Heating assembly, aerosol generating apparatus, and control method

Abstract

A heating assembly (100), an aerosol generating apparatus (1000), and a control method. The heating assembly (100) comprises an outer tube (20), a first electrode (110), and a second electrode (120). The outer tube (20) is configured to be in contact with an aerosol-forming substrate (300). At least part of the first electrode (110) and at least part of the second electrode (120) are arranged in the outer tube (20); the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (120) are arranged at an interval in the axial direction of the outer tube (20); one of the first electrode (110) and the second electrode (120) can be electrically connected to a positive electrode of a direct current, and the other can be electrically connected to a negative electrode of the direct current; and 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).

Description

Heating component, aerosol generating device and control method

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefits of patent application No. 202311166257.X 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 technical field of aerosol generating devices, and in particular to a heating component, an aerosol generating device and a control method. Background Art

[0004] An aerosol-generating device can be used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol by heating the substrate without burning it. In related art, two electrodes are used to generate plasma to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. However, insulation near the electrodes can break down, affecting the proper operation of the aerosol-generating device and resulting in low reliability.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] The heating assembly of the embodiment of the present application includes an outer tube, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The outer tube is used to contact the aerosol-forming substrate, at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are disposed within the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart along the axial direction of the outer tube, one of the first electrode and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the positive electrode of a direct current, and the other can be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the direct current, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when power is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0008] The heating assembly of the embodiments of the present application is capable of applying direct current to the first and second electrodes, generating plasma through direct current discharge between the first and second electrodes. This reduces the likelihood of insulation near the first and second electrodes being affected by the glow effect and punctured, thereby improving the heating reliability of the heating assembly. Furthermore, the first and second electrodes are connected to the positive and negative poles of the direct current, respectively, resulting in a temperature difference between the first and second electrodes, thereby forming a differential temperature distribution along the axial direction of the outer tube, which is beneficial for matching the aerosol-forming matrix and designing different temperature fields.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer tube includes an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the first electrode is passed through the open end, and the second electrode is arranged closer to the closed end relative to the first electrode. In the first stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode can be connected to the positive pole of direct current, and the second electrode can be connected to the negative pole of direct current.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the second stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode can be connected to the negative pole of direct current, and the second electrode can be connected to the positive pole of direct current, and the second stage is different from the first stage.

[0011] In some embodiments, during the second stage of heating of the heating component, both the first electrode and the second electrode can be connected to alternating current, and the second stage is different from the first stage.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first stage is an initial stage, and the second stage is a subsequent stage, and the subsequent stage follows the initial stage.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heating component further includes an inner tube, the outer tube is sleeved outside the inner tube, the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and at least a portion of the second electrode is disposed at one end of the inner tube.

[0014] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of the present application includes the heating component according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0015] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a battery, a rectifier circuit electrically connected to the battery, and a switching switch, the rectifier circuit forming a positive pole and a negative pole of direct current, the switching switch connecting the positive pole and the negative pole of direct current, and the switching switch being able to switch to different states so that the first electrode is electrically connected to one of the positive pole and the negative pole of direct current, and the second electrode is connected to the other of the positive pole and the negative pole of direct current.

[0016] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a battery, a transformer, a rectifier circuit, and a switch, wherein the transformer is used to generate alternating current, the rectifier circuit is formed with a positive electrode and a negative electrode of direct current, the first electrode is electrically connected to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current, and the second electrode is connected to the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current;

[0017] The switching switch is arranged between the rectifier circuit and the transformer, and the switching switch can be switched to different states to connect the transformer with the rectifier circuit, thereby applying direct current to the first electrode and the second electrode, or to connect the transformer with the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby applying alternating current to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0018] The control method of the embodiment of the present application is used for a heating component, comprising the following steps:

[0019] In the initial stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode of the heating component is controlled to be connected to the positive pole of direct current, and the second electrode of the heating component is connected to the negative pole of direct current, so that plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer tube of the heating component.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0021] In the subsequent stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode is controlled to be connected to the negative pole of the direct current, and the second electrode is controlled to be connected to the positive pole of the direct current. The subsequent stage is after the initial stage.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0023] In the subsequent stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode and the second electrode are controlled to be connected to the alternating current, and the subsequent stage is after the initial stage. Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the following description, and in part will become obvious from the following description, or learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] 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:

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a heating component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG2 along the AA direction;

[0028] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heating component of FIG2 of the present application;

[0029] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG2 along the BB direction;

[0030] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a heating component according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG9 along the CC direction;

[0036] FIG12 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of portion D of FIG11;

[0037] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member according to yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG7 along the EE direction;

[0039] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG16 is a partial schematic diagram of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG16 along the FF direction;

[0042] FIG18 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG17;

[0043] FIG19 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of portion G of FIG17;

[0044] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating component according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of FIG20 along the HH direction;

[0046] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heating component of FIG20;

[0047] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0049] FIG25 is a flow chart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG26 is a flow chart of a control method according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Description of reference numerals:

[0052] Aerosol generating device 1000, power supply 200, battery 210, transformer 220, aerosol-forming substrate 300, control center 400, PCBA board 410, rectifier circuit 430, switch 440, cover 500;

[0053] Heating component 100, inner tube 10, outer circumferential surface 1001, first tube segment 101, second tube segment 102, first end surface 11, wire 113, second end surface 12, central axis 1011, outer tube 20, tapered end 21, open end 22, closed end 25, opening 230, first electrode 110, discharge end 111, conductive end 112, second electrode 120, mounting portion 121, protrusion 122, discharge region 130, conductive member 30, first end 31, second end 32, first conductive portion 301, second conductive portion 302, connecting wire 33, conductive wire 3 30, conductive strip 34, first conductive strip 341, second conductive strip 342, first conductive ring 310, second conductive ring 320, hollow portion 35, first hollow portion 351, second hollow portion 352, insulating member 40, first insulating portion 41, second insulating portion 42, through hole 421, connector 50, infrared radiation film 60, thermal insulation gap 1002, elastic member 70, connector 71, temperature measuring assembly 80, temperature sensing portion 81, conductive portion 82, temperature measuring wire 83, temperature sensing film 84, base 90, first bracket 91, second bracket 92, housing 93, wire outlet hole 903. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 not being in direct contact but being in contact via another feature between them. Furthermore, 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Referring to Figure 1 , this application provides a heating component 100, an aerosol generating device 1000, and a control method. The heating component 100 is used in the aerosol generating device 1000 to heat an aerosol-generating substrate 300 using plasma to form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1000 can be used for a variety of purposes, including food, medicine, and industrial production.

[0060] Referring to Figures 2-4 , the heating assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes an outer tube 20, a first electrode 110, and a second electrode 120. The outer tube 20 is configured to contact the aerosol-forming substrate 300. At least a portion of the first electrode 110 and at least a portion of the second electrode 120 are disposed within the outer tube 20, with the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 spaced apart along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. One of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is electrically connectable to a positive electrode of a direct current source, and the other is electrically connectable to a negative electrode of the direct current source. The fact that one of the first and second electrodes is connectable to a positive electrode of the direct current source means that during the first stage of heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300 by the heating assembly 100, the first electrode 110 is connected to the positive electrode of the direct current source, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the negative electrode of the direct current source. During the second stage of heating, the second electrode 120 is connected to the positive electrode of the direct current source, and the first electrode 110 is connected to the negative electrode of the direct current source. When power is applied to the first and second electrodes 110, plasma is generated between the first and second electrodes 110, 120.

[0061] The heating component 100 of the embodiment of the present application can apply direct current to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. A plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 through direct current discharge, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakdown of the insulating member 40 near the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, thereby improving the heating reliability of the heating component 100. Furthermore, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected to the positive and negative poles of the direct current, respectively, resulting in a temperature difference between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, thereby forming a differential temperature distribution along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, which is beneficial for matching the aerosol-forming matrix and designing different temperature fields.

[0062] Plasma is a form of matter that contains a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, and maintains overall electrical neutrality. Plasma can be generated by the ionization of gas under the action of an electric field. The plasma generation process can generate a large amount of heat. The maximum temperature of the plasma generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can reach 2000°C, and the temperature range in a stable state can be 1000°C to 1600°C. Therefore, the heating component 100 can use the plasma generation process and the high temperature of the plasma to heat the aerosol-forming matrix 300 to generate aerosol.

[0063] Specifically, the outer tube 20 is a hollow tube that is disposed outside the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 face each other within the outer tube 20 and are separated by a predetermined distance along the axial direction of the outer tube. The region between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 that faces each other and that separates them may serve as a discharge region 130, where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 discharge and form a plasma. The outer tube 20 encloses the discharge region 130, and the outer wall of the outer tube 20 may directly contact the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0064] When AC current is used to form plasma, a glow discharge occurs in the lower portion of discharge region 130, near first electrode 110. This glow discharge does not occur with DC current. This glow effect affects the electrical breakdown resistance of outer tube 20. Therefore, conducting DC current through first and second electrodes 110, 120 enhances the reliability of discharge heating in outer tube 20.

[0065] Referring to Figure 1 , the outer tube 20 can be partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 along its axial direction. The end of the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 can be closed and protrude outward to form a relatively sharp tapered end 21. The end of the outer tube 20 opposite the tapered end 21 along the axial direction has an opening 230. The outer tube 20 can transfer heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via infrared radiation and heat transfer.

[0066] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can extend into the outer tube 20 through the opening 230. The second electrode 120 at least partially extends into the tapered end portion 21. The portion of the first electrode 110 extending into the outer tube 20 is further away from the tapered end portion 21 than the second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 can be cylindrical and substantially coaxial with the outer tube 20. One end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20, opposite the second electrode 120, serves as a discharge end 111. The other end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the outer tube 20 can serve as a conductive end 112, which can be partially exposed outside the outer tube 20 through the opening 230.

[0067] It should be noted that the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to direct current or alternating current. In some embodiments, the outer tube 20 includes an open end 22 and a closed end 25 opposite the open end 22. The first electrode 110 is disposed through the open end 22, and the second electrode 120 is disposed closer to the closed end 25 relative to the first electrode 110. In the first stage of heating of the heating component 100, the first electrode 110 can be connected to the positive pole of the direct current, and the second electrode 120 can be connected to the negative pole of the direct current.

[0068] In this way, in the first stage, a temperature field with a high top and a low bottom is formed along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 , so that the high temperature area moves upward as a whole, thereby accelerating the atomization rate of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 at least near the closed end 25 of the outer tube 20 .

[0069] Specifically, the open end 22 and the closed end 25 are axially opposite ends of the outer tube 20. The end of the outer tube 20 having the opening 230 is the open end 22. The first electrode 110 extends into the outer tube 20 through the opening 230 of the open end 22. The second electrode 120 is located closer to the closed end 25 than the first electrode 110. The second electrode 120 may partially abut against the inner wall of the closed end 25. The closed end 25 is sealed and can extend into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. In some embodiments, the closed end 25 protrudes outward, forming the tapered end 21 described above.

[0070] The direction from the closed end 25 to the open end 22 along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 is the top-to-bottom direction. The second electrode 120 is located above the first electrode 110 and at the upper end of the outer tube 20 .

[0071] Referring to Figures 23 and 24 , in the first stage, the first electrode 110 is connected to the positive pole of a direct current (DC) source, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the negative pole of the same DC source. It will be appreciated that, of the two electrodes forming a plasma via DC discharge, the one connected to the negative pole has a relatively higher temperature. Therefore, in the first stage, the temperature near the second electrode 120 is higher than that near the first electrode 110, thereby forming a temperature field with a high top and a low bottom along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. The outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, with the closed end 25 deeply immersed in the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The higher temperature near the closed end 25 allows the aerosol-forming substrate 300 surrounding the closed end 25 to be rapidly atomized, forming an aerosol.

[0072] The second electrode 120 is arranged at the closed end 25 at the top of the outer tube 20. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 use direct current to form plasma. The high-temperature zone of the heating component 100 is shifted upward relative to the alternating current discharge, which is conducive to rapid smoke discharge, higher energy efficiency, and reduces the high temperature impact on the lower end components of the heating component 100.

[0073] In some embodiments, the volume of the second electrode 120 may be increased, for example, by increasing the end surface size or thickness of the second electrode 120 , thereby enhancing the ablation resistance of the second electrode 120 .

[0074] Please refer to Figure 23. In some embodiments, in the second stage of heating of the heating component 100, the first electrode 110 can be connected to the negative pole of direct current, and the second electrode 120 can be connected to the positive pole of direct current. The second stage is different from the first stage.

[0075] In this way, in the second stage, a temperature field with a high temperature at the bottom and a low temperature at the top is formed along the axial direction of the outer tube 20, so that the aerosol-forming matrix 300 around the lower end of the outer tube 20 is fully heated, thereby preventing the aerosol-forming matrix 300 at the upper end from being at a high temperature for a long time, and improving the consistency of aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming matrix 300 at different stages.

[0076] Specifically, during the second heating stage of the heating component 100, the first electrode 110 is connected to the negative pole of the direct current, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the positive pole of the direct current. As described above, the temperature near the discharge end 111 is higher than the temperature near the second electrode 120. Along the distribution direction of the first and second electrodes 110, 120, the temperature at the upper end of the outer tube 20 is lower, while the temperature at the lower end is higher. Thus, the heating component 100 can fully heat the lower end of the outer tube 20, particularly the aerosol-forming substrate 300 near the discharge end 111.

[0077] In this embodiment, the positive and negative polarities of the direct current connected to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are different in the first and second stages. The heating component 100 can switch between the first and second stages, with the temperature near the discharge end 111 being higher in the second stage relative to the first stage, and the temperature near the second electrode 120 being lower in the second stage relative to the first stage. The first and second stages can also be arranged periodically in a time sequence to accommodate more complex temperature field designs.

[0078] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 use direct current to form plasma. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 do not generate dielectric barrier discharge, which can reduce the temperature of the lower end of the outer tube 20 near the base 90. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to the positive or negative pole of the direct current through a rectifier plate.

[0079] Please refer to FIG. 24 in combination with FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, in the second stage of heating of the heating component 100 , both the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to alternating current. The second stage is different from the first stage.

[0080] In this way, the use of AC discharge in the second stage can achieve a relatively uniform temperature field, thereby improving the baking uniformity of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 and reducing energy consumption.

[0081] Specifically, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be disconnected from the direct current and switched to alternating current. During the second heating phase of the heating component 100, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to the two output terminals of the transformer 220, respectively, forming an alternating electric field between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to generate plasma. The temperature field formed by the AC discharge has a relatively uniform temperature distribution, and the temperatures at the upper and lower ends of the outer tube 20 are substantially consistent. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 located at the upper and lower ends of the outer tube 20, particularly near the upper and lower ends of the discharge region 130, is uniformly heated, thereby improving the consistency of the generated aerosol.

[0082] In this embodiment, the heating component 100 uses DC discharge in the first stage and AC discharge in the second stage. The circuits connected to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are different in the first and second stages, and the temperature fields formed around the outer tube 20 are also different. The heating component 100 can switch from the first stage to the second stage, and also from the second stage to the first stage. By switching between the first and second stages multiple times, a periodic sequence can be formed to match more complex temperature field designs.

[0083] The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 use AC discharge to generate plasma. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be connected to AC power without passing through the rectifier circuit 430, thereby reducing rectification loss.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first stage is an initial stage, and the second stage is a subsequent stage, and the subsequent stage follows the initial stage.

[0085] In this way, when the heating component 100 starts to heat the aerosol-forming matrix 300, a temperature field with high temperature at the top and low temperature at the bottom can be obtained, so that the aerosol-forming matrix 300 at the upper end of the outer tube 20 is quickly atomized to generate aerosol; the aerosol-forming matrix 300 at the lower end can be fully heated in the subsequent stage, so that the aerosol formed in the initial stage and the subsequent stage remains basically consistent.

[0086] Specifically, the initial stage refers to the stage in which the heating component 100 begins heating the aerosol-forming substrate 300. After the heating component 100 heats the upper aerosol-forming substrate 300 for a period of time during the initial stage, the subsequent stage begins. The first electrode 110 switches from being connected to the positive DC power source to being connected to the negative DC power source, and the second electrode 120 switches from being connected to the negative DC power source to being connected to the positive DC power source. The temperature at the upper end of the discharge region 130 decreases, while the temperature at the lower end increases. The lower end of the discharge region 130 has a higher temperature than the upper end, fully heating the lower aerosol-forming substrate while avoiding repeated high-temperature baking of the upper aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] In some embodiments, when the heating component 100 switches from the initial stage to the subsequent stage, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are disconnected from the positive and negative poles of the direct current and switched to the alternating current. The temperature at the upper end of the discharge region 130 decreases, while the temperature at the lower end increases, and the temperature distribution along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 becomes more uniform.

[0088] In some embodiments, the heating component 100 further includes an inner tube 10 , the outer tube 20 is sleeved outside the inner tube 10 , the first electrode 110 is at least partially disposed in the inner tube 10 , and at least a portion of the second electrode 120 is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 .

[0089] In this way, the inner tube 10 can provide insulation protection for the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 , and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be installed and limited by the inner tube 10 , which is beneficial to the coaxialization and miniaturization of the heating component 100 .

[0090] Specifically, the inner tube 10 is a through tube with openings at both ends along its axial direction, and the openings axially extend through the inner tube 10. The inner tube's two axially opposing end surfaces are a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12. The inner tube 10 extends from the opening 230 into the outer tube 20, being substantially coaxial with the outer tube 20. The end containing the second end surface 12 is positioned adjacent to the tapered end portion 21 of the outer tube 20, while the end containing the first end surface 11 partially extends beyond the opening 230.

[0091] The second electrode 120 can be disc-shaped, covering the second end surface 12 and engaging with the opening of the second end surface 12. The first electrode 110 can be cylindrical, extending from the first end surface 11 into the inner tube 10, with a portion of the first electrode 110 being covered by the inner tube 10. The discharge end 111 of the first electrode 110 extends into the inner tube 10, facing the second electrode 120, and is spaced a predetermined distance from the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The inner tube 10 can define the circumferential boundary of the discharge region 130.

[0092] Referring to Figures 2-4 , in some embodiments, the heating assembly 100 further includes a conductive member 30 connected to the second electrode 120 for electrical connection to the power source 200. The conductive member 30 extends axially from one end of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10. Along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the portion of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 faces the outer tube 20.

[0093] It should be noted that the pipe section corresponding to the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 can be the portion of the inner tube 10 between the two axial ends of the conductive member 30, and the axial lengths of the pipe section corresponding to the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 and the conductive member 30 can be roughly equal, and the ends can be roughly aligned. In addition, it can also be understood that in order to electrically connect the second electrode 120 to the power supply 200, it is necessary to connect it with the conductive member 30, but the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are not necessarily two separate components. The two can be made of the same material or can be integrally formed into a whole. The portion opposite to the first electrode 110 is used as an electrode, and the remaining portion is used for electrical connection. In this application, the second electrode 120 and the conductive member 30 are described as two components, which cannot be used as a limitation of the whole and the split, but is for better description and explanation.

[0094] In the heating component 100 of the embodiment of the present application, the pipe section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 is partially exposed to the outer tube 20, which reduces the volume of the conductive member 30, thereby reducing the heat capacity of the conductive member 30, so that the conductive member 30 stores less heat, and allows the heat generated by the heating component 100 to be more directly radiated to the aerosol-forming matrix 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the heat utilization rate and further improving the heating rate and heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming matrix 300.

[0095] It can be understood that the section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 partially faces the outer tube 20, which means that the section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has a portion of its outer wall facing the outer tube 20, and the portion of the outer wall and the outer tube 20 are not blocked by the conductive member 30. In the same section of the inner tube 10, another portion of its outer wall faces the outer tube 20, but this portion of the outer wall is blocked by the conductive member 30 and cannot directly face the outer tube.

[0096] Specifically, referring to Figure 4 , the inner tube 10 can be a hollow tube with open ends. The inner tube 10 can be cylindrical in shape, having a central axis 1011. The inner tube 10 is much longer in the axial direction than in the radial direction. The sides of the inner tube 10 circumscribe the central axis 1011, forming the inner tube 10 wall and the hollow space within the inner tube 10.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3 , at least a portion of the first electrode 110 is inserted from one end of the inner tube 10 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 into the hollow space at the center of the inner tube 10. As shown in Figure 3 , the position where the first electrode 110 emerges from the inner tube 10 is designated P. The second electrode 120 is disposed at the other end of the inner tube 10, extending through the hollow space of the inner tube 10 and facing the portion of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10.

[0098] A certain distance is provided between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 at one end of the inner tube 10. As described above, the region between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is referred to as the discharge region 130. The discharge region 130 can be enclosed by the inner tube 10 and is located within the hollow space of the inner tube 10.

[0099] Continuing with Figure 3, in conjunction with Figure 1, the first electrode 110 can be connected to one output terminal of the power supply 200; the second electrode 120 can be connected to the other output terminal of the power supply 200 via a conductive member 30. When the first and second electrodes 110, 120 are energized, a discharge electric field is formed in the discharge region 130, generating a plasma arc. The discharge region 130 can be sealed and filled with an electrically neutral gas, such as nitrogen or argon. Alternatively, the discharge region 130 can be open to atmospheric pressure, in which case the gas within the discharge region 130 is air.

[0100] Referring to Figures 2 and 3 , the outer tube 20 is disposed over the inner tube 10, enclosing at least a portion of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 can cover at least the discharge region 130 within the inner tube 10. The aerosol-forming substrate 300 fills the outer circumference of the outer tube 20. The outer surface of the outer tube 20 can be in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Heat generated by the plasma arc in the discharge region 130 can be transferred to the outer side of the outer tube 20 via the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20 in the form of infrared radiation and heat transfer. The heat is then absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate 300, forming an aerosol.

[0101] The inner tube 10 encloses at least a portion of the first electrode 110. The end of the inner tube 10, including the second end surface 12, is inserted into the outer tube 20 from the open end 22, such that the second electrode 120 disposed on the second end surface 12 abuts against the inner wall of the tapered end 21. The second end 32 is connected to the second electrode 120 and extends into the outer tube 20 along with the inner tube 10, proximate to the tapered end 21. The first end 31 can extend from the open end 22 to the outside of the outer tube 20.

[0102] The conductive member 30 can be disposed on the inner tube 10, extending from one end of the inner tube 10 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 to the other end of the inner tube 10. The path along which the conductive member 30 extends between the ends of the inner tube 10 can be straight or curved. The outer wall of the portion of the inner tube 10 enclosed by the outer tube 20 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0103] The conductive member 30 can be attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, positioned between the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and the inner wall of the outer tube 20, and cover a portion of the outer circumference of the inner tube 10. The portion of the inner tube 10 covered by the conductive member 30 cannot face or directly face the outer tube 20. In the area where the conductive member 30 blocks the inner tube 10, heat from the plasma arc can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. The infrared radiation energy in this area is much less than that in the area not blocked by the conductive member 30.

[0104] It is understood that the conductive member 30 can be a metal member disposed on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. In other embodiments, the conductive member 30 can also be a conductive film or conductive circuit coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10, and its shape, thickness, and arrangement position on the inner tube 10 can be understood in the same way as the above embodiment.

[0105] The pipe section corresponding to the inner pipe 10 and the conductive member 30 has at least a portion of its outer wall directly facing the inner wall of the outer pipe 20. In other words, there is no other obstruction between the portion of its outer wall and the inner wall of the outer pipe 20 corresponding to the conductive member 30.

[0106] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 again. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a first end 31 and a second end 32 connected to the first end 31. The second end 32 is connected to the second electrode 120, and the first end 31 is used to electrically connect to the power supply 200.

[0107] The conductive member 30 can be arranged axially along the inner tube 10 between a first end 31 and a second end 32. The first end 31 is the end of the conductive member 30 extending from the outer tube 20 and is closest to the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The second end 32 of the conductive member 30 can surround the second electrode 120 or otherwise contact the second electrode 120. It is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and is electrically connected to the second electrode 120.

[0108] Along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 , the direction from the second end 32 to the first end 31 may be from top to bottom. The section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 may be the section between the first end 31 and the second end 32 .

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

[0110] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the tube section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has an outer circumferential surface 1001, and the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 1001 opposite to the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 1001.

[0111] In this way, the area relative to the outer peripheral surface 1001 and the conductive member 30 is smaller than the total area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 1001, so that the tube sections corresponding to the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 are at least partially not blocked by the conductive member 30 and directly face the outer tube 30, so that the heat of the plasma in the inner tube 10 can be directly transferred to the aerosol-forming matrix 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 in some tube sections.

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

[0113] The outer circumferential surface 1001 of the corresponding tube section of the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 extends along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 from the second end face 12 toward the first end face, to the location of the first end 31. It is understood that the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the corresponding tube section of the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 can be the product of the outer side length of the second end face 12 and the distance between the first end 32 and the second end 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

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

[0115] 3 , 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, the tube section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 has an outer circumferential surface 1001 , and the conductive member 30 partially covers the outer circumferential surface 1001 .

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

[0117] Referring to Figures 2 and 5 , in some embodiments, the inner tube 10 includes a first tube segment 101 and a second tube segment 102 connected to the first tube segment 101. A first electrode 110 is at least partially inserted into the first tube segment 101. A second electrode 120 can be disposed at an end of the second tube segment 102 distal from the first tube segment 101, opposite and spaced from the first electrode 110. When power is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, plasma is generated between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110, at least within the second tube segment 102, with the outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 partially facing the outer tube 20.

[0118] It should be noted that in this application, the inner tube 10 is divided into a first tube section 101 and a second tube section 102, which does not limit the inner tube 10 to be composed of two separate components. Preferably, the inner tube 10 is an integral tube, an integrally formed tube body. This is only for a better explanation of the subsequent solutions and does not constitute a limitation on whether the inner tube 10 is integral or split.

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

[0120] The second electrode 120 is disposed at one end of the second tube segment 102 including the second end surface 12 . Plasma is generated in the second tube segment 102 under control between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 , so the discharge region 130 is located in the second tube segment 102 .

[0121] The conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120 in the second tube segment 102 and extends from the second tube segment 102 toward the first tube segment 101, extending from the open end 22 to the exterior of the outer tube 20. The path of the conductive member 30 extending from the second tube segment 102 toward the first end face 11 covers a portion of the outer circumference of the first tube segment 101. The outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 not covered by the conductive member 30 faces the outer tube 20.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 defines a hollow portion 35 , and a portion of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the hollow portion 35 and faces the outer tube 20 .

[0123] 2 , the upper portion of the heating element 100 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The upper portion of the heating element 100 includes a discharge region 130. The lower portion of the heating element 100 can be used for mounting and fixing. In related art, heat generated in the discharge region is easily transferred to the lower portion of the heating element through conductive elements, resulting in excessively high temperatures in the lower portion of the heating element, significant energy waste, and the accumulation of oil.

[0124] Thus, by providing the hollow portion 35 on the conductive member 30, the heat of the conductive member 30 is prevented from being transferred from the discharge region 130 to the lower portion of the heating component 100. This prevents the lower portion of the heating component 100 from overheating, improves the heat utilization efficiency of the heated aerosol-forming matrix 300, and reduces the deposition of solidified matter. The hollow portion 35 also helps to increase the intensity of the plasma arc's external radiation.

[0125] Referring to Figures 2 and 5 , the heating assembly 100 heats the aerosol-forming substrate 300 by generating a plasma arc through discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. At the center of the discharge region 130, the plasma arc can reach a maximum temperature of 2000°C, resulting in a relatively concentrated heat supply. It is understood that the heat capacity of the heating assembly 100 should be minimized to prevent heat accumulation in the discharge region 130 and to ensure rapid heat transfer to the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Furthermore, the heating assembly 100 should minimize heat transfer to locations other than the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0126] Referring to Figures 2 and 6 , in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is tubular and sleeved outside the inner tube 10. The first end 31 and the second end 32 are the axial ends of the conductive member 30. The first end 31 surrounds the outer circumference of the first end surface 11, while the second end 32 extends from the open end 22 and is partially located outside the outer tube 20. A hollow portion 35 is located between the first end 31 and the second end 32. The outer surface of the inner tube 10 between the first end 31 and the second end 32 faces the outer tube 20 through the hollow portion 35.

[0127] Referring to Figures 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is sheathed around the inner tube 10 and can be cylindrical in shape within the second tube segment 102, enclosing at least a portion of the second tube segment 102. The discharge region 130 is located within the second tube segment 102. Heat from the discharge region 130 can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 via the second tube segment 102, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. A hollow portion 35 extends from the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 to the second end portion 32. The outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20 through the hollow portion 35. Heat generated in the discharge region 130 is difficult to transfer downward through the hollow portion 35.

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

[0129] The first end 31 and the second end 32 are connected by a conductive strip 34. The conductive strip 34 is attached to the outer wall surface of the inner tube 10 and extends axially along the inner tube 10. The first end 31 and the second end 32 can be annular, surrounding the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and covering the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0130] Referring to Figure 7 , in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 may be a wire having a lower rigidity than the metal tube. The conductive member 30 may be wound around the inner tube 10 to form a tubular shape, covering the first tube segment 101 and the second tube segment 102. The wires are arranged with a certain spacing between them, forming a hollow portion.

[0131] In some embodiments, the shape of the hollow portion 35 includes but is not limited to a circular hole, an elliptical hole, an irregular hole, a straight-edge strip, a curved-edge strip, etc. The hollow portions 35 on a conductive member 30 can be of the same shape or different shapes.

[0132] 8 , in some embodiments, there are multiple hollow portions 35 , which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the inner tube 10 .

[0133] In this way, the plurality of hollow portions 35 can further reduce the volume of the conductive member 30 , lower the heat capacity, and accelerate the heating speed of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 .

[0134] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may form a hollow portion 35 between the first end portion 31 and the second end portion 32. The hollow portions 35 are formed by a plurality of conductive strips 34. The plurality of conductive strips 34 may be distributed along the circumference of the inner tube 10 on the outer circumferential surface 1001 of the inner tube 10 at intervals.

[0135] 8 and 9 , in some embodiments, the conductive strips 34 and the hollow portions 35 are arranged side by side on the outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 , extend axially along the first tube segment 101 , and are spaced apart circumferentially along the first tube segment 101 .

[0136] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 , the hollow portion 35 may extend from the first end portion 31 to the second end portion 32 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 , so that the area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 1001 facing the outer tube 20 is relatively larger.

[0137] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, thereby reducing the heat capacity and improving the energy efficiency of heat generation.

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

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

[0140] It will be appreciated that as the wall thickness of the conductive member 30 increases, its volume correspondingly increases, and the amount of heat it can absorb and store also increases, thereby increasing the heat capacity of the heating component 100. A conductive member 30 with a wall thickness of less than or equal to 0.2 mm is less likely to store heat, thereby facilitating the conductive member 30 to transfer heat from the discharge region 130 to the aerosol-forming substrate 300. A conductive member 30 with a wall thickness of greater than or equal to 0.05 mm is less likely to wear out and fail.

[0141] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is made of an oxidation-resistant metal material to prevent oxidation failure of the conductive member 30 and increase its service life. Specifically, the conductive member 30 is made of at least one of a nickel-based alloy and an iron-based alloy.

[0142] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a first conductive portion 301 corresponding to the first tube segment 101. The first conductive portion 301 is provided with a first hollow portion 351. Part of the first tube segment 101 is exposed through the first hollow portion 351 and faces the outer tube 20. The hollow portion 35 includes the first hollow portion 351.

[0143] 2 , the first hollow portion 351 cuts off a path for heat transfer from part of the first conductive portion 301 to a region away from the aerosol-forming substrate 300 , thereby reducing heat waste.

[0144] Specifically, the first hollow portion 351 can be formed by cutting on the tube wall of the first conductive portion 301. The first hollow portion 351 can be in a strip shape. The number of the first hollow portions 351 can be one or more.

[0145] For example, referring to FIG10 , in some embodiments, the number of conductive strips 34 in the first tube segment 101 is one. Each conductive strip forms a hollow portion. The hollow portion extends from one side of the conductive strip 34 to the other side of the conductive strip 34 along the circumference of the first tube segment 101.

[0146] For another example, referring to Figures 3 and 9 , in some embodiments, the first tube segment 101 includes two conductive strips 34 . These two conductive strips 34 can be located at opposite ends of the same diameter of the inner tube 10 , separated by two hollow portions 35 . The outer wall of the inner tube 10 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20 through the hollow portions 35 .

[0147] Referring again to FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the first conductive portion 301 includes a plurality of first conductive strips 341 . The plurality of first conductive strips 341 extend axially along the first tube segment 101 and are spaced apart circumferentially around the first tube segment 101. A first hollow portion 351 is formed between two adjacent first conductive strips 341 .

[0148] In this way, the plurality of first conductive strips 341 can be spaced apart to form a plurality of first hollow portions 351 , thereby reducing downward heat transfer from the first conductive portion 301 .

[0149] Specifically, the plurality of first conductive strips 341 can extend from the first end portion 31 to the end surface opposite the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The areas of the outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 covered by each of the plurality of first conductive strips 341 can be the same or different. The plurality of first conductive strips 341 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first tube segment 101, forming hollow portions 35 of equal size. The spacing between adjacent first conductive strips 341 can also be unequal.

[0150] The total area of ​​the outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 covered by the plurality of first conductive strips 341 is smaller than the total area of ​​the outer circumference of the first tube segment 101 facing the outer tube through the first hollow portion 351 .

[0151] Referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 , in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to the first conductive portion 301 , and the second conductive portion 302 covers at least a portion of the second tube segment 102 .

[0152] In this way, the plasma arc generated in the second pipe section 102 can be covered by the second conductive portion 302, thereby improving the utilization rate of heat radiation.

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

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

[0155] As previously described, discharge region 130 is formed between the end of first electrode 110 extending into inner tube 10 and second electrode 120. High voltage is conducted between first electrode 110 and second electrode 120 to generate a plasma arc in discharge region 130. In the following description, L will be used to indicate the arc length of the plasma arc generated by first electrode 110 and second electrode 120, i.e., the arc length of the discharge.

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

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

[0158] In this way, the discharge arc length is within a controlled range, so that the discharge effect of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 and the temperature field distribution in the discharge arc length region are better.

[0159] Specifically, the discharge arc length between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 can be any length not less than 2 mm and not greater than 10 mm. For example, the discharge arc length can range from 3 mm to 10 mm, 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm, 5.5 mm to 6 mm, etc. Exemplarily, the discharge arc length can be 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc. The discharge region 130 is located within the inner tube 10, and the length of the inner tube 10 is significantly greater than the discharge arc length. The outer tube 20 is sleeved over the inner tube 10, covering the entire discharge region 130. The outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300, and the outer tube 20 inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300 includes at least the tube end portion covering the discharge region 130.

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

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

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

[0163] The second conductive portion 302 covers the second tube segment 102 , and its axially extending length is greater than the discharge arc length L, so that the length of the plasma arc does not exceed the second conductive portion 302 .

[0164] 11 and 12 , in some embodiments, along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. In the following description, n will be used to indicate the overlap dimension of the second conductive portion 302 and the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

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

[0166] It should be noted that, if the direction from the second end face to the first end face along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is defined as the top-to-bottom direction, then the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is the upper end of the first electrode 110, and the second conductive portion 302 is located above the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube. The fact that the second conductive portion 302 overlaps with the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 can be understood as meaning that the lower end of the second conductive portion 302 is located lower than the upper end of the first electrode 110 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0167] As can be understood, referring to FIG1 , the second electrode 120 is connected to the power source 200 via the conductive member 30. When the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are electrically connected, the second electrode 120 faces the first electrode 110 and has opposite polarity, thereby generating an electric field between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110. The second electrode 120 and the second conductive portion 302 have the same polarity, and when the second conductive portion 302 is separated by a certain non-insulated distance from the end of the first electrode facing 120, discharge is possible.

[0168] The second conductive portion 302 is arranged to cover the end face of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The second conductive portion 302 overlaps the end face of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120, so that the space between the second conductive portion 302 and the end face of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is filled by the side wall of the inner tube 10, thereby enhancing insulation.

[0169] Continuing to refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 , an overlapping dimension n between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 is ≥0.3 mm.

[0170] In this way, the end surface of the second conductive portion 302 is not opposite to the end surface of the first electrode 110, making it difficult for the second conductive portion 302 to generate discharge with the first electrode 110, thereby enhancing the insulation strength between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120.

[0171] Specifically, the overlapping dimension between the second conductive portion 302 and the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 can be the distance between the second conductive portion 302 at its farthest point from the second end face 12 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10 and the projection of the end face of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 on the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

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

[0173] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9 again. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a second conductive portion 302 connected to the first conductive portion 301. The second conductive portion 302 corresponds to the second tube segment 102. The second conductive portion 302 is provided with a second hollow portion 352. Part of the second tube segment 102 is exposed through the second hollow portion 352 and faces the outer tube 20. The hollow portion 35 includes the second hollow portion 352.

[0174] In this way, the heat capacity of the conductive element 30 can be further reduced, shortening the time required for the heating component 100 to heat up and cool down.

[0175] Specifically, the second hollow portion 352 can be in the shape of a straight bar, a curved line, a circular hole, or the like. The number of second hollow portions 352 can be one, two, three, or more. The portion of the outer circumference of the second tube segment 102 covered by the second conductive portion 302 is in close contact with and covered by the second conductive portion 302. The portion of the outer circumference of the second tube segment 102 not covered by the second conductive portion 302 can face the inner wall of the outer tube 20 through the second hollow portion 352.

[0176] Referring to Figures 9 and 11, in some embodiments, the second conductive portion 302 includes a plurality of second conductive strips 342, which extend axially along the second tube segment 102. The plurality of second conductive strips 342 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second tube segment 102, and a second hollow portion 352 is formed between two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

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

[0178] Specifically, the second conductive strip 342 and the second hollow portion 352 can be cut and formed in the metal tube body. The second conductive strip 342 and the second hollow portion 352 can be arranged sequentially along the circumference of the second tube segment 102. The second conductive strip 342 can have one end connected to the second end portion 32 and extend from the second end surface 12 to below the end surface of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120. The second conductive strip 342 can have side edges parallel to the central axis of the inner tube. The second hollow portion 352 is formed between adjacent side edges of two adjacent second conductive strips 342.

[0179] The number of the second conductive strips 342 can be two, three, four, five, etc. The plurality of second conductive strips 342 form a plurality of second hollow portions 352. Correspondingly, the number of the second hollow portions 352 is the same as the number of the second conductive strips 342.

[0180] 9 , in some embodiments, a connecting ring 343 is formed at the connection between the first conductive portion 301 and the second conductive portion 302 . The connecting ring 343 covers the end of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 along the circumference of the inner tube 10 .

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

[0182] Specifically, the connecting ring 343 may be a portion of the conductive member that is retained when the hollow portion 35 is cut on the wall of the conductive member 30 and covers the circumference of the end portion of the first electrode 110 facing the second electrode 120 .

[0183] According to the following formula, the relationship between the side wall area and the electric field strength is that when the side wall area decreases, the field strength increases; when the side wall area increases, the field strength decreases.

[0184] ,

[0185] Where E is the electric field intensity, U is the voltage applied between the two electrodes, d is the discharge distance, Q is the charge carried by the electrode, S is the discharge area, k is the electrostatic force constant, and is the dielectric constant of the medium between the two electrodes.

[0186] It is understood that the formation of the hollow portion 35 in the conductive member 30 reduces the sidewall area and increases the electric field strength between the sidewalls, which can easily lead to breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, affecting the stability and safety of the heating component 100. The connecting ring 343 covers the discharge end of the first electrode 110, which can reduce the local electric field formed around the discharge end of the first electrode 110, thereby preventing breakdown between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30.

[0187] 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the hollow portion 35 extends from the first tube segment 101 to the end of the second tube segment 102 away from the first tube segment 101 , and a portion of the second tube segment 102 faces the outer tube 20 through the hollow portion 35 .

[0188] In this way, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 1 , the heat transfer path at the bottom of the conductive member 30 can be cut off to the greatest extent, thereby reducing the downward conduction of heat and improving the efficiency of using the heat to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 300 .

[0189] Specifically, the hollow portion 35 can be formed by cutting the sidewall of the conductive member 30. A portion of the conductive member 30 surrounding the second electrode can be retained to form a second conductive ring 320 for connecting to the second electrode 120. A portion of the conductive tube wall can be retained at the end of the conductive member 30 closest to the first end face 11 to form a first conductive ring 310 for connecting to the power source 200. The first conductive ring 310 can be exposed outside the outer tube 20.

[0190] As shown in Figures 6 and 9 , the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 are connected by a conductive strip 34. The number of conductive strips 34 connecting the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320 can be one. A hollow portion 35 is formed between the first conductive ring 310 and the second conductive ring 320. The outer circumferences of the first and second tube segments 101 and 102 face the outer tube 20 through the hollow portion 35.

[0191] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a connection wire 33 connected to the first conductive ring 310. The connection wire 33 is electrically connected to the power source 200. The connection wire 33 may have a stiffness less than that of the conductive member 30 tube. The connection wire 33 may extend radially along the inner tube 10. The connection wire 33 may also extend on the outer tube 20 in a direction away from the conductive end 112 of the first electrode 110.

[0192] Please refer to FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is at least partially cylindrical, and the conductive member 30 is sleeved outside the inner tube 10 .

[0193] In this way, the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 are easily assembled and have a compact structure, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the heating component 100.

[0194] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be cylindrical and coaxial with the inner tube 10 . The inner tube 10 is nested in the conductive member 30 .

[0195] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 12 , the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The gap between the conductive member 30 and the outer wall of the inner tube 10 is less than or equal to 0.1 mm. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 generate a plasma arc in the discharge region 130, and the maximum temperature can reach 2000° C. A large amount of heat in the center of the discharge region 130 is conducted or radiated to the aerosol-forming matrix 300 around the outer tube 20 through the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 is in close contact with the outer wall of the inner tube 10, and the heat conduction efficiency is higher. In addition, ensuring that the distance between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 is close, or the conductive member 30 is in close contact with the inner tube 10, can effectively prevent the conductive member 30 from contacting the inner wall of the outer tube 20, thereby avoiding uneven temperature field distribution in the outer tube 20.

[0196] Please refer to FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion of the conductive member 30 is made by winding and is sleeved outside the inner tube 10 .

[0197] In this way, the assembly tightness between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10 can be improved, and tight assembly is beneficial to heat conduction.

[0198] Specifically, the conductive member 30 can be formed by winding sheet metal. The sheet metal can be wound around the central axis 1011, and the wound sheet metal can wrap around the inner tube to form a cylindrical or annular conductive tube. The conductive tube can have a gap in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, so that the conductive member 30 has a "C"-shaped cross-section along the radial direction of the inner tube 10. This facilitates adjustment of the diameter of the wound tube body, thereby adjusting the tightness of the assembly between the conductive member 30 and the inner tube 10.

[0199] Please refer to Figure 7. In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 includes a conductive wire 330, which is wrapped around the inner tube 10 and forms a hollow portion 35. The tube section of the inner tube 10 corresponding to the conductive member 30 is partially exposed to the outer tube 20 through the hollow portion 35.

[0200] In this way, the conductive wire 330 can reduce the heat capacity and increase the speed of heating and cooling.

[0201] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 surrounds the inner tube, dividing the outer circumference 1001 of the inner tube 10 and the corresponding tube section of the conductive member 30 into different blocks to form a hollow portion.

[0202] In some embodiments, the upper end of the conductive member 30 is connected to the second electrode 120, and the lower end is located near the open end 22 of the outer tube 20. The conductive member 30 can extend from the open end 22 to the outside of the outer tube 20 and connect to the power source 200. The conductive member 30 can also surround the inner tube 10 from the second end surface 12 to the open end 22. The connection point between the conductive member 30 and the second electrode 120 and the location where the conductive member 30 extends from the open end 22 can be on the same side of the inner tube 10, or on opposite sides of the inner tube 10.

[0203] Specifically, the conductive member 30 may be formed by one conductive wire 330 , two conductive wires 330 , or three or more conductive wires 330 surrounding the inner tube 10 .

[0204] When there is only one conductive wire 330, each conductive wire 330 wraps around the inner tube 10 at least once. In some embodiments, the conductive wire 330 wraps around the discharge region 130 two or more times. The conductive wire 330 may also extend in a nearly straight path between the second electrode 120 and the opening of the outer tube 20. The portion of the inner tube 10 not covered by the conductive wire 330 faces the inner wall of the outer tube 20.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 14 , in some embodiments, the conductive wire 330 is wound around to form a solenoid 30 a , and at least a portion of the solenoid 30 a has a pitch greater than 0 to form a hollow portion 35 .

[0206] In this way, the conductive wire 330 forms a solenoid 30a, which is easy to assemble with the inner tube 10. At the same time, the pitch of the solenoid 30a can be adjusted to reduce the heat capacity of the conductive member 30, reduce the heat stored in the conductive member 30, and increase the heating rate.

[0207] Specifically, the conductive wire 330 can wrap around the inner tube 10 and extend from the second end surface 12 to the first end surface 11 to form a solenoid 30a. The pitch of the solenoid 30a can be the distance between one turn of the conductive wire 330 around the inner tube and the next turn in the axial direction of the inner tube.

[0208] It can be understood that the looser the conductive wire 330 is wound, the larger the pitch of the solenoid 30a formed, the smaller the heat capacity of the conductive spiral, the larger the area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 1001 covered by the conductive wire 330, and the higher the heating rate.

[0209] 7 and 14 , in some embodiments, along the axial direction of the solenoid 30 a , the pitch of the middle portion of the solenoid 30 a is greater than the pitch of at least one end.

[0210] In this way, the uneven pitch can be used to adjust the heat capacity distribution of the conductive member and the temperature field of the heating component 100, thereby increasing the heating rate and reducing heat conduction from the discharge region to components other than the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0211] Specifically, one end of the solenoid 30a is fixed to the outer periphery of the second electrode 120, and the other end of the solenoid 30a can be fixed to a position between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 of the inner tube 10, at an axial distance greater than 2 mm from the first end face 11. The pitch of the solenoid 30a in the portion between the two ends can be greater than the pitch at the two ends.

[0212] In some embodiments, the conductive wire 330 is connected to the second electrode 120 and tightly wound around the second end surface 12 to stabilize the connection. The pitch of the solenoid 30a formed around the second electrode 120 is close to zero. The increased pitch of the solenoid 30a in the tube section below the discharge region 130 reduces the heat capacity of the conductive solenoid 30a, increases the radiation area of ​​the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20, and improves the heating rate.

[0213] Furthermore, the spiral tube body can be tightly matched or nested with the tube body of the inner tube 10.

[0214] Please refer to FIG. 15 . In some embodiments, one end of the solenoid 30 a fixed between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 of the outer periphery of the inner tube 10 may be exposed outside the outer tube 20 .

[0215] In some embodiments, the conductive wires 330 form a mesh, and the mesh holes of the mesh form the hollow portion 35 .

[0216] In this way, the conductive wires 330 form a mesh to maintain a relatively stable structure, and at the same time, the hollow area of ​​the hollow portion 35 is large, which can effectively reduce the heat capacity.

[0217] Specifically, the conductive member 30 can be a mesh tube formed by interlacing multiple conductive wires 330. The mesh tube can be sleeved outside the inner tube 10 and tightly fit the inner tube 10. The conductive wires 330 can also be arranged in a staggered manner to form a mesh and coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10.

[0218] In some embodiments, the wire material comprising the solenoid 30a or the mesh light is a round wire, a flat ribbon wire, or the like. The cross-sectional thickness of the conductive member 30 is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. Furthermore, the cross-sectional thickness of the conductive member 30 is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the cross-sectional thickness of the conductive member 30 may be 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.1 mm.

[0219] In some embodiments, the conductive member 30 is a coating film coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10. The conductive member 30 is coated on the outer wall of the inner tube 10 and can be in the form of a straight strip, a cylindrical shape, a curved strip, etc., and conducts the circuit along the corresponding track.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 .

[0221] In this way, the first end portion 31 can utilize the axial space of the heating component 100 along the inner tube 10, so that the spacing between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is reasonably arranged, thereby reducing the probability of discharge between the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110 and improving the reliability of normal use of the heating component 100.

[0222] As previously described, in conjunction with Figure 3 , the position where the first electrode 110 protrudes from the inner tube 10 is designated P. The portion of the first end portion 31 extending outside the outer tube 20, where the distance from point P is shortest in the axial direction of the inner tube 10, is designated Q. The conductive member 30 can be bent at point Q of the first end portion 31 and continue to extend radially of the inner tube or in a direction substantially aligned with the inner tube's radial direction, away from the first electrode 110, to connect to the power source 200.

[0223] The first end 31 is connected to the second end 32. The second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the second end 32 and forms a path with the conductive member 30, conducting one pole of the high voltage. P and Q are separated by a predetermined distance and insulated by the inner tube 10. This prevents discharge or even breakdown between P and Q when the conductive member 30 and the first electrode 110 conduct high voltage electricity, thereby ensuring discharge reliability in the discharge area 130.

[0224] Inner tube 10 can be made of a material with high dielectric strength, such as quartz or ceramic. Such materials are also transparent to infrared radiation. The high dielectric strength of inner tube 10 reduces the probability of plasma arc breakdown.

[0225] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 ranges from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 can range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.55 mm to 0.6 mm, etc. For another example, the wall thickness of the inner tube 10 can range from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1.0 mm. In this way, the inner tube 10 can meet certain strength requirements, prevent stress fracture and arc breakdown, and reduce heat capacity, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the heating component 100.

[0226] In some embodiments, a suitable heat capacity can not only improve the heating efficiency during the heating process, but also maintain a suitable cooling rate during the puffing interval to avoid overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 .

[0227] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the inner tube 10 includes a first end face 11 and a second end face 12 opposite to the first end face 11, the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 at the first end face 11, and the first end portion 31 is at least partially located between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12.

[0228] Thus, through the reasonable arrangement of the inner tube 10 , the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30 , the inner tube 10 can isolate and protect the conductive member 30 from the first electrode 110 , thereby reducing the possibility of discharge breakdown between the first end portion 31 and the first end face 11 .

[0229] Specifically, the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 can be annular. The centers of the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are passed through by the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The second electrode 120 can be disposed at the center of the second end face 12. The conductive end 112 can surround the center of the second end face 12 to form a second end portion 32, and the second end portion 32 is electrically connected to the second electrode 120. It should be noted that there are various ways to connect the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 to the second electrode 120. The surrounding method facilitates assembly and improves connection reliability. It is understood that this can also be achieved through crimping, welding, and the like.

[0230] The first electrode 110 can be inserted into the inner tube 10 from the center of the first end surface 11, with the end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10 facing the second electrode 120 and spaced a predetermined distance from the first end surface 11. Alternatively, the end of the first electrode 110 inserted into the inner tube 10 can be spaced the same distance from the first end portion 31 in the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0231] The inner tube 10 encloses at least a portion of the first electrode 110, and the conductive member 30 is attached to the outer wall of the inner tube 10, thereby providing insulation protection between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30. A predetermined distance exists between the end of the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10 at the first end surface 11 and the first end portion 31 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and the inner tube 10 partially covers the interval between the first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31.

[0232] The cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 10 includes, but is not limited to, circular, square, elliptical, etc., and can also be matched with the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110 .

[0233] Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is generally cylindrical. The first electrode 110 may be hollow or solid. The cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110 includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, square, polygonal, and the like.

[0234] For example, the first electrode 110 is in the shape of a solid cylinder and is inserted into the hollow cylindrical inner tube 10, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the structure of the heating module. The first electrode 110 is inserted into the inner tube 10 and is coaxial with the inner tube 10.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 includes a discharge end 111 and a conductive end 112 connected to the discharge end 111. The discharge end 111 is located within the inner tube 10, and the conductive end 112 extends from the first end surface 11 outside the inner tube 10. Therefore, it can be understood that the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10, in this embodiment, can be the position where the conductive end 112 is exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0236] Specifically, the discharge end 111 can be vertically inserted into the hollow space of the inner tube 10, opposite the second electrode 120. The conductive end 112 extends outside the inner tube 10, is connected to the power supply 200, and conducts high voltage to generate plasma between the discharge end 111 and the second electrode 120.

[0237] In the orientation of Figure 3 , the direction from the second end face 12 to the first end face 11 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 can be from top to bottom. In the heating component 100, the second electrode 120, the second end 32 of the conductive member 30, the discharge end 111 of the first electrode 110, the first end 31 of the conductive member 30, and the conductive end 112 of the first electrode 110 are arranged in order from top to bottom along the axial direction of the inner tube 10. The first end face 11 is located below the first end face 31, and the second end face 12 is in close contact with a side surface of the second electrode 120.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is cylindrical, and the diameter of the first electrode 110 ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110 is not limited to a circle, and can be a square, polygonal, elliptical, etc. The diameter of the first electrode 110 is the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the cross section of the first electrode 110.

[0239] This is beneficial for miniaturization of the heating component 100 and can also improve the burning life of the first electrode 110 .

[0240] For example, the first electrode 110 can be a metal wire having a diameter not less than 0.4 mm and not more than 1.0 mm. The diameter of the first electrode 110 can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. For example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 can range from 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm, 0.6 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm to 0.8 mm, etc. For another example, the diameter of the first electrode 110 can be 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1.0 mm.

[0241] It is understood that the discharge between the end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 and the second electrode 120 generates a plasma arc, which must withstand the high temperature of the plasma arc. A larger diameter of the first electrode 110 requires more heat to generate the burn. Therefore, appropriately increasing the diameter of the first electrode 110 can improve the burn-resistant lifespan. Furthermore, the diameter of the first electrode 110 is limited by the inner diameter of the inner tube 10. Due to the need for miniaturization, the diameter of the first electrode 110 does not exceed 1.0 mm.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first electrode 110 is made of a heat-resistant conductive material. Specifically, the first electrode 110 is made of at least one of a nickel-based alloy, an iron-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten. The use of such heat-resistant conductive materials improves the durability of the first electrode 110 under the high temperatures generated by the plasma arc. The material of the first electrode 110 and the material of the second electrode 120 can be the same or different.

[0243] Referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes an insulating member 40 connected to the inner tube 10 , and at least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11 .

[0244] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 is sleeved outside the inner tube 10 and is not in direct contact with the inner tube 10 . At least a portion of the insulating member 40 is located between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11 .

[0245] In this way, the insulating member 40 enhances the insulation strength between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11 , further reducing the possibility of discharge breakdown between the first end portion 31 and the first end surface 11 , thereby improving the insulation and heating reliability of the heating component 100 .

[0246] Specifically, the insulating member 40 can be fixedly connected to the end of the inner tube 10 away from the second electrode 120. The insulating member 40 can be sleeved outside the inner tube 10 to isolate the first end face 11 from the first end portion 31. The insulating member 40 can be a sleeve made of a soft insulating material, such as a rubber sleeve. The insulating member 40 can be a rubber sleeve with an interference fit with the inner tube 10. The insulating member 40 can also be encapsulated with encapsulating glue, encapsulating glass glaze, etc., encapsulated at the end of the inner tube 10 near the first end face 11.

[0247] In some embodiments, the end portion of the inner tube 10 having the first end surface 11 is inserted into the insulating member 40 , and the first electrode 110 is disposed through the insulating member 40 .

[0248] In this way, at the first end face 11, the first electrode 110, the inner tube 10 and the insulating part 40 are nested in sequence, the structure is compact, and it is easy to assemble and produce. In addition, the part of the first electrode 110 at the first end face 11 is wrapped by the insulating part 40, and the P point of the first electrode 110 is not easy to discharge with the Q point of the conductive part 30.

[0249] Specifically, the insulating member 40 can be hollow and tubular, with the wall of the insulating member 40 being thicker than the wall of the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 can sequentially pass through the first end surface 11 of the inner tube 10 and the insulating member 40. The end of the inner tube 10 with the first end surface 11 wraps around the first electrode 110 and is inserted into the insulating member 40 together with the first electrode 110. The first electrode 110 can pass through the first end surface 11, penetrate the insulating member 40 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10, and exit the insulating member 40 from the side of the insulating member 40 facing away from the first end surface 11.

[0250] Please refer to Figures 16 and 17. In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 includes a first insulating portion 41 and a second insulating portion 42 connected to the first insulating portion 41. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second insulating portion 42. The end of the inner tube 10 having the first end face 11 is inserted into the first insulating portion 41, and the first electrode 110 is passed through the second insulating portion 42.

[0251] In this way, the insulating member 40 can wrap and insulate the inner tube 10 and the first electrode 110 to varying degrees, thereby improving structural stability and enhancing insulation protection for the first electrode 110 through the second insulating portion 42 .

[0252] For example, referring to FIG. 17 , a first insulating portion 41 and a second insulating portion 42 are connected. The first insulating portion 41 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder, while the second insulating portion 42 is in the shape of a cube and has a central through-hole 421. The central through-hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42 may be continuous with the hollow portion of the first insulating portion 41.

[0253] 17 , the inner tube 10 wraps the first electrode 110 and is inserted into the first insulating portion 41 . The first electrode 110 extends out of the inner tube 10 from the first end surface 11 in the first insulating portion 41 and is inserted into the through hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42 .

[0254] Continuing to refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the insulating member 40 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 located at the first end surface 11 .

[0255] In this way, the insulating member 40 reduces the probability of discharge breakdown of the first electrode 110 at the first end surface 11 and can further reduce the distance between the end of the first electrode 110 extending out of the inner tube 10 and the first end portion 31 , which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the heating component 100 .

[0256] In related art, the first electrode and the conductive member are connected to the two poles of an external power source, respectively. A large distance must be maintained between the portion of the first electrode extending from the inner tube and the first end of the conductive member to prevent discharge and breakdown between the first electrode and the first end, which could damage the heating element. In the embodiment of the present application, the insulating member 40 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 extending from the inner tube 10, thereby reducing the distance between the end of the first electrode 110 extending from the inner tube 10 and the first end 31.

[0257] Specifically, the second insulating portion 42 covers the portion of the first electrode 110 that extends from the first end surface 11 out of the inner tube 10. The first electrode 110 is sequentially wrapped by the inner tube 10 and the first insulating portion 41 within the first insulating portion 41, and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed outside the inner tube 10 is only wrapped by the second insulating portion 42.

[0258] It can be understood that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first insulating portion 41 is smaller than that of the second insulating portion 42. The thickness of the second insulating portion 42 is greater than that of the first insulating portion 41, thereby enhancing the insulation strength of the second insulating portion 42. The larger cross-sectional area of ​​the second insulating portion 42 can enhance the insulation protection of the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed to the outside of the inner tube 10.

[0259] In some embodiments, the insulating member 40 contacts the first end surface 11 to enhance structural compactness and improve insulation.

[0260] Please refer to Figures 16 and 17 again. In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes a connector 50 connecting the first electrode 110 away from the second electrode 120. The connector 50 is used to electrically connect to the power supply 200. The connector 50 is located on the side of the insulating member 40 away from the first end 31. The insulating member 40 covers the connector 50 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0261] In this way, by connecting the first electrode 110 to the power source 200 via the connector 50 , the distance required for maintaining insulation between the first electrode 110 and the first end portion 31 can be further shortened, thereby making the heating component 100 more compact.

[0262] Specifically, the connector 50 is electrically connected to an end of the first electrode 110 that is distal from the second electrode 120. The connector 50 may be disc-shaped, covering the portion of the first electrode 110 that extends outside the second insulating portion 42. The end of the connector 50 connected to the first electrode 110 may extend into the through-hole 421 of the second insulating portion 42. The insulating member 40 is at least partially located between the connector 50 and the conductive member 30. The second insulating portion 42 may cover the side of the connector 50 that is connected to the first electrode 110.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 abuts against the second end surface 12 .

[0264] In this way, the second electrode 120 can be installed at the end of the inner tube 10 having the second end surface 12 , and the second end surface 12 plays a role in fixing and limiting the second electrode 120 .

[0265] Specifically, the second electrode 120 may cover the entire second end surface 12, sealing the end of the inner tube 10 having the second end surface 12. The side of the second electrode 120 facing the first electrode 110 is in close contact with the second end surface 12. The side of the second electrode 120 facing away from the second end surface 12 is toward the closed end of the outer tube 20.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second electrode 120 is made of a heat-resistant conductive material. Using a heat-resistant conductive material can increase the burn-resistant life of the second electrode 120, thereby improving the discharge reliability of the heating component 100. Exemplarily, the material of the second electrode 120 is at least one of a nickel-based alloy, an iron-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, zirconium, hafnium, and tungsten.

[0267] Referring to Figures 18 and 22, in some embodiments, the second electrode 120 includes a mounting portion 121 and a protrusion 122 formed on the mounting portion 121. The protrusion 122 extends into the inner tube 10 and faces the first electrode 110.

[0268] In this way, the protrusion 122 can guide the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to discharge in the inner tube 10, which is beneficial to the generation of plasma arc.

[0269] Specifically, the mounting portion 121 may be disc-shaped, and the diameter of the mounting portion 121 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner tube 10. The mounting portion 121 abuts against the second end surface 12, and the second end portion 32 of the conductive member 30 surrounds the second electrode 120, so that the second electrode 120 is fixedly mounted on the end of the inner tube 10 having the second end surface 12.

[0270] The protrusion 122 may be spherical or hemispherical and is formed on the side of the mounting portion 121 close to the second end surface 12. The width of the protrusion 122 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner tube 10, and the width gradually decreases as it approaches the second electrode 120 along the axial direction of the inner tube 10.

[0271] As can be understood, the larger radius of curvature of protrusion 122 facilitates the concentration of charge in the conductive medium at locations with larger curvature radii, generating a greater electric field strength and facilitating plasma generation. The rate of change of protrusion 122 along the axial width of inner tube 10 is relatively gradual to avoid excessive charge concentration and ablation caused by excessively sharp protrusions 122.

[0272] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 .

[0273] In this way, the protrusion 122 can guide the arc to discharge at the center point of the first electrode 110, thereby improving the circumferential uniformity of the discharge temperature.

[0274] As previously mentioned, the first electrode 110 is coaxial with the inner tube 10. The discharge region 130 is the area between the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 where a plasma arc is generated. The second electrode 120 directs the discharge via a protrusion 122 directed toward the first electrode 110. The center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The center of the first electrode 110 is also located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, increasing the probability that the center of the discharge region 130 will be located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10.

[0275] In some embodiments, the end surface of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 is slightly protruding, has a relatively blunt arc shape, and a smooth surface. The vertex of the protrusion of the first electrode 110 end surface can be located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, opposite the protrusion 122 of the second electrode 120.

[0276] In some embodiments, the end of the first electrode 110 extending into the inner tube 10 has a flat end surface, the center of which is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 and facing the apex of the protrusion 122 .

[0277] Continuing to refer to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, the outer tube 20 includes a tapered end portion 21 , and the second electrode 120 is disposed at one end of the inner tube 10 and abuts against the inner wall surface of the tapered end portion 21 .

[0278] One end of the outer tube 20, which has a tapered end 21, is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The second electrode 120 has a protrusion 122 at its center, which extends into the inner tube 10. The center of the protrusion 122 is located on the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. The outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 are generally coaxial. The side of the mounting portion 121 facing away from the second end surface 12 abuts against the inner wall of the tapered end 21.

[0279] In this way, the second electrode 120 abuts against the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 to achieve automatic centering and alignment, which is convenient for assembly and is conducive to uniform heat transfer to the circumference of the outer tube 20.

[0280] Please refer to FIG. 17 again. The position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 can be indicated by P, and the position where the first end portion 31 is closest to point P can be indicated by Q.

[0281] In some embodiments, along the axial direction of the inner tube 10 , a distance between the first end portion 31 and a position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0282] In this way, the arc breakdown from the first end 31 can be reduced. At the same time, the axial distance between the position where the first electrode 110 extends out of the inner tube 10 and the first end 31 can be reduced, thereby reducing the axial length of the heating component 100 in the inner tube 10 and saving costs.

[0283] Illustratively, the PQ segment is aligned with the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10. It should be understood that the length of the PQ segment is the minimum distance between the first end 31 and the location where the first electrode 110 is exposed outside the inner tube 10. The length of the PQ segment is no less than 2 mm. The length of the PQ segment can be 2.1 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, etc. The distance between other locations on the conductive member 30 and the portion of the first electrode 110 exposed outside the inner tube is greater than the length of the PQ segment.

[0284] It should be noted that the line segment PQ is in the same direction as the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10, which does not limit the two to be parallel. They can be roughly parallel, or the angle between the line segment PQ and the central axis 1011 of the inner tube 10 is less than or equal to 60°, or less than or equal to 30°.

[0285] In some embodiments, the shortest distance between the conductive member 30 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0286] As mentioned above, maintaining the distance between the conductive member 30 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 can prevent breakdown outside the discharge region 130 and cause failure of the heating component 100.

[0287] Specifically, the second end 32 of the conductive member 30 is fixed to the first end face 11 of the inner tube 10 and extends along the outer wall of the inner tube 10 from the second end face 12 toward the first end face 11. The end of the conductive member 30 closest to the second end face 12 and the location where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is the first end 31. In other words, the distance between the conductive member 30 and any location on the connection wire 33 other than the first end 31 and the location where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 is greater than the distance between the first end 31 and the location where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0288] Furthermore, the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 has a critical value of 2 mm. If the distance between the first end portion 31 and the position where the first electrode 110 is exposed from the inner tube 10 exceeds the critical value of 2 mm, when high voltage is conducted between the first electrode 110 and the conductive member 30, breakdown is likely to occur in the area between the first end portion 31 and the first electrode 110 exposed from the inner tube 10.

[0289] Please refer to Figures 18 and 19. In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes an infrared radiation film 60. The infrared radiation film 60 is disposed on the inner tube 10, the outer tube 20 and / or the conductive member 30.

[0290] In this way, the ability of the heating component 100 to heat through infrared radiation can be enhanced, further improving the utilization rate of the plasma arc heat.

[0291] Specifically, the infrared radiation film 60 may be a coating attached to the inner or outer wall of the inner tube 10, outer tube 20 and / or conductive member 30. The coating material of the infrared radiation film 60 may be a metal oxide, silicon or other material that can specifically absorb infrared radiation.

[0292] 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), dolmanite, transition metal oxide spinel, rare earth oxide, ion-co-doped calcium ore, silicon carbide, zircon, boron nitride, etc. Exemplarily, the infrared radiation film 60 is coated on the outer wall surfaces of the outer tube 20 and the conductive member 30, as well as the outer wall surface of the inner tube 10 not covered by the conductive member 30.

[0293] Please refer to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 again. In some embodiments, a thermal insulation gap 1002 is formed between the inner tube 10 and the conductive member 30 and the inner wall surface of the outer tube 20 .

[0294] Thus, the provision of the thermal insulation gap 1002 can increase the temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the center of the discharge area 130, thereby preventing the outer tube 20 from overheating for a long time, thereby increasing the radiation temperature in the center of the discharge area 130 and improving the energy of infrared radiation.

[0295] Specifically, the high temperature of the plasma arc in the center of the discharge region 130 can exceed 2000° C., and the stable temperature is 1000° C. to 1600° C. The heat of the discharge region 130 is radiated to the aerosol-forming substrate 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 in the form of infrared radiation.

[0296] A temperature of approximately 350°C on the outer tube 20 effectively heats the aerosol-forming substrate 300. A thermal insulation gap 1002 is provided between the outer tube 20, the inner tube 10, and the conductive element 30, isolating the outer tube 20 from the discharge region 130. This prevents heat from concentrating in the outer tube 20 and causing prolonged overheating. The thermal insulation gap 1002 isolates the outer tube 20 from the inner tube 10 and the conductive element 30, increasing the temperature difference between the outer tube 20 and the discharge region 130. While the temperature of the outer tube 20 does not exceed 350°C, the temperature of the discharge region 130 can be relatively high, significantly reducing preheating time. The energy of infrared radiation is proportional to temperature to the fourth power: the higher the temperature at the center of the discharge region 130, the greater the energy radiated to the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0297] In some embodiments, the width of the insulation gap 1002 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0298] In this way, the outer tube 20 can be prevented from being overheated for a long time, while keeping the structure of the heating component 100 relatively compact and miniaturized.

[0299] Exemplarily, the width of the thermal insulation gap 1002 ranges from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm, 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.07 mm to 0.25 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, etc. For example, the width of the thermal insulation gap 1002 is 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.16 mm, 0.17 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.28 mm, 0.3 mm, etc. Specifically, the thermal insulation gap 1002 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 can be uneven. The outer wall of the inner tube 10 is partially covered by the conductive member 30, and the portion of the inner tube 10 covered by the conductive member 30 has a smaller thermal insulation gap 1002 than the portion of the inner tube 10 facing the outer tube 20.

[0300] The heat insulation gap 1002 between the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20 has a uniform width, which can improve the coaxiality of the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 and improve the circumferential temperature uniformity of the discharge region 130 .

[0301] Please refer to Figures 16 and 17. In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes an elastic member 70. The elastic member 70 is sleeved outside the end of the outer tube 20 away from the second electrode 120. The inner tube 10 passes through the elastic member 70.

[0302] In this way, the elastic member 70 can securely position the inner tube 10, the conductive member 30, and the outer tube 20, improving the mechanical impact resistance of the heating assembly 100. It also ensures a high degree of coaxiality between the discharge heating center within the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20, thereby improving the temperature uniformity around the needle body. Furthermore, the elastic member 70 can seal the open end 22, reducing the risk of discharge odor.

[0303] In some embodiments, the elastic member 70 is elastic. The elastic member 70 wraps around the outer tube 20, the conductive member 30, and the inner tube 10, forming an interference fit. The elastic member 70 covers the open end 22 of the outer tube 20, as well as the inner tube 10 and the first end 31 extending therefrom. The elastic member 70 maintains a certain distance from the arc. In some embodiments, the distance between the upper end of the elastic member 70 and the lower end of the discharge region 130 is 4 mm to 10 mm to prevent the elastic member 70 from melting due to heat. For example, the distance between the upper end of the elastic member 70 and the lower end of the discharge region 130 is 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm.

[0304] The elastic member 70 can be supported by a relatively dense elastic material. For example, a sleeve made of rubber material can be used as the elastic member 70.

[0305] Please refer to Figures 20 to 22. In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes a temperature measuring component 80 connected to the outer tube 20. The temperature measuring component 80 is used to at least detect the temperature of the outer tube 20.

[0306] In this way, by detecting the temperature of the outer tube 20 through the temperature measuring assembly 80 , the heating temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate 300 can be controlled more accurately.

[0307] Specifically, depending on the type of the aerosol-forming matrix 300, a good heating atomization effect can be achieved by stabilizing the temperature of the outer tube 20 at 200°C to 350°C. If the temperature of the outer tube 20 exceeds 350°C for a long time, the aerosol-forming matrix 300 may easily become gelatinized or carbonized.

[0308] Please refer to Figure 1. In some embodiments, the temperature measuring component 80 is connected to the control center 400. The temperature measuring component 80 transmits the detected temperature data to the control center 400, and adjusts the voltage or output power of the external power supply 200 when the temperature is too high or insufficient to control the voltage between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to adjust the heating temperature.

[0309] In some embodiments, the temperature measuring component 80 includes a temperature sensing portion 81 and a temperature measuring wire 83 electrically connected to the temperature sensing portion 81. The temperature measuring component 80 can be arranged on the outer wall of the outer tube 20 to detect the outer surface temperature of the outer tube 20. The temperature measuring component 80 can also be arranged between the inner wall of the outer tube and the inner tube. The temperature sensing portion 81 can be a temperature sensing film 84 attached to the outer wall of the outer tube 20. The temperature sensing wire 83 maintains a certain insulation distance from the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to avoid inaccurate temperature measurement due to high-voltage crosstalk. The temperature sensing film 84 can form a predetermined temperature measurement pattern on the outer wall surface of the outer tube 20. For example, the temperature sensing film 84 extends along the circumference of the outer tube 20 to form a closed circular ring.

[0310] In some embodiments, the temperature measuring assembly includes a temperature measuring probe disposed on the outer wall of the outer tube 20. The axial position of the temperature measuring probe on the outer tube 20 is lower than the discharge region 130.

[0311] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing portion 81 is a thermocouple or a temperature measuring resistor that is closely attached to or close to the outer wall of the outer tube 20 .

[0312] In some embodiments, the temperature sensing portion 81 is a thermocouple or a temperature measuring resistor disposed between the outer tube 20 and the inner tube 10 .

[0313] Please refer to FIG. 20 . In some embodiments, the heating component 100 includes a base 90 , and the inner tube 10 is mounted on the base 90 .

[0314] In this way, the base 90 can install and fix the tubular elements in the heating component 100 to enhance the structural stability.

[0315] Specifically, the portion of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 300. The height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 to 20 mm. For example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 mm to 18 mm, 15 mm to 19 mm, 16 mm to 17 mm, etc. For another example, the height of the outer tube 20 exposed from the base 90 ranges from 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 18 mm, and 20 mm.

[0316] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 21 and 22 , the base 90 may include a first bracket 91, a second bracket 92, and a housing 93. The first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 engage with each other, and the housing 93 covers the outside of the first and second brackets 91 and 92. The first and second brackets 91 and 92 align with the outer diameter of the insulating member 40, securing the insulating member 40 between the first and second brackets 91 and 92. This ensures that the portion of the first electrode 110 encased in the insulating member 40 that is exposed outside the inner tube 10 and the end of the inner tube 10 that includes the first end face 11 are secured within the base 90. The first and second brackets 91 and 92 align with the outer diameter of the elastic member 70, securing the end of the outer tube 20 that is adjacent to the first end face 11 and the end of the conductive member 30 that includes the first end portion 31 are secured within the base 90. A wire outlet 903 is defined in the housing 93. Referring to Figure 1 , the connection wire 33 can extend from the outlet 903 to the outside of the base 90 for connection to the power supply 200, and the temperature measurement wire 83 can also be connected to the control center 400 through the outlet 903.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first bracket 91 and the second bracket 92 may overlap each other.

[0318] Referring to FIG. 1 , an aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a heating component 100 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0319] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a power supply 200, a control center 400, and a cover 500. The power supply 200 includes a battery 210 and a transformer 220. The transformer 220 is a step-up transformer. Referring to FIG21 , the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are respectively connected to the two output terminals of the transformer 220, conducting high-voltage alternating current, forming a high-intensity electric field in the inner tube 10, thereby generating plasma, generating high temperature and heat. The heating component 100 is connected to the cover 500, and the outer tube 20 is inserted into the aerosol-forming matrix 300. Heat is transferred to the aerosol-forming matrix 300 through the inner tube 10 and the outer tube 20. The aerosol-forming matrix 300 absorbs the heat and atomizes to form an aerosol.

[0320] Please refer to Figure 23. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a battery 210, a rectifier circuit 430 electrically connected to the battery 210, and a switching switch 440. The rectifier circuit 430 forms a positive electrode and a negative electrode of direct current. The switching switch 440 connects the positive electrode and the negative electrode of direct current. The switching switch 440 can be switched to different states so that the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of direct current, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of direct current.

[0321] In this way, by switching the switch 440, the heating component 100 can be controlled to obtain a temperature field with high temperature at the top and low temperature at the bottom in the first stage of heating, and a temperature field with low temperature at the bottom and high temperature at the top in the second stage of heating, thereby adjusting the atomization rate of the aerosol-forming matrix 300 located at different axial positions of the outer tube 20.

[0322] Specifically, the control center 400 includes a PCBA board, which is connected to the battery 210 and the transformer 220. The primary side of the transformer 220 is connected to the PCBA board, and the secondary side is connected to the rectifier circuit 430. The output voltage of the secondary side is higher than the input voltage of the primary side. The output voltage of the secondary side of the transformer 220 is AC. The rectifier circuit 430 converts the output voltage of the transformer 220 into DC and forms a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A switch 440 can be provided between the rectifier circuit 430 and the heating component 100. The switch 440 can be a high-voltage switch 440, which is driven by an electric or electromagnetic control switch.

[0323] In this embodiment, a direct current (DC) discharge is used to generate plasma between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. In the first stage, the switch 440 is closed between the first electrode 110 and the positive DC lead, and between the second electrode 120 and the negative DC lead. The first electrode 110 is connected to the positive AC lead, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the negative AC lead. The heating temperature at the second electrode 120, i.e., the upper end of the outer tube 20, is higher. In the second stage, the switch 440 is closed between the first electrode 110 and the negative DC lead, and between the second electrode 120 and the negative DC lead. The first electrode 110 is connected to the negative AC lead, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the positive AC lead. The heating temperature at the second electrode 120, i.e., the upper end of the outer tube 20, is lower. It should be noted that during the switching process, discharge between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 is stopped to prevent arcing and burnout of the switch 440.

[0324] Referring to FIG. 24 , in some embodiments, an aerosol generating device 1000 includes a battery 210, a transformer 220, a rectifier circuit 430, and a switch 440. The transformer 220 is configured to generate alternating current (AC). The rectifier circuit 430 has a positive electrode and a negative electrode for direct current (DC). The first electrode 110 is electrically connected to one of the positive and negative electrodes of the DC, and the second electrode 120 is electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the DC. The switch 440 is disposed between the rectifier circuit 430 and the transformer 220. The switch 440 can be switched to different states, enabling electrical connection between the transformer 220 and the rectifier circuit 430 to apply DC to the first and second electrodes 110, 120, or enabling electrical connection between the transformer 220 and the first and second electrodes 110, 120 to apply AC to the first and second electrodes 110, 120.

[0325] Thus, by placing the switch 440 between the rectifier circuit 430 and the transformer 220, the heating assembly 100 can be controlled to use direct current for heating in the first stage and alternating current for heating in the second stage, thereby improving the uniformity of heating different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate 300. Using alternating current for heating in the subsequent heating stage can also reduce energy loss in the rectifier circuit 430.

[0326] Specifically, the first electrode 110 is connected to the positive output terminal of the rectifier circuit 430, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the negative output terminal of the rectifier circuit 430. There can be two switches 440, each connected to the two output terminals of the transformer 220.

[0327] In the first stage, both switches 440 are closed in the loop between the rectifier circuit 430 and the transformer 220, allowing high-voltage DC power to flow through the first and second electrodes 110 and 120. The heating element 100 generates plasma through DC discharge, and the heating temperature at the second electrode 120, i.e., the upper end of the outer tube 20, is higher.

[0328] In the second stage, one of the switches 440 can be switched to close between the first electrode 110 and one output terminal of the transformer 220, while the other switch can be switched to close between the second electrode 120 and the other output terminal of the transformer 220. AC discharge generates plasma between the first and second electrodes 110, 120, resulting in a relatively uniform temperature distribution along the axial direction of the outer tube 20. In this embodiment, the loop containing the first and second electrodes 110, 120 and the rectifier circuit 430 is not conductive in the subsequent stages, thereby reducing rectification losses.

[0329] In some embodiments, the switching process of controlling the polarity switching of DC discharge or DC / AC discharge heating, that is, the switching process of the first stage and the second stage, can have multiple cycles and can be controlled by time-division programming to achieve richer temperature field regulation.

[0330] Referring to FIG. 25 , the control method according to the embodiment of the present application is applied to the heating component 100 and includes the following steps:

[0331] S10, in the initial stage of heating of the heating component 100, the first electrode 110 of the heating component 100 is controlled to be connected to the positive pole of direct current, and the second electrode 120 of the heating component 100 is connected to the negative pole of direct current, so that plasma is generated between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 when power is applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, wherein the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 of the heating component 100.

[0332] In this way, the first electrode 110 is controlled to be connected to the positive pole of direct current, and the second electrode 120 is connected to the negative pole of direct current. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer tube 20 of the heating component 100. A differentially distributed temperature field can be obtained in the initial stage, thereby controlling the aerosol-forming matrix 300 near the second electrode 120 to be quickly atomized in the initial stage.

[0333] Specifically, the second electrode 120 can be arranged above the first electrode 110. In step S10, a temperature field with high temperature at the top and low temperature at the bottom can be formed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 along the axis of the outer tube 20. The aerosol-forming matrix 300 at the upper end of the outer tube 20 is heated to a high temperature and can be quickly atomized to form an aerosol.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 25 , in some embodiments, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0335] S201 , in a subsequent stage of heating of the heating component 100 , controlling the first electrode 110 to be connected to the negative pole of the direct current and the second electrode 120 to be connected to the positive pole of the direct current, the subsequent stage being after the initial stage.

[0336] Referring to FIG. 26 , in certain embodiments, the control method further includes the following steps:

[0337] S202 , in a subsequent stage of heating of the heating component 100 , controlling the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to be connected to alternating current, the subsequent stage being after the initial stage.

[0338] Thus, in the subsequent heating stage, by controlling the first electrode 110 to be connected to the negative pole of direct current and the second electrode 120 to be connected to the positive pole of direct current, a temperature field with a higher temperature at the bottom and a lower temperature at the top can be obtained, thereby increasing the heating and atomization rate of the lower aerosol-forming substrate 300. In the subsequent heating stage, by controlling the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 to be connected to alternating current, a relatively uniform heating temperature field can be obtained, thereby improving the heating uniformity of the aerosol-forming substrate 300.

[0339] Specifically, step S201 can be executed after step S10, and step S10 and step S201 can be executed in a loop. Step S202 can also be executed after step S10, and step S201 and step S202 will not be executed at the same time. In some embodiments, step S10 and one of step S201 and step S202 can form a heating cycle. The heating cycle of step S10 and step S201 can be followed by the heating cycle of step S10 and step S202, and the obtained temperature field can change periodically. The execution order of the control method of the present application may not be limited to the cycle specifically described in the above embodiment.

[0340] In the description of this specification, the descriptions with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "certain embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments or examples are 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. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purpose of the present application, and 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, at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode are arranged in the outer tube, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged with an interval along the axial direction of the outer tube, one of the first electrode and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the positive electrode of direct current, and the other electrode can be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the direct current, and plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized.

2. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer tube includes an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the first electrode is passed through the open end, and the second electrode is arranged closer to the closed end relative to the first electrode. In the first stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode can be connected to the positive pole of the direct current, and the second electrode can be connected to the negative pole of the direct current.

3. The heating component according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the second stage of the heating component generating heat, the first electrode can be connected to the negative pole of the direct current, and the second electrode can be connected to the positive pole of the direct current, and the second stage is different from the first stage.

4. The heating component according to claim 2, characterized in that: In a second stage of heating of the heating component, both the first electrode and the second electrode can be connected to alternating current, and the second stage is different from the first stage.

5. The heating component according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first stage is an initial stage, and the second stage is a subsequent stage, and the subsequent stage is after the initial stage.

6. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component further includes an inner tube, the outer tube is sleeved outside the inner tube, the first electrode is at least partially disposed in the inner tube, and at least a portion of the second electrode is disposed at one end of the inner tube.

7. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: It comprises the heating component described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The aerosol generating device includes a battery, a rectifier circuit electrically connected to the battery, and a switching switch, wherein the rectifier circuit forms a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the direct current, the switching switch connects the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current, and the switching switch can be switched to different states so that the first electrode is electrically connected to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current, and the second electrode is connected to the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The aerosol generating device includes a battery, a transformer, a rectifier circuit and a switch, wherein the transformer is used to generate alternating current, the rectifier circuit is formed with a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the direct current, the first electrode is electrically connected to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current, and the second electrode is connected to the other of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the direct current; The switching switch is arranged between the rectifier circuit and the transformer, and the switching switch can be switched to different states to make the transformer conductive with the rectifier circuit so as to apply the direct current to the first electrode and the second electrode, or to make the transformer conductive with the first electrode and the second electrode so as to apply alternating current to the first electrode and the second electrode.

10. A control method for a heating component, characterized in that: The control method comprises: In the initial stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode of the heating component is controlled to be connected to the positive pole of direct current, and the second electrode of the heating component is controlled to be connected to the negative pole of the direct current, so that plasma is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are energized, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the outer tube of the heating component.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: In a subsequent stage of heating of the heating component, the first electrode is controlled to be connected to the negative pole of the direct current, and the second electrode is controlled to be connected to the positive pole of the direct current, and the subsequent stage is after the initial stage. Alternatively, in a subsequent stage of heating of the heating component, both the first electrode and the second electrode are controlled to be connected to the alternating current, and the subsequent stage is after the initial stage.

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