 32, and the second end portion 32 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120. It should be noted that the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 may be connected to the second electrode 120 in a plurality of manners. The encircling manner facilitates assembly and enhances connection reliability. It may be understood that the connection may alternatively be implemented in a manner such as crimping or welding.

[0228] The first electrode 110 may be inserted into the inner tube 10 from the center of the first end surface 11. The end, inserted into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 faces the second electrode 120, and is spaced a predetermined distance from the first end surface 11. Alternatively, the end, inserted into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 may be spaced the same distance from the first end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0229] The inner tube 10 encloses at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30 is attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, so that the inner tube 10 can provide insulation protection between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30. A predetermined distance is maintained between the end, exposing the inner tube 10 at the first end surface 11, of the first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and the inner tube 10 covers a portion of a region between the partial first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31.

[0230] The shape of the cross-section of the inner tube 10 includes, but is not limited to, a circle, a square, an ellipse, and the like, and may further be matched with the shape of the cross-section of the first electrode 110.

[0231] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 again. In an aspect, the entire first electrode 110 is in a cylindrical shape. The first electrode 110 may be in a hollow cylinder shape, or may be in a solid cylinder shape. The shape of the cross-section of the first electrode 110 includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, a square, a polygon, and the like.

[0232] For example, the entire first electrode 110 is in a solid cylinder shape and is inserted into the inner tube 10 in a hollow cylinder shape, which facilitates miniaturization of the structural volume of a heating assembly. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the inner tube 10 and is coaxial with the inner tube 10.

[0233] In an aspect, the first electrode 110 includes a discharge portion 111 and a conductive portion 112 connected to the discharge portion 111. The discharge portion 111 is located in the inner tube 10, and the conductive portion 112 extends out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11. Therefore, it may be understood that in this embodiment, the foregoing portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 may be a portion of the conductive portion 112 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0234] Specifically, the discharge portion 111 may be vertically inserted into the hollow space of the inner tube 10 and is opposite to the second electrode 120. The conductive portion 112 extends out of the inner tube 10, is connected to the power supply 200, and conducts high-voltage electricity to generate plasma between the discharge portion 111 and the second electrode 120.

[0235] In the orientation shown in FIG. 2, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a direction pointing from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11 may be an up-down direction. In the heating assembly 100, the second electrode 120, the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30, the discharge portion 111 of the first electrode 110, the first end portion 31 of the conductive member 30, and the conductive portion 112 of the first electrode 110 are sequentially arranged from top to bottom in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end surface 11 is located below the first end portion 31, and the second end surface 12 is in a close fit with one side surface of the second electrode 120.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is in a cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the first electrode 110 ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. It should be noted that the shape of the cross-section of the first electrode 110 herein is not limited to a circle, and may be a square, a polygon, an ellipse, or the like. The diameter of the first electrode 110 is the diameter of a circumscribed circle of the cross-section of the first electrode 110.

[0237] This facilitates miniaturization of the heating assembly 100 and improves the burn resistance lifespan of the first electrode 110.

[0238] For example, the first electrode 110 may be a metal wire having a diameter of not less than 0.4 mm and not greater than 1.0 mm. The diameter of the first electrode 110 may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. For example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 may range from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, from 0.6 mm to 0.7 mm, or from 0.75 mm to 0.8 mm. For another example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 may be 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1.0 mm.

[0239] It may be understood that, discharge occurs between the end, inserted into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to generate the plasma arc. Therefore, the first electrode and the second electrode need to withstand high-temperature burning of the plasma arc. When the diameter of the first electrode 110 is relatively large, a greater amount of heat is required to cause burning. Appropriately increasing the diameter of the first electrode 110 can enhance the burn resistance lifespan of the first electrode. In addition, the diameter of the first electrode 110 is limited by the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. For product miniaturization needs, the diameter of the first electrode 110 does not exceed 1.0 mm.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is made of a heat-resistant conductive material. Specifically, the first electrode 110 is made of at least one material of nickel-based alloys, iron-based alloys, copper-based alloys, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten. Use of the foregoing heat-resistant conductive material enables the first electrode 110 to have better durability at the high temperature generated by the plasma arc. A material of the first electrode 110 and a material of the second electrode 120 may be the same or may be different.

[0241] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an insulating member 40 connected to the inner tube 10. At least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11.

[0242] In an aspect, the insulating member 40 is sleeved on the inner tube 10 and is not in direct contact with the inner tube 10. At least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11.

[0243] In this way, the insulating member 40 enhances the dielectric strength between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11, thereby further reducing the likelihood of discharge breakdown between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11 and improving the insulation performance and heating reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0244] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be fixedly connected to the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120. The insulating member 40 may be sleeved on the inner tube 10 to isolate the first end surface 11 from the first end portion 31. The insulating member 40 may be a sleeve made of a soft insulating material, such as a sleeve made of rubber. The insulating member 40 may be a rubber sleeve that is in an interference fit with the inner tube 10. Alternatively, the insulating member 40 may be an encapsulating adhesive, encapsulating glass frit, or the like disposed at the end of the inner tube 10 close to the first end surface 11.

[0245] In an aspect, the end portion, having the first end surface 11, of the inner tube 10 is inserted into the insulating member 40, and the first electrode 110 passes through the insulating member 40.

[0246] In this way, at the first end surface 11, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, and the insulating member 40 are nested in sequence, to form a compact structure, which facilitates assembly and production. In addition, the portion of the first electrode 110 located at the first end surface 11 is encapsulated by the insulating member 40, thereby reducing the likelihood of discharge between the point P of the first electrode 110 and the point Q of the conductive member 30.

[0247] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be in a hollow tube shape, and the tube wall of the insulating member 40 is thicker than the wall of the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 may pass through the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10 and the insulating member 40 in sequence. The end portion, having the first end surface 11, of the inner tube 10 encloses the first electrode 110, and is inserted into the insulating member 40 together with the first electrode 110. The first electrode 110 may extend from the first end surface 11, pass through the insulating member 40 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and exit from the side of the insulating member 40 facing away from the first end surface 11 to the outside of the insulating member 40.

[0248] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the insulating member 40 includes a first insulating portion 41 and a second insulating portion 42 connected to the first insulating portion 41. The cross-sectional area of the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second insulating portion 42. The end portion, having the first end surface 11, of the inner tube 10 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41, and the first electrode 110 passes through the second insulating portion 42.

[0249] In this way, the insulating member 40 may form different degrees of coverage and electrical isolation between the inner tube 10 and the first electrode 110, thereby improving the structural stability and strengthening insulation protection for the first electrode 110 through the second insulating portion 42.

[0250] Refer to FIG. 17. For example, the first insulating portion 41 is connected to the second insulating portion 42. The first insulating portion 41 is in a hollow cylinder shape, and the second insulating portion 42 is in a cubic shape and has a through hole 421 in the center. The through hole 421 in the center of the second insulating portion 42 and the hollow portion of the first insulating portion 41 may be continuous.

[0251] Refer to FIG. 17. The inner tube 10 enclosing the first electrode 110 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41. The first electrode 110 extends out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11 in the first insulating portion 41 and is inserted into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42.

[0252] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 again. In an aspect, the insulating member 40 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 located at the first end surface 11.

[0253] In this way, the insulating member 40 reduces the probability of discharge breakdown at the first end surface 11 of the first electrode 110, and can further shorten a distance between the end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31, which facilitates miniaturization of the heating assembly 100.

[0254] In the related technology, the first electrode and the conductive member are respectively connected to two poles of the external power supply, and a large distance needs to be maintained between the portion of the first electrode extending out of the inner tube and the first end portion of the conductive member, to avoid discharge breakdown between the first electrode and the first end portion and prevent damage to the heating assembly. The insulating member 40 provided in the implementations of this disclosure covers the portion of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10, resulting in a small distance between the end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31.

[0255] Specifically, the second insulating portion 42 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11. The first electrode 110 is enclosed by the inner tube 10 and the first insulating portion 41 in sequence in the first insulating portion 41, and the portion, exposed outside the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 is enclosed only by the second insulating portion 42.

[0256] It may be understood that the cross-sectional area of the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second insulating portion 42, and the thickness of the second insulating portion 42 is greater than the thickness of the first insulating portion 41, so that the dielectric strength of the second insulating portion 42 is higher. The second insulating portion 42 has the larger cross-sectional area, which enhances the insulation protection for the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0257] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 abuts against the first end surface 11, to enhance structural compactness and improve insulation performance.

[0258] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 again. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes a connector 50 which is connected to the end of the first electrode 110 away from the second electrode 120. The connector 50 is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply 200, the connector 50 is located on the side of the insulating member 40 facing away from the first end portion 31, and the insulating member 40 covers the connector 50 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0259] In this way, by connecting the first electrode 110 to the power supply 200 through the connector 50, the distance required to maintain insulation between the first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31 can be further shortened. Therefore, the heating assembly 100 has a more compact structure.

[0260] Specifically, the connector 50 is electrically connected to the end of the first electrode 110 away from the second electrode 120. The connector 50 may be in a disk shape and covers the portion of the first electrode 110 protruding from the second insulating portion 42. The end of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110 may extend into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42. The insulating member 40 is at least partially located between the connector 50 and the conductive member 30. The second insulating portion 42 may cover the side of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110.

[0261] Refer to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. In an aspect, the second electrode 120 abuts against the second end surface 12.

[0262] In this way, the second electrode 120 may be mounted at the end, having the second end surface 12, of the inner tube 10, and the second end surface 12 fixes and limits the second electrode 120.

[0263] Specifically, the second electrode 120 may cover the entire second end surface 12 to close the end, having the second end surface 12, of the inner tube 10. The side of the second electrode 120 facing the first electrode 110 is in a close fit with the second end surface 12. The side of the second electrode 120 facing away from the second end surface 12 faces the closed end of the outer tube 20.

[0264] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is made of a heat-resistant conductive material. Use of the heat-resistant conductive material can improve the burn resistance lifespan of the second electrode 120, thereby improving the discharge reliability of the heating assembly 100. For example, the second electrode 120 is made of at least one of nickel-based alloys, iron-based alloys, copper-based alloys, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten.

[0265] Refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 22. In an aspect, the second electrode 120 includes a mounting portion 121 and a protrusion 122 formed on the mounting portion 121. The protrusion 122 extends into the inner tube 10 and directly faces the first electrode 110.

[0266] In this way, the protrusion 122 can guide discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 within the inner tube 10, thereby facilitating generation of the plasma arc.

[0267] Specifically, the mounting portion 121 may be in a disk shape, and the diameter of the mounting portion 121 may be slightly greater than the outer diameter of the inner tube 10. The mounting portion 121 abuts against the second end surface 12, and the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 is wound around the second electrode 120, so that the second electrode 120 is fixedly disposed at the end portion, having the second end surface 12, of the inner tube 10.

[0268] The protrusion 122 may be spherical or hemispherical and is formed on the side of the mounting portion 121 abutting against the second end surface 12. The width of the protrusion 122 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10, and the width gradually decreases as the protrusion extends toward the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0269] It may be understood that the protrusion 122 has a relatively large curvature radius on the outer circumference, which allows charges in the conductive medium to concentrate at the position with the large curvature radius, thereby generating a high electric field intensity that is conductive to the generation of plasma. The width of the protrusion 122 varies gradually in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, to prevent the protrusion 122 from becoming excessively sharp, which may cause charge concentration and may result in ablation.

[0270] Refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10.

[0271] In this way, the protrusion 122 can guide the arc to discharge at the central point of the first electrode 110, thereby improving circumferential uniformity of the discharge temperature.

[0272] As described above, the first electrode 110 is coaxial with the inner tube 10. The discharge region 130 is a region where the plasma arc is generated by the discharge between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110. The second electrode 120 guides discharge through the protrusion 122 facing the first electrode 110. The center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, and the center of the first electrode 110 is also located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. Therefore, the probability that the center of the discharge region 130 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is higher.

[0273] In some embodiments, the end surface of the end, extending into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 slightly protrudes, to form a blunt arc shape with a smooth surface. The apex of the protrusion on the end surface of the first electrode 110 may be located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and is opposite to the protrusion 122 of the second electrode 120.

[0274] In some embodiments, the end, extending into the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 has a flat end surface, and the center of the end surface is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and directly faces the apex of the protrusion 122.

[0275] Refer to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 again. In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 includes a tapered end portion 21. The second electrode 120 is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and abuts against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21.

[0276] The end, having the tapered end portion 21, of the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300. A protrusion 122 is formed in the center of the second electrode 120, the protrusion 122 extends into the inner tube 10, and the center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 is approximately coaxial with the inner tube 10. The side of the mounting portion 121 facing away from the second end surface 12 abuts against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21.

[0277] In this way, the second electrode 120 abuts against the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10, which can achieve automatic centering and alignment, thereby making assembly convenient and facilitating the uniform transfer of heat to the circumference of the outer tube 20.

[0278] Refer to FIG. 17 again. A position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 may be denoted as P, and a position of the first end portion 31 that is closest to the point P may be denoted as Q.

[0279] In an aspect, in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0280] This can reduce the risk of arc breakdown at the first end portion 31. In addition, this can shorten the axial distance between the position where the first electrode 110 extends out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31, thereby reducing the length of the heating assembly 100 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 and lowering costs.

[0281] For example, a connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q is in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. It may be understood that the length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q is equal to the minimum value of the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10. The length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q is not less than 2 mm. The length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q may be 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. Distances between other positions on the conductive member 30 and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube are greater than the length of the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q.

[0282] It should be noted that the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q being in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is not intended to limit the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q being parallel to the central axis of the inner tube 10. The connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q may be approximately parallel to the central axis of the inner tube, or an included angle between the connecting line segment between the point P and the point Q and the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is less than or equal to 60°, or less than or equal to 30°.

[0283] In an aspect, the minimum distance between the conductive member 30 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0284] As described above, maintaining the distance between the conductive member 30 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 can prevent breakdown from occurring outside the discharge region 130, thereby avoiding failure of the heating assembly 100.

[0285] Specifically, the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 is fixed to the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10, and extends on the outer wall of the inner tube10 from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11. The conductive member 30 is close to the second end surface 12, and the end portion closest to the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is the first end portion 31. In other words, distances between the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 and portions of the conductive member 30 and the connecting wire 33 other than the first end portion 31 are greater than a distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0286] Further, the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is set to have a critical value of 2 mm.

[0287] The distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 exceeds the critical value of 2 mm. When high voltage is applied between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, breakdown tends to occur in the region between the first end portion 31 and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0288] Refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an infrared radiation film 60. The infrared radiation film 60 is disposed on the inner tube 10, the outer tube 20, and / or the conductive member 30.

[0289] In this way, the capability of the heating assembly 100 to heat through infrared radiation may be enhanced, thereby further improving the utilization of the heat generated by the plasma arc.

[0290] Specifically, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a coating adhered to the inner wall or the outer wall surface of the inner tube 10, the outer tube 20, and / or the conductive member 30. The infrared radiation film 60 may be made of a material that can specifically absorb infrared radiation, such as a metal oxide or silicone.

[0291] For example, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a film made of one or more of the following materials: iron-manganese-copper oxide, CrC, TiCN, diamond-like carbon (DLC), black silicone (HBQ), cordierite, spinel-type transition metal oxides, rare-earth oxides, ion-co-doped perovskites, silicon carbide, zircon, boron nitride, and the like. For example, the infrared radiation film 60 is applied to the outer wall surfaces of the outer tube 20 and the conductive member 30, as well as the surface, uncovered by the conductive member 30, of the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0292] Refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 again. In an aspect, a heat insulating gap 1002 is formed between each of the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 and the inner wall surface of the outer tube 20.

[0293] In this way, by arranging the heat insulating gaps 1002, a temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the center of the discharge region 130 can be increased, to prevent prolonged overheating of the outer tube 20, thereby increasing the radiation temperature in the center of the discharge region 130, and increasing energy of infrared radiation.

[0294] Specifically, the high temperature of the plasma arc in the center of the discharge region 130 may exceed 2000° C., and the stable temperature is 1000° C. to 1600° C. The heat from the discharge region 130 is radiated in the form of infrared radiation through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 to the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0295] The outer tube 20, at the temperature of approximately 350° C., may achieve a good heating effect on the aerosol generating substrate 300. The heat insulating gap 1002 is disposed between the outer tube 20 and each of the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30, to isolate the outer tube 20 from the discharge region 130 at a distance. This prevents heat from concentrating in the outer tube 20, thereby avoiding prolonged overheating of the outer tube 20. By isolating the outer tube 20 from the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 through the heat insulating gaps 1002, the temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the discharge region 130 is increased. Under a condition that the temperature of the outer tube 20 does not exceed 350° C., the temperature of the discharge region 130 can be relatively increased, which can greatly shorten pre-heating duration. The energy of infrared radiation is proportional to the fourth power of the temperature. Therefore, a higher temperature in the center of the discharge region 130 results in greater energy being radiated toward the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0296] In some embodiments, the width of the heat insulating gap 1002 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0297] This can avoid prolonged overheating of the outer tube 20, and maintain a compact and miniaturized structure of the heating assembly 100.

[0298] For example, the width of the heat insulating gap 1002 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, from 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm, from 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, from 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. For example, the width of the heat insulating gap 1002 is 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.16 mm, 0.17 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.28 mm, or 0.3 mm. Specifically, the heat insulating gaps 1002 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 may be unequal. The outer wall of the inner tube 10 is partially covered by the conductive member 30, and the heat insulating gap 1002 at the portion of the inner tube 10 covered by the conductive member 30 is smaller than that at the portion of the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20.

[0299] Refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an elastic member 70. The elastic member 70 is sleeved on the end portion of the outer tube 20 far away from the second electrode 120, and the inner tube 10 passes through the elastic member 70.

[0300] In this way, the elastic member 70 may fix and limit the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the mechanical impact resistance of the heating assembly 100. In addition, it ensures that the discharge heating center in the inner tube 10 maintains a high degree of coaxiality with the outer tube 20, which contributes to improving the uniformity of the temperature field on the circumference of the tube body. In addition, the elastic member 70 can seal the open end 22, thereby mitigating the escape of discharge odors.

[0301] In some embodiments, the elastic member 70 has elasticity. The elastic member 70 encloses the outer tube 20, the conductive member 30, and the inner tube 10, and performs interference fit compression assembly on the outer tube 20, the conductive member 30, and the inner tube 10. The elastic member 70 covers the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31 that extend out from the open end 22. The elastic member 70 maintains a particular distance from the arc. In an aspect, the upper end of the elastic member 70 is at a distance of 4 mm to 10 mm from the lower end of the discharge region 130, to prevent the elastic member 70 from being heated and fused. For example, a distance between the upper end of the elastic member 70 and the lower end of the discharge region 130 is 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm.

[0302] The elastic member 70 may be made of a dense elastic material for support. For example, the elastic member 70 may be a sleeve made of rubber. Refer to FIG. 20 to FIG. 22. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes a temperature measuring assembly 80 connected to the outer tube 20. The temperature measuring assembly 80 is configured to detect the temperature of the outer tube 20.

[0303] In this way, the temperature of the outer tube 20 is detected through the temperature measuring assembly 80, so that the heating temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 300 can be precisely controlled.

[0304] Specifically, for different types of aerosol generating substrates 300, a good heating and atomization effect can be achieved when the temperature of the outer tube 20 is maintained between 200° C. and 350° C. The aerosol generating substrate 300 may prone to charring and carbonization if the temperature of the outer tube 20 exceeds 350° C. for an extended period of time. The temperature measuring assembly 80 is disposed on the outer wall of the outer tube 20, and may detect the temperature of the outer surface of the outer tube 20 in contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0305] With reference to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the temperature measuring assembly 80 is connected to a control center 400. The temperature measuring assembly 80 transmits detected temperature data to the control center 400. When the temperature is excessively high or insufficient, voltage or output power of the power supply 200 is adjusted, to control voltage between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, so as to adjust the heating temperature.

[0306] Refer to FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 again. In an aspect, the temperature measuring assembly 80 is a temperature sensing film 84 disposed on the tube wall of the outer tube 20. The temperature sensing film 84 may be adhered to the outer wall surface of the outer tube 20, to form a predetermined temperature measurement pattern. The temperature sensing film 84 may be disposed at the same height as the center of the discharge region 130 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, and extends circumferentially around the central axis 1011 of the outer tube 20. The predetermined temperature measurement pattern may be an annulus that is coaxial with the outer tube 20 and extends in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 20. Preferably, an axial position of the temperature sensing film 84 on the outer tube 20 is lower than that of the discharge region 130, which is more beneficial to feedback of the real temperature.

[0307] In some embodiments, the temperature measuring assembly 80 includes a temperature measuring probe disposed on the outer wall of the outer tube 20. An axial position of the temperature measuring probe on the outer tube 20 is lower than that of the discharge region 130.

[0308] In some embodiments, the heating element includes a temperature sensing portion 81 and a temperature measuring lead 83 connected to the temperature sensing portion 81. The temperature sensing portion 81 is disposed on the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are both disposed at intervals from the temperature measuring lead 83. The temperature sensing portion 81 may be a temperature sensing film 84 adhered to the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and encircling the center of the discharge region 130. It should be noted that the temperature measuring lead 83 maintains particular insulation distances from the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, to avoid inaccurate temperature measurement caused by high-voltage cross-talk.

[0309] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing portion 81 is a thermocouple or a temperature measuring resistor disposed inside the outer tube 20.

[0310] With reference to FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 may include a base 90. The inner tube 10 is mounted on the base 90.

[0311] In this way, the base 90 can mount and fix the tubular element in the heating assembly 100, thereby improving structural stability.

[0312] Specifically, the portion of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300. The height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 mm to 20 mm. For example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 mm to 18 mm, from 15 mm to 19 mm, or from 16 mm to 17 mm. For another example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, or 20 mm.

[0313] Refer to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22. In an embodiment, the base 90 may include a first bracket 91, a second bracket 92, and a housing 93. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 are interlocked, and the housing 93 covers the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 fit with the outer diameter of the insulating member 40, to fixedly mount the insulating member 40 between the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92, so that the portion, exposed outside the inner tube 10, of the first electrode 110 that is enclosed by the insulating member 40 and the end of the inner tube 10 that includes the first end surface 11 are mounted and fixed in the base 90. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 fit with the outer diameter of the elastic member 70, so that the end of the outer tube 20 close to the first end surface 11 and the end of the conductive member 30 that includes the first end portion 31 are mounted and fixed in the base 90. The housing 93 is provided with a wire outlet hole 903. With reference to FIG. 4, the connecting wire 33 may extend out of the base 90 from the wire outlet hole 903 to connect the power supply 200, and the temperature measuring lead 83 may be connected to the control center 400 through the wire outlet hole 903.Example II

[0314] Refer to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25. In an aspect, the outer tube 20 includes a first hollow segment 231 and a second hollow segment 232 that are connected in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The first hollow segment 231 is formed with an opening 230, and the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. At least a portion of each of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is disposed in the outer tube 20.

[0315] In the heating assembly 100 provided in this example of this disclosure, by increasing the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231, the strength of the outer tube 20 can be enhanced, thereby reducing the possibility of defects such as fractures caused by lateral force on the outer tube 20, and improving the structural reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0316] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, and maintains electrically neutral as a whole. Under the action of an electric field, plasma can be generated by gas ionization. A large amount of heat can be generated during generation of plasma. The plasma generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can reach the temperature of 1000° C.-1600° C. under stable conditions. Therefore, the heating assembly 100 can utilize the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0317] Refer to FIG. 25. Specifically, the outer tube 20 is a hollow tube body that covers the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to each other and are separated by a predetermined distance inside the outer tube 20. Inside the outer tube 20, the region between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 that are opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other may be the discharge region 130, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge in the discharge region 130 to form plasma. The inner wall of the outer tube 20 surrounds the discharge region 130, and the outer wall of the outer tube 20 is in contact with the aerosol generating substrate 300. In this way, the outer tube 20 can utilize the heat from the plasma to heat the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0318] The outer tube 20 can transfer the heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol generating substrate 300 in a heat transfer manner such as infrared radiation. The outer tube 20 may be made of an insulating material that allows infrared radiation to pass through. For example, the outer tube 20 is made of a material such as quartz, ceramic, or quartz glass.

[0319] Refer to FIG. 23 and FIG. 25. The outer tube 20 may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300 in the axial direction of the outer tube. It may mean that the second hollow segment 232 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300. The discharge region 130 is located in the second hollow segment 232, to achieve good efficiency of heating the aerosol generating substrate 300. The first hollow segment 231 may be configured for mounting and limiting. The end, having the opening 230, of the first hollow segment 231 is the open end 22, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may extend into the outer tube 20 from the opening 230 of the open end 22.

[0320] The end of the second hollow segment 232 away from the first hollow segment 231 may be closed and protrude outward to form the tapered end portion 21. A direction pointing from the tapered end portion 21 of the outer tube 20 to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be the up-down direction. A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction in the radial direction of the outer tube 20 is a lateral direction. The first hollow segment 231 may be a lower end tube segment of the outer tube 20, and the second hollow segment 232 may be an upper end tube segment of the outer tube 20.

[0321] In the related technology, the outer tube has the uniform tube diameter, and the lower end of the outer tube is mounted in the base. During insertion and removal of the aerosol generating substrate 300, due to the action of lateral force, the lower end of the outer tube is subjected to significant compressive stress, while the portion of the upper end of the outer tube exposed from the base is subjected to lower compressive stress. This significant stress difference inside the tube wall can easily lead to fracture of the outer tube.

[0322] In the examples of this disclosure, the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. It may be understood that a portion of a tube segment of the first hollow segment 231 is laterally enlarged compared with the second hollow segment 232, to enhance the mechanical strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20, so that overall internal stress of the outer tube 20 is uniform. Therefore, the outer tube is less likely to crack, bend, or even break under lateral force. Compared with the solution in which the thickness of the tube wall is directly increased, the outer tube 20 of this disclosure has lower heat capacity, which reduces downward transferred heat and is more beneficial to efficient utilization of the heat. Further, it is beneficial to accurate control of the heating temperature. In a case that plasma is above 1000° C., the low heat capacity can greatly reduce the risk of charring of the aerosol generating substrate 300. In addition, the diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is increased to optimize an insulation design between the two electrodes. Because the internal space of the first hollow segment 231 is sufficiently large, the insulating structure can be disposed more flexibly, and the insulation safety is also improved.

[0323] It should be noted that in this disclosure, the description of division of the outer tube 20 into the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 does not mean that the outer tube 20 is formed by combining two separate parts. Preferably, the outer tube 20 is an integral tube, namely, an integrally formed tube body. This division herein is provided merely for the purpose of better describing technical solutions, and does not constitute a limitation to whether the outer tube 20 is integral or split.

[0324] The outer contour shape of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a polygon, or the like, and the inner contour shape of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may also be a circle, an ellipse, a square, a polygon, or the like. The inner and outer contours of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may be in the same shape, or may be in different shapes. The first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are connected, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first hollow segment and the second hollow segment may be the same or different. The shapes of the outer contours and the inner contours of the cross-sections of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are not limited in this disclosure.

[0325] Refer to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25 again. In an aspect, the wall thickness of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than or equal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232. In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232.

[0326] In this way, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than or equal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, or the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. Either configuration can further enhance the resistance of the first hollow segment 231 to lateral force, thereby making the outer tube 20 less prone to fracture.

[0327] Specifically, the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may be two segments with different cross-sectional areas on the outer tube 20. The first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are coaxial with the outer tube 20. The inner contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. It may mean that the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the second hollow segment 232.

[0328] For example, the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may be hollow tube bodies formed by extending around the central axis in a full circle, and the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are in cylindrical shapes with different diameters. In this embodiment, the inner contour and outer contour shapes of the cross-section of each of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are both circular. The outer contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232, and the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer diameter of the tube segment of the second hollow segment 232.

[0329] The inner contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232, and the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the inner diameter of the second hollow segment 232. In this embodiment, the wall thicknesses of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may be uniform and equal, that is, a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is equal to a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232.

[0330] An example in which the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 are in cylindrical shapes is used again. The wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 may be greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232, a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than a difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232, and the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 may still be greater than the inner diameter of the second hollow segment 232.

[0331] As described above, plasma is generated by discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, resulting in high temperature in the center inside the outer tube 20. The inner and outer contour areas of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231 are increased. Generally, a distance between the tube wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the center is increased, which increases a distance between the lower end of the outer tube 20 and a high-temperature region, thereby reducing the temperature of the lower end of the heating assembly 100 and reducing residual impurities formed by aerosol condensation at the lower end of the heating assembly 100.

[0332] Refer to FIG. 26. In an aspect, the first hollow segment 231 includes a first portion 2311 and a second portion 2312. The second portion 2312 is connected to the first portion 2311 and the second hollow segment 232, the first portion 2311 is formed with an opening 230, and the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312.

[0333] In this way, the lower end of the outer tube 20 may be further laterally enlarged, thereby enhancing the resistance of the lower end of the outer tube 20 to the lateral force, further adjusting the stress distribution of the outer tube 20 under the action of the lateral force, and reducing the probability of occurrence of a fracture defect.

[0334] As described above, the outer tube 20 is preferably an integral tube. The first portion 2311, the second portion 2312, and the second hollow segment 232 are coaxial. For example, the outer tube 20 is a circular tube. For different tube segments, the larger outer diameter of the tube segment indicates the larger outer contour area of the cross-section. For different tube segments, the larger inner diameter of the tube segment indicates the larger inner contour area of the cross-section. For example, the outer diameters of the second hollow segment 232, the second portion 2312, and the first portion 2311 progressively increase, and the outer contour areas of the cross-sections of the second hollow segment 232, the second portion 2312, and the first portion 2311 also progressively increase. For another example, the inner diameters of the first portion 2311, the second portion 2312, and the second hollow segment 232 progressively decrease, and the inner contour areas of the cross-sections of the first portion 2311, the second portion 2312, and the second hollow segment 232 also progressively decrease. In some embodiments, the inner diameter may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape, and the outer diameter may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape.

[0335] Refer to FIG. 27. Specifically, the first portion 2311 is formed with the opening 230 that is located at the lowermost end of the outer tube 20. The inner contour of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 may be the same as the inner circumferential contour of the opening 230. The second portion 2312 is connected downward to the first portion 2311 and is connected upward to the second hollow segment 232.

[0336] The inner contour area of the cross-section decreases from the first portion 2311 to the junction between the first portion and the second portion 2312. It may mean that the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20 decreases, that is, the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 decreases. It may be understood that a rapid change in the contour area between different tube segments leads to a large inclination angle between the transition surface on the corresponding tube wall and the axial direction of the outer tube 20. At the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 may suddenly decrease, and an included angle of greater than 60° and less than or equal to 90° is formed between the transition surface on the inner wall of the corresponding outer tube 20 and the axial direction of the outer tube 20.

[0337] It should be noted that the description of division of the first hollow segment 231 into the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312 is provided merely for the purpose of better describing the technical solutions, and neither constitutes a limitation to whether the first hollow segment 231 is integral or split nor constitutes a limitation to the number of tube segments with different tube diameters on the first hollow segment 231. The first hollow segment 231 may have two tube segments of which the cross-sections have different inner and outer contour areas, namely, one first portion 2311 and one second portion 2312. Alternatively, the first hollow segment 231 may have more than two tube segments of which the cross-sections have different inner and outer contour areas, such as a third portion and a fourth portion that have cross-sections with inner and outer contour areas different from those of the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312.

[0338] Refer to FIG. 27 again. In an aspect, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and a stepped surface 233 is formed at the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312.

[0339] In this way, the first hollow segment 231 may be limited through the stepped surface 233, to facilitate mounting and fixation of the outer tube 20.

[0340] Specifically, from the first portion 2311 to the second portion 2312, at the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the outer tube 20 may suddenly decrease, to form the stepped surface 233 on the outer wall of the corresponding outer tube 20. The included angle of greater than 60° and less than or equal to 90° is formed between the stepped surface 233 and the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The stepped surface 233 may be approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The width of the stepped surface 233 may be approximately equal to the difference between the outer diameter of the first portion 2311 and the outer diameter of the second portion 2312.

[0341] The stepped surface 233 formed between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312 may abut against another element in the heating assembly 100, to limit axial movement of the outer tube 20. The stepped surface 233 engages with the tube wall of the first portion 2311, to interlock with another element in the heating assembly 100, thereby limiting radial movement of the outer tube 20 to some extent.

[0342] In some embodiments, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and the wall thickness of the first portion 2311 is equal to the wall thickness of the second portion 2312. In this embodiment, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is also greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. The uniform wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 can further reduce the temperature of the first hollow segment 231, thereby reducing aerosol condensation at the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0343] Refer to FIG. 28. In some embodiments, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and the first hollow segment 231 has an increased wall thickness in a localized region. For example, the wall thickness of the second portion 2312 may be greater than the wall thickness of the first portion 2311. In this embodiment, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is still greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. The increased wall thickness of the localized region of the first hollow segment 231 can further enhance the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0344] In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is greater than or equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232.

[0345] Because the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is greater than or equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232, and the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the tube body increases from the upper end of the outer tube 20 to the lower end of the outer tube 20, thereby enhancing the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0346] Refer to FIG. 27. In some embodiments, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 is smaller than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and meanwhile, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is smaller than the inner contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311. The internal space of the outer tube 20 may be gradually contracted from the opening 230 to the tapered end portion 21 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20.

[0347] At the junction between the second portion 2312 and the second hollow segment 232, the inner diameter of the outer tube 20 may gradually decrease, to form a transition surface that is slightly inclined toward the axial direction of the outer tube 20 on the inner wall of the corresponding outer tube 20. In this embodiment, alternatively, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 may be smaller than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312, and meanwhile, the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312 is smaller than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first portion 2311. An outer circumferential dimension of the outer tube 20 may be larger at the opening 230 of the lower end and smaller at the second hollow segment 232 of which the upper end is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0348] In an aspect, the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 is equal to the inner contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. The outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232 may be smaller than or equal to the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second portion 2312. Refer to FIG. 28. For example, the inner diameter of the second hollow segment 232 is equal to the inner diameter of the second portion 2312, and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second portion 2312.

[0349] Refer to FIG. 29 and FIG. 9. In an aspect, the first portion 2311 is formed with a wire outlet groove 240, and the wire outlet groove 240 penetrates through the first portion 2311 in a lateral direction of the first portion 2311. The wire outlet groove 240 may be configured to lead out the connecting wire 33 connected to the second electrode 120 and the power supply 200.

[0350] In this way, the connecting wire 33 may extend out from the side of the outer tube 20 through the wire outlet groove 240 and is connected to the power supply 200, thereby enhancing the dielectric strength between the connecting wire 33 and the first electrode 110.

[0351] Specifically, the wire outlet groove 240 may penetrate through the first portion 2311 in the radial direction of the first portion 2311. In other words, the wire outlet groove 240 may be a through hole disposed on two opposite sides in a radial direction of the first portion 2311. The wire outlet groove 240 may be formed by cutting the tube wall of the first portion 2311 and completely penetrates through the tube wall, so that the connecting wire 33 can pass through the tube wall of the first portion 2311. Alternatively, the wire outlet groove 240 may be disposed at two opposite positions on the side wall of the first portion 2311 in different radial directions of the first portion 2311. The contour shape of the wire outlet groove 240 may be a square, a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, or the like, or may be a combined shape of any polygon and a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0352] The second electrode 120 is disposed in the second hollow segment 232, and may be located at the upper end of the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 may be connected to the external power supply 200 through the conductive member 30 and the connecting wire 33. The connecting wire 33 may be connected to the conductive member 30 at the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, passes through the wire outlet groove 240 and the side wall of the first portion 2311, extends out of the heating assembly 100, and is connected to one pole of the power supply 200. The first electrode 110 extends out of the open end 22 from the second hollow segment 232, continues to extend in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, and is connected to the other pole of the power supply 200 through a lead 113. A position of the wire outlet groove 240 is higher than the opening 230 of the open end 22, so that a distance between a position at which the connecting wire 33 extends out of the wire outlet groove 240 and a wire outlet position of the lead 113 of the first electrode 110 is increased, thereby enhancing the dielectric strength of the lower end of the heating assembly 100.

[0353] Refer to FIG. 30. In an aspect, the wire outlet groove 240 penetrates through the end surface of the first portion 2311. In this way, the connecting wire 33 of the second electrode 120 may be mounted to the wire outlet groove 240 from the opening 230 of the first portion 2311, which facilitates assembly. In addition, this facilitates formation of the wire outlet groove 240 on the side wall of the outer tube 20.

[0354] Specifically, the wire outlet groove 240 may penetrate through upper and lower end surfaces of the first portion 2311 in a radial direction of the first portion 2311. In other words, two wire outlet grooves 240 are disposed at two opposite positions in a radial direction of the first portion 2311. In addition, the upper ends of the wire outlet grooves 240 may be flush with the junction between the first portion 2311 and the second portion 2312, and the lower ends of the wire outlet grooves 240 are flush with the lower end surface of the first portion 2311 and communicate with the opening 230. The length of the first portion 2311 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 may be approximately equal to the height of the wire outlet groove 240 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. In this way, the connecting wire 33 may pass through the side edge of the first portion 2311 at any height.

[0355] In an aspect, the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 ranges from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, and the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 ranges from 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm. The outer diameter may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the first hollow segment 231 or the second hollow segment 232. The inner diameter may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the first hollow segment 231 or the second hollow segment 232.

[0356] Specifically, the inner diameter of the first hollow segment 231 may range from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, from 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, or the like. The inner diameter of the first portion 2311 is greater than the inner diameter of the second portion 2312, and the inner diameter of the second portion 2312 may be greater than or equal to that of the second hollow segment. For example, the inner diameter of the first portion 2311 may range from 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm, from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, or from 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm. For another example, the inner diameter of the first portion 2311 may be 3.1 mm, 3.8 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.3 mm, 5.2 mm, or 6.0 mm. The outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 may range from 2.0 mm to 2.4 mm, from 2.1 mm to 2.3 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.25 mm, or the like. For example, the outer diameter of the second hollow segment 232 may be 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.35 mm, or 2.4 mm. The inner diameter of the second portion 2312 may range from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, or the like, and is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 2311.

[0357] Refer to FIG. 25, FIG. 27, and FIG. 28 again. In an aspect, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232 ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0358] In this way, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, which can further enhance the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20.

[0359] Specifically, the second hollow segment 232 encloses the discharge region 130 and is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, and the wall thickness needs to be approximately uniform, so that distribution of a temperature field on the circumference of the second hollow segment 232 is uniform. The wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is unequal to the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232, and the wall thickness at the junction of the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 may gradually decrease from the first hollow segment 231 to the second hollow segment 232. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the second portion 2312 is greater than the wall thickness of the first portion 2311, and the wall thickness of the first portion 2311 is greater than the wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232.

[0360] For example, the wall thickness of the first hollow segment 231 may range from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, or from 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm. For another example, the wall thickness of the first portion 2311 of the first hollow segment 231 may be 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, or 0.8 mm. The wall thickness of the second hollow segment 232 may be 0.3 mm, 0.31 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, or the like.

[0361] Refer to FIG. 25 and FIG. 32. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an inner tube 10 at least partially disposed in an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110 is at least partially disposed in the inner tube 10, and a second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10.

[0362] In this way, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to each other in the inner tube 10, and generate a plasma arc in the inner tube 10. Through arc discharge, the efficiency of heating an aerosol generating substrate 300 can be improved.

[0363] Specifically, the inner tube 10 is a through tube with openings at both ends in an axial direction of the through tube, and the openings penetrate through the inner tube 10 in the axial direction. The second electrode 120 may in a disk shape and interlock with one end of the inner tube 10 to cover an opening of the end surface. In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 may further partially extend into the inner tube 10 and directly face the first electrode 110. The first electrode 110 may be in a cylindrical shape, and extends into the inner tube 10 from the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120, so that a portion of the first electrode 110 is covered by the inner tube 10. The end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 faces the second electrode 120, and is spaced a particular distance from the second electrode 120. The discharge region 130 may be a region in the inner tube 10 where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to and spaced apart from each other.

[0364] The end of the inner tube 10 provided with the second electrode 120 may extend into the outer tube 20, so that the second electrode 120 may partially abut against the tapered end portion 21. The end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120 may extend out from the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 may be exposed outside the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 from this end. The end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 may be electrically connected to a connector 50. The connector 50 is connected to the lead 113 and is connected to a power supply 200 through the lead 113.

[0365] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 further includes a conductive member 30. The conductive member 30 may be a through tube that is sleeved on the inner tube 10. One end of the conductive member 30 extends into a second hollow segment 232 of the outer tube 20, is electrically connected to the second electrode 120, extends to a first portion 2311 in an axial direction of the inner tube 10, and is electrically connected to a connecting wire 33, thereby enabling the power supply 200 to be connected to the second electrode 120. The conductive member 30 may be attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The connecting wire 33 may be attached to the inner wall of the first portion 2311, and match with a stepped surface 233 in a direction in which the connecting wire extends within the first portion 2311.

[0366] It should be noted that the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are not necessarily two separate parts, and the two may be made of the same material, or may be integrally formed into a whole. A portion opposite to the first electrode 110 serves as an electrode, and the remaining portion is configured for electrical connection.

[0367] The first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 may be nested in sequence, and the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 may be approximately coaxial, to improve the uniformity of the temperature field on the circumference of the heating assembly 100.

[0368] Refer to FIG. 32 to FIG. 34 again. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes an insulating member 40 at least partially disposed in the first hollow segment 231. The insulating member 40 is connected to the inner wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10, to limit lateral movement of the inner tube 10 relative to the outer tube 20.

[0369] In this way, the insulating member 40 can ensure a tight fit between the first hollow segment 231 and the lower end of the inner tube 10 in the first hollow segment 231, which maintains synchronization of forced movement between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20, thereby solving the problem that the inner tube 10 is prone to bending and fracturing due to unsynchronized offset between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. In addition, this further enhances assembly convenience of the heating assembly 100.

[0370] Specifically, the insulating member 40 may be partially disposed in the first portion 2311, and the upper end surface of the insulating member abuts against the inner wall surface of the first hollow segment 231 opposite to the stepped surface 233. The insulating member 40 may cover the tube segment of the inner tube 10 lower than the stepped surface 233, the end portion of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10, and the connector 50 electrically connected to the first electrode 110. The connecting wire 33 is insulated from the first electrode 110 through the insulating member 40 inside the first hollow segment 231.

[0371] The insulating member 40 may be made of a soft insulating material. For example, the insulating member 40 is made of rubber. The insulating member 40 may be fixed between the inner wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 in an adhesive bonding or fusion manner, and is in an interference fit with the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10. In this way, the insulating member 40 can integrate the elements, such as the inner tube 10, the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30, in the outer tube 20 into a whole.

[0372] Refer to FIG. 31 to FIG. 35. In an aspect, the heating assembly 100 includes a base 90. The first hollow segment 231 is mounted on the base 90.

[0373] In this way, the heating assembly 100 may be mounted and fixed through the base 90, thereby improving the structural stability. In this example, the second hollow segment 232 is completely located outside the base 90.

[0374] Specifically, the base 90 includes a first bracket 91 and a second bracket 92 detachably connected to the first bracket 91. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 may interlock with each other up and down to define mounting space 930. The outer tube 20 is mounted in the second bracket 92 and is partially disposed in the mounting space 930. The outer tube 20 may be inserted into the second bracket 92 from top to bottom, and the lower end of the outer tube 20 partially extends into the mounting space 930.

[0375] Of course, in an aspect, the second hollow segment 232 may be mounted on the base 90.

[0376] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a connecting member 71. The connecting member 71 is connected to the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and the base 90, to limit movement of the outer tube 20 relative to the base 90 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The connecting wire 33 can be connected to the power supply 200 through the connecting member 71, with a reserved allowance for movement. The connecting member 71 may be a gel-like material or a tubular elastomer injected between the outer wall of the outer tube 20 and the base 90. The connecting member 71 encloses the tube segment of the outer tube 20 extending into the mounting space 930, to fix the outer tube 20 to the second bracket 92.

[0377] Refer to FIG. 32. The first hollow segment 231 may be completely accommodated in the mounting space 930, the stepped surface 233 formed at the junction between the first hollow segment 231 and the second hollow segment 232 is bonded to the connecting member 71, and the insulating member 40 is connected to the inner wall of the first hollow segment 231 and the base 90. In this way, the outer tube 20 is mounted on the base 90. The height at which the second hollow segment 232 is exposed on the side of the second bracket 92 facing away from the mounting space 930 may range from 0.3 mm to 5 mm, so that the heating assembly 100 can be highly miniaturized.

[0378] Refer to FIG. 34. The first hollow segment 231 may include a first portion 2311 that is accommodated in the mounting space 930, and a second portion 2312 that is partially exposed on the second bracket 92. The height at which the first hollow segment 231 is exposed on the side of the second bracket 92 facing away from the mounting space 930 may range from 0.3 mm to 5 mm.

[0379] The upper end of the second portion 2312 may extend to a position below the end surface where the aerosol generating substrate 300 is located, without being inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300.

[0380] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 is partially disposed between the outer tube 20 and the base 90, maintains a particular movement gap with the base 90, and does not directly bear force from the base 90, so that the insulating member 40 and an element enclosed and fixed by the insulating member 40 can swing within a range without being limited by the base 90.

[0381] Refer to FIG. 31 and FIG. 35. In some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 further includes a temperature measuring assembly 80 connected to the outer tube 20. The temperature measuring assembly 80 is configured to detect the temperature of the outer tube 20. With reference to FIG. 4, the temperature measuring assembly 80 may be connected to a control center 400, so that the temperature measuring assembly 80 may transmit detected temperature data to the control center 400. The control center 400 adjusts voltage or output power of the power supply 200 when the temperature is excessively high or insufficient, to control voltage between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, so as to adjust the heating temperature.

[0382] Refer to FIG. 4 again. An aerosol generating device 1000 provided in examples of this disclosure includes the heating assembly 100 according to any one of the foregoing examples.

[0383] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include components such as a battery 210, a transformer 220, a control center 400, and a cover 500. The battery 210 and the transformer 220 may form the power supply 200 of the heating assembly 100. With reference to FIG. 32, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are respectively connected to two output terminals of the transformer 220, conduct high-voltage alternating current, and generate a high-intensity electric field in the inner tube 10, thereby generating plasma and producing high temperature and heat. The heat is transferred to an aerosol generating substrate 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. The aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat and is atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating assembly 100 is connected to a cover 500, the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 300, the heat is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20, and the aerosol generating substrate 300 absorbs the heat and is atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0384] Refer to FIG. 34 again. The heating assembly 100 may be fixed to the aerosol generating device 1000 through the base 90. The base 90 may be integrated with a housing of the aerosol generating device 1000. The second hollow segment 232 of the outer tube 20 is higher than the housing of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the lower end of the first hollow segment 231 partially extends into the mounting space 930 of the base 90, and is fixed to the housing of the aerosol generating device 1000 with the base 90. During use of the aerosol generating device 1000, the outer tube 20 is susceptible to lateral force. The first hollow segment 231 is laterally expanded to enhance the strength of the lower end of the outer tube 20. In addition, the outer tube 20 and elements inside the outer tube 20 are modularly fixed through the insulating member 40, to maintain consistency of forced movement, thereby improving the resistance of the outer tube 20 to the lateral force, and reducing the possibility of fracture of the outer tube 20 under the lateral force.

[0385] In the description of this specification, the descriptions made with reference to the terms “one example”, “an aspect”, “an exemplar implementation”, “an example”, “a specific example”, or “some examples” mean that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described with reference to the implementations or examples are included in at least one implementation or example of this disclosure. In this specification, exemplary descriptions of the foregoing terms do not necessarily refer to the same implementation or example. In addition, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in a proper manner in any one or more of the implementations or examples. Although the implementations of this disclosure have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art may understand that various changes, modifications, replacements, and variations may be made to these implementations without departing from the principle and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is subject to the claims and equivalents thereof.

Examples

example i

[0087]Refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. A heating assembly 100 according to the example of this disclosure includes an inner tube 10, an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, a second electrode 120, and a conductive member 30. The outer tube 20 is sleeved on the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the inner tube 10. The second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and is disposed opposite to the first electrode 110 at an interval. Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 when the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are energized.

[0088]The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 and is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 200. The conductive member 30 extends from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10 in an axial direction of the inner tube 10. In the axial direction of the inner tube 10, a ...

example ii

[0314]Refer to FIG. 23 to FIG. 25. In an aspect, the outer tube 20 includes a first hollow segment 231 and a second hollow segment 232 that are connected in the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The first hollow segment 231 is formed with an opening 230, and the outer contour area of the cross-section of at least a portion of the first hollow segment 231 is greater than the outer contour area of the cross-section of the second hollow segment 232. At least a portion of each of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is disposed in the outer tube 20.

[0315]In the heating assembly 100 provided in this example of this disclosure, by increasing the outer contour area of the cross-section of the first hollow segment 231, the strength of the outer tube 20 can be enhanced, thereby reducing the possibility of defects such as fractures caused by lateral force on the outer tube 20, and improving the structural reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0316]Plasma is a form of ma...

Claims

1. A heating assembly comprising:an inner tube;an outer tube being sleeved on the inner tube;a first electrode being at least partially disposed inside the inner tube;a second electrode being at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube, the second electrode being disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval;a plasma being generated between the second electrode and the first electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized;a conductive member being connected to the second electrode and being configured to be electrically connected to an external power supply, the conductive member extending from one end of the inner tube to another end of the inner tube in an axial direction of the inner tube; anda tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube partially facing the outer tube.

2. The heating assembly of claim 1, the tube segment further comprising an outer circumferential surface, and an area of the outer circumferential surface facing the conductive member is smaller than an total area of the outer circumferential surface.

3. The heating assembly of claim 2, wherein the conductive member covers a portion of the outer circumferential surface.

4. The heating assembly of claim 1, the inner tube further comprising:a first tube segment and a second tube segment connected to the first tube segment,an outer circumferential surface of the first tube segment partially faces the outer tube,the first electrode being at least partially inserted into the first tube segment,the second electrode being disposed at one end of the second tube segment that is far away from the first tube segment,when the second electrode and the first electrode are energized, the second electrode is controlled to generate plasma in at least the second tube segment.

5. The heating assembly of claim 4, whereinthe conductive member includes a hollowed-out portion, anda portion of the first tube segment is exposed through the hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube.

6. The heating assembly of claim 5, whereina plurality of hollowed-out portions is arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner tube.

7. The heating assembly of claim 6, the first conductive portion further comprising:a plurality of first conductive strips extending in an axial direction of the first tube segment,the plurality of first conductive strips being arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the first tube segment, andthe first hollowed-out portion being formed between two adjacent first conductive strips.

8. The heating assembly of claim 6, the conductive member further comprising:a first conductive portion being connected to a second conductive portion, and the second conductive portion covering at least a portion of the second tube segment.

9. The heating assembly of claim 8, wherein the second conductive portion overlaps with an end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode in the axial direction of the inner tube.

10. The heating assembly of claim 9, wherein the overlap size between the second conductive portion and the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

11. The heating assembly of claim 1, the conductive member further comprising:a first conductive portion being connected to a second conductive portion,the second conductive portion corresponding to the second tube segment,the second conductive portion including a second hollowed-out portion,a portion of the second tube segment being exposed through the second hollowed-out portion and faces the outer tube, andthe hollowed-out portions comprising the second hollowed-out portion.

12. The heating assembly of claim 11, wherein the second conductive portion comprises a plurality of second conductive strips, the plurality of second conductive strips extends in an axial direction of the second tube segment, the plurality of second conductive strips is arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the second tube segment, and the second hollowed-out portion is formed between two adjacent second conductive strips.

13. The heating assembly of claim 11, whereina connection ring is formed at a junction between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, andthe connecting ring covers, in the circumferential direction of the inner tube, the end portion of the first electrode facing the second electrode.

14. The heating assembly of claim 5, wherein the hollowed-out portion extends from the first tube segment to an end portion of the second tube segment far away from the first tube segment, and a portion of the second tube segment faces the outer tube through the hollowed-out portion.

15. The heating assembly of any one of claim 14, wherein the conductive member is at least partially cylindrical, and the conductive member is sleeved on the inner tube.

16. The heating assembly of claim 1, the conductive member further comprising:a conductive wire being wound around the inner tube and forms a hollowed-out portion, andthe tube segment, corresponding to the conductive member, of the inner tube partially facing the outer tube through the hollowed-out portion.

17. The heating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the inner tube, the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube and is disposed opposite to the first electrode at an interval, and plasma is generated between the second electrode and the first electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized; andthe conductive member further comprising:a first end portion and a second end portion connected to the first end portion,the second end portion being connected to the second electrode, and the first end portion being spaced apart from a position where the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube in the axial direction of the inner tube.

18. The heating assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the conductive member extends out of the outer tube through the end portion of the outer tube.

19. The heating assembly of claim 1, wherein a heat insulating gap is formed between the conductive member and the inner wall surface of the outer tube.

20. The heating assembly of claim 1, the outer tube further comprising:a first hollow segment being connected to a second hollow segment in the axial direction of the outer tube,the first hollow segment is formed with an opening,a cross-section of the first hollow segment is greater than a cross-section of the second hollow segment, and both the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed inside the outer tube.

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