Heating assembly, cleaning assembly, and aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

A heating assembly (100), a cleaning assembly (600), and an aerosol-generating apparatus (1000), wherein the aerosol-generating apparatus (1000) comprises the heating assembly (100) and the cleaning assembly (600). The heating assembly (100) comprises an outer tube (20) and a heat-generating mechanism (1100) disposed within the outer tube (20); the cleaning assembly (600) comprises a hollow member (610) and an electrode (620), wherein the hollow member (610) is detachably sleeved outside the outer tube (20), the electrode (620) is disposed between the hollow member (610) and the outer tube (20) and forms a gap with an outer wall (2001) of the outer tube (20), and the electrode (620) is used for producing plasma in the gap (1300).

Description

Heating components, cleaning components and aerosol generating devices

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits of patent application number 202311162649.9 and patent application number 202311163631.0 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on September 8, 2023, and the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, and in particular to a heating component, a cleaning component and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0004] In related art, an aerosol-generating device can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device includes an outer tube that can be in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. After the aerosol-forming substrate forms an aerosol, residues tend to adhere to the outer tube. This residue can reduce the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate, hindering aerosol generation.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a heating component, a cleaning component and an aerosol generating device.

[0007] The heating assembly of the present embodiment includes an outer tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating barrier. The outer tube is configured to contact an aerosol-forming substrate; the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed within the outer tube, with the first electrode spaced from the second electrode; and the insulating barrier is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A gap is formed between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and the insulating barrier, and plasma is generated within the gap when power is applied to the first and second electrodes.

[0008] The heating component of the embodiment of the present application generates plasma in the gap between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and the insulating barrier, and utilizes the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma itself to heat the aerosol-forming matrix, thereby shortening the preheating time and heating time required to form the aerosol.

[0009] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier is a tube, the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the insulating barrier, and the second electrode is located outside the insulating barrier.

[0010] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier includes a closed end and an open end opposite to the closed end, the closed end is located inside the outer tube, and the first electrode is inserted into the insulating barrier from the open end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second electrode is a tube, the second electrode is sleeved outside the insulating barrier, and the upper end surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is lower than the upper end surface of the insulating barrier.

[0012] In some embodiments, a hollow portion is formed in the second electrode, and the hollow portion allows a portion of the insulating barrier to face the outer tube through the hollow portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the insulating barrier is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second electrode is attached to the insulating barrier, or the second electrode is attached to the inner wall of the outer tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heating component includes an infrared radiation film, which is disposed on at least one of the insulating barrier, the outer tube, the first electrode, and the second electrode.

[0016] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier includes a first insulating barrier and a second insulating barrier, the first insulating barrier wraps the first electrode, the second insulating barrier wraps the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in parallel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heating component includes a seal, which is sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube and forms a first enclosed space with the outer tube. There is a working gas in the first enclosed space, and the first electrode and / or the second electrode are at least partially located in the first enclosed space.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating component includes a base, the base forms a second enclosed space, and the portion of the first electrode located outside the first sealed space and / or the end of the outer tube with an opening is located in the second enclosed space.

[0019] The cleaning assembly of the present embodiment includes a hollow member and an electrode. The hollow member is detachably mounted on the outer tube of an aerosol generating device. The electrode is disposed within the hollow member and forms a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube. The electrode is used to generate plasma within the gap.

[0020] The aerosol generating device of the present embodiment includes a heating component and a cleaning component. The heating component includes an outer tube and a heat generating mechanism disposed within the outer tube; the cleaning component includes a hollow member and an electrode. The hollow member is removably mounted outside the outer tube. The electrode is disposed between the hollow member and the outer tube, forming a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube. The electrode is used to generate plasma within the gap.

[0021] The aerosol generating device of the embodiment of the present application heats and removes the aerosol residues attached to the outer tube through the plasma generated by the electrode between the hollow member and the outer tube, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component on the aerosol forming matrix.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heat generation mechanism includes a first electrode and a second electrode, both of which are at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode being opposite to each other and spaced apart, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when power is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, wherein the electrode is the third electrode, the third electrode is disposed between the hollow member and the outer tube, and the fourth electrode is at least partially disposed within the outer tube. When the third electrode and the fourth electrode are energized, plasma is generated in the gap.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode and the second electrode are configured as the same electrode. In some embodiments, when the first electrode and the second electrode are powered, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

[0025] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a power supply, the second electrode is electrically connected to the first power supply end of the power supply, when the hollow member is arranged outside the outer tube, the third electrode is electrically connected to the second power supply end of the power supply, and when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the first electrode is electrically connected to the second power supply end of the power supply.

[0026] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a power connection assembly, the power connection assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector, the first connector being connected to the first electrode, the second connector being electrically connected to the second power supply end, and the third connector being disposed on the hollow member and electrically connected to the third electrode;

[0027] When the hollow member is sleeved on the outer tube, the second joint contacts the third joint; when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the second joint contacts the first joint.

[0028] In some embodiments, the power connection assembly includes an insulating member and an elastic member, the insulating member is connected to the third joint, and the elastic member is connected to the first joint. During the process of the hollow member being inserted into the outer tube, the insulating member pushes the first joint to move relative to the second joint to separate the first joint from the second joint and deform the elastic member. During the process of separation of the hollow member from the outer tube, the elastic member restores its deformation to push the first joint to contact the second joint.

[0029] In some embodiments, the third electrode is a tube and is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow member.

[0030] In some embodiments, the heating component includes an inner tube, the inner tube is at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube.

[0031] In some embodiments, the inner tube includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface, the first electrode is exposed from the inner tube at the first end surface, and the second electrode is against the second end surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electrode is a third electrode, and when the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the second electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

[0033] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of the embodiment of FIG1 ;

[0037] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the heating component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heating component of FIG4 ;

[0040] FIG6 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of portion A of FIG2 ;

[0041] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a heating component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG10 is a bottom view schematic diagram of the heating component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG11 is a bottom view of a heating assembly according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG12 is a bottom view of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG13 is a bottom view of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG14 along the BB direction;

[0050] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a combination of a heating component and a cleaning component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of the heating component of the embodiment of FIG17;

[0053] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a power connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of the power connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application in another situation.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals: Aerosol generating device 1000 , aerosol-forming substrate 300 , control center 400 , PCBA board 410 , control circuit 420 , cover 500 ; Heating component 100, heat generating mechanism 1100, inner tube 10a, first end surface 11, second end surface 12, insulating barrier 10b, closed end 13, open end 14, first insulating barrier 151, second insulating barrier 152, outer tube 20, outer wall 2001, tapered end 21, open end 22, seal 23, first enclosed space 201, first electrode 110, second electrode 120, protrusion 122, discharge region 130, thermal insulation gap 1002, gap 1300, first gap 1101, second gap 1202, base 90, center hole 1201, gap 1300, solenoid 30a, connecting wire 33, hollow portion 35, infrared radiation film 60, first gap 1101, second gap 1202, first section 2010, second section 2020, base 90, second enclosed space 902; Power supply 200, first power supply terminal 211, second power supply terminal 212, battery 210, transformer 220, first secondary side 221, second secondary side 222; cleaning component 600, hollow member 610, side panel 611, hollow section 612, electrode 620, third electrode 630, fourth electrode 640, cleaning gap 603, power connection component 650, first connector 651, second connector 652, third connector 653, insulating member 654, elastic member 655, spring 6551. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0057] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0058] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0060] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0061] Implementation method one:

[0062] 1-3 , a heating assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes an insulating barrier 10b, an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, and a second electrode 120. The outer tube 20 is configured to contact an aerosol-forming substrate 300. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are both at least partially disposed within the outer tube 20, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are spaced apart.

[0063] The insulating barrier 10b is disposed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and a gap 1300 is formed between the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 and at least a portion of the insulating barrier 10b. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, plasma is generated in the gap 1300 in a controlled manner.

[0064] The heating component 100 of the embodiment of the present application generates plasma in the gap 1300 between the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b, and utilizes the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma itself to heat the aerosol-forming matrix 300, thereby shortening the preheating and heating time required to form the aerosol.

[0065] Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 via dielectric barrier discharge. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a high-voltage discharge between two electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric barrier. The insulating dielectric is a substance with very low conductivity. Because of the insulating dielectric between the two electrodes, the DBD device has a structure similar to a capacitor, capable of conducting alternating current but virtually incapable of conducting direct current. Dielectric barrier discharge is characterized by uniformity and stability, and the discharge process is nearly silent.

[0066] When high voltage alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 , electrons between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are accelerated by the strong electric field and gain sufficient energy to cross the energy barrier in the medium, resulting in electron penetration and forming plasma.

[0067] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are separated by an insulating barrier 10 b . Plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10 b and between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10 b .

[0068] In some embodiments, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b, and a second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b. The gap 1300 mentioned above includes the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202.

[0069] In some embodiments, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b. The second electrode 120 can be in close contact with the insulating barrier 10b and cover a portion of the surface of the insulating barrier 10b facing the outer tube 20. The gap 1300 mentioned above is the first gap 1101.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 may be in close contact with the insulating barrier 10b and cover at least a portion of the insulating barrier 10b. A second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b. The gap 1300 mentioned above is the second gap 1202.

[0071] The width of the first gap 1101 or the second gap 1202 may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm (the range includes the endpoint values, and similar expressions of the following numerical ranges may be understood equivalently).

[0072] It should be noted that plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, while maintaining overall electrical neutrality. Plasma is generated by the ionization of gas under the action of an electric field. The plasma generation process generates a large amount of heat, and the temperature of plasma in operation can reach 1400°C to 2000°C.

[0073] The heating assembly 100 of the present embodiment utilizes the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Heat generated by the plasma between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10 b, and between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10 b, is transferred or radiated to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 through the outer tube 20, causing the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to absorb the heat and form an aerosol.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, a first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120 are positioned opposite each other, with a first gap 1101, an insulating barrier 10b, and a second gap 1202 defined therebetween. An alternating current may be applied to the first and second electrodes 110, 120, causing plasma to form in the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202. Heat from the plasma may be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the second electrode 120, the insulating barrier 10b, and the outer tube 20 through thermal conduction or infrared radiation.

[0075] In some embodiments, a working gas may be filled between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The working gas is mainly present in the first gap 1101 and the second gap 1202. The working gas may be air, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, etc.

[0076] The first electrode 110 can be made of a metal and / or alloy material with good conductivity. The first electrode 110 can be made of different materials depending on the working gas. For example, the first electrode 110 can be made of at least one of copper alloy, nickel and nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten.

[0077] Exemplarily, the first electrode 110 is made of tungsten. Tungsten has a high melting point and is resistant to high temperatures, making it susceptible to arcing. However, tungsten has poor oxidation resistance, so the first electrode 110 must be filled with a non-oxidizing working gas such as nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide. Working gases containing oxygen, such as air, cannot be used.

[0078] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are configured to apply alternating current. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to the two poles of a power supply 200, respectively. The power supply 200 can include a battery 210, a control circuit 420, and a transformer 220. The transformer 220 can be used for inverter boosting. The direct current from the battery 210 generates high-voltage alternating current after passing through the control circuit 420 and the transformer 220. The frequency of the alternating current can be 10 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0079] The frequency of the alternating current is 10 kHz-1 MHz, which can achieve the voltage and power parameters required for dielectric barrier discharge, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300 .

[0080] 2 , 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10 b is a tube, the first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the insulating barrier 10 b , and the second electrode 120 is located outside the insulating barrier 10 b .

[0081] In this way, the insulating barrier 10 b can block the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to form a dielectric barrier discharge structure and generate plasma.

[0082] Specifically, the insulating barrier 10b can be a hollow tube, and the insulating barrier 10b can be called an inner tube relative to the outer tube 20. The first electrode 110 can be cylindrical and coaxial with the insulating barrier 10b. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 is arranged on the tube wall of the insulating barrier 10b, so that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are separated by the tube wall of the insulating barrier 10b. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to one pole of a high-voltage alternating current respectively, forming an alternating electric field between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. Under the action of the alternating electric field, the electrons in the working gas obtain sufficient energy to cross the energy barrier of the insulating barrier 10b, and the working gas is ionized to form plasma.

[0083] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be positioned proximate to the axial ends of the insulating barrier 10b and have approximately equal lengths. Along the radial direction of the insulating barrier 10b, a gap can exist between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b, or the first electrode 110 can be tightly attached to the inner wall of the insulating barrier 10b. The second electrode 120 can have a gap between it and the insulating barrier 10b, or it can be tightly attached to the outer wall of the insulating barrier 10b. For example, the second electrode 120 can be plated on the outer wall of the insulating barrier 10b.

[0084] The outer tube 20 can be sleeved outside the second electrode 120 and cover the insulating barrier 10b. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can both extend outside the outer tube 20 and be connected to the power source 200.

[0085] The insulating barrier 10b can be made of a material with high insulation strength, for example, quartz, glass, ceramic, etc. For another example, the insulating barrier 10b can be a quartz tube.

[0086] 2 and 5 , in some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10b includes a closed end 13 and an open end 14 opposite to the closed end 13 , the closed end 13 is located inside the outer tube 20 , and the first electrode 110 is inserted into the insulating barrier 10b from the open end 14 .

[0087] In this way, the closed end 13 can separate the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 , thereby preventing discharge and arcing between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 .

[0088] Specifically, the closed end 13 and the open end 14 may be the axial ends of the insulating barrier 10b. The central axis of the insulating barrier 10b may pass through the center of the opening of the open end 14, so that the first electrode 110 can be inserted into the insulating barrier 10b from the open end 14 and be coaxial with the insulating barrier 10b. The closed end 13 of the insulating barrier 10b extends into the outer tube 20 and is located at the closed end of the outer tube 20.

[0089] The outer tube 20 may be a hollow tube with one end closed and the other open. The open end of the outer tube 20 may be an open end 22, and the closed end may form a tapered end 21. The open end 22 and the closed end 13 may be axially opposite ends of the outer tube 20. The apex of the tapered end 21 may be located on the central axis of the outer tube 20 and protrude outward from the outer tube 20. The closed end 13 of the insulating barrier 10b may be located at the tapered end 21 and slightly protrude toward the apex of the tapered end 21. The closed end 13 may be shaped to match the tapered end 21 to form a cone.

[0090] The outer diameter of the tubular insulating barrier 10b ranges from 1mm to 1.5mm, and the wall thickness ranges from 0.2mm to 1mm. For example, the outer diameter of the insulating barrier 10b can range from 1mm to 1.5mm, 1.1mm to 1.4mm, 1.2mm to 1.3mm, 1.25mm to 1.35mm, etc. For another example, the outer diameter of the insulating barrier 10b can range from 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, or 1.5mm. The wall thickness of the insulating barrier 10b can range from 0.2mm to 0.6mm, 0.3mm to 0.5mm, or 0.4mm to 0.55mm, etc. For example, the wall thickness of the insulating barrier 10b is 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, or 0.6mm, etc. The inner diameter of the insulating barrier 10 b , that is, the difference between the outer diameter and the wall thickness of the insulating barrier 10 b , is slightly larger than or equal to the diameter of the first electrode 110 .

[0091] The diameter of the first electrode 110 ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. For example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 can range from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm, etc. For another example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 can range from 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, or 0.8 mm.

[0092] Please refer to Figures 2 and 5 again. In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is a tube. The second electrode 120 is sleeved outside the insulating barrier 10b, and the upper end surface of at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is lower than the upper end surface of the insulating barrier 10b.

[0093] In this way, the first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b and the second electrode 120 can be nested in sequence to form a needle-shaped heating structure, which is compact and conducive to miniaturization of the device.

[0094] Specifically, the second electrode 120 can be coaxial with the insulating barrier 10b and cover the outer wall of the insulating barrier 10b. Along the axial direction of the insulating barrier 10b, the second electrode 120 can extend from the closed end 13 to the open end 14 of the insulating barrier 10b. At the open end 14 of the insulating barrier 10b, the second electrode 120 can be partially exposed outside the outer tube 20.

[0095] It should be noted that, the present application defines the direction from the closed end of the outer tube 20 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 to the open end of the outer tube 20 as the top-to-bottom direction.

[0096] The second electrode 120 is sheathed outside the insulating barrier 10b, which is in turn sheathed outside the first electrode 110. Thus, the insulating barrier 10b can block the first and second electrodes 110, 120. The first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 can be inserted together into the outer tube 20. The end surfaces of the first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 within the outer tube 20 that are closest to the tapered end 21 are the upper end surfaces. Either the upper end surface of the first electrode 110 or the upper end surface of both the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is lower than the upper end surface of the insulating barrier 10b. This allows the insulating barrier 10b to shield the upper end surfaces of the first and second electrodes 110, 120 (preventing the formation of a plasma arc between the upper end surfaces of the first and second electrodes 110, 120), thereby generating a dielectric barrier discharge.

[0097] The second electrode 120 can be made of a material with high conductivity, such as metal materials such as stainless steel, nickel, and nickel alloy.

[0098] The outer tube 20 is disposed outside the second electrode 120. A certain gap may be maintained between the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode 120. The inner wall of the outer tube 20 may also be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode 120.

[0099] Illustratively, the first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 are nested in sequence to form a needle-shaped heating component 100. The first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 may be substantially coaxial. The needle-shaped heating component 100 may be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 from the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20 along the axial direction of the heating component 100. The outer wall of the outer tube 20 is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 has a central hole 1201 extending through both ends of the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the second electrode 120 , and the insulating barrier 10 b is disposed in the central hole 1201 .

[0101] Specifically, the second electrode 120 can be a through-tube coaxial with the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b. Along the axial direction of the second electrode 120, the insulating barrier 10b is inserted into the second electrode 120 through the central hole 1201 at one end and extends out of the second electrode 120 through the central hole 1201 at the other end. The closed end 13 and the open end of the insulating barrier 10b can be exposed outside the second electrode 120 through the central holes 1201 at both ends of the second electrode 120, respectively.

[0102] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second electrode 120 tube ranges from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and the wall thickness ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0103] For example, the outer diameter range of the second electrode 120 can be 1.0mm-1.9mm, 1.1mm-1.8mm, 1.2mm-1.8mm, 1.3mm-1.6mm, 1.4mm-1.5mm, etc., and the wall thickness range of the second electrode 120 can be 0.05mm-0.3mm, 0.06mm-0.28mm, 0.07mm-0.25mm, 0.08mm-0.24mm, 0.12mm-0.20mm, 0.14mm-0.16mm, etc.

[0104] For another example, the outer diameter of the second electrode 120 can be 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.7 mm, or 2.0 mm, and the wall thickness of the second electrode 120 can be 0.05 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.10 mm, 1.15 mm, 0.21 mm, 0.25 mm, or 0.3 mm. The inner diameter of the second electrode 120, that is, the difference between the outer diameter and the wall thickness of the second electrode 120, can be slightly greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the insulating barrier 10b.

[0105] Please refer to Figures 2 and 6. In some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10b can be a hollow tube that is sleeved outside the first electrode 110. The end of the insulating barrier 10b that extends into the outer tube 20 is closed, and the second electrode 120 is sleeved outside the insulating barrier 10b. The first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 can have approximately the same central axis, while the radii increase successively. The inner diameter of the insulating barrier 10b is slightly larger than the diameter of the first electrode 110, and the inner diameter of the second electrode 120 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insulating barrier 10b. As a result, a first gap 1101 is formed between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10b, and a second gap 1202 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the insulating barrier 10b.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10b may be a plate, and the first electrode 110 is disposed on one side of the insulating barrier 10b. A certain distance exists between the side of the insulating barrier 10b facing the first electrode 110 and the first electrode 110, forming a first gap 1101. The second electrode 120 is disposed on the side opposite to the first electrode 110. A certain distance exists between the side of the insulating barrier 10b facing the second electrode 120 and the second electrode 120, forming a second gap 1202.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is formed with a hollow portion 35 , and the hollow portion 35 allows a portion of the insulating barrier 10 b to face the outer tube 20 through the hollow portion 35 .

[0108] In this way, the second electrode 120 can adjust the distribution of plasma through the hollow portion 35 , thereby regulating the temperature field of the heating component 100 .

[0109] Specifically, the second electrode 120 can be formed into a hollow portion 35 by cutting, forming a spiral structure, or the like. For example, referring to FIG7 , the second electrode 120 is a tube, and the hollow portion 35 is formed by cutting into the tube wall. For another example, referring to FIG9 , the second electrode 120 is a wire, which is wound and extended axially along the insulating barrier 10b to form a solenoid 30a. At least a portion of the solenoid 30a has a pitch d greater than 0, thereby forming the hollow portion 35.

[0110] It should be noted that plasma is primarily formed in the region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other, resulting in a higher temperature and more concentrated heat in the region where the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 face each other. The direction from the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20 to the open end 22 may be from top to bottom, with the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 from the tapered end 21. The region where the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 face each other may be near the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20 to facilitate heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The hollow portions 35 may be primarily located below the region where the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 face each other, thereby reducing downward heat transfer and improving the efficiency of heat utilization in heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0111] In some embodiments, the hollow portions 35 may also be located in the region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other. Plasma is not generated between the location of the hollow portions 35 on the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, but plasma can still form in the location of the hollowed-out second electrode 120 facing the first electrode 110. Therefore, different hollow portions 35 can be designed as needed, thereby designing different plasma and temperature distributions.

[0112] For example, referring to FIG. 9 again, the pitches at the upper and lower ends of the solenoid 30a are smaller than the pitch d in the middle portion. The hollow portion 35 in the middle portion has a larger area, heat can be dissipated more easily, and the temperature in the middle portion is relatively low.

[0113] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the insulating barrier 10b ranges from 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0114] In this way, the insulating barrier 10 b can prevent a discharge arc from being generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 , while having certain supporting strength and impact resistance.

[0115] Specifically, the insulating barrier 10b can be a tube with a wall thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. The insulating barrier 10b can also be a plate with a wall thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the insulating barrier 10b can range from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm, etc. For another example, the wall thickness of the insulating barrier 10b can range from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.6 mm.

[0116] Referring again to Figures 8 and 10 , in some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10b may be a plate. The insulating barrier 10b extends into the outer tube 20, with one end proximal to the tapered end 21 and extending axially from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. The other end partially protrudes from the open end 22 and out of the outer tube 20. The insulating barrier 10b divides the interior of the outer tube 20 into a first section 2010 and a second section 2020. The first electrode 110 is at least partially located in the first section 2010, and the second electrode 120 is at least partially located in the second section 2020.

[0117] The first electrodes 110 may be columnar and respectively disposed in the first spaces 2010. The second electrodes 120 may be columnar and respectively disposed in the second spaces 2020. Both the first electrodes 110 and the second electrodes 120 may be metal wires.

[0118] The first electrode and / or the second electrode may also be in the form of a long plate. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may both be metal plate electrodes, respectively disposed in the first space 2010 and the second space 2020. The plate-shaped first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may be approximately parallel.

[0119] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10 , the insulating barrier 10b is embedded within the outer tube 20, forming a first section 2010 and a second section 2020 that are relatively enclosed within the outer tube 20. The radial width of the insulating barrier 10b is approximately equal to the diameter of the outer tube 20, so that the insulating barrier 10b abuts against two opposite edges of the inner wall of the outer tube 20 along the radial direction. The insulating barrier 10b can extend axially along the outer tube 20, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the tapered end portion 21 and the other end extending outside the outer tube 20 through the open end 22.

[0120] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11 , the width of the insulating barrier 10b in the radial direction of the outer tube 20 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer tube 20. At least one side of the insulating barrier 10b in the radial direction of the outer tube 20 abuts against the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The insulating barrier 10b divides the interior of the outer tube 20 into a first space 2010 and a second space 2020 that are interconnected.

[0121] In some embodiments, referring to FIG12 , both radially opposite sides of the insulating barrier 10b maintain a certain distance from the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and the insulating barrier 10b is suspended within the outer tube 20. The insulating barrier 10b divides the inner area of ​​the outer tube 20 into a first space 2010 and a second space 2020 that are interconnected.

[0122] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10 b may be tubular and cover an outer surface of at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 .

[0123] Referring to FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10b includes a first insulating barrier 151 and a second insulating barrier 152 . The first insulating barrier 151 wraps the first electrode 110 , and the second insulating barrier 151 wraps the second electrode 120 . The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are arranged in parallel.

[0124] As such, gaps 1300 are formed between the first electrode 110 and the second insulating barrier 152 and between the second electrode 120 and the first insulating barrier 151 , and plasma is generated in the gaps 1300 and releases heat.

[0125] Specifically, the first insulating barrier 151 and the second insulating barrier 152 can be made of flexible insulating materials with low rigidity. For example, the first electrode 110 can be wrapped with rubber, insulating tape, etc. to form the first insulating barrier 151, and the second electrode 120 can be wrapped to form the second insulating barrier 152.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can both be cylindrical, for example, two parallel metal wires are disposed in the outer tube 20 as the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can also be plate-shaped, with the wider surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 facing each other, for example, two parallel metal plates are disposed in the outer tube as the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. One of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can also be cylindrical, and the other can be plate-shaped.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first insulating barrier 151 covers the first electrode 110 , the second electrode 120 is parallel to the first electrode 110 and a gap 1300 is formed between the second electrode 120 and the first insulating barrier 151 , and the outer surface of the second electrode 120 is not covered by the insulating element.

[0128] In some embodiments, the second insulating barrier 152 covers the second electrode 120 , the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are arranged side by side with a gap 1300 formed between the first electrode 110 and the second insulating barrier 152 , and the outer surface of the first electrode 110 may not be covered by the insulating element.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is attached to the insulating barrier 10 b .

[0130] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is attached to the inner wall of the outer tube 20 .

[0131] In this way, the second electrode 120 is clearly limited, compactly assembled, and easy to install.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 can be a thin-walled tube, which is sleeved outside the insulating barrier 10b, and the outer tube 20 is sleeved outside the second electrode 120. The tube wall of the second electrode 120 can be in close contact with the outer circumference of the insulating barrier 10b, or it can be closely in contact with the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0133] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 may be a metal film, a semiconductor film, or a coating. The second electrode 120 may be plated or coated on the insulating barrier 10b, covering the side of the insulating barrier 10b facing the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 may also be plated or coated on the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can control the temperature of the outer tube 20 by adjusting the plasma output power.

[0135] Please refer to FIG. 6 again. In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes an infrared radiation film 60 . The infrared radiation film 60 is disposed on at least one of the insulating barrier 10 b , the outer tube 20 , the first electrode 110 , and the second electrode 120 .

[0136] In this way, the ability of the heat generating component 100 to heat by infrared radiation can be enhanced.

[0137] Specifically, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a coating attached to the insulating barrier 10b, the inner or outer wall of the outer tube 20, and / or the surface of the second electrode 120 facing away from the insulating barrier 10b. The coating material of the infrared radiation film 60 may be a metal oxide, silicon, or other material that specifically absorbs infrared radiation.

[0138] For example, the infrared radiation film 60 can be made of one or more of the following materials: iron manganese copper oxide, CrC, TiCN, diamond-like carbon (DLC), black silicon (HBQ), dolite, transition metal oxide spinel, rare earth oxide, ion-co-doped calcium ore, silicon carbide, zircon, boron nitride, etc. Using different materials, the infrared radiation film 60 can be made to absorb radiation in different wavelength bands.

[0139] In some embodiments, the infrared radiation film 60 is coated on a surface of the second electrode 120 facing the outer tube 20 .

[0140] In some embodiments, the infrared radiation film 60 is coated on the inner wall surface of the outer tube 20 .

[0141] Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 again. In some embodiments, along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 , the heights of the first electrode 110 , the insulating barrier 10 b , and the second electrode 120 increase sequentially toward one end portion on the same side.

[0142] In this way, the positions where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to the power source 200 can be staggered, and the insulation strength of the section where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to the power source 200 can be enhanced.

[0143] Specifically, along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, from the closed conical end 21 to the open end 22, the direction can be from top to bottom. The first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating barrier 10b can be extended from the open end of the outer tube 20 until the extended end abuts the inner wall of the conical end 21. The heights of the first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 increase in sequence near the open end 22. The lower end surface of the insulating barrier 10b is located between the lower end surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, thereby improving insulation strength. The second electrode 120 does not need to extend out of the outer tube 20; the insulating barrier 10b and the first electrode 110 extend out of the outer tube 20 from the open end 22. The lower end surface of the outer tube 20 can be located above the lower end surface of the second electrode 120, facilitating external wiring of the second electrode 120.

[0144] In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 has an outer diameter in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.6 mm and a wall thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0145] For example, the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may range from 1.5 mm to 2.6 mm, 1.6 mm to 2.5 mm, 1.7 mm to 2.4 mm, 1.8 mm to 2.2 mm, 2.0 mm to 2.15 mm, etc. The wall thickness of the outer tube 20 may range from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.32 mm to 0.48 mm, 0.36 mm to 0.45 mm, 0.39 mm to 0.43 mm, etc.

[0146] For another example, the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 can be 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.15 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.6 mm, etc. The wall thickness of the outer tube 20 can be 0.31 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.33 mm, 0.37 mm, 0.41 mm, 0.44 mm, 0.5 mm, etc.

[0147] 2 and 4 , in some embodiments, the sizes of the first electrode 110 , the insulating barrier 10 b , and the second electrode 120 extending outside the outer tube 20 decrease in sequence.

[0148] In this way, it is convenient for the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to be connected to the power source 200 , and it is ensured that the leads of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 do not overlap and cause breakdown.

[0149] Specifically, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can both extend from the open end 22 and be connected to the power source 200 via the connection wire 33. The first electrode 110, the insulating barrier 10b, and the second electrode 120 all partially extend outside the outer tube 20 through the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. The lower end surface of the insulating barrier 10b is located between the lower end surfaces of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The end of the first electrode 110 exposed outside the outer tube 20 is larger than the end of the insulating barrier 10b, and both are larger than the exposed end of the second electrode 120.

[0150] Please refer to Figures 2 and 8. In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes a seal 23, which is sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and forms a first enclosed space 201 with the outer tube 20. There is working gas in the first enclosed space, and the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120 are at least partially located in the first enclosed space 201.

[0151] In this way, harmful gases generated by discharge can be prevented from overflowing, and discharge odor can be isolated at the same time.

[0152] Specifically, the tapered end 21 of the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, and the outer tube 20 heats the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating barrier 10b at least partially extend into the interior of the outer tube 20, generating plasma within the outer tube 20. The tapered end 21 and the seal 23 seal the interior of the outer tube 20, forming a first enclosed space 201. Plasma generation in the enclosed first enclosed space 201 reduces discharge odor and isolates the channels for working gas charging and exhaust gas discharge from the aerosol inhalation duct (not shown), preventing the inhalation of harmful gases generated by the discharge.

[0153] Exemplarily, glue is applied to form a sealant 23 at the open end 22 of the outer tube 20 , between the second electrode 120 and the outer tube 20 , between the insulating barrier 10 b and the outer tube 20 , and between the first electrode 110 and the insulating barrier 10 b .

[0154] 14 and 15 , in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 includes a base 90 . The base 90 defines a second enclosed space 902 , in which the portion of the first electrode 110 located outside the first enclosed space 201 and the open end of the outer tube 20 are located.

[0155] In the base 90 , the first electrode 110 and conductive elements such as wires in the base 90 may also generate harmful gases such as ozone. Therefore, the second enclosed space 902 can further prevent the harmful gases generated by discharge from escaping.

[0156] Specifically, the heating assembly 100 is mounted on the base 90. The open end 22 of the outer tube 20, i.e., the end of the outer tube 20 with an opening, can be inserted into the base 90. The first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating barrier 10b can partially extend from the opening of the open end 22 and extend into the base 90. The base 90 is sealed and assembled with the wall of the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the insulating barrier 10b.

[0157] For example, the base 90 may be sealed by filling glue.

[0158] It should be noted that when the working gas is air, a side reaction occurs during plasma generation, where oxygen is ionized to produce ozone. Plasma is generated within the outer tube 20, between the insulating barrier 10b and the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120. Therefore, an ozone-absorbing substance can be applied to the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and the insulating barrier 10b to prevent ozone from escaping. Within the base 90, ozone can also be generated by the first electrode 110 and conductive components within the base 90, such as the wires. Therefore, an ozone-absorbing substance can be applied to the inner wall of the base 90 and components within the base 90.

[0159] In some embodiments, the working gas is nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, etc., and the base 90 and the outer tube 20 are sealed to prevent the working gas from leaking.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 3 , an aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application includes the heating component 100 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0161] Specifically, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a battery 210 , a PCBA board 410 , a control circuit 420 , a transformer 220 , a heating component 100 , a cover 500 , and the like.

[0162] In one embodiment, the battery 210 and the transformer 220 may constitute the power supply 200 of the heating component 100. The PCBA board and the control circuit may constitute a control center for regulating the power output from the external power supply to the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby regulating the heating power of the heating component.

[0163] Referring to Figure 1 , the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are each connected to one pole of a transformer 220, conducting high-voltage alternating current. This creates a high-intensity alternating electric field within the outer tube 20, which in turn forms a plasma and generates high temperatures and heat. The heating element 100 is connected to the cover 500, and the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Heat from the plasma is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs the heat, atomizing it into an aerosol.

[0164] 3 and 16 , in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a cleaning component 600. The cleaning component 600 can generate plasma to remove impurities remaining after the aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs heat to generate aerosol.

[0165] Implementation method 2:

[0166] Referring to Figures 1-3 , an aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a heating assembly 100 and a cleaning assembly 600. The heating assembly 100 includes an outer tube 20 and a heat generating mechanism 1100 disposed within the outer tube 20. The cleaning assembly 600 includes a hollow member 610 and an electrode 620. The hollow member 610 is detachably mounted on the outer tube 20. The electrode 620 is disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, forming a gap with the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. The electrode 620 is configured to generate plasma within the gap.

[0167] For ease of description, the gap formed by the electrode 620 disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20 is referred to as the clean gap 603 .

[0168] The aerosol generating device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application heats and removes the aerosol residue attached to the outer tube 20 through the plasma generated by the electrode 620 between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component 100 on the aerosol-forming matrix 300.

[0169] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the outer tube 20 can be a hollow tube with one end open, the open end being an open end 22. The heat generating mechanism 1100 can be inserted into the interior of the outer tube 20 through the open end, so that the outer tube 20 encloses at least a portion of the heat generating mechanism 1100. The outer tube 20 can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, directly contacting the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The end of the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 can be closed. The closed end of the outer tube 20 can protrude outwardly in a relatively sharp manner, forming a tapered end 21. The cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20 includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and the like.

[0170] The heat generating mechanism 1100 may utilize plasma heating, resistance heating, and / or electromagnetic induction heating. At least a portion of the heat generating mechanism 1100 is located within the outer tube 20. Heat generated by the heat generating mechanism 1100 is transferred through the outer tube 20 to the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs sufficient heat and atomizes outside the outer tube 20 to form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1000 can be used for consumption, to assist in the inhalation of medication, and so on.

[0171] The outer tube 20 may be made of materials such as quartz, quartz glass, ceramics, etc., so that the outer tube 20 is transparent to infrared radiation, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and providing insulation protection for the heat generating mechanism 1100.

[0172] During the process of heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300 by the heating component 100, the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 may reach a temperature at which the aerosol-forming substrate 300 is atomized to form an aerosol, without exceeding the ignition point of the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Therefore, the aerosol-forming substrate 300 may not burn during the process of the aerosol-generating device 1000 generating the aerosol.

[0173] When the aerosol generating device 1000 is generating aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate 300 is heated by the outer tube 20 to form an aerosol. The generated aerosol can overflow from the aerosol generating device 1000 through the aerosol suction airway (not shown). To stop aerosol generation, the heating component 100 must stop heating and cool. During the cooling process of the heating component 100, any aerosol that has not completely overflowed from the aerosol generating device 1000 may remain and adhere to the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. This residue adhering to the outer tube 20 can easily reduce the efficiency of the outer tube 20 in heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0174] When the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a clean state, the heating assembly 100 can be partially inserted into the cleaning assembly 600, as shown in FIG16 . Along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, the direction from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 can be a top-to-bottom direction. The hollow member 610 can be positioned around the outer circumference of the outer tube 20 from top to bottom. Alternatively, the heating assembly 100 can be inserted into the hollow member 610 of the cleaning assembly 600 from bottom to top.

[0175] In some embodiments, the hollow member 610 may be part of the aerosol-generating device 1000, providing reinforcement, mounting, or a cover or extractor (a mechanism for removing the aerosol-forming substrate 300). For example, the hollow member 610 may be integrated with the cover 500, or integrated with the cleaning assembly 600, or integrated with the extractor. The cleaning assembly 600 may also be an accessory or add-on device to the aerosol-generating device 1000, assembled to the aerosol-generating device 1000 only when cleaning is required.

[0176] At least a portion of the outer tube 20 is accommodated in the hollow of the hollow member 610. The hollow member 610 can be cylindrical, and the cross-sectional shape of the hollow member 610 can include, but is not limited to, circular, nearly circular, elliptical, square, etc., and can match the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20. The depth of the hollow inside the hollow member 610 can match the length of the outer tube 20 inserted into the hollow member 610.

[0177] The hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, with a certain distance between the inner surface of the hollow member 610 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. In other words, the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 are not in direct contact. In some embodiments, the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20 can be in direct contact, as long as gas can flow between them.

[0178] The aerosol-forming substrate 300 can be wrapped around the outer tube 20. The residue formed by the generated aerosol cools and deposits on the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. The residue can be some organic matter with strong adhesion. The heating component 100 is inserted into the cleaning component 600, and the residue can also remain in other locations in the cleaning gap 603.

[0179] In some related technologies, cleaning the heating element by physical scrubbing can easily damage the core components of the heating element, such as the outer tube, and it is difficult to achieve a clean cleaning effect.

[0180] Please refer to Figure 1 again. In the embodiment of the present application, the electrode 620 is arranged on the side surface of the hollow member 610 facing the outer tube 20. At least a clean gap 603 is provided between the electrode 620 and the outer wall of the outer tube 20. When a voltage of a certain intensity is applied to the electrode 620 and another electrode opposite to the electrode 620, the electrode 620 can discharge in the clean gap 603 to generate plasma. In some other embodiments, the electrode 620 can be arranged outside the inner surface of the hollow member 610, that is, there can be at least one bonding layer between the electrode 620 and the outer tube 20. It can be understood that the above-mentioned other electrode can be an electrode used by the heating component 100 to generate heat, or it can be other electrodes attached to the outer tube 20.

[0181] The cleaning assembly 600 can utilize the plasma generated in the cleaning gap 603 to process and decompose the residue into small molecules, such as volatile organic compounds, light oxides, water vapor, etc. The decomposition products of small molecules can be volatilized in the form of gas. In this way, the cleaning assembly 600 can clean the aerosol residues on the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming matrix 300 when the heating assembly 100 is used again, and is conducive to the generation of aerosols. At the same time, the cleaning assembly 600 utilizes plasma to clean the outer tube 20, which is not easy to cause component damage, heats up quickly, can quickly reach more than 500 degrees Celsius, and is easy to clean. Due to its small heat capacity, the cooling rate is also fast, which prevents the device from overheating, thereby affecting the function of the power supply or control center, and the cleaning temperature is relatively easy to control, which has little impact on the reliability of the heating assembly 100.

[0182] Referring to Figures 2 and 18, in some embodiments, the heat generating mechanism 1100 includes a first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are at least partially disposed in the outer tube 20. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are opposite to each other and spaced apart. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0183] In this way, the heat generating mechanism 1100 can emit a large amount of heat outward through the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma itself, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0184] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, maintaining overall electrical neutrality. Plasma can be generated by the ionization of gas under the action of an electric field. The plasma generation process generates a large amount of heat, and the plasma temperature can reach over 1000°C in a stable state. The aerosol generating device 1000 of the present embodiment can utilize the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to generate aerosol. The generated aerosol can be inhaled through a mouthpiece.

[0185] The heat generating mechanism 1100 may include an inner tube 10a. The inner tube 10a may be a hollow tube. The first electrode 110 may be cylindrical and partially inserted into the inner tube 10a. The second electrode 120 may be a hollow tube and disposed outside the inner tube 10a. The inner tube 10a may be made of a material with high dielectric strength, such as quartz or ceramic. The inner tube 10a is at least partially located between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and provides insulation protection. Therefore, the inner tube 10a may also serve as an insulating barrier 10b. The outer tube 20 is disposed outside the second electrode 120 and the inner tube 10a.

[0186] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18 , the area between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is free of obstructions. The area between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, which is separated by a gap, forms a discharge region 130. Plasma is generated in the discharge region 130, causing the temperature at the center of the discharge region 130 to be higher than that of the rest of the heating component 100. Applying a voltage of a certain magnitude and frequency causes a breakdown discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, generating plasma through arc discharge. The arc discharge may be accompanied by a hissing sound. In this embodiment, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). When DC is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the DC power is used to form plasma; when AC is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, the AC power is used to form plasma. Plasma can also be generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 through glow discharge when a voltage of a certain magnitude and frequency is applied. The glow discharge process can be accompanied by a glow of a specific color.

[0187] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 , in the region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other, at least a portion of the insulating barrier 10b forms a gap 1300 with the first electrode 110 and / or the second electrode 120, and plasma is generated in the gap 1300. In this embodiment, the plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 via a dielectric barrier discharge. In this embodiment, a high voltage alternating current is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0188] 1 and 17 , in some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 600 includes a third electrode 630 and a fourth electrode 640. The third electrode 630 is the aforementioned electrode 620. The third electrode 630 is disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20, and the fourth electrode 640 is at least partially disposed within the outer tube 20. When the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are energized, plasma is generated in the cleaning gap 603.

[0189] In this way, the outer tube 20 at least partially blocks the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 , and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 generate plasma in the cleaning gap 603 through dielectric barrier discharge, so that the cleaning assembly 600 can clean the outer tube 20 with plasma.

[0190] Specifically, the third electrode 630 can be disposed between the hollow member 610 and the outer tube 20. One side of the third electrode 630 faces the hollow member 610, and the opposite side faces the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. A clean gap 603 is formed between the side of the third electrode 630 facing the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20.

[0191] A portion of the hollow member 610 can be arranged around the central axis of the outer tube 20 to form a side enclosure 611 and a hollow region 612. The third electrode 630 can be fixedly mounted on the side enclosure 611. The side of the third electrode 630 facing the hollow member 610 can be in contact with the hollow member 610 or spaced a certain distance from the hollow member 610. The third electrode 630 can be a tube, a plate, or a conductive film or conductive circuit coated on the inner surface of the hollow member 610.

[0192] The fourth electrode 640 can be tubular, sleeved outside the inner tube 10a, and extending into the interior of the outer tube 20. The fourth electrode 640 can be arranged so that one end extending into the outer tube 20 partially abuts the tapered end 21 and extends axially from the tapered end 21 to the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. In this embodiment, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 can be two electrodes disposed in the outer tube 20.

[0193] The fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630 are at least partially opposed to each other. For example, the portion of the fourth electrode 640 extending axially along the outer tube 20 is opposed to the portion of the third electrode 630 attached to the side circumference 611. The third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 can be connected to the two poles of the power supply 200, respectively, so that discharge between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 generates plasma.

[0194] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 can be maintained at a certain distance from the wall of the outer tube 20, so that a thermal insulation gap 1002 is formed between the fourth electrode 640 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20. The third electrode 630 can be attached to the inner surface of the hollow member 610. Between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, a clean gap 603, the outer tube 20, and the thermal insulation gap 1002 are sequentially provided. The thermal insulation gap 1002 can reduce the risk of overheating of the outer tube 20 in the heating component 100.

[0195] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 may be attached to the inner surface of the outer tube 20 , opposite to the third electrode 630 and separated from the third electrode 630 by the wall of the outer tube 20 and the clean gap 603 .

[0196] The end of the fourth electrode 640 that abuts the tapered end 21 can be closed. The shape of the fourth electrode 640 can match the shape of the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and the end of the fourth electrode 640 that abuts the tapered end 21 can protrude toward the inner wall of the outer tube 20 and match the shape of the end of the outer tube 20. The third electrode 630 can be partially disposed on the hollow member 610 at a position opposite the tapered end 21, so that the plasma formed between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 can clean residue on the top of the outer tube 20.

[0197] It will be appreciated that at least one of the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 is shielded and covered by the outer tube 20. Plasma is generated between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 via dielectric barrier discharge. As previously described, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are configured to apply a high-voltage alternating current. The process of plasma formation via dielectric barrier discharge can be understood as electrons between the two electrodes being accelerated by a strong electric field and gaining sufficient energy to cross an energy barrier in the dielectric, resulting in electron penetration and the formation of plasma.

[0198] In some embodiments, the air in the clean gap 603 can be used as a working gas for ionization to form plasma. Nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, etc. can also be filled into the clean gap 603 as a working gas.

[0199] In some embodiments, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 are configured as the same electrode.

[0200] In this way, the fourth electrode 640 and the second electrode 120 are the same electrode, which makes the internal structure of the heating component 100 more streamlined, the circuit wiring layout of the aerosol generating device 1000 is simpler, and the cost can be reduced.

[0201] Specifically, the second electrode 120 and the fourth electrode 640 can each be positioned opposite one another and subjected to a high voltage, causing discharge to generate plasma. Both the second electrode 120 and the fourth electrode 640 can be discharge elements disposed within the outer tube 20. The second electrode 120 generates plasma for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to generate the aerosol, while the fourth electrode 640 generates plasma for cleaning residues after aerosol formation and is not used during the use phase. Therefore, an electrode can be disposed within the outer tube 20, facing the first electrode 110 within the outer tube 20 and also facing the third electrode 630 outside the outer tube 20. When energized with the first electrode 110, the electrode functions as the second electrode 120, and when energized with the third electrode 630, the electrode functions as the fourth electrode 640.

[0202] In some embodiments, when the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered off; when the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered on, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered off.

[0203] In this way, the working phases of the cleaning component 600 and the heating component 100 can be staggered, thereby reducing the possibility that the cleaning process of the cleaning component 600 will adversely affect the heating process of the heating component 100.

[0204] Specifically, the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120 (the fourth electrode 640), and the third electrode 630 can be connected to the same power source 200. As previously explained, it is understood that when the first and second electrodes 110, 120 are energized, they discharge within the outer tube 20 to generate plasma, releasing a large amount of heat. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs this heat outside the outer tube 20 to generate aerosol. When the third and fourth electrodes 630, 640 are energized, they discharge outside the outer tube 20 to generate plasma, burning any residue left after the aerosol is generated.

[0205] When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the cleaning component 600 can be kept at a relatively large distance from the heating component 100 , and the heating component 100 is not inserted into the hollow member 610 .

[0206] When the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are energized, the heating component 100 is inserted into the cleaning component 600 , and at least a portion of the outer tube 20 is opposite to the third electrode 630 .

[0207] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a power supply 200, the second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the first power supply end 211 of the power supply 200, and when the hollow member 610 is arranged outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212 of the power supply 200; when the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212 of the power supply 200.

[0208] In this way, the same power supply group 200 can differentially power a group of electrodes including the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 or the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 (the fourth electrode 640) according to the usage status of the cleaning component 600, so that when the aerosol generating device 1000 is in the aerosol generating state, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, and the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered off; in the cleaning state, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are powered on, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered off.

[0209] Specifically, the power supply 200 may include a battery 210, which may be a single battery cell or a battery pack. The first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212 may form two terminals with different potentials, respectively. The second electrode 120 and the first power supply terminal 211, the third electrode 630 and the second power supply terminal 212, and the first electrode 110 and the second power supply terminal 212 may all be connected via wires to complete the circuit.

[0210] When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a cleaning state, and the cleaning component 600 uses plasma to clean the heating component 100. The second electrode 120, also known as the fourth electrode 640, and the third electrode 630 are respectively connected to the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212, which have different potentials. This creates a potential difference between the fourth electrode 640 and the third electrode 630, and the electric field generates plasma in the cleaning gap 603. In this state, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are de-energized, and almost no plasma is formed in the heating component 100.

[0211] When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the aerosol-generating device 1000 is in an aerosol-generating state. The second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 are connected to the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212, respectively, which have different potentials. This creates a potential difference between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, which in turn generates plasma in the heat generating mechanism 1100 through the action of the electric field, heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to form an aerosol. In this state, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are de-energized, and almost no plasma is formed in the cleaning assembly 600.

[0212] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 further includes a control center 400 , which is connected to the heating component 100 and the power supply 200 and can adjust the output power of the power supply 200 to control the heating temperature of the heating component 100 .

[0213] Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 19 , and FIG. 20 , in some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a power connection assembly 650 , which includes a first connector 651 , a second connector 652 , and a third connector 653 . The first connector 651 is connected to the first electrode 110 , the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply end 212 , and the third connector 653 is disposed on the hollow member 610 and is electrically connected to the third electrode 630 .

[0214] When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20 , the second joint 652 contacts the third joint 653 . When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20 , the second joint 652 contacts the first joint 651 .

[0215] In this way, the power connection component 650 can be used to control the second electrode 120 to be electrically connected to one of the first electrode 110 or the third electrode 630 , thereby controlling the aerosol generating device 1000 to be in the aerosol generating state or the cleaning state.

[0216] Specifically, the power connection assembly 650 is at least partially embedded within the hollow member 610. The first connector 651, the second connector 652, and the third connector 653 may all be embedded within the hollow member 610, or only the third connector 653 may be embedded within the hollow member 610. The power connection assembly 650 may also be partially exposed on the surface of the hollow member 610.

[0217] When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, referring to FIG. 20 in conjunction with FIG. 1 , the second connector 652 contacts the third connector 653, the second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212, and the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the third electrode 630, thereby electrically connecting the third electrode 630 to the second power supply terminal 212. The fourth electrode 640 remains electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 211. When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 are electrically connected, while the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 (the fourth electrode 640) are de-energized. The third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 discharge in the cleaning gap 603 to generate plasma to clean the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. In this state, the aerosol generating device 1000 is in a cleaning state.

[0218] When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, referring to FIG. 19 in conjunction with FIG. 1 , the second connector 652 contacts the first connector 651. The second connector 652 is electrically connected to the second power supply terminal 212, and the first connector 651 is electrically connected to the first electrode 110, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode 110 to the second power supply terminal 212. The second electrode 120 remains electrically connected to the first power supply terminal 211. When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are electrically connected, while the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 (the second electrode 120) are de-energized. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are separated within the inner tube 10a, generating plasma. This releases heat, causing the aerosol-forming substrate 300 to be atomized to form an aerosol. In this state, the aerosol-generating device 1000 is in an aerosol-generating state.

[0219] Please refer to Figures 1, 19 and 20 again. In some embodiments, the power connection assembly 650 includes an insulating member 654 and an elastic member 655. The insulating member 654 is connected to the third joint 653, and the elastic member 655 is connected to the first joint 651. When the hollow member 610 is inserted into the outer tube 20, the insulating member 654 pushes the first joint 651 to move relative to the second joint 652 to separate the first joint 651 from the second joint 652 and deform the elastic member 655. When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the elastic member 655 recovers its deformation to push the first joint 651 into contact with the second joint 652.

[0220] In this way, the conduction and de-energization of the two sets of electrodes can be controlled through a simple mechanical structure, which is low in cost and highly practical.

[0221] Specifically, insulating member 654 includes, but is not limited to, a quartz block, a ceramic block, a rubber block, etc. Elastic member 655 may be a spring 6551, an elastic cord, elastic rubber, etc. For example, if elastic member 655 is a spring 6551, one end of spring 6551 may be fixed to a side of first connector 651, and the other end may be fixed to the cleaning device. First connector 651, second connector 652, and third connector 653 may all be made of a metal material with good electrical conductivity.

[0222] In one embodiment, the hollow member 610 gradually separates from the outer tube 20, and the spring 6551 gradually extends, pushing out the first connector 651, and gradually approaching the first connector 651 and the second connector 652. When the hollow member 610 is completely separated from the outer tube 20, as shown in FIG19 , the elastic support force provided by the extension of the spring 6551 is sufficient to maintain surface contact between the first connector 651 and the second connector 652, thereby forming an electrical connection, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode 110 to the second power supply terminal 212, and electrically connecting the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0223] Correspondingly, during the process of inserting the hollow member 610 into the outer tube 20, the insulating member 654 is located between the first joint 651 and the third joint 653, pushing the second joint 652 to compress the spring 6551. The spring 6551 compresses and shortens, causing the second joint 652 to gradually separate from the second joint 652. Simultaneously, the third joint 653 gradually moves to abut against the second joint 652 as the insulating member 654 moves. When the hollow member 610 is fully inserted into the outer tube 20 at a predetermined position, as shown in FIG20 , the third joint 653 maintains contact with the second joint 652, and the first joint 651 completely separates from the second joint 652. As a result, the second power supply segment connected to the second joint 652 and the third electrode 630 connected to the third joint 653 are electrically connected. The power supply between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is disconnected, while the power supply between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 (the second electrode 120) is connected.

[0224] It should be noted that pushing out the first connector 651 through the insulating member 654 is only one way to implement the aerosol generating device 1000 of the present application to control the electrical connection of the electrode. The methods for achieving electrical connection and control are not limited to the implementation methods provided in the above description, and also include a variety of magnetic control, such as using magnetic attraction and other methods to control the conduction and disconnection of the circuit.

[0225] Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 again. In some embodiments, the power supply 200 includes a transformer 220 . A first secondary side 221 of the transformer 220 forms a first power supply end 211 , and a second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220 forms a second power supply end 212 .

[0226] In this way, the power supply 200 can utilize the battery 210 with relatively small power and volume to provide high voltage AC power to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 , the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 .

[0227] In transformer 220, the power supply side is the primary side, while the secondary side is the side without a power supply, or the high-voltage side of a step-up transformer, or the low-voltage side of a step-down transformer. Different secondary sides correspond to different circuits with different coil turns, resulting in different terminal voltages. Therefore, transformer 220 can provide voltages for unused circuits.

[0228] Specifically, the transformer 220 in the embodiment of the present application can be a step-up transformer, applying high-voltage AC power between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, and between the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640. It is understood that the voltage required to generate plasma using glow discharge or dielectric barrier discharge is generally on the order of 103 to 104. Due to the need for miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 1000, the output voltage of the battery 210 that the power supply 200 can match is limited. Therefore, a step-up transformer can be used to apply high voltage power to the electrodes.

[0229] In conjunction with the foregoing, the second electrode 120 (fourth electrode 640) is electrically connected to the first secondary side 221 of the transformer 220. When the hollow member 610 is sleeved outside the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 is electrically connected to the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220. High-voltage alternating current is applied to the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, forming an alternating electric field with a high electric field strength within the cleaning gap 603. When the hollow member 610 is separated from the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the second secondary side 222 of the transformer 220, forming an alternating electric field with a high electric field strength between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the third electrode 630 is a tube and is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow member 610 .

[0231] In this way, the third electrode 630 is a tube and is disposed on the inner wall of the hollow member 610 , which can make the installation and positioning of the third electrode 630 simpler.

[0232] Specifically, the hollow section 612 of the hollow member 610 can be formed by the hollow member 610 surrounding the central axis of the outer tube 20. Furthermore, the hollow member 610 has two ends in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, one closed end and the other open end. The side 611 of the hollow member 610 can be a portion surrounding the outer tube 20 and extending axially along the outer tube 20. The heating component 100 can partially extend into the hollow section 612 through the opening of the hollow member 610, and partially protrude from the opening of the hollow member 610 outside the hollow member 610.

[0233] Exemplarily, the third electrode 630 may be a hollow tube with a relatively thin wall that conforms to the inner wall surface of the hollow member 610. The third electrode 630 may be sleeved outside the outer tube 20, coaxial with the outer tube 20, and the inner diameter of the third electrode 630 may be greater than the outer diameter of the outer tube 20. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shapes of the third electrode 630 and the outer tube 20 include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, square, polygonal, etc. The inner diameter of the third electrode 630 may be the diameter of the inscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the third electrode 630, and the outer diameter of the outer tube 20 may be the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross-sectional shape of the outer tube 20.

[0234] The direction from the closed end of the hollow member 610 to the open end of the hollow member 610 can be from top to bottom. The axial direction of the third electrode 630 can be substantially parallel to the up-down direction. The upper end of the third electrode 630 can abut the deepest part of the hollow section 612 along the axial direction of the third electrode 630.

[0235] In some embodiments, the third electrode 630 may have openings at both ends along its axis. The third electrode 630 is attached to the side circumference 611, opposite the portion of the fourth electrode 640 extending axially from the outer tube 20. Along the radial direction of the outer tube 20, the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640 may resemble a parallel plate electrode pair. A clean gap 603 is defined between the opposing regions of the third electrode 630 and the fourth electrode 640, and plasma is formed in the clean gap 603.

[0236] In some embodiments, the upper end of the third electrode 630 can be closed and in contact with the inner wall surface of the hollow member 610 opposite the tapered end portion 21 of the outer tube 20. The closed upper end portion (not shown) of the third electrode 630 can be opposite the fourth electrode 640, separated from the tapered end portion 21 of the outer tube 20. The cleaning gap 603 also includes the gap formed between the outer wall 2001 of the tapered end portion 21 and the upper end portion of the third electrode 630.

[0237] The third electrode 630 can be made of a metal material or alloy material with good electrical conductivity. For example, the third electrode 630 can be made of at least one of copper alloy, nickel and nickel-based alloy, stainless steel, zirconium, hafnium and tungsten.

[0238] Referring to Figure 18, in some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes an inner tube 10a, which is at least partially inserted into the outer tube 20, the first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the inner tube 10a, and the second electrode 120 is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube 10a.

[0239] In this manner, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other in the inner tube 10 a and generate a plasma arc in the inner tube 10 a . The arc discharge can improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 .

[0240] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner tube 10a is a through tube with openings at both ends along its own axis, and the openings pass through the inner tube 10a in the axial direction. The inner tube 10a extends into the outer tube 20, with one end close to the tapered end 21. The second electrode 120 can be a pipe fitting with one end closed, and the end is arranged on the inner tube 10a near the tapered end 21. The first electrode 110 extends into the inner tube 10a, and the second electrode 120 can be sleeved outside the inner tube 10a. Thus, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10a, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 are sleeved in sequence to form the heating component 100. In some embodiments, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10a, the second electrode 120, and the outer tube 20 can be roughly coaxial.

[0241] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are located at the ends of the inner tube 10a, separated by a predetermined distance within the inner tube 10a. The region separating the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 within the inner tube 10a defines the discharge region 130, where plasma is generated. The distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, i.e., the axial length of the discharge region 130, can range from 4 mm to 10 mm. For example, the axial length of the discharge region 130 can range from 4 mm to 10 mm, 5 mm to 8 mm, 6 mm to 7 mm, 5.5 mm to 6 mm, etc. For another example, the axial length of the discharge region 130 can range from 4.1 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc.

[0242] 18 , in some embodiments, the inner tube 10a 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 inner tube 10a at the first end surface 11 , and the second electrode 120 is against the second end surface 12 .

[0243] In this way, the assembly of the heat generating mechanism 1100 is clearer and simpler, which is beneficial to the production of the heat generating component 100.

[0244] Specifically, the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 may be the end surfaces of the inner tube 10a in the axial direction. The inner tube 10a extends into the outer tube 20. The end with the second end surface 12 may be adjacent to the tapered end 21, while the end with the first end surface 11 may be partially exposed outside the outer tube 20 through the open end 22. The inner tube 10a is a through tube, and its through hole may pass through the centers of the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12.

[0245] The portion of the second electrode 120 that abuts the second end surface 12 can be disc-shaped and conform to the second end surface 12. The second electrode 120 can extend slightly from the center of the second end surface 12 into the inner tube 10a, forming a protrusion 122. The first electrode 110 can be inserted into the inner tube 10a through the central opening of the first end surface 11. The end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10a faces the second electrode 120 and is spaced a predetermined distance from the first end surface 11. It will be understood that in this embodiment, the distance between the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 and the first end surface 11 is approximately equal to the distance between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 can also be formed into a slightly convex arc surface 122, opposite the protrusion 122, to facilitate the formation of a plasma arc by utilizing the principle of tip discharge.

[0246] The lead connecting the second electrode 120 to the first power supply terminal 211 can extend between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12, thereby staggering the lead connecting the first electrode 110 to the second power supply terminal 212. As previously described, the inner tube 10a can provide insulation protection between the lead connecting the first power supply terminal 211 and the second power supply terminal 212.

[0247] In some embodiments, the insulating barrier 10 b may also be a plate and attached to at least one of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 .

[0248] In some embodiments, the electrode 620 is the third electrode 630 . When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are powered off; when the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are powered on, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are powered off.

[0249] In this way, when the heating component 100 generates plasma to heat the aerosol-forming matrix 300, the cleaning component 600 is powered off; when the cleaning component 600 generates plasma to clean the outer tube 20, the heating component 100 is powered off, so that the aerosol generation and cleaning processes of the aerosol generating device 1000 will not interfere with each other.

[0250] When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the cleaning assembly 600 can be kept at a relatively large distance from the heating assembly 100, the heating assembly 100 is not inserted into the hollow member 610, and the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are de-energized. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge within the outer tube 20 to generate plasma, releasing a large amount of heat. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 absorbs the heat outside the outer tube 20 to generate an aerosol.

[0251] The heating component 100 is inserted into the cleaning component 600. The outer tube 20 has at least a portion facing the third electrode 630, forming a cleaning gap 603. The third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are energized. When the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 are energized, the third electrode 630 and the second electrode 120 discharge in the cleaning gap 603 between the third electrode 630 and the outer wall 2001 to generate plasma, burning the residue after the aerosol is generated.

[0252] As previously described, the power connection assembly 650 can be used to control the connection between the second electrode 120 and either the first electrode 110 or the third electrode 630, thereby controlling the generation of plasma in either the cleaning assembly or the heating assembly. In one embodiment, the second connector 652 contacts the first connector 651 to control the connection between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, thereby de-energizing the second electrode 120 and the third electrode 630. The second connector 652 contacts the third connector 653 to control the connection between the second electrode 120 and the third electrode 630, thereby de-energizing the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.

[0253] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 16 , the heating component 100 further includes a base 90 for mounting and fixing the heating component 100 .

[0254] 1 and 17 , in some embodiments, the cleaning gap 603 has a width of 0.1 mm to 1 mm (inclusive).

[0255] In this way, by reasonably setting the width of the cleaning gap 603 between the third electrode 630 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, the efficiency of generating plasma in the gap can be improved, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0256] Specifically, the shortest distance along the radial direction of the outer tube 20 between the side of the third electrode 630 facing the outer tube 20 and the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20 can be considered the width of the clean gap 603. The width of the clean gap 603 at different locations can be uneven. In some embodiments, the third electrode 630 is a circular tube that is sleeved outside the outer tube 20 and is coaxial with the outer tube 20. The outer tube 20 is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the width of the clean gap 603 is approximately uniform along the circumference of the outer tube 20.

[0257] For example, the width of the cleaning gap 603 may be 0.1 mm-1 mm, 0.2 mm-0.9 mm, 0.3 mm-0.8 mm, 0.4 mm-0.7 mm, 0.5 mm-0.6 mm, etc. For another example, the width of the cleaning gap 603 may be 0.1 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, etc.

[0258] In summary, referring again to Figures 1 and 17 , the cleaning assembly 600 of this embodiment of the present application includes a hollow member 610 and an electrode 620. The hollow member 610 is removably mounted on the outer tube 20 of the aerosol generating device 1000. The electrode 620 is disposed within the hollow member 610 and forms a gap with the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20. The electrode 620 is configured to generate plasma within this gap. The gap formed between the electrode 620 and the outer wall 2001 is the cleaning gap 603.

[0259] Cleaning assembly 600 includes at least two electrodes 620, one of which is disposed on hollow member 610, and the other electrode can be disposed on outer tube 20. At least outer tube 20 and cleaning gap 603 are disposed between these two electrodes 620. A voltage of a certain intensity is applied to the two electrodes 620, which can generate plasma in cleaning gap 603 through dielectric barrier discharge. Using this plasma, cleaning assembly 600 can decompose residues into small molecules, such as volatile organic compounds, light oxides, and water vapor. These decomposition products can then evaporate as gases.

[0260] In this way, the cleaning assembly 600 can remove aerosol residue from the outer wall 2001 of the outer tube 20, improving the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming matrix 300 when the heating element 100 is reused, thereby facilitating aerosol generation. Furthermore, the cleaning assembly 600 utilizes plasma to clean the outer tube 20, which is less likely to damage components and is easy to clean. The cleaning temperature is relatively easy to control, minimizing the impact on the reliability of the heating element 100.

[0261] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0262] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heating component, characterized in that: include: an outer tube for contacting the aerosol-forming substrate; a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed in the outer tube, and the first electrode is spaced apart from the second electrode; and An insulating barrier is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a gap is formed between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and at least a portion of the insulating barrier, and plasma is generated in the gap when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized.

2. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating barrier is a tube, the first electrode is at least partially inserted into the insulating barrier, and the second electrode is located outside the insulating barrier.

3. The heating component according to claim 2, characterized in that: The insulating barrier comprises a closed end and an open end opposite to the closed end, the closed end is located inside the outer tube, and the first electrode is inserted into the insulating barrier from the open end.

4. The heating component according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second electrode is a tube, and the second electrode is sleeved outside the insulating barrier. The upper end surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is lower than the upper end surface of the insulating barrier.

5. The heating component according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second electrode is formed with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion allows a portion of the insulating barrier to pass through the hollow portion and face the outer tube.

6. The heating component according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the insulating barrier is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

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

8. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component includes an infrared radiation film, and the infrared radiation film is arranged on at least one of the insulating barrier, the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode.

9. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating barrier comprises a first insulating barrier and a second insulating barrier, the first insulating barrier wraps the first electrode, the second insulating barrier wraps the second electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in parallel.

10. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component includes a seal, which is sealed to the inner wall of the outer tube and forms a first enclosed space with the outer tube. The first enclosed space contains working gas, and the first electrode and / or the second electrode are at least partially located in the first enclosed space.

11. The heating component according to claim 10, characterized in that: The heating component includes a base, the base forms a second enclosed space, and the portion of the first electrode located outside the first sealed space and / or the end of the outer tube with an opening is located in the second enclosed space.

12. A cleaning component, characterized in that: The cleaning component comprises: A hollow member, the hollow member being used to be detachably mounted outside the outer tube of the aerosol generating device; and An electrode is disposed in the hollow member and is used to form a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and the electrode is used to generate plasma in the gap.

13. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: A heat generating component, the heat generating component comprising an outer tube and a heat generating mechanism disposed in the outer tube; and The cleaning component comprises a hollow member and an electrode, wherein the hollow member is detachably sleeved outside the outer tube, the electrode is arranged between the hollow member and the outer tube and forms a gap with the outer wall of the outer tube, and the electrode is used to generate plasma in the gap.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that The heat generating mechanism includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are disposed opposite to each other and spaced apart, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when power is supplied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, characterized in that The cleaning component comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrode, the electrode is the third electrode, and the fourth electrode is at least partially arranged in the outer tube. When the third electrode and the fourth electrode are energized, plasma is generated in the gap.

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

17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, characterized in that When the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the fourth electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

18. The aerosol generating device according to claim 17, characterized in that The aerosol generating device includes a power supply, the second electrode is electrically connected to a first power supply end of the power supply, when the hollow member is sleeved outside the outer tube, the third electrode is electrically connected to a second power supply end of the power supply, and when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the first electrode is electrically connected to the second power supply end of the power supply.

19. The aerosol generating device according to claim 18, characterized in that The aerosol generating device comprises a power connection assembly, the power connection assembly comprises a first connector, a second connector and a third connector, the first connector is connected to the first electrode, the second connector is electrically connected to the second power supply end, and the third connector is arranged on the hollow member and electrically connected to the third electrode; When the hollow member is sleeved outside the outer tube, the second joint contacts the third joint; when the hollow member is separated from the outer tube, the second joint contacts the first joint.

20. The aerosol generating device according to claim 19, characterized in that The power connection assembly includes an insulating member and an elastic member, the insulating member is connected to the third joint, and the elastic member is connected to the first joint. During the process of the hollow member being inserted into the outer tube, the insulating member pushes the first joint to move relative to the second joint to separate the first joint from the second joint and deform the elastic member. During the process of the hollow member being separated from the outer tube, the elastic member restores its deformation to push the first joint to contact the second joint.

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

22. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, characterized in that The heating component includes an inner tube, the inner tube is at least partially disposed in the outer tube, the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and the second electrode is at least partially disposed at one end of the inner tube.

23. The aerosol generating device according to claim 22, characterized in that The inner tube includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface. The first electrode is exposed from the inner tube at the first end surface, and the second electrode abuts against the second end surface.

24. The aerosol generating device according to claim 23, characterized in that The electrode is a third electrode. When the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the third electrode and the second electrode are powered off; when the third electrode and the second electrode are powered on, the first electrode and the second electrode are powered off.

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