Aerosol generating device and heating assembly

Abstract

An aerosol generating device and a heating assembly (2). The aerosol generating device comprises: an accommodating tube (4) provided with an accommodating cavity for accommodating at least part of an aerosol generating product (1); and the heating assembly (2) which comprises a base (21) and a plurality of heating bodies (22), wherein the plurality of heating bodies (22) are mutually independently fixed on the base (21), and at least part of each heating body (22) extends in the accommodating cavity to be inserted into the aerosol generating product (1). The outer diameter of each heating body (22) is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of each heating body is less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

Description

Aerosol generating device and heating assembly

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 27, 2023, with application number 202311830034.9, entitled “Aerosol Generating Device and Heating Component,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of aerosol generation technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating device and a heating assembly. Background Art

[0004] Existing aerosol-generating devices are used to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating articles such as cigarettes and cigars. A typical aerosol-generating device includes a housing tube and a heating element. The housing tube is used to house at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and the heating element partially extends into the housing tube to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article, thereby heating the aerosol-generating article from the inside out.

[0005] However, when the heating element has a large outer diameter, it is not only difficult to insert the heating element into the aerosol-generating article, but also contains a large amount of tobacco, causing the aerosol-generating article to drop a large amount of tobacco when the heating element is removed from the aerosol-generating article, and making the heating element difficult to clean. However, if the heating element has a small outer diameter, the contact area between the heating element and the aerosol-generating article is small, resulting in a slow heating of the aerosol-generating article and a tendency for the heating element to bend or break.

[0006] Application Contents

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating device and a heating assembly, which can effectively reduce the insertion and removal force of the aerosol generating product and the containing tube, and help prevent the aerosol generating product from sticking when separated from the heating body.

[0008] An aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0009] a receiving tube having a receiving cavity therein for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article;

[0010] a heating assembly comprising a base and a plurality of heating bodies, wherein the plurality of heating bodies are independently fixed to the base, and at least a portion of the heating bodies extend into the receiving cavity so as to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article;

[0011] Wherein, the outer diameter of the heating body is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of the heating body is less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0012] An aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0013] a receiving tube having a receiving cavity therein for at least partially receiving the aerosol-generating article; and

[0014] a heating assembly comprising a base and a plurality of heating bodies, wherein the plurality of heating bodies are independently fixed to the base, and at least a portion of the heating bodies extend into the receiving cavity so as to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article;

[0015] Wherein, at least two of the heating bodies are connected in series.

[0016] An embodiment of the present application provides a heating assembly, comprising:

[0017] base;

[0018] a plurality of heating bodies, independently fixed to the base, the heating bodies being configured to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-generating article;

[0019] wherein at least two of the heating bodies are connected in series; or

[0020] The outer diameter of the heating body is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of the heating body is less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0021] An aerosol-generating device and heating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application include a housing tube and a heating assembly. The heating assembly includes a base and multiple heating elements, each of which is independently fixed to the base. At least a portion of each heating element extends within a housing cavity for insertion into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of each heating element is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of each heating element is less than or equal to 0.2 mm. Therefore, the heating assembly and the aerosol-generating article not only have a large contact area, thereby facilitating rapid heating of the aerosol-generating article, but also effectively reduce insertion and removal forces of the aerosol-generating article, preventing the aerosol-generating article from breaking and adhering to the heating elements when removed, thereby helping to maintain the interior of the aerosol-generating device clean. Furthermore, the multiple heating elements cooperate with each other to prevent deformation or breakage due to stress concentration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a heating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application having two heating bodies;

[0025] FIG3 is a plan view of a heating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application having two heating bodies;

[0026] FIG4 is a perspective schematic diagram of a heating assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application having three heating bodies;

[0027] FIG5 is a plan view of a heating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application having three heating elements;

[0028] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of a heating element provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of electrical connections of multiple heating elements in a heating assembly provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of electrical connections of multiple heating elements in a heating assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of electrical connections of multiple heating elements in a heating assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of electrical connections of multiple heating elements in a heating assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of electrical connections of multiple heating elements in a heating assembly provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0034] In the figure: 1. Aerosol-generating article; 11. Aerosol-forming matrix; 2. Heating assembly; 21. Base; 211. First conductive member; 22. Heating body; 221. Shell; 221a. First end; 221b. Second end; 222. Heating element; 23. First electrode; 24. Second electrode; 3. Power supply assembly; 31. Power supply; 311. Output end; 32. Circuit board; 4. Receiving tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] The terms "first", "second" and "third" in this application are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity or order of the indicated technical features. In the embodiments of the present application, all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back ...) are only used to explain the relative position relationship or movement situation between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or equipment that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but optionally also includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally also includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

[0037] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be one or more intermediate elements in between. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol generating device, which is used to enable an aerosol generating article 1 to generate aerosol.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. An "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is intended to be heated, rather than combusted, to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Aerosols formed by heating an aerosol-forming substrate may contain fewer components known to be hazardous than aerosols produced by combustion or pyrolytic degradation of the aerosol-forming substrate. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article is removably coupled to an aerosol-generating device. The article may be disposable or reusable.

[0041] The aerosol-forming substrate 11 may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing tobacco flavor compounds, plant flavor compounds, fruit tobacco flavor compounds, or nicotine, which are released when the tobacco material is heated to a suitable temperature. The tobacco material may include shredded tobacco, tobacco particles, etc. In one example, the aerosol-forming substrate 11 may comprise a non-tobacco material.

[0042] The aerosol-forming substrate 11 may have a length of between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, for example between about 8 mm and about 12 mm. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 11 may have a length of about 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 11 has a length of about 12 mm.

[0043] The aerosol-forming substrate 11 may be generally cylindrical.

[0044] The outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 1 may be between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, for example between about 5.5 mm and about 8 mm. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 1 is 7.2 mm + / - 10%.

[0045] The electric heating device in the aerosol generating device includes a power supply assembly 3, which may include any suitable power source 31, such as a DC source, such as a battery. In one embodiment, power source 31 is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, power source 31 may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery.

[0046] The power supply assembly 3 may include one or more circuit boards 32, each of which includes a control circuit. The control circuit can control the output of the power supply 31, for example, causing the power supply 31 to output alternating current or direct current, or to output current or voltage in pulsed form. The control circuit may include one or more controllers, which can be used to protect the battery or control the battery's power output. The controller can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. Specifically, the controller controls not only the operation of the power supply 31 but also the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the controller can determine whether the aerosol generating device is operational by checking the status of its components. The controller includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. The microprocessor or microcontroller can include a logic gate array, or a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory that stores executable programs in the microprocessor.

[0047] The aerosol generating device also includes a containing tube 4 and a heating component 2. The interior of the containing tube 4 has a containing cavity for accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol generating product 1, for example, at least accommodating the aerosol forming matrix 11. The heating component 2 is used to obtain electricity from the power supply component 3, thereby generating heat to heat the aerosol forming matrix 11 in the containing cavity, so that the aerosol forming matrix 11 generates an aerosol.

[0048] 1 , 2 and 4 , the heating assembly 2 includes a base 21 and a plurality of heating bodies 22 . The plurality of heating bodies 22 are independently fixed to the base 21 , and at least a portion of the heating body 22 extends into the accommodating cavity so as to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article 1 , thereby being able to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 11 inside the aerosol-generating article 1 .

[0049] At least part of the heating body 22 can be needle-shaped or rod-shaped. The needle-shaped or rod-shaped heating body 22 has a smaller outer diameter. Specifically, the outer diameter d of the heating body 22 is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, so that the heating body 22 can be easily inserted into the aerosol-generating product 1 and the contact area between the single heating body 22 and the aerosol-forming matrix 11 can be reduced. Therefore, it can not only reduce the plugging and unplugging force of the aerosol-generating product 1 and the heating body 22, but also prevent the aerosol-forming matrix 11 from sticking to the heating body 22 when the aerosol-generating product 1 is separated from the aerosol-forming matrix 11, thereby preventing the aerosol-forming matrix 11 from sticking to the heating body 22 and breaking, and causing the heating body 22 to need to be cleaned. After the aerosol-forming matrix 11 sticks to the heating body 22, it is usually difficult to clean it well.

[0050] Although a single heating body 22 has a smaller surface, the heating assembly 2 has at least two heating bodies 22, so that the total contact area between the heating assembly 2 and the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is larger, which helps to ensure that the aerosol-forming substrate 11 can quickly heat up and generate aerosol.

[0051] Please refer to Table 1, which shows the insertion and extraction forces of a heater with an outer diameter of 0.8 mm and a conventional heater with an outer diameter of 2.15 mm when plugging and unplugging the same type of aerosol generating product:

[0052] Please refer to Table 2, which is a statistical table of the total contact area when heating bodies with different outer diameters come into contact with the same type of aerosol generating products:

[0053] Therefore, when the outer diameter of the heating body 22 is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, having multiple heating bodies 22 can significantly reduce the insertion and removal force between the aerosol generating product 1 and the heating component 2, and prevent the aerosol forming matrix 11 from sticking to the heating body 22, while ensuring that the heating component 2 and the aerosol forming matrix 11 have a larger total contact area.

[0054] Preferably, the outer diameter d of the heater 22 is between 0.3 mm and 1.6 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. That is, the outer diameter d of the heater 22 satisfies the following conditions: 0.3 mm ≤ d ≤ 1.6 mm, or 0.5 mm ≤ d ≤ 1.2 mm, or 0.5 mm ≤ d ≤ 1 mm. This achieves optimal insertion and removal force, total contact area, and prevention of adhesion of the aerosol-forming substrate 11.

[0055] It should be noted that the needle- or rod-shaped heater 22 is optional and not mandatory. In other examples, at least a portion of the heater 22 may be sheet-shaped. The sheet-shaped heater has a relatively small thickness. Specifically, the thickness of the sheet-shaped heater is less than or equal to 0.2 mm. More specifically, the thickness of the sheet-shaped heater 22 may be less than or equal to 0.1 mm, and the width of the heater 22 may be less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0056] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2, 4 and 6, the heating body 22 includes a shell 221 and a heating element 222, at least a portion of the heating element 222 is arranged inside the shell 221, and the heating element 222 is electrically connected to the shell 221, so that the heating element 222 in one heating body 22 is connected in series with the shell 221, wherein at least a portion of the shell 221 is capable of conducting electricity.

[0057] As an example, the material of the housing 221 includes a conductive material, that is, the material used to make the housing 221 includes a conductive material, so that at least a portion of the housing 221 has a conductive property.

[0058] The conductive material may have a high thermal conductivity, which may be at least 100 W / (m·K) at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Suitable materials with both high thermal conductivity and conductive properties include, but are not limited to, metals, graphite, or graphene. Metals include aluminum, copper, zinc, steel, silver, or alloys thereof. The high thermal conductivity of the housing 221 enables the heat generated by the heating element 222 to be rapidly transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate 11.

[0059] In a specific example, the housing 221 is made of metal, which not only has high thermal conductivity but also can have a very small thickness and high hardness, which is beneficial for reducing the outer diameter of the heating body 22. The thickness of the metal housing can be less than or equal to 1 mm, and the thickness of the metal housing can be about 0.2 mm.

[0060] 6 , the metal housing can be configured into a generally tubular shape, such that the housing 221 has a first end 221a and a second end 221b disposed opposite each other. The first end 221a is initially open, allowing the heating element 222 to enter the interior of the housing 221 from the first end 221a. Since metal has good plasticity, when the end of the heating element 222 is adjacent to the second end 221b, the second end 221b can be deformed by clamping or other means to clamp the heating element 222, thereby securing the heating element 222 within the housing 221 and electrically connecting the metal housing to the heating element 222. To accurately determine whether the end of the heating element 222 has reached the second end 221b, the second end 221b can be provided with an opening, with the end of the heating element 222 positioned within or extending through the opening. In short, at least a portion of the end of the heating element 222 is exposed through the opening, and the opening in the second end 221b can then be deformed by clamping or other means to clamp the heating element 222. After the second end portion 221 b is deformed to clamp the heating element 222 , the second end portion 221 b may be polished to make the outer surface of the second end portion 221 b flat, smooth, or flowing.

[0061] Of course, the heating element 222 can also be fixedly connected to the metal housing and electrically connected to the metal housing by welding. For example, the second end 221b can have an opening, so that the end of the heating element 222 is exposed through the opening, and then the end of the heating element 222 is connected to the metal housing by welding. In this example, the second end 221b can be configured into a frustum.

[0062] Only the ends of the heating element 222 can be electrically connected to the metal shell, while the rest of the heating element 222 is insulated from the metal shell. For example, the surface of the heating element 222 is provided with a high-temperature resistant insulating layer, such as glass glaze or a metal oxide layer formed by high-temperature oxidation, and the surface of the portion of the heating element 222 used for electrical connection to the metal shell is exposed outside the insulating material; or, for example, an insulating filler is provided between the heating element 222 and the inner wall of the metal shell. The insulating filler can be an inorganic filler, such as an inorganic glue with good fluidity, a mixture of metal oxides, or a mixture of water and metal oxides. The temperature resistance of the insulating layer, metal oxide layer, or insulating filler can be higher than 500°C, preferably higher than 600°C, and preferably higher than 800°C.

[0063] The heating element 222 in the heating body 22 is closely attached to the inner wall of the shell 221 and is insulated from the inner wall of the shell 221 , so as to reduce the outer diameter of the heating body 22 and improve the heat exchange rate between the heating element 222 and the shell 221 .

[0064] The conductive material may have a high resistivity, so that when current flows through it, it generates more heat, which helps improve the heating efficiency of the aerosol-forming substrate 11. This is beneficial for accelerating the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 and the generation of aerosols. Conductive materials with high resistivity include, but are not limited to, semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, conductive ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, and cobalt, stainless steel, iron-aluminum-based alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys.

[0065] As an example, the shell includes a substrate and a conductive layer arranged on the substrate, and the heating element is electrically connected to the conductive layer. The substrate is used to support and maintain the conductive layer, and the interior of the substrate has a cavity, and the heating element is at least partially arranged in the cavity. Since the heating body has a smaller outer diameter, the substrate has a smaller inner diameter. In order to facilitate the arrangement of the conductive layer and the setting of the heating element, the conductive layer can be arranged on the outer surface of the substrate, and the end of the heating element can be electrically connected to the conductive layer on the outer surface of the substrate after passing through the substrate. Specifically, the substrate has a first end and a second end arranged in opposite directions, and the heating element enters the cavity of the substrate from the first end. The second end has an opening, and the end of the heating element is located in the opening or passes through the opening, and then the end of the heating element and the conductive layer are electrically connected by melting the solder. Wherein, the substrate is made of insulating material, so it can prevent other parts of the heating element from being electrically connected to the conductive layer.

[0066] The conductive layer can be a coating applied to a substrate, such as an electrode layer, an infrared layer, or a resistor layer. The electrode layer has a relatively low resistivity, which is lower than the resistivity of the heating element. The conductive layer can be a linear or curved conductive track or heating track, and can be a conductive surface or a heating surface.

[0067] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , the heating element 222 extends linearly within the housing 221, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the housing 221 and, in turn, the outer diameter of the heating element 22. As an example, as shown in FIG6 , the heating element 222 comprises a heating wire or a heating tape. The heating wire has a circular cross-section and a diameter less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In one example, the diameter of the heating wire is approximately 0.2 mm or approximately 0.3 mm. The heating tape has a non-circular cross-section, such as a rectangular cross-section, and a thickness less than or equal to 0.2 mm. There is only one heating wire or heating tape, which extends linearly within the housing 221, thereby minimizing the outer diameter of the heating element 22. As an example, the heating element comprises a bundle of multiple heating wires or heating tapes twisted together. The twisting ensures that the multiple heating wires or heating tapes in the bundle are in close contact with each other. The bundle extends linearly within the housing, minimizing the outer diameter of the heating element.

[0068] The heating wire or heating belt may have a uniform diameter or thickness so that the heating resistance on the heating wire or heating belt is evenly distributed, thereby achieving the uniform temperature field requirement on the surface of the heating body 22 .

[0069] The surface of the heating wire or heating belt can be microstructured to make the diameter or thickness of the heating wire or heating belt uneven, thereby making the heating resistance distribution on the heating wire or heating belt uneven, thereby achieving the required non-uniform temperature field on the surface of the heating body 22. For example, the diameter of at least a portion of the heating wire within the housing 221 can be gradually increased or decreased along the extension direction of the heating wire, or at least a portion of the heating wire within the housing 221 can be roughly dumbbell-shaped. Microstructuring methods can include laser drilling, laser engraving, chemical etching, etc.

[0070] The heating element 222 can be made of a material with a high resistivity. Suitable materials include but are not limited to stainless steel, nickel, nickel-iron alloy, nickel-chromium, nickel-silicon, titanium, iron-chromium-aluminum, etc. Stainless steel includes but is not limited to 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 444 stainless steel or 430 stainless steel.

[0071] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 7, the heating component 2 also includes a first electrode 23. The first electrode 23 can be made of a material with a low resistivity, such as copper, silver, gold or an alloy thereof. The resistivity of the first electrode 23 is less than the resistivity of the heating element 222. The ratio of the resistance value of the heating element 222 to the resistance value of the first electrode 23 can be between 3 and 12. The resistivity of the first electrode 23 can be less than or equal to the resistivity of the conductive material or the conductive layer.

[0072] One end of the heating element 222 is electrically connected to the shell 221, and the other end is electrically connected to the first electrode 23. Compared with the heating element 222 directly extending to be electrically connected to the power supply 31, the heating element 222 is electrically connected to an output end 311 of the power supply 31 through the first electrode 23, which can make the heating element 222 have a shorter length, thereby helping to reduce power consumption.

[0073] As an example, the resistivity of the heating element 222 can be greater than or equal to the resistivity of the conductive material or conductive layer, and the ratio of the resistance value of the heating element 222 to the resistance value of the conductive material or conductive layer can be between 3 and 12. The conductive material or conductive layer constitutes a second electrode electrically connected to the heating element 222, and the heating element 222 is electrically connected to the other output terminal of the power supply through the conductive material or conductive layer.

[0074] As an example, referring to FIG. 7 , the heating assembly 2 further includes a second electrode 24. The second electrode 24 can be made of the same material as the first electrode 23. The resistivity of the second electrode 24 is less than that of the conductive material or conductive layer. The second electrode 24 is electrically connected to the conductive material or conductive layer, and the conductive material or conductive layer is electrically connected to the other output terminal 311 of the power supply 31 through the second electrode 24. The second electrode 24 can be disposed on the housing 221 and electrically connected to the conductive material or conductive layer on the housing 221. The second electrode 24 can be disposed on the base 21, so that when the heating element 22 is fixed to the base 21, the housing 221 is electrically connected to the second electrode 24.

[0075] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7 , at least two heating elements 22 are electrically connected in series between two output terminals 311 of a power source 31. When the at least two heating elements 22 are connected in series, the controller can control the power provided by the power source 31 to the at least two heating elements 22 connected in series based on the temperature of at least one of the heating elements 22, so that the heating power of the at least two heating elements 22 connected in series is increased or decreased simultaneously, thereby simplifying control and circuit layout.

[0076] As an example, the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 are metal components and are fixed on the base 21. The metal component may have a spring sheet or an elastic arm for elastically abutting against the two output terminals 311 of the power supply 31, or the metal component may have a welding pad, which is respectively welded to the two wires connected to the two output terminals 311 of the power supply 31. Two or more heating bodies 22 are connected in series between the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24, thereby being electrically connected to the two output terminals 311 of the power supply 31 through the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24.

[0077] Alternatively, as an example, the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 are both leads, and the lead-shaped first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 can pass through or bypass the base 21, and then be electrically connected to the two output ends 311 of the power supply 31 respectively, and two or more heating bodies 22 are connected in series between the lead-shaped first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24.

[0078] Alternatively, as an example, one of the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24 is a metal component fixed to the base 21, and the other is a lead wire that can pass through or bypass the base 21. Two or more heating bodies 22 are connected in series between the first electrode 23 and the second electrode 24.

[0079] Therefore, when two or more heating bodies 22 are connected in series, the number of electrodes can be reduced, making the electrical connection between the heating component 2 and the power source 31 simpler.

[0080] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7 , among two or more heaters 22 connected in series, the heating element 222 of one heater 22 is electrically connected to the housing 221 of another heater 22. Therefore, among the two or more heaters 22 connected in series, each of the heaters 22 is fixed to one end of the base 21 and insulated from each other. Among the two or more heaters 22 connected in series, the housing 221 of one heater 22 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 24, and the heating element 222 of the other heater 22 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 23.

[0081] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 8 and 9 , among two or more heating bodies 22 connected in series, the heating element 222 in one heating body 22 is electrically connected to the heating element 222 in another heating body 22. As an example, referring to Figure 8 , there are only two heating bodies 22, the heating elements 222 of the two heating bodies 22 are electrically connected to each other, and the housings 221 of the two heating bodies 22 are electrically connected to the two electrodes, respectively. As an example, referring to Figure 9, the heating body 22 has three or more, and the heating elements 222 of each heating body 22 are electrically connected to each other. The shell 221 of one heating body 22 is electrically connected to the first electrode 23, and the shell 221 is called the first shell. The shells 221 of the remaining heating bodies 22 are all electrically connected to the second electrode 24, and the remaining shells 221 electrically connected to the second electrode 24 are all second shells; further, the base 21 includes a first conductive member 211 and an insulating member. The first conductive member 211 and the insulating member enable a part of the base 21 to be conductive. The first shell is fixed on the insulating member, or the first shell is insulated from the first conductive member 211 by the insulating member. When multiple second shells are fixed on the base 21, they all abut against the first conductive member 211, or multiple second shells are all fixed on the first conductive member 211, so that multiple second shells are all electrically connected to the first conductive member 211 at the same time. The first conductive member 211 can be a component of one of the two electrodes, or the first conductive member 211 can be electrically connected to one of the two electrodes.

[0082] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 10, at least one heating body 22 is independently electrically connected to the two output ends of the power supply 21, so that the power supply 21 can independently or individually provide power to the at least one heating body 22, or the power supply 31 can provide different power to other heating bodies 22 and the at least one heating body 22, or when the at least one heating body fails, it will not affect the operation of other heating bodies.

[0083] As an example, referring to Figure 11, the base 21 includes a first conductive member 211, a second conductive member 212 and an insulating member. The first conductive member 211 and the second conductive member 212 are separated from each other by the insulating member. The shells 221 of the multiple heating bodies 22 are all electrically connected to the first conductive member 211, and the first conductive member 211 is a component of one of the two electrodes or connects one of the two electrodes, while the heating elements 222 of the multiple heating bodies 22 are all electrically connected to the second conductive member 212, and the second conductive member 212 is a component of the other electrode of the two electrodes or connects the other electrode of the two electrodes.

[0084] As an example, at least one heater 22 is electrically connected to two wires, which are respectively electrically connected to the two output terminals 311 of the power supply 31 through the two wires. One wire is electrically connected to the housing 221 of the heater 22, and the other wire is electrically connected to the heating element 222 of the heater 22. The base 21 can be made of an insulating material, and the housing 221 of the heater 22 can pass through the base 21 in a direction away from the accommodating cavity to facilitate the connection between the housing 221 and the wires.

[0085] It should be noted that the base 21 including a conductive member or electrode is optional and not mandatory. In one example, the base 21 includes a conductive member or electrode, and the conductive member or electrode is electrically connected to one output terminal 311 of the power supply 31. In at least one heating body 22, one of the housing 221 and the heating element 222 is electrically connected to the conductive member or electrode, and the other is electrically connected to another heating body 22, and is electrically connected to the other output terminal 311 of the power supply 31 through the other heating body 22.

[0086] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 and 3 , only two heating bodies 22 are provided, symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the central axis of the containment tube 4 . The spacing L between the two heating bodies 22 satisfies the following conditions: 0 ≤ L < D - 2d, or L = (D - 2d) / 2, or D / 4 ≤ L ≤ D / 2, where D is the inner diameter of the containment cavity, and d is the outer diameter or thickness of the heating body 22. This design reduces the probability of the aerosol-forming substrate 11 adhering to the heating body 22 during separation from the aerosol-generating article 1 to break or fall into the containment cavity, which could occur, from 50% to 10%. Furthermore, the aerosol-forming substrate 11 is heated more evenly, and the heating body 22 is kept cleaner, eliminating the need for cleaning after using ten aerosol-generating articles 1.

[0087] It should be noted that it is optional and not mandatory to symmetrically arrange the two heating bodies 22 on opposite sides of the central axis of the containing tube 4 . The two heating bodies 22 can be asymmetrically arranged.

[0088] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the number of heating bodies 22 is greater than or equal to three; the distance L0 between the heating body 22 and the central axis of the accommodating cavity is approximately D / 2, where D is the inner diameter of the accommodating cavity; or multiple heating bodies 22 are evenly arranged on the same circumference, and the area S1 on the inner side of the circumference is approximately equal to the area S2 between the circumference and the inner wall of the accommodating tube 4, and the area S1 on the inner side of the circumference is approximately equal to the area between the circumference and the inner wall of the packaging paper of the aerosol generating product 1, so as to ensure uniform heating.

[0089] It should be noted that it is optional but not mandatory that the three heating bodies 22 are evenly distributed on the same circumference.

[0090] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 , there are multiple heating bodies 22 . Since the heat dissipation outside the aerosol-forming matrix 11 is greater than the heat dissipation at its center, in order to balance the temperature field inside the aerosol-forming matrix 11 , the central axis of the heating body 22 is staggered with the central axis of the accommodating cavity.

[0091] An aerosol-generating device and heating assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application include a housing tube and a heating assembly. The heating assembly includes a base and multiple heating elements, each of which is independently fixed to the base. At least a portion of each heating element extends within a housing cavity for insertion into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of each heating element is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of each heating element is less than or equal to 0.2 mm. Therefore, the heating assembly and the aerosol-generating article not only have a large contact area, thereby facilitating rapid heating of the aerosol-generating article, but also effectively reduce insertion and removal forces of the aerosol-generating article, preventing the aerosol-generating article from breaking and adhering to the heating elements when removed, thereby helping to maintain the interior of the aerosol-generating device clean. Furthermore, the multiple heating elements cooperate with each other to prevent deformation or breakage due to stress concentration.

[0092] It should be noted that the specification and drawings of this application provide preferred embodiments of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, it is possible for a person skilled in the art to make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to this application.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Comprising: A receiving tube having a receiving cavity therein for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; And A heating assembly including a base and a plurality of heating elements, the plurality of heating elements being independently fixed to the base, and at least a portion of the heating element extending into the receiving cavity to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol-generating article; Wherein, the outer diameter of the heating element is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of the heating element is less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The outer diameter of the heating element is between 0.3 mm - 1.6 mm, or between 0.5 mm - 1.2 mm or between 0.5 mm - 1 mm; or The thickness of the heating element is less than or equal to 0.1 mm, and the width of the heating element is less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating device further includes a power source; At least two of the heating elements are electrically connected in series between two output terminals of the power source; or At least one of the heating elements is independently electrically connected to two output terminals of the power source respectively.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element includes a housing and a heating element, at least a portion of the heating element being disposed inside the housing and the heating element being electrically connected to the housing.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The material of the housing includes a conductive material, the heating element being electrically connected to the conductive material, wherein the conductive material includes a metal or a conductive ceramic; or The housing includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate, the heating element being electrically connected to the conductive layer.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating assembly further includes a first electrode electrically connected to the heating element; The conductive material or the conductive layer forms a second electrode electrically connected to the heating element; or The conductive material or the conductive layer is electrically connected to a second electrode.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein The resistivity of the conductive material or the conductive layer is greater than or equal to the resistivity of the first electrode.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein, The resistivity of the heating element is greater than or equal to the resistivity of the conductive material or the conductive layer; or The ratio of the resistance value of the heating element to the resistance value of the conductive material or the conductive layer is between 3 - 12.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein, At least two of the heating elements are connected in series with each other. Among two or more heating elements connected in series with each other, the heating element in one heating element is electrically connected to the housing in another heating element, or the heating element in one heating element is electrically connected to the heating element in another heating element.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The aerosol-generating device further includes a power source, the base including a conductive member electrically connected to one output terminal of the power source; In at least one of the heating elements, one of the housing and the heating element is electrically connected to the conductive member, and the other is electrically connected to other heating elements, and is electrically connected to the other output terminal of the power source through the other heating elements.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing has a first end portion and a second end portion disposed opposite to each other. The heating element enters the interior of the housing from the first end portion, and the second end portion clamps the heating element through deformation, thereby being electrically connected to the heating element.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein, The housing has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. The heating element enters the interior of the housing from the first end. There is an opening in the second end, and the end of the heating element is located in the opening or passes through the opening.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein The heating element is non-uniform in thickness or non-uniform in thickness.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein The heating element extends linearly in the housing; wherein, The heating element includes a heating wire or a heating tape; or The heating element includes a wire harness formed by twisting a plurality of heating wires or heating tapes together.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The heating element is in close contact with the inner wall of the housing and is insulatedly connected to the inner wall of the housing.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are only two of the heating bodies, and the two heating bodies are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the central axis of the receiving tube; Wherein, the distance L between the two heating bodies satisfies: 0 ≤ L < D - 2d, or L = (D - 2d) / 2, or D / 4 ≤ L ≤ D / 2; Wherein, D is the inner diameter of the receiving cavity, and d is the outer diameter or thickness of the heating body.

17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the heating bodies is greater than or equal to three; The distance between the heating body and the central axis of the receiving cavity is approximately D / 2, wherein D is the inner diameter of the receiving cavity; or A plurality of heating bodies are uniformly arranged on the same circumference, and the area inside the circumference is approximately equal to the area between the circumference and the inner wall of the receiving tube.

18. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central axis of the heating body is offset from the central axis of the receiving cavity.

19. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol generating device further includes a power source; There are two pins on the base, and a plurality of the heating bodies are connected in series between the two pins, and the two pins are respectively electrically connected to the two output terminals of the power source; or The heating assembly further includes two leads, and a plurality of the heating bodies are connected in series between the two wires, and the two wires are respectively electrically connected to the two output terminals of the power source.

20. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Including: A receiving tube having a receiving cavity therein for receiving at least a part of an aerosol generating article; And A heating assembly including a base and a plurality of heating bodies, the plurality of heating bodies being independently fixed on the base, and at least a part of the heating body extending in the receiving cavity to insert into the interior of the aerosol generating article; Wherein, at least two of the heating bodies are connected in series with each other.

21. A heating component, characterized in that, Including: A base; A plurality of heating bodies, independently fixed on the base, the heating bodies being configured to be inserted into the interior of an aerosol generating article to heat the aerosol generating article; Wherein, at least two of the heating bodies are connected in series with each other; or The outer diameter of the heating body is less than or equal to 1.6 mm, or the thickness of the heating body is less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

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