Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing assembly and a heating unit. The housing assembly is provided with a mounting space. The heating unit is at least partially disposed in the mounting space and defines at least a portion of an accommodating cavity for accommodating an aerosol generating product. In a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the cross section of the accommodating cavity has a larger dimension in a first direction than in a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction.

Description

Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system

[0001] This disclosure is based on and claims the priority of Chinese patent application with application number 202311862572.6 and application date December 29, 2023. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby incorporated into this disclosure as a reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of atomization technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system. Background Art

[0003] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the embodiments set forth in this disclosure. No admission is made that the description herein is prior art by virtue of its inclusion in this section.

[0004] An aerosol generating device is an electronic transmission system that controls the working state and aerosol output through control circuits and heating elements for user use.

[0005] Existing aerosol media (such as cigarette media) and heating element components for heating are usually cylindrical, and the heat transfer path is longer at the center of the cylindrical aerosol medium. At the same time, due to the extremely large thermal resistance of the aerosol medium, it is easy to cause insufficient heating of the part near the center of the aerosol medium, which wastes the aerosol medium. If the heating time is extended or the heating power is increased, the aerosol medium on the periphery will easily burn due to repeated heating or excessive temperature, which reduces the user experience. At the same time, since the aerosol medium and the heating element component are cylindrical, the structure of the aerosol generating device will be larger. If the diameter of the aerosol medium is reduced, then in order to meet the requirement that the aerosol medium has enough puffs and sufficient release of effective ingredients, the length of the aerosol medium must be lengthened, which will result in a longer aerosol generating device and a poor user experience.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure hope to provide a miniaturized aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system that can improve the atomization effect.

[0008] To this end, one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0009] The housing assembly is provided with an installation space;

[0010] a heating unit, at least partially disposed within the mounting space and defining a receiving cavity at least partially for receiving the aerosol-generating article;

[0011] In a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, a cross section of the accommodating cavity has a dimension along a first direction greater than a dimension along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, a ratio of a cross-sectional dimension of the accommodating cavity along the first direction to a cross-sectional dimension along the second direction ranges from 1.2 to 11.

[0013] In some embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, a ratio of a cross-sectional dimension of the accommodating cavity along the first direction to a cross-sectional dimension along the second direction ranges from 1.8 to 2.3.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the accommodating cavity is rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, or racetrack-shaped.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heating unit includes a connecting member and a heating member fixed to the connecting member, the connecting member is connected to the shell assembly, and the heating member is located in the installation space and is used to heat the atomized aerosol generating product to generate aerosol.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heating element is tubular, and in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the cross section of the heating element is rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal or racetrack-shaped.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shell assembly includes a shell body and an air outlet unit connected to the shell body, the shell body is provided with the installation space and an opening connected to the installation space, the air outlet unit is arranged at the opening and defines the accommodating cavity with the heating unit, and the air outlet unit is also formed with an air outlet channel connected to the accommodating cavity.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating unit is provided with a first receiving groove, and the air outlet unit is provided with a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove together constitute the receiving cavity. One end of the aerosol generating product is inserted into the first receiving groove, and the other end of the aerosol generating product is inserted into the second receiving groove.

[0019] In some embodiments, a groove wall of the second receiving groove is provided with ribs for interference fitting the air outlet unit and the aerosol generating article.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving tank, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel gradually increases along the flow direction of the airflow.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air outlet unit is provided with an air supply channel, one end of which passes through the outer wall of the air outlet unit, and the other end is connected to an end of the second containing tank close to the air outlet channel and is connected to the air outlet channel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second receiving groove includes a connected connecting section and a contraction section, the connecting section is used to accommodate the aerosol generating product, the contraction section is connected to the air outlet channel, and the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the contraction section gradually decreases along the flow direction of the airflow.

[0023] In some embodiments, the air outlet unit is provided with an air supplement channel, one end of the air supplement channel passes through the outer wall of the air outlet unit, and the other end is connected to the contraction section.

[0024] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is provided with an air inlet channel, the housing assembly is provided with a first sub-air channel constituting at least a portion of the air inlet channel, and the accommodating cavity is connected to the outside through the first sub-air channel.

[0025] In some embodiments, the shell body is formed with the first sub-air channel; and / or the air outlet unit is formed with the first sub-air channel; and / or the first sub-air channel is defined between the shell body and the air outlet unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heating unit is provided with a first accommodating groove, and the first accommodating groove at least constitutes a part of the accommodating cavity;

[0027] The air inlet channel further includes a second sub-air channel, which is defined between a groove wall of the first receiving groove and the aerosol generating article received in the first receiving groove, and the second sub-air channel is communicated with the first sub-air channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second sub-air channel includes a first air inlet section and a second air inlet section that are interconnected, the first air inlet section being located on the peripheral side of the aerosol generating product contained in the first containing tank, and the second air inlet section being located at an end of the aerosol generating product contained in the first containing tank away from the air outlet unit.

[0029] In some embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, a cross-sectional shape of the air outlet unit matches a cross-sectional shape of the opening.

[0030] In some embodiments, the air outlet unit is snap-fitted to the shell body.

[0031] In some embodiments, the air outlet unit is provided with an air supplement channel, one end of the air supplement channel passes through the outer wall of the air outlet unit, and the other end passes through the air outlet channel and / or the side wall of the second containing tank.

[0032] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating system, comprising an aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device described above, wherein the aerosol generating article is arranged in the containing cavity, and in a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating article is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the containing cavity.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing assembly includes a housing body and an air outlet unit connected to the housing body, the housing body being provided with the installation space and an opening communicating with the installation space, the air outlet unit being provided at the opening and defining at least a portion of the accommodating cavity, and the air outlet unit further forming an air outlet channel communicating with the accommodating cavity;

[0034] The aerosol generating article extends out of the shell body, or the aerosol generating article is located in the shell body, or the end surface of the aerosol generating article close to one end of the air outlet unit is flush with the end surface of the shell body.

[0035] The aerosol generating device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a shell assembly and a heating unit. The heating unit is at least partially arranged in the installation space of the shell assembly and defines at least a portion of a receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol generating product. The heating unit heats and atomizes the aerosol generating product to generate an aerosol. In a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, by setting the cross-sectional dimension of the receiving cavity along the first direction to be larger than the dimension along the second direction, that is, the receiving cavity is flat, under the premise of a certain cross-sectional area, the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of the present disclosure reduces the dimension of the receiving cavity along the second direction to a certain extent compared to the receiving cavity with a circular cross section. This is conducive to miniaturization of the aerosol generating device and improves the user experience. In addition, during the heating process of the flat receiving cavity, the minimum distance between the heating unit and the center of the aerosol generating product is smaller, shortening the heat transfer path, facilitating rapid, efficient and uniform heating, improving heating performance, and thus improving the atomization effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol generating device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG1 from a first viewing angle;

[0038] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2;

[0039] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG3 with the aerosol generating article omitted;

[0040] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG1 from a second viewing angle;

[0041] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of an air outlet unit in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an aerosol generating device in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an aerosol generating device in another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other, and the detailed description in the specific implementation methods should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an improper limitation on the present disclosure.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "first direction," "second direction," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in FIG2 and FIG5 . These orientation terms are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure and to simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating system, as shown in Figures 1 to 8 , comprising an aerosol-generating article 200 and an aerosol-generating device 100 according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. The aerosol-generating article 200 is disposed within the receiving cavity 100a of the aerosol-generating device 100. In a cross-section perpendicular to the height of the aerosol-generating device 100, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating article 200 matches the cross-sectional shape of the receiving cavity 100a.

[0047] The aerosol-generating article 200 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 100 a , and the heating unit 20 is used to heat the aerosol-generating article 200 to generate aerosol.

[0048] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the aerosol generating article 200 is in a solid form.

[0049] The structure of the aerosol-generating article 200 is not limited. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 200 may include a functional segment and an aerosol-generating substrate, with the functional segment disposed at one end of the aerosol-generating substrate along its length. It should be noted that the aerosol-generating article 200 relies on the aerosol-generating substrate to generate aerosol, and the functional segment does not generate aerosol.

[0050] The functional section may include a cooling section for cooling the aerosol to reduce its temperature and alleviate the "burning mouth" phenomenon when the user inhales the aerosol. The functional section may also include a support section, which has a certain structural strength and serves to limit the axial position of the aerosol-generating matrix. The functional section may also include a filtering section for filtering the aerosol.

[0051] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 200 does not include a functional segment.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article 200 may further include an outer wrapping layer that wraps around the functional segment and the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be devoid of an outer wrapping layer. Specifically, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article 200 without an outer wrapping layer is used as an example.

[0053] The material of the aerosol-generating substrate is not limited. For example, the aerosol-generating article 200 includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceuticals, nicotine-containing materials, or nicotine-free materials. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a tobacco material. In one example, the aerosol-generating substrate is provided with macroscopic internal airflow channels 200a. The aerosol-generating substrate may be manufactured by extrusion, die-casting, or other methods, and the internal airflow channels 200a may be directly formed by extrusion, die-casting, or other methods. Of course, the aerosol-generating substrate may also have microscopic vents, which are not limited here.

[0054] The aerosol generating product 200 includes, but is not limited to, materials used for medical treatment, health preservation, wellness, beauty, and the like.

[0055] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device 100, as shown in Figures 1 to 7 , comprising a housing assembly 10 and a heating unit 20. The housing assembly 10 is provided with an installation space 11a. The heating unit 20 is at least partially disposed within the installation space 11a and defines at least a portion of a receiving cavity 100a for receiving an aerosol-generating article 200. In a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol-generating device 100, the cross-section of the receiving cavity 100a is greater along a first direction than along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction.

[0056] The heating unit 20 is at least partially disposed in the installation space 11 a means that the heating unit 20 may be partially disposed in the installation space 11 a or may be entirely disposed in the installation space 11 a .

[0057] The heating unit 20 defines at least a portion of the accommodating cavity 100a for accommodating the aerosol-generating article 200 , which means that the heating unit 20 may define a portion of the accommodating cavity 100a or the entire accommodating cavity 100a .

[0058] The heating unit 20 defines at least a portion of the accommodating cavity 100a for accommodating the aerosol-generating article 200. The heating unit 20 heats the aerosol-generating article 200 to generate an aerosol. That is, the aerosol-generating article 200 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is circumferentially heated, i.e., the heating unit 20 heats the aerosol-generating article 200 circumferentially.

[0059] In the cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device 100, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating product 200 is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the accommodating cavity 100a, which is beneficial to the assembly of the aerosol generating product 200, the miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100 and the improvement of heating efficiency.

[0060] Please refer to Figures 5, 7 and 8. In the cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device 100, the cross-section size of the accommodating cavity 100a along the first direction is larger than the size along the second direction, that is, the accommodating cavity 100a is a flat cavity, and the corresponding aerosol generating product 200 is also flat.

[0061] The first direction is, for example, the length direction of the aerosol generating device 100 , and the second direction is, for example, the width direction of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0062] The shape of the receiving cavity 100 a with a flat cross section is various. For example, the cross section of the receiving cavity 100 a is rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, or racetrack-shaped.

[0063] Among them, the runway shape refers to a shape similar to an athletics track, which is formed by alternating two semicircles or arcs with the same radius and two parallel straight sides.

[0064] When the cross-sectional shape of the accommodating cavity 100a is a rectangle, the accommodating cavity 100a may be smoothly connected by arcs at the top corners, or may not be smoothly connected by arcs.

[0065] When the cross-sectional shape of the accommodation cavity 100 a is a trapezoid, the accommodation cavity 100 a may be smoothly connected by arcs at the top corners, or may not be smoothly connected by arcs.

[0066] The aerosol-generating article 200 having a flat cross-sectional shape may have various shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating article 200 is rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, or racetrack-shaped.

[0067] When the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating article 200 is rectangular, the corners of the aerosol-generating article 200 may be smoothly connected by arcs or not.

[0068] In a specific embodiment, by setting the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating article 200 and the accommodating cavity 100a to be rectangular or runway-shaped, the structure of the heating unit 20 is optimized to achieve a lighter and thinner aerosol generating device 100, achieving a thickness (the dimension of the aerosol generating device 100 along the second direction) of 8 mm to 12 mm, for example, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm or 12 mm, etc.

[0069] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a power supply device, which is electrically connected to the heating unit 20 .

[0070] The power supply device is mainly used to supply power to the heating unit 20 and control operations such as opening or closing of the entire aerosol generating device 100 .

[0071] It should be noted that the specific type of the aerosol generating device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 can be a medical atomization device, an air humidifier, or an atomization device such as an electronic cigarette.

[0072] The housing assembly 10 can be understood as the main body of the aerosol generating device 100 , and the housing assembly 10 constitutes a general frame of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0073] At least a portion of the housing assembly 10 may serve as the exterior appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 , and the installation space 11 a may facilitate the placement of the heating unit 20 .

[0074] The aerosol generating device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing assembly 10 and a heating unit 20. The heating unit 20 is at least partially disposed within the mounting space 11a of the housing assembly 10 and defines, together with the housing assembly 10, a housing cavity 100a for accommodating an aerosol-generating article 200. The heating unit 20 heats and atomizes the aerosol-generating article 200 to generate an aerosol. In a cross-section perpendicular to the height of the aerosol generating device 100, the cross-sectional dimension of the housing cavity 100a along a first direction is set to be greater than the dimension along a second direction, i.e., the housing cavity 100a is flat. Given a given cross-sectional area, the aerosol generating device 100 of the present disclosure embodiment reduces the dimension of the housing cavity 100a along the second direction to a certain extent compared to a housing cavity 100a with a circular cross-section. This facilitates miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100 and enhances the user experience. In addition, during the heating process of the flat accommodating cavity 100a, the minimum distance between the heating unit 20 and the center of the aerosol generating product 200 is smaller, which shortens the heat transfer path, facilitates rapid, efficient and uniform heating, improves the heating performance, and thus improves the atomization effect.

[0075] In some embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device 100, the ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of the accommodating cavity 100a along the first direction to the cross-sectional dimension along the second direction ranges from 1.2 to 11. For example, the ratio is 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.8, 5.0, 5.3, 6.0, 6.4, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.7, 9.0, 9.8, 10.0, 10.6, or 11.0, etc.

[0076] By setting the ratio range of the size of the cross section of the accommodating cavity 100a along the first direction to the size along the second direction to 1.2-11, it is beneficial to achieve the miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100 while shortening the heat transfer path, which is beneficial to rapid, efficient and uniform heating, improving the heating performance, and thus improving the atomization effect.

[0077] In some embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device 100 , the ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of the accommodating cavity 100 a along the first direction to the cross-sectional dimension along the second direction ranges from 1.8 to 2.3, for example, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, or 2.3.

[0078] By setting the ratio of the cross-sectional dimension of the accommodating cavity 100a along the first direction to the cross-sectional dimension along the second direction to be in the range of 1.8-2.3, it is further beneficial to achieve the miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100 while further improving the heating performance, thereby improving the atomization effect.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 to 7 , the heating unit 20 includes a connector 21 and a heating element 22 fixed to the connector 21. The connector 21 is connected to the housing assembly 10. The heating element 22 is located in the installation space 11a and is used to heat the atomized aerosol generating article 200 to generate aerosol.

[0080] The type of heating element 22 is not limited. For example, referring to Figures 3 to 8 , the heating element 22 is tubular. In a cross-section perpendicular to the height of the aerosol generating device 100, the cross-section of the heating element 22 is rectangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, or racetrack-shaped. The interior space of the heating tube constitutes a portion of the accommodating cavity 100a.

[0081] The material of the heating tube is not limited. For example, it can be stainless steel or quartz. The heating tube is used to heat the aerosol-generating article 200 and generate aerosol. In other words, the aerosol-generating article 200 of the present embodiment is heated circumferentially.

[0082] The heating technology of the heating tube is not limited, and can be, for example, electromagnetic induction heating or resistance film heating.

[0083] The heating unit 20 is fixed by directly connecting the connector 21 to the shell assembly 10. In the related art, the heating unit 20 is fixed by setting the connector 21 to be clamped at both ends of the heating element 22, and by sleeved on the periphery of the heating element 22 a fixing bracket for fixing the connector 21 located at both ends of the heating element 22. However, the aerosol generating device 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure can choose not to set a fixing bracket to fix the connector 21, but directly connect the connector 21 to the shell assembly 10 to fix the heating unit 20. This is conducive to miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100, reduces parts, reduces costs, improves assembly efficiency, and enhances user experience. In addition, since no additional fixing bracket is set to fix the heating unit 20, it is conducive to reducing the heat generated by the heating unit 20 from being transferred to the fixing bracket, so that the heat can be kept in the heating unit 20 as much as possible, reducing energy consumption during heating and improving heating performance.

[0084] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the housing assembly 10 includes a housing body 11 and an air outlet unit 12 connected to the housing body 11. The housing body 11 is provided with an installation space 11a and an opening 11b communicating with the installation space 11a. The air outlet unit 12 is disposed at the opening 11b and defines a housing chamber 100a with the heating unit 20. The air outlet unit 12 also defines an air outlet channel 12c communicating with the housing chamber 100a.

[0085] The specific connection method between the air outlet unit 12 and the shell body 11 is not limited here. For example, the air outlet unit 12 and the shell body 11 can be connected by magnetic connection, snap connection, fastening connection or plug connection.

[0086] The fastening connection includes but is not limited to screw connection, bolt connection or rivet connection, etc.

[0087] For example, the air outlet unit 12 and the shell body 11 are snap-fitted together, which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the air outlet unit 12 and the shell body 11 .

[0088] In one specific embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4. The circumferential side walls of the air outlet unit 12 are formed with a snap-fit ​​flange, and the opening 11b of the shell body 11 is formed with a snap-fit ​​groove. The snap-fit ​​flange and the snap-fit ​​groove snap-fit ​​together to achieve a snap-fit ​​between the air outlet unit 12 and the shell body 11. In another specific embodiment, the joint between the air outlet unit 12 and the shell body 11 is made of a soft material (such as rubber, silicone, etc.). When the air outlet unit 12 is connected to the shell body 11, the air outlet unit 12 undergoes elastic deformation and fits with the shell body 11, for example, it is embedded in the shell body 11 through the opening 11b. When disassembly is required, the air outlet unit 12 can be directly pulled out. Of course, the air outlet unit 12 can also be made of a soft material as a whole, which is not limited here.

[0089] In this embodiment, the shell assembly 10 is configured to include a shell body 11 and an air outlet unit 12, and the air outlet unit 12 is provided with an air outlet channel 12c. The heating element 22 heats the atomized aerosol generating product 200 to generate an aerosol, which can enter the air outlet channel 12c from the accommodating cavity 100a and be inhaled by the user. That is, the aerosol can be filtered, cooled, etc. through the air outlet unit 12, so that the aerosol generating product 200 does not need to be provided with a functional section and an outer wrapping layer. That is to say, the aerosol generating product 200 in this embodiment can only include an aerosol generating matrix, which saves components such as cooling and filtering in the aerosol generating product 200, simplifies the manufacturing process of the aerosol generating product 200, and the packaging volume, reduces the cost, and the functional section etc. will not be thrown away after being drawn out, which is beneficial to environmental protection.

[0090] In addition, filtering and flavoring substances can be placed inside the gas outlet unit 12 according to the product style characteristics, which is beneficial to improving the taste of the aerosol.

[0091] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the air outlet unit 12 matches the cross-sectional shape of the opening 11 b in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device 100 , thereby facilitating the connection between the air outlet unit 12 and the housing body 11 .

[0092] There are many forms in which the air outlet unit 12 and the heating unit 20 define the accommodating cavity 100 a.

[0093] For example, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 4 , the heating unit 20 is provided with a first receiving groove 20a, and the air outlet unit 12 is provided with a second receiving groove 12a. The first receiving groove 20a and the second receiving groove 12a together form a receiving chamber 100a. One end of the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted into the first receiving groove 20a, and the other end of the aerosol-generating article 200 is inserted into the second receiving groove 12a.

[0094] That is, one end of the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the heating unit 20 , and the other end is inserted into the air outlet unit 12 , that is, the heating unit 20 and the air outlet unit 12 clamp the aerosol generating article 200 therebetween to achieve fixation of the aerosol generating article 200 .

[0095] The aerosol generated by the heating unit 20 heating the aerosol generating product 200 can flow into the air outlet channel 12c in the air outlet unit 12 through the air flow channel 200a set inside the aerosol generating product 200, which facilitates the installation and fixation of the aerosol generating product 200, and can be filtered and cooled by the air outlet unit 12. While being conducive to the rapid outflow of the aerosol, it also allows the aerosol generating product 200 to not need to be provided with functional sections and outer wrapping layers, etc.

[0096] In other embodiments, the heating unit 20 may be provided with a first receiving groove 20a, and the air outlet unit 12 may not be provided with a second receiving groove 12a, but instead is covered above the first receiving groove 20a to form a receiving cavity 100a together with the first receiving groove 20a.

[0097] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 6 , the walls of the second receiving groove 12a are provided with ribs 12b for achieving an interference fit between the air outlet unit 12 and the aerosol-generating article 200. Specifically, the provision of ribs 12b on the walls of the second receiving groove 12a creates an interference fit between the air outlet unit 12 and the aerosol-generating article 200. This facilitates positioning the aerosol-generating article 200 at the center of the receiving cavity 100a and further secures the aerosol-generating article 200. Furthermore, this minimizes the entry of outside air into the air outlet channel 12c through the gap between the air outlet unit 12 and the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0098] The number of the rib 12b may be one or more.

[0099] It should be noted that the rib 12b may extend along the axial direction of the second receiving groove 12a (ie, the height direction of the aerosol generating device 100), or may extend along the circumferential direction of the second receiving groove 12a.

[0100] The air outlet unit 12 is, for example, a nozzle. The material of the air outlet unit 12 is not limited. For example, the air outlet unit 12 is made of a soft rubber material, which facilitates the insertion of the aerosol generating article 200 into the air outlet unit 12 .

[0101] In some embodiments, referring to FIG6 , the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel 12 c is smaller than that of the second receiving groove 12 a , and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel 12 c gradually increases along the flow direction of the airflow.

[0102] It should be noted that the flow cross section refers to the cross section that is orthogonal to all streamlines of the elemental or total flow, that is, the plane perpendicular to the flow velocity cluster, such as air or liquid flow. When the streamline clusters are non-parallel, the flow cross section is a curved surface; when the streamline clusters are parallel straight lines, the flow cross section is a flat surface.

[0103] It is understandable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel 12c gradually increases along the flow direction of the airflow. In this way, the flow velocity of the airflow in the outlet channel 12c gradually decreases and the air pressure gradually increases, and the air pressure shows a continuous change trend, which can reduce the turbulence of the airflow.

[0104] Of course, the outlet channel 12c also includes an equal diameter region. It should be noted that, along the flow direction of the airflow, the areas of the flow cross sections of the outlet channel 12c located in the equal diameter region are equal.

[0105] The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet channel 12c is smaller than that of the second receiving tank 12a. As a result, the flow rate of the air flowing from the second receiving tank 12a into the outlet channel 12c gradually increases while the pressure gradually decreases, resulting in a continuous change in pressure, which can reduce the turbulence of the airflow.

[0106] The second receiving tank 12a has a larger flow cross-sectional area, which is conducive to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating product 200 to converge at one end of the second receiving tank 12a close to the air outlet channel 12c through the air flow channel 200a set inside the aerosol generating product 200, and the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet channel 12c is set to be smaller than the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the second receiving tank 12a. That is, by reducing the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet channel 12c, it is conducive to increasing the flow rate of the aerosol, thereby improving the user experience.

[0107] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 to 6, the second accommodating groove 12a includes a connecting section 12e and a contraction section 12n. The connecting section 12e is used to accommodate the aerosol generating product 200. The contraction section 12n is connected to the air outlet channel 12c, and the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the contraction section 12n gradually decreases along the flow direction of the airflow.

[0108] The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 200 passes through the air flow channel 200 a provided inside the aerosol generating article 200 and converges at the contraction section 12 n.

[0109] Setting the cross-sectional area of ​​outlet channel 12c smaller than that of second receiving tank 12a creates a Venturi-like design. As the restricted flow passes through the reduced cross-sectional area, the fluid velocity increases, inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area. The aerosol-carrying airflow experiences an increased velocity as it flows through contracting section 12n and outlet channel 12c, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the aerosol and the inner wall of outlet unit 12 and reducing the aerosol temperature.

[0110] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 4 and 6, the air outlet unit 12 is provided with an air supply channel 12d, one end of the air supply channel 12d passes through the outer wall of the air outlet unit 12, and the other end is connected to an end of the second receiving tank 12a close to the air outlet channel 12c, and is connected to the air outlet channel 12c and / or the second receiving tank 12a.

[0111] The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating product 200 is gathered in the air flow channel 200a provided inside the aerosol generating product 200. During the inhalation process, negative pressure is generated in the air outlet channel 12c and the second receiving tank 12a. Under the action of the negative pressure, the aerosol in the air flow channel 200a flows into the second receiving tank 12a and the air outlet channel 12c in sequence. At the same time, under the action of the negative pressure, the cold air from the outside flows into the air outlet channel 12c and / or the second receiving tank 12a through the air supply channel 12d to neutralize the mouth feel of the aerosol and cool the aerosol, which is beneficial to improving the mouth feel of the aerosol.

[0112] In some embodiments, the air outlet unit 12 is provided with a supplemental air channel 12d. One end of the supplemental air channel 12d extends through the outer wall of the air outlet unit 12, and the other end extends through the sidewall of the air outlet channel 12c and / or the second receiving groove 12a. Specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 6, one end of the supplemental air channel 12d extends through the outer wall of the air outlet unit 12, and the other end communicates with the constricted section 12n. In other words, one end of the supplemental air channel 12d extends through the outer wall of the air outlet unit 12, and the other end extends through the inner wall of the constricted section 12n.

[0113] As the cross-sectional area of ​​the contraction section 12n gradually decreases, the flow velocity of the restricted flow increases when passing through the reduced flow section. As a result, the external cold air flows in from the contraction section 12n, which is conducive to the full mixing of the cold air and the aerosol, further improving the cooling effect and enhancing the taste of the aerosol.

[0114] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3 and FIG4 , the aerosol generating device 100 is provided with an air inlet channel, the housing assembly 10 is provided with a first sub-air channel 100 b constituting at least part of the air inlet channel, and the accommodating cavity 100 a is connected to the outside through the first sub-air channel 100 b.

[0115] The housing assembly 10 is provided with a first sub-air passage 100 b constituting at least a portion of the air intake passage, that is, the housing assembly 10 is provided with the first sub-air passage 100 b, and the first sub-air passage 100 b constitutes at least a portion of the air intake passage.

[0116] The accommodating chamber 100a is connected to the outside world through the first sub-air channel 100b. When the user inhales, the external airflow enters the accommodating chamber 100a through the first sub-air channel 100b, and carries the aerosol generated in the accommodating chamber 100a into the user's mouth for the user to inhale.

[0117] It should be noted that there are various forms in which the shell assembly 10 is provided with the first sub-air duct 100b. For example, in some embodiments, the shell body 11 is formed with the first sub-air duct 100b. In other embodiments, the air outlet unit 12 is formed with the first sub-air duct 100b. In still other embodiments, referring to FIG3 , the first sub-air duct 100b is defined between the shell body 11 and the air outlet unit 12. For example, the air outlet unit 12 is provided with a first air inlet groove, and the first sub-air duct 100b is defined between the groove wall of the first air inlet groove and the shell body 11.

[0118] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4 , the heating unit 20 is provided with a first receiving tank 20a, which at least constitutes a portion of the receiving cavity 100a. The air inlet passage further includes a second sub-airway 100c, defined between the wall of the first receiving tank 20a and the aerosol-generating article 200 received therein. The second sub-airway 100c is communicated with the first sub-airway 100b.

[0119] The groove wall of the first receiving groove 20 a can be understood as a wall of the first receiving groove 20 a along any direction.

[0120] The second sub-air channel 100c can be understood as a gap formed between the aerosol generating article 200 disposed in the first receiving tank 20a and the tank wall of the first receiving tank 20a.

[0121] It is understandable that when the user inhales the aerosol, the external airflow passes through the first sub-airway 100b and enters the second sub-airway 100c, and then enters the interior of the aerosol generating article 200 to carry away the aerosol.

[0122] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 3 and 4 , the second sub-air channel 100c includes a first air inlet section 100d and a second air inlet section 100e that communicate with each other. The first air inlet section 100d is located around the aerosol-generating article 200 housed in the first receiving tank 20a. The second air inlet section 100e is located at the end of the aerosol-generating article 200 housed in the first receiving tank 20a that is away from the air outlet unit 12.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the user inhales the aerosol, the external airflow can enter the second air inlet section 100e through the first sub-airway 100b and the first air inlet section 100d. The airflow entering the second air inlet section 100e enters the internal air flow channel 200a of the aerosol generating product 200 from the end face of the aerosol generating product 200 away from the air outlet unit 12, and then flows to the side close to the air outlet unit 12. In this way, the airflow path inside the aerosol generating product 200 is larger, so that as much aerosol as possible inside the aerosol generating product 200 can be extracted.

[0124] In some embodiments, referring to FIG7 , the connector 21 includes at least two connecting brackets. The two connecting brackets are provided at both ends of the heating element 22 in the height direction and are respectively connected to the shell body 11. In other words, by providing two connecting brackets, the two connecting brackets are respectively provided at both ends of the heating element 22 in the height direction, thereby fixing the heating element 22, and the two connecting brackets are respectively connected to the shell body 11 to fix the heating unit 20. This connection structure is simple and reliable, and does not require additional components for fixing the connecting brackets, which is conducive to miniaturization of the aerosol generating device 100, saving components, reducing costs, and improving the user experience.

[0125] The two connecting brackets and the heating element 22 jointly define a first receiving groove 20a, and a first air intake section 100d is defined between the inner side walls of the two connecting brackets and the heating element 22 and the outer side walls of the heating element 22; the connecting bracket located at the bottom of the heating element 22 is provided with a first guide groove extending in the radial direction of the heating element 22, and a second air intake section 100e is defined between the groove wall of the first guide groove and the bottom end of the aerosol generating product 200 accommodated in the first receiving groove 20a.

[0126] There is no restriction on the extension length of the first guide groove, as long as the airflow reaching the side of the first air inlet section 100d away from the air outlet unit 12 can flow into the end surface of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 3 , the shell body 11 includes an outer shell 111 and a mounting bracket 112 . The mounting bracket 112 is disposed in the outer shell 111 and together with the outer shell 111 defines an installation space 11 a and an opening 11 b communicating with the installation space 11 a .

[0128] At least a portion of the housing 111 may serve as the exterior appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 , and the housing 111 may facilitate the installation of the bracket 112 and the heating unit 20 .

[0129] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 200 extends out of the housing 11. Arranging the aerosol-generating article 200 to extend out of the housing 11 facilitates fixed installation with the gas outlet unit 12 and reduces the temperature that the gas outlet unit 12 needs to withstand, thereby increasing the service life of the gas outlet unit 12.

[0130] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 200 is located within the housing body 11. Since the aerosol-generating article 200 is located within the housing body 11, the aerosol-generating article 200 can be located within the heating unit 20 as much as possible, thereby fully heating the aerosol-generating article 200 and improving the utilization rate of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0131] In some other embodiments, the end surface of the aerosol-generating article 200 near the air outlet unit 12 is flush with the end surface of the shell body 11. Since the end surface of the aerosol-generating article 200 near the air outlet unit 12 is flush with the end surface of the shell body 11, the aerosol-generating article 200 can be positioned as close to the heating unit 20 as possible, thereby fully heating the aerosol-generating article 200 and improving the utilization rate of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0132] In the description of the present disclosure, the descriptions with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, 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. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in the present disclosure and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0133] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing assembly provided with an installation space; a heating unit, at least partially disposed in the installation space and defining at least a part of a receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article; In a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the size of the cross-section of the receiving cavity in a first direction is greater than the size in a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects the second direction.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, In a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the ratio of the size of the cross-section of the receiving cavity in the first direction to the size in the second direction ranges from 1.2 to 11.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, In a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the ratio of the size of the cross-section of the receiving cavity in the first direction to the size in the second direction ranges from 1.8 to 2.

3.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the receiving cavity is rectangular, oval, trapezoidal or racetrack-shaped.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The heating unit includes a connecting member and a heating element fixed to the connecting member. The connecting member is connected to the housing assembly, and the heating element is located in the installation space and is used for heating and atomizing the aerosol generating article to generate aerosol.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein, The heating element is tubular. In a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the cross-sectional shape of the heating element is rectangular, oval, trapezoidal or horse-racing track-shaped.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The housing assembly includes a housing body and an air outlet unit connected to the housing body. The housing body is provided with the installation space and an opening communicating with the installation space. The air outlet unit is disposed at the opening and defines the receiving cavity with the heating unit. The air outlet unit further forms an air outlet channel communicating with the receiving cavity.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein, The heating unit is provided with a first receiving groove, and the air outlet unit is provided with a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove together form the receiving cavity. One end of the aerosol generating article is inserted into the first receiving groove, and the other end of the aerosol generating article is inserted into the second receiving groove.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein, The groove wall of the second receiving groove is provided with a rib for making the air outlet unit in interference fit with the aerosol generating article.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The cross-sectional area of the air flow passage of the air outlet channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second receiving groove, and along the air flow direction, the cross-sectional area of the air outlet channel gradually increases.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The second receiving groove includes a connected connection section and a contraction section. The connection section is used for receiving the aerosol generating article. The contraction section is communicated with the air outlet channel, and along the air flow direction, the cross-sectional area of the contraction section gradually decreases.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein, The air outlet unit is provided with a supplementary air channel. One end of the supplementary air channel penetrates the outer side wall of the air outlet unit, and the other end is communicated with the contraction section.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein, The aerosol generating device is provided with an air inlet channel. The housing assembly is provided with a first sub-air channel constituting at least a part of the air inlet channel. The receiving cavity communicates with the outside through the first sub-air channel.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein, The housing body forms the first sub-air channel; and / or, the air outlet unit forms the first sub-air channel; and / or, the first sub-air channel is defined between the housing body and the air outlet unit.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The heating unit is provided with a first receiving groove, and the first receiving groove at least partially constitutes the receiving cavity; The air inlet passage further includes a second sub-air passage. A second sub-air passage is defined between the groove wall of the first receiving groove and the aerosol generating article received in the first receiving groove, and the second sub-air passage communicates with the first sub-air passage.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein, The second sub-air passage includes a first air inlet section and a second air inlet section that communicate with each other. The first air inlet section is located on the circumferential side of the aerosol generating article received in the first receiving groove, and the second air inlet section is located at one end of the aerosol generating article received in the first receiving groove away from the air outlet unit.

17. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein, In a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the cross-sectional shape of the air outlet unit is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the opening; and / or, the air outlet unit is snap-fitted with the housing body.

18. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8-12, wherein, The air outlet unit is provided with a supplementary air passage. One end of the supplementary air passage penetrates the outer side wall of the air outlet unit, and the other end penetrates the side wall of the air outlet passage and / or the second receiving groove.

19. An aerosol generating system, comprising an aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the aerosol generating article is disposed in the receiving cavity, and in a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction of the aerosol generating device, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating article is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving cavity.

20. The aerosol generating system according to claim 19, wherein the housing assembly includes a housing body and an air outlet unit connected to the housing body. The housing body is provided with the installation space and an opening communicating with the installation space. The air outlet unit is disposed at the opening and defines at least part of the receiving cavity. The air outlet unit further forms an air outlet passage communicating with the receiving cavity; The aerosol generating article extends out of the housing body, or the aerosol generating article is located within the housing body, or the end face of the aerosol generating article near the air outlet unit is flush with the end face of the housing body.

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